《Norbert's Wacky Adventure》


 Chapter 1 The Start of the Beginning

    The lecture hall, like every other day, was packed, the sun streaming in on the left-hand side, making the whiteboard out front only half visible. Scribbles filled most of board already, and only half of the allotted time had elapsed. Shaking his head in frustration with the illegible scrawl, Norbert looked down at his book, hoping for it to go faster or for at least something to happen.


    Norbert flicked to the front of his textbook staring at it. On the cover the words "Network Security 101" with the smiling teens looking back all with thumbs up obviously never having opened the book they were on. Faded by the sun, the cover being marred with the scars of the passage of time showing white, where the previous owners opened and closed the book, the spine nearly giving out, with duct tape attached to help bind everything together and a pinch of hope.


    If only he could leave and watch the lecture later, but sadly participation in this subject was mandatory, the lecturer not recording anything at all and worst of all, the light shone on half the board, making it a complete waste of time. Frustrated, Norbert picked up the textbook, flicking through the pages looking for what was being explained, hoping he could see what he needed to understand.


    Finally finding the appropriate section, he took out his notebook and pen and started examining the page facing him, ready to make notes, flipping his pen around in his hand again and again, and again and again. Looking up at the time, Norbert rested his head onto the desk, the clock not moving nearly enough since the last time he checked.


    "Pss hey Norbert, watcha gonna do after we get out of here."


    "I don''t know ¡­ maybe do the assignment due next week for this subject we are doing? Something I know, Jack, that you have done jack all."


    Jack smiled, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, don''t get your knickers in a knot, ok, and keep it down before the lecturer notices."


    Both started looking around, ensuring the lecturer had spotted neither or nobody was disturbed.


    Thankfully everything was still quiet; the hair standing up on Norbert''s and Jack''s arms started falling, and listening back into the class.


    "Sir, in the back, what are you doing there" the lecturer''s voice droned out, creating a final hushed silence in the room. All eyes drilled into Norbert, hoping with all hope. Norbert turned around, looking behind with crossed fingers. Hoping he wasn''t making a fool of himself.


    Slowly turning around, heart beating in his chest Norbert saw what the commotion was about. With a sigh of relief, there lying on the ground out of his chair was Casper. Quickly he jumped and shouted for the entire class to hear.


    "Did nobody else see that, the allowance of others to stand there?"


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.The prattling continued, slowly only going to a whisper piercing the classroom with continued reference to things that were not meant to be there, the wizard''s eyes showing the truth.


    As he slowly slumped in his chair, panting hard like he ran a marathon, a circle suddenly appeared under Casper''s chair. Norbert scanned around the room, mirroring everyone''s look of shock as the same circles could also be seen. Before a word could be uttered, people in the class started winking one by one in flashes of light before Norbert was also bathed in light. Being consumed in darkness before he could even react.


    Ejected from the darkness engulfed in light, Norbert was spinning through the air, the sun piercing his eyes. Wind rushing through his hair, cheeks pulled back from the wind whipping past him. Half blinded Norbert spread out his arms and legs to stop his frantic uncontrolled spinning, causing his lunch to go back up; he stared below him.


    As far as the eye could see, a forest opened up to him. Lush and green and so dense he could not see the ground underneath it. Cutting through the forest like a vein of life was a flowing river meandering its way across the landscape. Norbert slapped his face, hoping to wake from his dream of the Amazon below him and wake up in the classroom with only five minutes left of class.


    Sadly for Norbert, no matter how many times he slapped his face, he was not waking up; whether it would be a dream or not, Norbert faced reality; if he just waited, only several moments would be left in this world.


    With the forest canopy rushing closer and closer every second looming towards him, spelling his doom, the river hidden by the surrounding lush trees and vines connecting them all into a massive web of bio mass, hoping the leaves would somehow soften his fall from being fatal, but fearing it would not be so. With nothing left to do, Norbert quickly prayed to Lady Luck that it would at least provide a landing soft enough that his body could be identified.


    As the leaves started to rush towards him, neither he nor they moved out of each other''s way. Looking down, he closed his eyes, waiting for it to happen, for his life to be snuffed out of him. He plummeted into the canopy.


    Smashing through the canopy, he was hit with an explosion of sound before darkness once more surrounded him.


    With the darkness came silence, a silence that was not stopping. Unable to move, Norbert was waiting, was this end? Is this what death is like, just a constant nothingness all around him, surrounded by black with no direction or change for the rest of the years until the cold death of the universe?


    Well, thankfully for Norbert, it wasn''t as Jack nudged him on the shoulder.


    "Hey dude, time to get up and at them; need to get to the next class."


    Norbert bolted awake, looking around himself and the emptying room; only a few more people were still sitting down and packing their things. The teacher left the room, with the next one setting up and unpacking his bag.


    Norbert looked up at Jack, a smile and a wave of relief flooding his face.


    "Man, I had the weirdest dream that I was falling to my death."


    "Well, no wonder you played craft miner too long last night. No wonder you still felt like you were falling; too many fall maps to parkour around."


    As Norbert slowly nodded and packed his books and laptop into his bag to head off for something to eat, a leaf fell off his head, the size of his palm slowly falling to the floor.


    Quickly like a snake, Norbert plucked the leaf out of the air and shoved it into his pocket.

 Chapter 2 Man, Not Again

    The rest of the classes went through like a faze, without ever knowing what was happening from one moment to the next, still trapped in the falling of the wind and seeing the sky as it tried to come towards him, the forest eating him up. The vines wrapped their arms around him, constricting any movement he may have attempted, pulling him in and suffocating him in the musky breath without escaping it thoroughly and slowly being consumed.


    Of the darkness around him, knowing he is moving but with nothing to genuinely grasp it, no sense of time or sound, just complete blackness and him just there, unable to even see his hand no matter how close it is. And the complete normalcy of everyone else, without even an eye being batted about what has happened, nobody with shock or disaster of what had begun. No end of the world news over the internet, no weird security footage going on, not even on any postings within the class saying anything.


    As Norbert made his way to the local pizza shop with Jack, getting the last few bites before heading back to their place for the day to continue the craft miner journey that they began together.


    Entering the restaurant was packed with the same uni kids as every other night. Just all seats were taken, and a babble of noise throughout the place; as Norbert fully entered, he was bathed in the smell of cooking pepperoni and baking pizza base, with every sniff like the weight of the day eroding off him, slowly at first until he finally could completely relax and finally put behind him the horrors of earlier today.


    "Man, I sure do love pizza."


    "Well yeah, I know, Norbert; only crazy people like you would insist on going here daily."


    Norbert replied, "Yeah, but it isn''t like I always eat here; we had a home-cooked meal yesterday."


    "And what did that consist of again, hmmm?" Jack said


    "Yeah, I know, Jack, it was heated-up pizza, but it was still different to the usual."


    "Next, please", came the attendant at the front, the rest of the line disappearing off to the side and Jack being the next up.


    As Norbert made his way to the little counter, there were lights on the side showing up the pizza that could be quickly taken, and at the centre was a yellowed cash machine, looking older than everyone in the joint combined.


    And standing over the device was the epicentre of a marshmallow come to life. In blue overalls and a smiling face beaming at them to make a selection, and twinkling eyes knowing that whatever was chosen would blow the both of them away. The name ''Bob'' was written in lovely baby blue on a tag over his heart pinned to the overalls.


    "Hey Bob, can we get a carnivore to go, please"


    "Right this way, it will be $15.35, please."


    With the tapping of the card and the resounding beeps confirming the payment was confirmed, the wiring of the receipt being made and torn off ended the conversation.


    Norbert stepped to the side, waiting in anticipation for the pizza to be called out and for them to leave and finally devour it.


    The only tracking of time was the door being opened, the bell chiming each time, the signal of the approaching final minutes and seconds that would finally result in the prized box appearing in Norbert''s hands.


    And with a sigh of relief, the pizza box slid across the counter, to be stopped by Jack, taking it off the clear glass and into the waiting hands of Norbert.


    Opening the box, a tsunami of steam escaped, followed by the smells. The smells of the sauce riding the waves of the steam, a surfer on the giant tsunami trying for his life to escape, followed by the cooked meat, wafting over and chasing him, hungry predators trying to get one last meal before finally meeting their end, crashing into the building that was Norbert himself, the land.


    Confronted by the smells, Norbert took a half step back, slamming the lid shut and passing the box back over to Jack, a smiling Italian man on the cover with a thumbs up.


    "Oh, this is a good one; let''s get out of here," Norbert said to Jack.


    Both of them quickly left the place, hearing the bell one last time for the night, leaving the warmness and smells of the pizza joint to be left with only the lingering hands, like a mother''s warm embrace, for the day before heading off to school.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.With excitement in their steps, both Norbert and Jack headed off to their dormitory, street lamps flashing one after another.


    With the final bend, they could see the building open up for them, a small four-level apartment building taking up the entire block, with a small park next to it. With its yellowed colour that was once white, cracks on the paint show the bricks underneath and the mortar in areas coming out. They quickly entered through the large wooden double doors, catching before they could bang against the wall and create more holes in the door handle.


    Stalking towards the stairs, going up them two at a time until finally hitting the final flight of stairs, making a sharp left, and going down the corridor with the single light until stopping at the door marked 17. Norbert started feeling around in his pockets, looking for the key for them to open the door and finally eat the pizza.


    After a couple of tense seconds, eureka was found, as Norbert presented the key for all to see, like Arthur pulling the sword out of the stone before he thrust it into the lock, twisting and, with a resounding click, opened the door and was inside their humble abode.


    With the pizza box flying over onto the kitchen table, Jack went and opened it up, sectioning half the pizza and putting it on the lid before ripping the lid off and walking up to the couch and falling into it, being half consumed by a monster before putting a slice to his mouth and moaning into it as he bit.


    Norbert landed into the chair, the smell overtaking him as he tore a piece off, like a lion before its prey and entering it into his mouth. A burst of flavour and juices entered Norbert''s mouth, washing it all away, with slice after slice disappearing down his gullet until only the scraps were left. Before long, those too were devoured, leaving only the oily residue from the pizza to show that there was ever anything in the box.


    Finally being full, Norbert reached into his pocket to pull out his phone; while pulling it out also came out the leaf from the other place, the memories once forgotten finally flooding him, with at least relief that he could have the pizza one last time.


    "Hey Jack, any idea what happened with Casper earlier today."


    "Come on, Norbert, "Jack replied. "You''ll need to give me more details than that; Casper is always doing strange things."


    "You know what I mean, with the shouting and all of that in network security and what followed after", Norbert replied, hoping that the leading on of the question would finally result in the answers he desired, confirming what happened.


    "Yeah, it was weird that he just slumped down after that, almost went to sleep. And he isn''t the only weird one in there; you also clonked right out a couple of seconds later and had to shake you pretty hard to get you up; I guess that was too much gaming; talk about gaming. Wanna go again?"


    With the leaf twirling between his fingertips, Norbert nodded away, hoping to distract him again.


    ***


    A week later, with no more disturbances and everything else out of his mind, back in the same class as before, Norbert looked around the room, scanning for anything weird that could have been there before to ensure nothing had happened.


    And like clockwork, nothing out of the ordinary did, no weird surprises, no flashing lights, no weird signs from above, no forest falling towards him, no Casper shouting out like a madman, nothing out of the ordinary. Just him and the class were trying to pay attention to what was happening before him.


    And with that, the bell ended, class, being dismissed; with almost a shock that nothing had entered, Norbert went off into the day, and through the faze of another day, he went on.


    After a week of keeping it on him, Norbert still twirled the leaf between his fingers, still as green as the day it arrived with him and still as big as always.


    Heading off towards the bathroom, still lost in thought and having time before his next lesson, he entered the doors, twirling the leaf between his fingers and entered a stall.


    "Nice leaf; where did you get it from."


    Norbert looked around, and there was Casper, washing his hands, water running and splashing off onto his hands.


    "Huh, you would never believe where I got this from."


    With that, Norbert entered the stall, finally having peace and quiet. The tap was turned off, and the door creaked as the toilet was quiet again.


    Placing his bags on the ground, Norbert went and sighed in relief; the circle was once more on the ground and darkness consumed Norbert.


    Panic gripped his heart, waiting for the view to return and the plummet.


    Once the light was around him, he could barely move his body. Looking around, he was surrounded by vines all going about himself, struggling around to get his bearing. He finally positioned himself to look down, and what a sight it was. Instantly he stopped, not wanting to fall out of the little nest he found himself in.


    Down below was the forest floor, or what he assumed was, as he could still see vines going across. Birds chirped, going from one area to the next, flying around all the colours of the rainbow. Sounds are coming from below him.


    Across the ground, littered with fallen trees and covered in leaves, a herd of animals waltzed across the floor. Stopping occasionally, looking around, possibly grazing, Norbert could not confirm being too high up.


    With a sense of excitement for the future, Norbert started to slowly make his way to the branches of the closest tree, slowly pulling himself, always making sure he was covered before moving along until, finally, there was something substantial beneath him.


    Quickly going across the branch until it was thick enough for him to easily stand on it shoulder width apart without falling off, he looked down again, hoping to find a path to the floor that would take him a bit longer than the direct way down.

 Chapter 3 Birdies

    Norbert looked down at the branch he was standing on; unable to fully comprehend the tree''s magnitude or even if it could be called a tree at all. Bending down examining the branch, the dark brown of the tree, the growths and lines showing twisting among themselves, from within the cracks, imperceptible unless you knew what to look for, webs of purple light slowly pulsed to life on the branch. Standing up, he saw that it encompassed the entire branch as it went up and up into the canopy, the faint purple line going fainter and fainter until it was lost in the mass of branches and leaves.


    Looking in the other direction on the journey to the centre of the tree and eventually down, following the purple veins, Norbert saw that it condensed into a knot at the base of the trunk before going down and into the tree, with other branches of lights also going towards it. Norbert saw that these trees continued as far as the eye could see, knowing the forest must continue for ages as only the trunks blocked his view from seeing any further.


    With a deep breath, Norbert looked down at his clothes, still wearing his regular clothes, wiggling his toes in the slip on shoes, and said a little prayer. Combing his hand through his hair, pulling another leaf, before placing it in his pocket for safekeeping. Walking forward Norbert took the first step of many on his journey to the ground.


    ***


    After too long and slightly winded from being careful not to fall, the nerves making each step slightly shaky and take longer than normal, Norbert placed his hand to the trunk. With the first leg of his plan behind him, Norbert punched his fist in the air with victory, quickly placing a hand on the trunk before he lost balance.


    Norbert looked down, hoping to see a path while rubbing his hand across the bark. Catching on something Norbert saw parts of the bark were jutting out at random intervals, with just enough space to grasp. Further around the tree, he saw a branch further down, waiting to see a branch or something to rest on between his climbs to the bottom. About three meters down, another branch was across the side of the tree, just as big as the one he was currently on.


    Looking across, he could see the same network of purple veins going around the limb with the same knot where the branch met the trunk. Stealing a breath, he looked out; it would take two widths of his extended body to get above the branch before he could continue to slide against the tree until hitting the branch. Shaking his hands and drying them on his pants, Norbert breathed in one last time before grasping the tree and leaving his feet from something solid.


    Dangling in the air, feet scrambling until finally, the purchase was found; still holding his breath, Norbert reached to the right, feeling for another section of bark he could reach. Fingers slowly slicker with each passing moment. Norbert thought would he be able to find another handhold, or would he be stuck there until his legs finally gave out and he dropped? With a sigh of relief, he looked feeling again to the side and reached out; finally, above the branch, Norbert slowly slid down, his feet hitting the branch, knees buckling in relief.


    Looking around, he found the next branch to head towards, his path towards the ground slowly forming in his mind. Standing up again, he reached around, finding the appropriate grips to make his way. Norbert could slide his way across it, making it over there.


    And with that, Norbert''s journey continued going from one branch to the next branch, with barely any change in the system, each time looking down and the ground still a looming death trap as before. The tops of the branches, where he first started from disappearing time and time again until it was completely lost in the deep canopy above. After what felt like hours, Norbert came across something different. He was finally reaching the birds, if these creatures could even be called birds.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Some of the most prominent flyers had wings as long as him with massive feathers losing track of the bird. Each composed mostly of a single colour, some the same purple as the trees, some the red of blood, a rose spinning through the air or a drop of blood falling off a brow. In contrast, others were the size of sparrows, able to sit on a finger and chirp around. The cacophony was consuming him; between the squawking and chirping, it was all around. Having a break, Norbert rested, catching his breath hoping he would be able to return home soon.


    While resting, one of the smaller birds, similar to an eagle, rested on his knee. Its feathers as black as obsidian, with speckles of white reflecting from the bird. Able to truly be seen when the light that can pierce down through the canopy. Moving its head from left to right, the bird stared at him, waiting for something. Ever so slowly, Norbert moved his hand out, a finger extended, and gently brushed the bird''s head; from his new friend, Norbert heard a cooing, and with a ruffle of its feathers, it flew away.


    Smiling at the break and reprieve the bird gave him, Norbert stood up and dusted off his pants.


    While looking once more at the floor, the circle appeared underneath him; not a single bird around him made any pattern change acting as if no light suddenly appeared, and just like once before, he was consumed by darkness.


    As he once more floated around in the darkness, unable to move, Norbert made a plan for getting to the ground safer. He would always have some climbing rope on him and learn how to make the appropriate knots so he could easily navigate the branches and respectably reach the bottom in one piece. Once more, the darkness bled away, and he found himself one more in the empty stall.


    With a look of worry and remembering what he needed to do, Norbert quickly relieved himself, his body relaxing one he was truly safe. Looking at his items on the ground, Norbert pulled out his phone from his bag, showing that barely any time had passed, with just enough time to get to class.


    Exiting the restroom, drying his hands on his pants, Norbert raced around the building; once in the classroom, he made it to the back, pulled out his laptop and started searching across the web.


    Knowing that he could be transported whenever he would sadly always need to be prepared. With a big backpack to hold everything in as whatever items he had with him were always taken, enough rope to make it as far down as possible, as well as some food to eat and water, as he was unsure how long he might stay there. With everything jotted down or bought, he sat out for the rest of the class.


    Once more, reuniting with Jack to have their weekly pizza, Norbert rushed home again to swallow it down and continue his research for his great climb down to the bottom. Looking at how to tie knots, any tips and tricks and more researching once more into if anybody had seen it, and with no luck in that regard.


    As the days passed, Norbert received an alert on his phone saying the packages had arrived; giddy in Norbert''s every step, he rushed back to his place, barging in with Jack already there, watching TV and the packages in the room. Tearing one after the other open, Norbert inspected his packages before taking the bundle into his room; with a sigh, Jack got up and placed all the rubbish into a box to be taken outside the next time either left.


    In his room and dumping everything onto the bed, Norbert rushed in and started ripping open the packages; grabbing the knife he had just bought, he slashed his packs open one after the other, coiling the rope that was needed, placing the carabiners together in the pack in its compartment, the bars on the outside and testing out the harness to know how to position on himself when needed as to get it quickly.


    With everything packed and sorted and backpack slung around Norbert''s arm, he went off to fill up the water bottle he acquired from the purchase, topped it with water, and placed it within the backpack. With everything sorted and ready for his next adventure, Norbert looked around, smiling, only to stop when he reached Jack, a single brow raised in question.


    "What''s with that look, Jack?"


    "You sure you haven''t lost your mind there, Norbert? When have you ever been into the outdoors?"


    "It''s a new thing ok, wanted to try it out to see how it feels."


    With a sigh, Jack returned to the show on TV, blaring into his eyes; Norbert sat down as well, hand resting on the backpack in case it ever happened.


    And with another quiet night, Norbert went to his room, backpack still in hand. Norbert shrugged it onto his back and fell onto the bed. Knowing that tonight would be his worst night of sleeping ever, and for the weeks to come until once more, he was taken to the other place, but he would be prepared, be ready, and survive no matter what.


    With the thought slowly leaving, Norbert rested again for the night.

 Chapter 4 Exploring we go

    After a single day Norbert become the talk of the town, or that¡¯s what it felt like.


    All eyes were looking at him, snickers going down the hallway as he passed, with his backpack full of gear and his second backpack of class equipment slung over the front, and in all seriousness, Norbert could understand the strange looks and whispers that he had lost his mind. Because really, why else would someone do what he is currently doing, walking around with two backpacks with climbing gear in one at all times, there wasn¡¯t even a mountain in the walking distance, let alone being in a uni building attending IT classes.


    But alone, Norbert still would not care, for it would save him from risking his life once more, climbing from branch to branch, making his way down to the bottom.


    And with his patience once more done, another day had ended for Norbert; sighing in relief that he would not make a complete fool of himself. Norbert once more entered apartment seventeen, dropping his uni bag off at the doorway, the habit of keeping the other backpack on him at all times still nestling deep within. As he finally relaxed again, taking off his shoes, the apartment filled with light, under him was the circle.


    Quickly grabbing the backpack on the ground, he clasped it and felt it in his fingers as he was once more encased in darkness. As he waited again, he still felt his shoes and bag clasped around each hand, relief going through him, knowing he would not need to go again with no protective gear from branch to branch.


    As light once more filled his eyes, Norbert looked around at the birds once more surrounding him, looking at his little black friend fly off. Pulling his phone out of his pocket he tried to unlock it, only showing the time he left and not updating any further.


    Annoyed, he put it back in his pocket, hoping the device was not broken. Placing the backpack on the tree branch, retrieving the harness from the top and securing it around himself, and putting on the shoes he had just discarded, chosen and worn at nearly all times to allow him to get some purchase on the branches so as not to fall off, otherwise known as sneakers. Still being cheap enough that if they were lost in this strange forest they were able to be easily replaced when he made it back.


    Removing the rope he bought, twirling half around the branch he was on, making a highway knot to allow him to keep it and continue climbing down. When he did not have enough rope, he started abseiling down after wearing his backpack.


    Looking over the edge, Norbert once more checked the line, going over it one more time as he had practised recently. With a quick prayer for luck that he would reach the bottom this time, he stepped off the branch.


    Looking around, he slowly lowered himself, surrounded by the birds, feeling like he was one of them himself. After a short drop, he made it to the next branch, only slightly off to the side. After landing on the branch, he took the other half of the rope and pulled on it, releasing the knot from above.


    With that, it started to fall down towards him, a circle of blue rope falling and going off the branch below him. Catching as much as he could, he balled it back up towards him, splitting the rope in half again and tying it around the tree, looking up at the distance covered it would have taken him tens of minutes climbing in only one.


    With a smile at his leap in progress, he looked down to see how far he would need to drop until he reached the next branch. Estimating that it was the same, he once more jumped off.


    Down and down, Norbert coming closer and closer to the ground, sometimes losing his grip when landing or missing the rope as it went over the edge when he released it, but the progress compared to free climbing was exhilarating. Norbert thought back to all the looks he had gotten, the stares, whispers, and snickers for countless days, even of his roommate. Still, all was worth it for this easy progress he was making, hoping to be at the bottom before his time in the mystical land ended and he would be swept back through the circle into the ordinary world.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    As he neared further and further to the bottom, still surrounded by the birds, his little friend once more landed beside him. With it being as good a time for a break as any, he positioned his rope once more around the branch under him and confirmed that there was another, attached to his harness so in case he did fall off, he wouldn¡¯t be going the quick way down and opened his pack up.


    Ruffling inside, Norbert pulled out his prize, a granola bar and the water bottle.


    He opened the packet with a smile, breaking off a piece for the bird sitting next to him.


    ¡°It¡¯s all good little guy, just some food.¡± Norbert looked down towards the bird, still reaching out with the crumbs. As it hopped down towards him on the branch once more, flapping its wings, alighting onto his knee, staring out towards his hand with the finger, and pecked at the bar attached.


    With a whirl of its wings, it pecked more and more at it until everything in Norbert¡¯s hand was eaten.


    Looking down, the smile not escaping his face, he broke off a piece of the bar and placed it on the ground, eating the rest himself. With that, the bird started pecking and nibbling at it, causing it to be half covered in crumbs; it brushed itself off before chasing around afterwards. A laugh escaped his mouth, cackling throughout the forest, bouncing off the branches and trees around him, making it seem that a laughing and jeering crowd surrounded him.


    Norbert looked around silently, hoping not to disturb anyone or anything that could be out there. With a tense breath, he relaxed, nothing being alarmed. With the break over, Norbert took a swig from his bottle, wetting his palate once again before packing his things and putting the wrapper back in his backpack before making his descent, leaving his little friend above.


    When he was halfway down to the next branch, he looked up and saw the little guy poking his head down before fluttering down and landing on Norbert¡¯s head.


    There it scuffled around and sat down, content with its portable elevator ride down the tree.


    And so the brave pair continued down the giant tree with the purple veins, one branch at a time.


    With what felt like two hours passing and both having breaks between their treacherous journey, the forest floor was visible again for Norbert. Sadly due to the more significant distance from the top, the branches were getting smaller each time, thinner and thinner and a greater distance between each one he could land on.


    He started to need to go further out to the side to reach the branches until now when he looked below, and there was nothing seen.


    Looking to the left and right, no more branches that could hold his weight were seen.


    With a commitment to reaching the bottom once more on his final leg of the journey, Norbert changed the knot so the rope would not be able to be retrieved, needing the greatest amount of rope possible.


    He tied his knife to the end to weigh it down before dropping the rope off the end to see how far below the single rope would allow him to reach. With hope, he saw the rope uncoil more and more from the top until it finally stopped.


    Looking off the side of the branch, Norbert looked down at the knife hovering above the ground; knowing that it was close, Norbert once more retrieved the rest of the line, not wanting to fall and end up impaling himself on his knife and bleeding out in a strange land, hoping for the circle to pick him up before needing to make his way to a hospital in the middle of the night.


    As Norbert made his way down the last bit, about ten meters from the ground, he saw a gash in the tree as wide as he was down the trunk. Looking around, Norbert saw that any branches had been smashed off the trees, and the neighbouring trees also had similar gashes at varying heights.


    Looking down at the plants below him, he saw the vast size of them, some of the leaves taller than him, with vines growing up the sides of the trees with little pink flowers sprinkled throughout it, only being stopping when they hit the gashes, but even those slowly being covered over.


    No insects buzzed in the air, with the remaining birds way up except for the small obsidian one still resting on Norbert¡¯s head.


    With a bit of trepidation at what was to come, Norbert slid down his rope the rest of the way, finally landing on the forest floor and feeling solid ground upon his feet.

 Chapter 5 Deer me

    Norbert looked around, slowly moving his body not to disturb the bird resting atop his head. Cutting the rope as high as he could reach and tying it off so as not to fray before placing it in his backpack. With his items in their appropriate spot, Norbert further investigated the flora. The plant''s dimensions where too big and out of proportion, small thin stalks having giant leaves like lilies spreading from the base and searching for any pinpricks of light they could reach.


    The ground covered in grasses, patchy weeds or shrubs dotting the place. All shades of green could be seen, thankfully for Norbert with no strange colours or purple lines glowing off them. The tree tops almost hidden underneath a mini canopy of branches and leaves just above Norbert¡¯s head, transforming the area and Norbert into a child playing in the garden.


    Norbert ventured off once more, not knowing the direction of the river that he previously glimpsed when plummeting through the air. Randomly picking a direction he marked the tree closest to him leaving an X to ensure he didn''t turn double track on himself, as there was no sun to go by being unable to direct him using it.


    Cutting his way through the underbrush, over and over again, brushing past until finally, he make his way through, where before him was another tree; repeating it once more, he made an X on the tree and continued, whistling a tune as he walked through the forest.


    Climbing over hills and logs, the smells of decomposition and plant life around him waxing and waning as he walked. Trudging through the leaves on the ground crackling with each step, sweat appeared on his brow, Norbert''s once dry sleeve now wet with his sweat from constantly whipping the liquid trying to blur his vision. Pausing, he reached for his bottle, pulling it out while swirling it around, hearing the water swish inside. He heard the water echoing from within, knowing he had little left. Bringing the bottle up to his lips, Norbert downed the rest gulping it, making sure not to waste even a single drop.


    With a sigh of relief, his thirst quenched momentarily, worry overtook him for not knowing how much longer he would be here, now with no water known clean water. It felt he had been here much longer than any of the previous times; not knowing what would cause him to jump back to the safety of Earth. He ventured off with a shrug of his shoulders, careful not to disturb the little bird too much.


    With more Xs marked on the trees and the parting of the plants becoming more accessible and effortless, Norbert continued passing through the forest. Whistling and chirping together, the pair journeyed through the forest. As they passed over tree roots, standing up a bit higher than usual, Norbert saw a herd of deer-like creatures, the same kind he found when climbing down the tree.


    As most things are from high up, they usually look as small as ants, creating a sense of safety that onlooker cannot get hurt from them, and that you are unreachable. For ordinary people, this is shattered when they once more come back to earth from flying in planes; standing on the ground, and face to face with people and cars.


    Norbert once thought that they were normal-sized creatures without considering the vast distance he travelled to the bottom, something that Norbert completely disregarded on his adventure to explore the new place and find some water to replenish his empty bottle. With a fluttering of the obsidian bird''s wings, it flew away from Norbert, leaving him once more alone.


    Looking down at him could be classically called a deer, if a deer was the size of a house and had similar purple veins going across its antlers and flecks of fur highlighted with a darker purple.


    Norbert slowly opened his mouth in shock and horror, hearing the air roar behind him, slowly turning around. One of the beasts was only a mere meter away, but due to its size, it was way too close for Norbert¡¯s comfort. If it ever just nudged its head forward it would smash into him and he would go flying until he crashed inside a tree.


    Norbert stared into the eyes of the beast, knowing that this could be his last action if it attempted to do anything to him. Within the beasts eyes showed understanding, an intelligence lacking in a common animal. With another puff of its breath, Norbert looked down at the ground. Not knowing what to do, his body moved on instinct and bowed towards the deer.


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    Holding his breath in anticipation of what the future may hold; Norbert felt a puff breath on him again before hearing the beast turn away. Slowly raising his head, Norbert looked up towards where they went.


    All around him, the deer slowly moved through the forest of plants, able to see where they had just crushed through the undergrowth. As the last one escaped his view, Norbert breathed out a breath of air, as silently as they had arrived the deer had left. Happy that he would live to see another day.


    Hearing a chirp from above him, Norbert looked up, watching his little buddy, the obsidian bird holding onto the trunk of the closest tree, above his head. A little glide falls onto Norbert¡¯s head as it ruffles his hair before getting comfortable.


    With a small sigh, Norbert goes and opens up his backpack and retrieves another bar to share between the two of them.


    With a brush with death sorted, Norbert looks at where to go, to follow the path he was making or the herd he had just seen, hoping to find something meaningful.


    Undecided, he asks the bird, still resting on his head with crumbs, "Which way do you think to go?"


    And in a classic reply of birds, he receives a chirp. Sadly Norbert''s bird speech was not of the appropriate level to understand this, so he took out a coin.


    "Heads to follow the path and tails to follow the herd." blowing on the coin for good luck, he flicks it into the air. Spinning and spinning, it goes around where it stops nobody knows.


    And with that, the coin lands on Norbert''s hand, quickly showing his fate being heads.


    "Well, guess Lady Luck has decided my fate, and away we go, little birdy."


    And so the pair continues through the forest, one moving much more than the other. As time went on and on, the forest became an endless maze of no change, for each tree he passed Norbert marked it, the bush going on and on. Uphill and downhill, he went slowly plodding along, trying to find a path that animals might take to find a place to get some water as quickly as possible.


    Exhausted, Norbert lay down on the forest floor, resting against a tree''s root, breathing and waiting. Waiting for something to happen at least, he would have a reason to move a single finger.


    Why continue this? He had not prepared enough for all this travelling. Assuming he would have been whipped back to Earth by now. If only there were some way to know when it would happen, to plan for it; slowly through the forest, he heard a calm wind, disturbing the leaves on the plants and making them rustle, the grass bending slightly.


    As he saw it come to him and wash over Norbert, an incredible feeling of calmness consumed him. At least the wind was excellent on his face.


    Closing his eyes, Norbert smiled half; at least it would be an excellent time to sleep under the nice ¡­ coooool¡­.. wind.


    Wind


    WIND!


    The thought tore through Norbert''s mind.


    Ever since coming here, the only time he felt wind was when he went down the trees; there had never been a single bit of wind throughout all his time here.


    With worry, panic consumed him. Bolting upright, causing the little bird to fall off his head, Norbert looked around.


    Seeing that there was nothing different in his vicinity, the wind still picking up, he looked into the air. In the distance flickering between the trees of the forest, was a creature flying through the air. Wings of bright yellow and a pattern on its body, hard to make out exactly due to the speed at which it was flapping. No feathers could be seen on the body; only the angular head of a predator could be seen.


    With a flap of its wings, Norbert was being buffeted; as the bird quickly drew closer, it pulled up into the sky, and higher and higher it went until the canopy consumed it.


    With a roar that shook Norbert to the core, he lightly pierced through the canopy once more, falling leaves and branches falling to the canopy.


    The wind settled, and all was quiet again in the forest.


    With the new development of which way would be safest, a light surrounded Norbert, followed by darkness. Annoyed that he had left his bag behind, having taken it off during his break.


    The day''s events caught up with him out of the complete darkness, now only in the partial darkness of his room. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he saw that it could be used again, not even a minute had passed from when he left.


    With relief washing over him, Norbert fell back onto his bed, sleep taking over him as a weight nestled near his head. Norbert not caring whatever made it with him would be tomorrow Norbert¡¯s problem.

 Chapter 6 I Shall Name You

    BZZZ BZZZ BZZZ


    Consciousness slowly consumed Norbert, the memories of the previous day coming back to him, the bird, if it could even be called a simple bird, flying through the air and crashing into the canopy, escaping to freedom. Hope there was some way out of the endless forest of ginormous trees.


    Feeling in his pocket, he retrieved his phone and turned off the alarm. Turning to the side, hoping to get more sleep before class, he turned his head while his eyes rested on a black object on his pillow. Lifting his head the black object still stayed nestled within his pillow.


    Looking closer, it had flecks within it, not completely black. With a flap, it disentangled and slowly came to its feet, the little eagle following him from before. Thinking back to it, when the massive bird came and startled the little guy must have landed back on his head again before both of them were whisked away.


    Looking around, the obsidian bird stared nestling in the pillow and looking back at Norbert expectedly. With a sigh, he scooped the bird up heading towards the kitchen to get some food for them. Looking around for something easy to make, no pizza in the fridge all being eaten the night before, he took out some bread to make a sandwich for breakfast.


    Sitting on the sofa with the plate, he moved the bird onto his knee beside the food. Breaking a part of the sandwich off, he set it next to the bird on the plate, picking the rest up and slowly biting into it thinking of his future endeavours.


    As his immediate goal of getting to the ground was met, Norbert''s next goal was to find the river he had seen and hopefully find something of a town or village where he could get some information on where he was and continue from there.


    He would also need to pack for a lot longer, as he would need to go until finding that river or some water source to cut through it, as walking along the forest floor was taking far too long. Thinking about direction and time as he was unsure of the exact distance he had been travelling or direction, and with a complete lack of time. Norbert previously just went with the flow until it was too late and was lucky for his escape.


    Notifying him of the needed time, he finished the sandwich and looked down at the bird, which was still nibbling away at its little bit. Norbert shook his head in annoyance at the difficulties this little bird could bring.


    Pulling out his phone, he started to look around to see if anything was similar. With it being the same as an eagle and its proportions but shrunk down to the size of a sparrow, looking at him, a wave of sympathy came over Norbert, trapped in a strange world without knowing what was around it.


    Looking at the bird, he gently put his finger next to it, the bird hopping over and onto it; Norbert slowly brought it to his face, just in front of his nose. Looking at the bird, it started back at him expectantly.


    "Now, little guy, you''ll need a name."


    Hearing a chirp in response, Norbert began thinking of what to name his little black companion.


    Looking over at the obsidian bird with speckles throughout it


    "Ray of hope, no too long. How about Blacky, Eagly? No, not original enough and a little too silly for you." The bird nodding its head in response to his last remark. He once more brought out his phone; after searching, he found a name for it.


    "I shall name you, Obsius."


    And with that, Norbert''s little companion, the black obsidian bird, was named Obsius.


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    With a smile of satisfaction on his face, he brought the bird up to his head to start the day.


    Thankfully he could stay inside and not lose Obsius as it was a weekend today and no lectures or work, at least this time.


    Bumbling around the place with the bird on his head, he once more sat on the couch, pulled out his laptop and began planning the great adventure he would be going on. He would need another backpack, some way to navigate the forest quicker and water, lots more water and food, a compass and a watch to set the time. With a plan in place and too much spent online, Norbert once had the day free and just waited for his items.


    ***


    The next day his items arrived, the backpack the same size as last time, with collapsible water bottles to pack as much in, more bars, a cloak to cover himself from the rain and blend in and the best item that could save him time, a self-inflatable raft.


    Looking at all the items spread across the ground and the backpack next to it, Norbert saw quite a task ahead to pack it all and a journey lugging it around everywhere as he made his way across campus. The bird would also need to participate with Norbert, feeling shame if he were to leave the little guy all alone.


    And so Norbert, with his two bags and Obsius, on top of his head, went out to brave the day of the gruelling world of a student. Venturing into the day, they went from one place to another. All eyes were on him again; what could have once stopped as the whispers with his backpack adventures when he was wearing double had increased doubly and got even worse as people were now pointing right at him.


    Though right at him was not specific, as they pointed to the little black ball on his head, still being the centre of attention was nice in a positive light for once. Wanting to sit at the back and away from everyone was necessary for this development, adding to the spookiness. Still, more importantly, Obsius to have some break and vital playtime.


    With this, the day went smoothly, with only Jake coming up to talk and pet the little bird as it got comfortable. We both had smiles due to the little mascot that only they could touch. Once at lunch, a group asked more questions about the bird on his head and where they could get their own.


    Little Obsius was not too happy with the development and flew around, out of everyone''s reach, until Norbert had to leave when it descended back on top of his head, puffing up its chest to make itself as big as possible. Mustering all the intimidation the small bird had.


    With the day once more done, Norbert headed back to the apartment with Jack, looking at where it could be.


    "So really, Norbert, where did you get the bird from and train it so well?"


    "Same place as the leaf earlier Jack,  same place."


    With an annoyed look on Jack''s face, Norbert always gave the same reply. And so the two friends went to the apartment and through door seventeen.


    After relaxing once more for the day, they both kicked up their feet on the couch and watched TV.


    Obsius did the same as best it could, sitting on the neck rest and having its two little legs in front of it. They rested the night away watching whatever show appeared on TV.


    Knock, knock, knock


    The sound coming from the others side of the door. All inside looked up at it, none wanting to move and see who the guest was, hoping they would just leave. Hand waves exchanged between the two friends, neither Jack nor Norbert wanted to move from their current position as they both had gotten comfortable. With a sigh, Norbert got up, being the closest to the door out of the two.


    As another knock came through, Norbert swung the door open, stopping it mid-try.


    A look of confusion appeared on the other side of the door. Looking at each other, Norbert''s face went into a state of shock and confusion wrapped around it.


    Casper had come to their little abode at an hour that usually isn''t done.


    "Hey Norbert, sorry to disturb you from your essential meeting.¡± Casper looked around Norbert to see Jack on the couch.


    "Just wondering where you got that bird; it seems out of this world."


    Norbert looked quizzically at Casper. "That¡¯s one way to put it, came from the same place as the leaf you looked at the other day."


    Silence filled the space growing more and more, awkwardness filling the room as it went further and further.


    Slightly standing back, Norbert grabbed the door handle and slowly closed the door.


    As the door squeaked slowly closed on Casper''s face, he gave a smile and thumbs up.


    With the last look of Casper, as he did a step back, the door was closed once more, sealing the strange man away.


    "What did he want?" Jack called from the room.


    "The usual, just about the bird", Norbert replied as he stepped away from the door and back onto the couch, watching the show again.

 Chapter 7 Row Row Row Your Boat

    The pitter-patter of rain-hitting leaves and the rushing water surrounded Norbert. A droplet landed on his nose.


    ACHEEEWWW


    With a startle, Norbert shot up and looked around in a dark forest resting on a root, the ground covered in grass. On his side were his two backpacks, sitting on one of the backpacks, Obsius hiding under a leaf bone dry.


    With another sneeze, Norbert looked down at himself, half soaked in water; moving his hands together, warming up, and quickly getting dry clothes on, Norbert started organising his items into his new pack from the old one. He would not be able to take both of them for his journey.


    He retrieved his old water bottle collecting the rainwater, knowing he could never have too much, learning his mistake from the last time. Pulling out his pocket watch, an antique-esk watch that required fully mechanical to have it spin, made of a silver-like metal, shining for the entire world to see except for the few scratches marring the back.


    Confirming that the watch still functioned in this new world, thankful that he could at least keep track of time spent in this place now rather than crossing his fingers. Out of his new pack retrieving a personal altimeter, as rivers would naturally be at lower points, as it collected down the hill; however, not knowing when a river would be as it seemed as flat as ever in the forest. Pulling out a glow stick, Norbert cracked it to provide constant light rather than the near darkness the rain clouds brought.


    Placing his cloak over his backpack to protect his belongings from the rain, Norbert left his old backpack to the side, reaching over and placing Obsius on his shoulder, protected from the rain by the hood of his cloak. With a glow stick around his neck to see his compass and altimeter, Norbert set off, heading in the same direction as before.


    After thirty minutes of travelling, the landscape was the same as before; he could only hear water rushing. Quickly Norbert climbed over a root, able to look down at what was creating the rushing sound of water. Down a little hill at the base winding through was a river or maybe a stream looking at the size of the trees.


    Norbert scanned his head up, placing his hand over his eyes to stop the rain from hitting it; on his shoulder, Obsius also looked up, and the canopy was unbroken, no change at all, just the constant sea of leaves. Just the same completely unobstructed canopy, the slight amount of light ordinarily can be seen covered by the clouds.


    With a sigh that he had not found the river he saw before, Norbert climbed over the root and slid down the hill stopping by the water''s edge. With a satisfied smile, he took all the items out, reaching for the raft at the bottom. He confirmed that it would be deep enough to go over.


    The river''s flow seemed to increase as he prepared the raft; pulling a plug, it expanded, having enough space for him and another. Breaking a branch off one of the plants to act as a pole for assistance, Norbert climbed on and set sail.


    Down the river he went, as it wound around the hills and trees, sometimes the trees blocking the rain from coming onto the boat. Sadly for Norbert, it was not a completely relaxing trip as the raft was constantly filling with rain water resulting in a trusty water bottle to be used to collect the water and dump it over the side.


    The pair went in the boat, always heading in the same rough direction. Norbert was amazed about how much time he could save just by skipping all the foliage, relaxing as much as he could, and not needing to carry around his backpack so much.


    Up and down, the boat bobbed; looking over the side, Norbert saw several small fish swimming with the boat. Small silver fish reflected the glow stick''s light and had a slight glow; looking into his bag, he brought out a bar as if it was once more time for food. Obsius looked up at the crinkling wrapper, knowing good times were coming.


    Flapping its wings, it descended on his knee once more, chirping expectantly for its bite of the food.


    Smiling, Norbert broke a part of the bar off; holding it out so Obsius could eat it while having the rest in his mouth.


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    When both were finished, he took the rest of the crumbs in the packet he shook over the raft, allowing the fish next to him to have a free meal. The water agitated for a few seconds around the crumbs, unable to see the fish or the bottom of the river. Just a sea of bubbles, water frothing and the occasional fin.


    Surprised at what had occurred as Norbert leaned over the raft, he looked at the fishes again, not daring to put a hand in the river again for fear that what happened to the crumbs would be his finger.


    The pair made it down the river, as it slowly increased in speed until Norbert needed to direct the raft to keep it in the centre, avoiding anything obstructing the path so they would not crash and fall into the river with the fish.


    Looking at the side of the river, the hill they entered became a cliff, getting steeper and steeper and higher and higher as they continued down the river. Looking around, he could see the roots of the trees, jut out into the air for a meter or so before they faltered, nearly connecting with the roots from the other side.


    He heard something ahead as Norbert passed through the hall of trees, now using the branch to try and slow the raft down due to the speed it was going. Bobbing his head up, Norbert confirmed the rushing of waves and the immense sound of water being moved rapidly, rapids were ahead.


    Looking down at the bird, it went and quickly took flight, slowly gliding above and watching Norbert. As the sound grew louder and louder, the cliff on the left side started to come down and open up; looking at it, Norbert saw that it once breached through and could see another river, the two joining together to meet.


    Standing up as high as he dared to look ahead at what Norbert first thought was, a waterfall turned into rapids of such extreme magnitude that he could see the waves crashing up and churning around. Suppose he was to hit that, he would be instantly thrown off the raft''s side and into the water.


    With a groan of annoyance, Norbert moved the stick to the left side of the raft, pushing and nudging with his entire might to move it towards the bank and hopefully away from near death. With each push, it felt like he did not move, each bit of struggle worthless.


    Slowly and indeed, it added up; just as he saw a rock pass him on the side, his raft started slowing down, grinding on the riverbed. With a shout of excitement that victory would be so close, Norbert gave it one last push, and the raft slowly ground to a halt. Lying back down on the raft, Norbert threw his arms and legs into the air before flopping them back down again in relief.


    After a couple of seconds, a mass landed on his nose; Norbert waved his arm near the bird before its feathers started tickling his nose and forcing him to sneeze. Called to action, he got up and exited the raft; Norbert picked up the raft and opened it, letting the air out again. Once deflated, he strapped it to the outside of his backpack to dry off from the water, trying to keep his items inside as dry.


    As the rain had stopped on his way down, everything was still slippery; however, the two carefully made their way across the riverbank with caution. The light from the day slowly disappearing; bathing the area in near darkness, save for the purple hue from the roots, the white speckles on Obsius and the glow stick around Norbert''s neck. Around the pair of them walked, in the half-light, mesmerised by the forest and what it was at night and encapsulated by the beauty.


    So enraptured Norbert was he missed that his feet were on dry ground again. Looking down, he saw that there was space on the right side, the cliff having been pushed back by something in the past or had naturally fallen in. Anyway, all that Norbert cared about was there was a place to set camp.


    Placing the deflated raft on the dry ground, he grabbed a sleeping bag and crawled inside. Changing the clock time to be set to midnight to know how long the night would last in this place and for how long he was sleeping.


    With one more pack of food eaten and a swig of water from his bottle, Norbert fell asleep, hoping he would wake up in daylight and sometime soon meet someone.


    As Norbert went to sleep, a rustling of the wind came, and dandelions shining gold brushed against his face like a mother caressing his cheek.


    ***


    Down the halls of marble and ice, the crackling of energy in the air constant around him, the annoyance on his face set in stone for what had recently happened. Through the palace for giants, he walked both filling the space and not big enough for the hallways he marched through.


    Windows on the side depict the void and what had been left for the creatures in the lonely place. Sometimes they would breach their hand, touching the windows, trying to get back into reality and take some of what they need to feed and grow. But today was not the day to look at the creatures, as Galamamon opened the double doors on the end of the corridor, opening up to a table.


    Surrounding the dining table of fire sat five figures, all crowded towards one end of the table, idly picking through the food set there. The smells cause any bodies mouth to water and be satiated for a time, combated by the look of perfectly cooked and glazed food, making anybody want a bite. Placing them in the eternal torment of sliding towards the food and backing off, their own body fighting against their mind.


    The doors behind Galamamons back slowly came to a close by themselves despite the size of the immense doors; as they came to a close, Galamamon stepped towards the table, opposing the individuals from the other side.

 Chapter 8 We have to go through it

    A groan echoed across the river, originating from Norbert, having woken up from his slumber. Moving his arms out of the sleeping back, he sat up and stretched them out. Blinking and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with a big yawn, he looked around in confusion, as he was not on his bed in his shared apartment but outside, looking at a purple mass above his head. After multiple seconds, quizzically looking into nothing, it all hit Norbert; he was still in the other realm, probably for the longest time since leaving, and still was.


    Hearing the river in the background, Norbert looked around for Obsius, but he was nowhere to be found. With a shrug, he got into his pack and pulled out a bar and some trail mix, eating it before packing up and heading off.


    Pulling out the pocket watch and opening up the clasp, Norbert was surprised at the time, as the clock was now pointed to ten. Alarmed at having slept ten hours, he looked around, not needing his glow stick to provide light as the sun shone again through the canopy above.


    Packing everything into his backpack, Norbert ventured off again, following the river as it wound through the bend. Humming to himself, Norbert made his way through, happy that he didn''t need to cut through the forest; nature had already accomplished this.


    The further he went, the river became wider and wider, steadily slowing down, coming out of the rapids and turning into a constant steady movement of water. Norbert went up to the edge of the river, careful to make sure that no fish or anything was moving around the water; he went and cupped the water, splashing it onto his face and around his neck, cooling down and wiping off the sweat that had built up during the morning walk.


    Standing up, he looked out to the other side of the river; with a quizzical look, Norbert stared at it, not believing his eyes. On the other side of the river was a cave cut into the rock, with wooden planks holding the side up. On the top Norbert saw a sign of some sort hanging off the rock, only attached in one of the corners. Wiping his eyes Norbert stared at it, not believing he found a mine shaft. With the satisfaction of finding evidence of civilisation, Norbert unpacked his raft from the river and started his journey. Having found another stick, Norbert quickly pushed himself across the river to the cave entrance.


    Looking at the entrance once more, he went and felt the wooden pillars, splinters coming out and some nicks chipped from them. Looking at the floor and the broken boards in disarray, marks left by something forcibly removing it. What it could have been was of no way of knowing, having been smashed to pieces and seemed to be some time ago.


    With a sense of annoyance, Norbert weighed his options: to continue down the river with some civilisation he could find or to brave the cave that seemed abandoned due to a catastrophe. With all his other indecisions and workings, Norbert pulled out a trusty coin from his pocket . Giving it a quick kiss saying, "Don''t let me down now", he flicked it into the air. Heads into the cave, tails following the river he thought. In the air, it spun, catching the light and reflecting into the area around him. As it made it to his eyes, Norbert snatched it out of the air, ready to look at what his fate would be.


    "Dang it" Norbert yelled.


    Looking to the side, he started at the coin, having missed the catch, the coin clipping against his knuckles. Stalking over to the coin, Norbert looked at what fate said. Staring back at him was the queens head, almost having a slight snicker and grin, knowing the fate that it had caused him and the troubles he would go to. Picking up the coin from the ground, Norbert placed it back in his pocket and pulled out a glow stick, cracking it as he entered the cave.


    Ducking down, he travelled past the entrance and deeper into the cave, one hand on the side, making sure he could find his way back¡ªthe scrunching of the rocks and pebbles was his only companion. Deeper and deeper Norbert went as the cave steadily went deeper and deeper into the bowels of the earth.


    Parts of the cave could light themselves up, the roots of the trees punching through the top or sides before ending halfway, providing illumination. At these junctures, he looked around the roots, tiny leaves clinging out and coming out of them, having been bathed in the same purple as the trees themselves had. Breaking some off, Norbert examined them closer, seeing they could still keep the light.


    Holding it to the cave wall, a pattern of lights exploded. The cave almost seemed alive with all colours, starting with constellations and line structures like a detective''s board with strings connecting everything. It disappeared as quickly as it came, causing the cave to be bathed in darkness as Norbert slowly became accustomed once more to its darkness. Looking at the wall again, he felt the lines drawing a different pathway.


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    Taking another handful of the leaves, he stuffed them inside his pocket and continued down into the cave. The cave continued for a single path, curving around bends, sometimes stalactites forming out of the rock once more; Norbert crossed over, not knowing when the last person ever walked this part. No more rubbish or signs of civilisation found anymore.


    At the last support, he passed the cave, squeezing itself into a crack, the last part not mined out by whoever did it. Waving his glow stick ahead, Norbert looked on, trying to see the end of the fissure but unable to. Stealing a breath, Norbert took some leaves out of the pocket and placed them on the wall inside the fissure. There was once more an explosion of lights, illuminating the path in front. After several meters, it looked like it would expand out once again.


    Norbert unslung his backpack; unable to carry both simultaneously, he placed it by his side, turned to fit in, and started to slide through the tunnel. Step by step, he wiggled through, pieces of rock jutting out and poking into him, jutting into his body and scraping across his face.


    Feeling the pressure, the backpack started not to move, getting budged into the rock. The walls closed in and entrapped him deep below the earth, unable to see the light of day again. With one last shove, the tunnel opened again, allowing him to quickly slide through and put the backpack back on. Looking up, the walls extended high into the air, much higher than it once was.


    Notches appeared in the wall, up in the air, all evenly spaced once more. As he continued walking further, Norbert brought the leaves up once more, placing them against the wall. The light from the leaves instantly travelled to where the notches were in the wall, glowed, and shone further and further out.


    The hallway was visible for the first time, showing the marble steps and doorways on the side. As Norbert started walking down the hallway, the roof now visible and some mural on top of it, the light slowly faded. Walking along to the first door on the left, he entered, a single room with dust in piles scattered around.


    The contents of what could have been now lost. Only small scraps of metal, all rusted over and brittle, were in his hands. He picked one piece up, and as he tried to remove the rust on it, the entire piece, which could have been a flat end, slowly eroded in his hands, leaving an orange stain on them. With a cough, Norbert caused the dust to fly in the air, any semblance of what could have been long forgotten.


    He exited the room and tried the others leading off the hallway. Through each one told a similar story of what could have once been identified as now no longer there but turned to dust. The floor went down in one of the rooms and suddenly dropped off, forming a step. Looking out, the room was the biggest yet of these side rooms, with side rooms attached. As he explored further, his foot cracked on something; looking down, he moved his foot off what was on the ground.


    Underneath the foot was a cracked tile, now in utter pieces due to him stepping on it. Looking at the floor, he could feel some of the tiles, the rest broken off by something and only a little glue remaining. Looking up again, he saw the exact notches on the wall and barely over the ceiling.


    With the last look at his leaves, he placed them into the wall. The entire room was lit, the sound of water gurgling from far off. Out of one of the pipes drew a sludge slowly being pushed out, the sound of air being moved out of the others. Slowly, water started to trickle out of them one at a time before the room again turned to darkness.


    Surprise plastered on Norbert''s face, knowing that it was once a bathhouse of epic proportions. Able to house nearly a hundred people with ease, looking at the section in the centre, Norbert walked over to a side room of the many available, seeing that once there was a single spout and smaller bathing area, the same divot in the ground but more profound than the one outside.


    Walking around and investigating each room, Norbert found one with a bench along all the walls and a table in the centre. With a dismissive rising of his shoulders, letting the place keep some of its secrets, Norbert exited and started walking to the end of the hallway.


    After passing several more rooms on each side, the distance growing between each one, Norbert reached the end of the hallway. Looking up, the two doors stood, blocking his path. Engraved and protruding out of it in a pattern depicted a pattern flowing from one corner to the other, meeting in the middle and entwining at the top. Norbert tilted his head in puzzlement, having seen it before. With a wonder, it depicted the tree he had once climbed down, the roots reaching down into the earth, the trunk twisting and undulating with leaves and flowers growing across it to have the canopy above finally. Looking up now, he could almost see the pattern move of its own, like the wind was once more blowing through the leaves, causing them to fall to the ground slowly¡­


    "Whoa man, gotta use my voice sometimes, snap out of it. It''s only a pattern." Shaking the befuddlement out of his head, Norbert slapped his face twice, "It''s game time", he replied to himself.


    Placing his hand against the door, he pushed against it. The door not budging at all. Using all his force, Norbert pushed and pushed, slowly the door opened, creaking out; the once complete tree now cracked in half as if a lightning bolt had struck it.


    With a slight push, Norbert could slip inside, taking his backpack with him. The doors slowly closed behind him, a boom being heard as it closed and the air rushing out of the room. Norbert went and tried to pull against the door; not budging at all, almost seeming to grow heavier each time he tried. Now completely trapped, Norbert looked around to see what he has risked his life for.

 Chapter 9 Bottoms Up

    With a sigh, Norbert looked down at the ground, pulling the coin from his pocket. ¡°I better not be a dead man walking.¡±


    Slipping the coin back into his pocket Norbert turned around and examined the room he was now trapped in.


    Slowly looking up, he saw steps, one after the other, leading up toward a goblet on the stone slab. To the side, pillars half cut out of the stone, two on each side, purple veins glowing throughout them. The purple veins reached out to the ceiling and connected up there, creating a criss-cross pattern that slowly faded to black. In the centre of the room above the stone slab a hole in the ceiling; what could have once been a skylight or a chute was now just a path to darkness.


    Resting his eyes on the stone slab above the stairs, Norbert carefully stepped up one at a time. Looking on the ground to ensure he didn¡¯t step on anything, Norbert made his way up the steps.


    Clack, clack, clack.


    Each time he took a step, his feet hit against the floor, no matter how lightly he tried to step, the jingling of his backpack as he went further and further up into the air. Several steps later, the only sound in the room was his own; he was upon the stone slab. Whipping the dust from the top, his fingers felt notches and indents flowing into the side.


    Examining it, he could feel them wrapping around the entire base of the stone structure. Slowly walking around the structure, Norbert looked back, feeling like it was some writing that was once on the stone. ¡°Not like I would ever know the language here¡± Norbert dismissed the writing, looking further into what was sitting above.


    Looking once more at the receptacle, he peered inside, slowly looming his head over, the glow stick next to it, providing some light. Down at the bottom, it reflected some light from the glow stick. Peering further in, a liquid rested, barely enough for a spoonful. Slowly moving the glow stick closer, Norbert examined the liquid.


    The liquid swirling within itself, some parts darker than others. All the same colour as the purple light in the trees but muted somehow. The small piece of light winking out, slowly getting smaller and smaller, reaching into his pocket. Norbert took out a leaf, twirling it between his fingers, indecision on his face.


    To add a leaf to the liquid or not, to drink it or not.


    Still twirling the leaf around, Norbert started pacing around the stone altar, realising that it must be¡ªlooking around the room once more, seeing if there was another way out except for the door and the hole in the ceiling. Looking around, he could find nothing, the only way out of the room not bared being the hole. But that was as useless as ever, as Norbert could not reach the centre of the ceiling as there was nothing to attach the tiny bit of rope to. With annoyance Norbert flicked the leaf into the goblet, watching as it slowly fell into it.


    With a flash, purple escaped out of the goblet. Norbert stepped over and looked down, the leaf still floating on the surface, now surrounded by light. Any part of the darkness within the liquid disappeared, only showing a single colour, purple, bright and almost pulsing with light. With each pulse of light, it slowly darkened again, taking further and further the darker swirls returning. Removing the rest of the leaves from his backpack, Norbert dropped them in.


    Once more, encasing the room in light, coming out of the goblet and into the hole above, Norbert looked up, unable to see where it reached, the tunnel completely straight, only the light fading off due to the distance. Looking down at the liquid, Norbert held his breath, excitement building in his stomach.


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    For when there was once only a tiny bit of liquid left, now the goblet was nearly complete. The smell wafts off it, so enticing, reminding him of home, of pizza from Bobs, the hunger of a ravenous beast consuming him, becoming a predator waiting to have its last meal. A death row inmate with the steak in front of him that he has been missing for years, to finally have one last bit of mouth-watering greatness before the darkens ensues.


    Slowly, ever so slowly, so slow that Norbert didn¡¯t even feel him moving, his hand dipped into the goblet and the liquid. Ever so slowly, he moved it back to his hand, not wanting to spill the single drop on it. With a shaky hand, Norbert raised it above his head, tongue out to catch the drop. As it started forming and was about to fall into his mouth, impatience consumed him, not wanting or caring about any honour or respect; like a snake for the jugular, his finger darted to his mouth, the purple liquid touching his tongue.


    A flood consumed him, of sights, tastes, and smells all filled him. All the good he had ever had washed through all his senses. Birthdays sitting down blowing out the candles, eating the cake, time with family and friends, asking the first crush out, passing exams, graduating from school, Santa giving the toy he wanted for Christmas, wood fires around the family, camping out, taking off on an aeroplane, the smell of pizza just before it touches your tongue.


    It all flew by him, coming around and getting more powerful each time until suddenly it stopped. He was standing there again, finger in mouth and nothing more to do.


    Looking at the goblet, wanting another taste to be satiated, he stepped over, panting over the top of it.


    With a struggle, he picked the goblet up, a rumbling in the background but no care to Norbert. He brought the goblet to his lips with the utmost care and slowly tipped it in. With each gulp, he felt it crawl down, his mouth once more filling with the liquid, happy he was experiencing it.


    As he drank more and more, the hand holding the goblet started to shake; with effort, he lifted his left hand as well, clasping the goblet between the two, holding it steady, as the last of it slowly came out now, his legs gave out. Dropping to the floor under the weight of his body and the backpack, he rolled down the stairs, the goblet bouncing after him.


    Crash


    Crack


    BANG


    It sounded with every step, pain shooting through Norbert¡¯s head each time. Until finally stopping, it started to roll, sounding like a boulder coming towards his head; Norbert, using the last of his energy to control his head, tilted it towards the open goblet, looking inside on the top was a single last drop. Despite his mind screaming NO at him his body didn''t respond, leaning his chin forward Norbert extended his tongue, as long as it could go, trying to get that last drop, the pain in the rest of his body getting worse and worse.


    His arms jerking, toes curled up and uncurling, tightening his legs, all his hairs standing on end, but Norbert only cared about that last drop. As the goblet slowly approached him, reaching his tongue, it rolled around again, facing away. With a tear in his eyes, the full effect of his body, all the pain Norbert could put back, entered his mind, taking everything out.


    Staring up at the ceiling, Norbert let out a single tear and slowly raised his hand to touch the sky; he could see his hand. What had once been normal veins glowing purple, the same liquid now pulsing through him. Each pulse moved further along his body, away from the central veins, and the darkness after each pulse was all-consuming. Norbert dropped his hand down, waiting for the end to come, for the pain to stop at least.


    His prayer had been answered in a flash of light, once more surrounded by darkness, unable to see anything, entirely consumed by the pain. When the light came, he looked again at his ceiling; on his bed, the backpack was no longer with him, just him lying down. As he slowly fell into his mattress, the pain was forgotten, but only briefly before it came back with a vengeance. Once more, he wholly tensed his body, all parts slowly moving in and out without his will, gripping the blankets in fists and pulling them towards him. A tear light once more surrounded Norbert; with a whimper, he was once more surrounded by darkness, unprepared for the pain coming on the other end.


    As he landed once more in the stone room, the goblet that caused all of this. As the pain once more racked his body, the taste of bile came to his mouth. Norbert slipped out of consciousness, the only way to escape the pain.


    The room was also changing; lights were slowly coming on, feeding off the drop and life was breathed into the chamber, unbeknownst to the man spasming on the floor.

 Chapter 10 Hangover Pt 1

    Through pains and spasms, Norbert slowly awakened, mind cloudy and unable to focus, a smith using the inside of his head as an anvil to forge a legendary sword. Now and then, his body would shake a bit, slowly, ever so slowly, the spasms stopped. With each passing moment, his heart beat faster and harder each time. Slowly opening his eyes, Norbert quickly closed them, wanting peace. Slowly he reached down to the side of him, feeling for his bag. His hands hit upon the smooth stone, gliding across it until it bumped against something. Feeling around it was the goblet.


    Placing it upright, Norbert searched for more, not wanting any of that liquid, just some water to calm down the headache. Fumbling around, he slowly crawled across the room, searching for the bag. His limbs not responding as they usually would. His head was in the clouds and his body down and buried in the earth. His hands sometimes shot out past what he wanted, causing him to fall, and other times moved so slowly it required all his will just to budge it forward¡ªrelied on filled Norbert as his fingers glided into his backpack.


    Mindlessly fiddling with the zipper, he opened it, pulling out the desired water bottle. Twisting the cap off, he carefully poured the water into his mouth. He was suckling as it carefully trickled down his mouth. As the water flowed down his throat, he did not realise how parched it was before, like the dry soil, once bleached and cracked by the sun, now once more soil and able to hold life. Slowly the bottle was drained.


    With a satisfying sigh, Norbert removed the bottle from his lips, looking out at the cave. A smell wafted over him, with horror slowly coming over his face, mouth agape. He looked down at his body. What was once a clean shirt was now covered in puke and other fluids, completely soaked through the front and darkened, much darker than it should have been. Carefully taking his shirt off so as not to spread the vomit onto anything else, he carefully moved it to the side of the room; while walking, he felt something trickling down his leg. Feeling around his pants, he carefully removed his phone from the pocket. Something once wet now dried onto it.


    Nearly puking again in disgust, Norbert closed his eyes, removed his clothes and put them in a pile on the side. Removing another water bottle, he carefully washed his body, removing all of the filth and sweat piled up on his body after diving into the goblet. With fresh clothes one more down and feeling much better, Norbert finally stood up and inspected the cave again.


    The details that he once missed now popped out, like there was no light on within the room, inspecting he could now see the etchings on the alter; slowly walking up the stairs again, he looked, and an indentation that was one had the goblet was there, with the purple veins slowly coming off of it. Together they made a pattern, forming around a similar to a Celtic knot, a logo with the leaves he found painted on. Reaching in, Norbert''s hand dipped into the altar like sand, forming his hand around the pattern and pulling it out.


    The more he tried, the greater the resistance became. The altar, not wanting to let go of the logo, Norbert, not wanting to leave empty-handed, placed his other hand on the altar to push against it. With a cracking of stone, his hand was ripped free. Norbert swayed like a drunken sailor, having so forcefully freed his hand he nearly fell down the stairs that he climbed up.


    Carefully Norbert lowered his foot to the ground, standing securely once more. Looking at the altar, all that was left of the insignia was a hole in it, with the indentation of his fist, cracks going all along the altar now.


    Whistling, Norbert twirled around, pocketing the piece of stone with the insignia. Twirling, he spotted a door between the two pillars no longer off to the right. Heading off the stairs, he picked up his backpack, leaving behind the soiled clothes and picking up the goblet, holding it up in the air to inspect if anything else was on it.


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    Having found nothing, he put it in the backpack again and headed through the hallway. As he continued down the hallway, the purple in the walls fading with time, he still had no trouble making out the wall, quickly taking it stride for stride, not waiting to get to the other side of the hallway, the sound of his steps reverberating through the hall.


    As he neared the exit, there was once again his nemesis¡ªa Door.


    A single door stood in the way, nested inside the wall.


    Norbert tried to push against it, the door only rattling a bit. Pulling towards him resulted in the same thing. After trying both sides, he put his back against it, feeling a bit peckish; he took out a bar and his watch.


    Looking at the time, it said it was 1:37; biting into his bar, feeling a bit sad that he didn''t have Obsius to share it with, Norbert broke off part of it, leaving it on the ground next to the door. His mouth now dry from the bar. He took a mouthful of water from the bottle, still having enough left.


    Looking back at the watch, he saw it still said 1:37. Staring at the watch, Norbert waited for the minute hand to tick over, and he started counting, "One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi ¡­. "ending in silence, counting in his head he waited for it to tick over. When he reached ninety Mississippi, he looked at the clock and rewound it, having lost track of how long he was unconscious during his muscle spasms. Standing back up again, he pulled himself up using the door.


    GROOOAAANNNN


    Looking around in surprise at what the noise could be, Norbert looked again at the door, which had opened slightly, for it was a sliding door. Placing his fingers in the crack on the left side, he pushed it to the right, the door effortlessly gliding across like butter.


    On the other side was a tiny little room. Picking up his pack Norbert entered it. As he stepped through, the door closed by itself. Norbert threw his head back in annoyance, hitting his head against the back of it. With a cry out, he rubbed his head out of instinct, brushing a bit of rock off his head.


    Looking up, he saw the same notch, with no light coming out. Stepping up, he touched it, and no light was produced, to nobody''s surprise. As Norbert went to the front again in frustration to try and open the door, the room started to move.


    Crouching down, Norbert looked around for a change but saw nothing, but the feeling of acceleration, his stomach moving down to his feet, was no mistake. Looking around, he realised he was in an elevator, possibly of the magical kind.


    Higher and higher he went, the trip continued. Pulling out the altimeter, he saw the number steadily increase, more and more.


    Tapping his foot on the ground, waiting for the elevator to rise, he started missing the trashy elevator music; at least it gave him something to do rather than stare at the wall before him, or was it the door? The elevator started slowing down; he must have been coming to the top as it shuddered to a halt.


    The wall that was once a door opened again, showing him the outside. Stepping out, he turned around as the door started to close. Behind him was one of the massive trees with purple light coming out of its veins. Looking quizzically at the tree, he brushed his hand against the trunk. He did not hear any reverberation; he took out his knife and cut into it past the bark.


    There, Norbert found the unexpected wood. Was it just the same wood one would expect from a tree, no stone, no anything? With a bleak look, Norbert turned around, looking once more off the cliff over the river.


    Chirp Chirp


    Looking to the left, he saw his old little bird friend Obsius sitting on a tree branch.


    Gliding down, he landed on Norbert''s head, twittering away.


    Nodding along, Norbert agreed to what exactly he had no clue, as his bird was still rusty. Closing his eyes, Norbert walked straight, thinking of what to do next. Still needing to find some town to see people, though looking at the writing from before, he probably couldn''t unde¡­..


    One foot hung in the air, and with a shock, Norbert looked down at the river below, too far gone to bring himself back; what he thought was walking along the cliff in thought, he turned to face the cliff.


    "Oh well," Norbert exclaimed, before falling to the riverbank, a bang resounding up in the air. Obsius flew in the same position as before, slowly gliding down on Norbert''s head, giving it a slight peck to get him moving.

 Chapter 11 *Doggos*

    Norbert stared up at the sky, waiting for it all to end.


    To survive in this place, only to die doing something stupid.


    So Norbert waited, closing his eyes and trying to establish peace, remembering the times and all he could do. He felt something land on his head; it must be Obsius; he thought at least he was with a friend. Slowly Norbert drifted away ¡­.


    PECK PECK PECK


    ¡­ slowly opening his eyes. There standing on his nose was Obsius, pecking at his forehead. ¡°I¡¯m up, I¡¯m up,¡± Norbert commented to the bird, shooing it away.


    Feeling around his body, nothing seemed broken and he could move all his limbs as intended. Only a couple of pebbles from the river digging into his back. Sitting up, Norbert looked at the drop, thinking it might not have been as high as he thought.


    Norbert craned his head, tilting further, finally stopping at the cliff edge. Looking up, he was bewildered; that would have at least been five meters high. Looking, he saw where the cliff came in a bit, where he must have fallen from; he couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. Closing and rubbing them; he looked again, not thinking that he had fallen from there. Looking around, he saw the river flowing next to him, not recognising anything about it nor any landmarks he could have made.


    Though if Norbert would be honest with himself, it wasn¡¯t like he was paying attention to any from the start. Looking at the riverbank, a frown appeared on his face, for he did not have his trusty backpack with his raft to continue down the river once more.


    Annoyed, he remembered he must have left it above the cliff. Gazing again at the stone on the side, he shook his head. Climbing that high, with no rope and barely any handholds, he would die if he fell ¡­.


    A smile appeared on Norbert¡¯s face. He probably would have died before, but this was disproven due to his still being alive.


    ¡°HAHAHA, aren¡¯t I the best,¡± Norbert said to anyone listening. Bending down, he walked towards it, trying to find some foot holds up to the top. Rubbing his hands on the cliff, he saw it was slightly layered, going higher and higher. Too thin for him to ever get a hold, an attempt was made by Norbert trying to hold himself with his fingers.


    Feeling like he had a good grip, he lifted his feet, only to land on them a second later. Annoyed, he tried again at another part of the cliff, which failed. With his feelings bubbling inside of him, Norbert tried to jump as high as he could, hoping that higher up would have some better handholds for him to continue his climb.


    As he bent down, getting his full range, hands on the side, pushing against the ground with all his might. Reaching up, he grabbed onto the cliff and found a handhold. Scrabbling with his feet, he found purchase, a smile escaping his face as if he was not going to fall.


    Looking around for the next handhold to get him up, he saw that the top was not far from his fingers, only about half a meter up. Surprised it must have been smaller than Norbert thought. He looked down as he moved his right foot, looking for the next spot to pull himself up and over.


    With a sudden sense of vertigo, he looked down, not believing the height he was up to. He was well above the ground, much more than his usual jump height, nearly three times that. Getting his balance again, Norbert scurried up the cliff, standing well back to ensure he would not fall off it again.


    Back at the forest line, where the trees once more began, was his backpack resting on the ground. The straps almost invited him to put them on and carry them around. Relieved that his items were still there, Norbert walked over and gave the pack an affectionate pat on the top before placing it in its rightful position on his back, and he started walking, following the river up from the cliff.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    The trees on this side were the same as well as the bushes, the only way to know he was going the correct way sort of by using the compass, though he did not know where North was exactly or what it was pointing to, as long as he was going in a direction he was happy.


    WOOF WOOOOOF


    Norbert instantly squatted down, looking to the left side and into the forest, trying to locate the sound.


    All the hairs prickled over his arms, feeling them stand on the back of his neck. He looked further into the forest, scanning what could have spotted him. Out of the gloom, two yellow eyes looked back. Making eye contact, the two creatures stared at one another, neither moving nor blinking.


    Slowly the eyes lowered to the ground


    GRRRR


    A growl escaped from the beast. Shaken out of it, Norbert looked in front of him, along the cliff face with the river on his right and trees on his left. He sprinted forward with no way to go but the path he followed.


    The chase had begun.


    Norbert dug his feet into the solid ground and pushed off like a sprinter out of the gate. Arms pumping on either side, Norbert sprinted forward. The dirt under his foot was ejected behind him, a constant spray of earth, but Norbert was not able to see this, too busy to see this. Behind him, he heard the beast growling and felt it snapping at his heels, its breath on the back of his neck.


    Wanting only to escape, Norbert spun around and chucked his backpack behind him, hoping to create distance between it.


    Running, he heard a yelp of surprise, followed by contents splattering against the ground from his right. The backpack must have split open, ejecting its contents over the cliff. With a burst of speed, Norbert once more focused on running. The air came thick and fast, already warm, feeling his heartbeat in his chest-thumping against his ribs. His feet thumping against the ground, Norbert had never felt so alive.


    As he continued to run, focusing on going straight ahead, the forest on the side was howling at him. No matter how fast he ran, the howls always kept up, always one step closer than before.


    Worry was starting to grow; thinking that he would not be able to escape, Norbert quickly looked around for something, anything to go.


    As he looked toward the forest, he saw a line of wolves running with him. The fur on their back was green and ever-changing, going in and out of the shadows like they were phasing through the bushes and leaves, going in blurs of colour.


    The tree line of massive trees was behind them, knowing heading in that direction would spell certain doom. Norbert looked in the other, over the cliff and the river below.


    Knowing that he survived it once more, he could do it again.


    Shaking his head, he could not believe the thoughts going through his mind, actually going over the edge. Something darted out as he shook his head and focused in front of him. Seeing the green of the wolf now in daylight not obscured, its yellow eyes piercing his soul. Standing up to his shoulder, it ducked down, ready to pounce. Knowing he had no choice, Norbert dived to the side, falling down the cliff again.


    Tumbling down the cliff once more, bumping each time and feeling the stone dig into him, arms bending at awkward angles, Norbert dropped to the bottom. Rolling into a pile, he quickly looked up and scanned the cliff top, seeing if there were any pursuers. The wolf from before looked down at him, growling and testing the edge, not wanting to jump as Norbert had.


    With a smile and a wave, Norbert jogged off in the same direction.


    Surprised at the amount of running he did today and still feeling fine, breath no longer coming hard, he continued his way down the river.


    Occasionally he would look up, seeing the wolves carefully following him from above, disregarding them. Norbert continued forward, hoping that the wolves knew something he didn¡¯t and they wouldn¡¯t come down to meet him at the river. As he continued to jog, the wolves following him, he was once more surrounded in darkness. However now able to see his hand when it is in front of his face.


    Perplexed, Norbert looked out into the expanse of nothingness, eyes gazing over what may be out there, just not being able to see. With a flash of light, those thoughts were vaporised, thinking how nice it would be to go and sleep in his nice bed and deal with the chasing wolves later.


    As the world once more could be seen, he landed in a squelch.


    Looking down, he saw his bed covered in black muck and vomit. The smell instantly hit him, and his body finally came down, and he started to heave what little was left in his stomach, making the bed that bit dirtier.

 Chapter 12 Cleaning time

    Escaping the room, he closed the door, stopping the smell from invading the rest of the apartment.


    Looking around, he pulled out a tub, emptying the contents on the ground, quarter filling it with water. Grabbing the lid and breathing deeply, he opened the door and entered the sewer. Quickly Norbert went and took all the sheets off the bed, careful not to spill any of the gunk on the floor.


    Bundling it up, he put it in the tub with the water, placing the lid on top, sealing the flavour. Quickly Norbert went around the bed, opening up the window. Sticking his head out, Norbert exhaled deeply, then breathed in the fresh air before getting a blanket, wafting the air out of the apartment. Breathing in again, he entered the room, leaving the tub there.


    Finding the laundry powder, he grabbed the box and cups of water. Back in the room with him, opening the tub, filling it with water and powered the detergent box into it. Closing it again, he wiped his brow. The hard part done. Norbert started shaking the tub around, swishing the powder with the clothes to combat the filth.


    Looking at the bed, all signs of what happened were gone now, thanked the mattress wasn¡¯t ruined. Exiting the room, he went and made some breakfast ¡­ dinner at this point. Having lost track of time going from place to place. Putting some food on the plate, he sat down and started thinking of what to do in the other world.


    Currently, as he is, he would get eaten alive once the wolves dared to come down the cliff. Doing some research, he wouldn¡¯t be able to out-swim them by going to the other side of the river, and as they were still keeping pace, they wouldn¡¯t seem able to outrun them either.


    Remembering his time trying to outrun them, he would not usually have been able to last that long, having been out of breath or getting a stitch long before. And remember the rest of what happened, able to even get on top of the cliff in the first place and pull the stone out.


    Fishing into his pocket, he retrieved the remaining items, the coin and the stone with the emblem, still glowing purple, surprised Norbert fiddled with it, sliding it across the table and watching it spin. It keeps the same colour as before and not pulsing. Quickly snapping a picture, he put it back in his pocket.


    Back to the wolves, he only had a few options available as he did not have the time to wait for something to come in due to the randomness of it or the time to learn the weapon. It must be something simple and destructive on the wolves, a swing and a miss.


    Looking through the options, he chose a classic in the zombie apocalypse, the wooden bat with nails.


    With his plan to get the items and another backpack while also testing the new limits, he went back into his room, now able to breathe a bit easier. Shaking up the box once more, looking at the water slowly turning dark and spraying the room with deodorant, he closed the door for the room before exiting the apartment.


    Walking down the hallway and exiting the complex, he stood on the stairs, looking out at the sunrise in the air. Breathing in the fresh air, he went off and started his day.


    ***


    A baseball bat, nails and a hammer were placed inside his new backpack. Norbert made his way to a gym. Looking around, he found one with a first week free when joining. Entering the gym, the weights are rhythmically dropped, banging against the ground like a stallion pulling a load up a hill. Seeing a staff member, Norbert approached her and started the signing-up process.


    ¡°So have you been to a gym before,¡± Emily asked


    ¡°No, first time¡±


    ¡°Would you like a personal trainer added? The first three sessions will be free?¡±


    ¡°No thanks¡±, Norbert replied. ¡°My schedules a bit hectic at the moment, so I won¡¯t be able to commit to any times.¡±


    ¡°Oh ok, then¡±, Emily replied, looking back to the keyboard and filling out the form.


    ¡°So why did you want to join a gym in the first place, then.¡±


    ¡°To make sure that I¡¯m not that out of shape¡±, Norbert replied, keeping the actual reason to himself.


    He started tapping his leg excitedly to see how hard he could push himself. With a final ding, a last signature, and confirming details, Norbert was officially part of ¡°The Gym¡± gym.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Exiting the room, Norbert was shown the gym facilities, where the toilets, changing rooms, machines, treadmills and weight lifting area. Walking around and listening to Emily talk, surrounded by the clanking of machines, Norbert couldn¡¯t wait to get started. When his tour of the gym ended, Norbert stashed away his backpack in the locker rooms, pulling out his trusty coin again, not knowing where to start.


    ¡°Heads weight lifting area, tails cardio,¡± He said as he flipped the coin in the air, catching it as it fell into the palm of his hand. Showing up to the world was the tails side, happy not to see that snickering face anymore. Popping the coin back into his pocket Norbert stalked out to the treadmill area. Hopping on the automatic treadmill, Norbert looked at the buttons, one lever for elevation, the other for speed. Looking at the screen, he pressed the big ¡°START¡± button.


    The machine whirring to life, Norbert moved back slowly; taking his first few steps, Norbert got acclimatised to the motion; increasing the speed from the base to 1km/h. Norbert began a light walk at 5km/h once more, getting familiar with the movements. As time wore on, feeling comfortable, Norbert stepped it up and slowly started to increase the speed. Staying at an increased increment every 2 minutes, time slipped past, and Norbert did not realise he was at 16km/h; he started to feel winded, his muscles screaming at him to stop.


    Running at the speed he was at, thumping on the treadmill now and then, he would see people staring at him, at the noise he was generating and the speeds he was going. With a sigh, knowing if he wanted, he could go for longer and grit past the pain. Norbert started slowing it down, knowing his endurance had increased significantly since before the change. Looking around, he found another type of treadmill, a manually powered sprinter.


    Looking at the black body and its rise, Norbert was once more enraptured, wanting to push himself once more before changing out to a different area. Looking at it, he climbed on, watching the screen; slowly, he started walking, getting his balance with each step. The further he stepped, the faster it would go, forcing him to step forward even more, repeating the cycle.


    Norbert would hold onto the side rails several times to catch him and slow the machine down before jumping back on it again.


    With determination Norbert started walking with a purpose, making his way up to 5km/h; he changed his pace going into a jog. 7, 8, 9 up and up it went Norbert pumping his arms and going into a run to keep up. His legs were trying to fall from under him, like running down a mountain. Faster and faster he went, the numbers going higher and higher; looking down for a second, he saw he was at 20km/h, with a grin on his face; he took his next step, his foot not lifting. In slow motion Norbert¡¯s face slowly changed to one of horror, his face tilting down, smashing into the belt of the treadmill, ejecting him off of it in a pile.


    Dazed Norbert looked down, his shoelaces getting untied and caught between the belt sections.


    Looking at his grazed arms Norbert extracted the shoelace and went to the bathroom, cleaning the wound with water, inhaling as the stings spread up his limbs.


    Getting bandaged up, Norbert went to the machine area, not going to lose interest now at his defeat. He started repping out around the machines, doing one set of 10 before bumping the weight to the next plate. And on and on he went, from the bicep curl to the dip to the leg press. Norbert did them all.


    Ultimately, he was a sweaty mess, and his muscles were tired. However, he was happy as he entered the locker room to shower. He could quickly get halfway on every machine, going up and down the sets until the muscle burned. Something he knew he would never have been able to do before. Whatever was in that goblet that he had some real kick.


    Freezing for a second, he remembered he had put the goblet in the backpack he threw at the wolf.


    SMACK


    Norbert¡¯s hand was on his palm, annoyance at what he had done. He could have identified or sold that somewhere, anywhere, and he was sure it was worth at least something due to the weirdness of the place it came from.


    Grumbling, Norbert changed into his sweaty clothes again and exited the gym, the bell tinkling on his exit. Looking at his phone, he would still have enough time to get another bat ¡­ just in case.


    ***


    Having returned, his backpack loaded with his items for immediate survival Norbert returned to the apartment. Once entering, he saw Jack raising an eyebrow at his late entrance.


    ¡°Just wanted to get some stuff and go to the gym for once,¡± Norbert said


    Jack just stared at him, thinking something had happened to his friend. Slowly closing his eyes Jack responded


    ¡°Tonight is pizza night; I thought you would have gotten one when you were out for the day.¡±


    Horror once more racked he had forgotten about the classes he needed to attend that day, or was it days? All the time merging, but more importantly, he had forgotten the PIZZA. A crime worth the worst punishment, going out into the cold and retrieving it.


    Madly dashing to the door, Norbert exited it, a backpack of items still in hand; not wanting to make any mistakes, he sprinted to the pizza shop.


    Running down the street, he saw the shop still had its lights on; with a burst of speed, Norbert once more through the flags and entered the shop.


    Breathing hard, ringing his entry with the door slamming, Norbert looked at Bob, wearing the same smile as ever.


    Hands open he looked at Norbert ¡°You almost missed it; we were just about to close. Good thing I left one on the side for you¡± With a wink, Bob presented the pizza. Looking at it, Norbert did the ritual, opening it up. Once more, the steam flowed out, and a wave of hunger took him. Quickly closing the lid, Norbert stepped up and paid for it, with a smile and a wave exiting the pizza joint.


    Still smiling, he rounded the corner, starting to jog again to deliver the pizza to Jack and for them to feast, his stomach already rumbling.


    Once more, Norbert was surrounded by light. He was quickly dropping the pizza; he was consumed in darkness.


    Not wanting to take the pizza out where he will need a fight, he pulled a baseball bat out of his backpack, a bar in hand. He was once more surrounded by light, stepping onto a river bed.

 Chapter 13 Poor Fido

    Norbert started jogging again, looking up at the cliffs and seeing the wolves still following him. After eating a bar, making it to the rapids; continuing to run, knowing at least where he was now, surprised about how far away he had travelled when exploring the cave. Passing, he took out his water bottle, drinking while still jogging, making sure not to smash his teeth. Bending down, he filled the water bottle with the river from the water before stowing it back into his backpack.


    Continuing, they went, chased next to the cliff, the purple canopy of roots thin enough to stop the wolves from dropping in from above. The cliff at the top slowly coming down to meet him, the sky above starting to go out, darkness consuming the forest. Looking up, he saw the flecks of yellow looking at him.


    As he took out a glow stick, cracking it and looping it around his neck, he spotted what he had been dreading this entire time ahead. The cliff once more turned into a hill, allowing the two parties to meet at once.


    Looking up, Norbert tested the grip of the bat, palms sweaty. He re-gripped it slowing down and breathing in the air. The wolves overtook him, the howling consuming them; he tracked the sound down the hill and towards him.


    Reaching into his bag, he pulled out the rest of the glow sticks, lit them up and threw them onto the ground, allowing some light around him.


    Norbert stood and waited, waiting for the wolves to come closer.


    Inching towards the light, Norbert saw them come out, counting he saw five wolves coming down, forming a semi-circle around him. Arms by his side Norbert steadily walked towards the pack, waiting to see who would make the first move. The lead one bent down and growled at him; it was now go time.


    Norbert stepped forward, moving the bat backwards, ready to swing; the wolf launched itself straight at Norbert, mouth opened wide. Sliding underneath the wolf, Norbert turned upwards, the bat digging in and cutting into flesh, digging into the beast''s guts. Looking forward, now surrounded, Norbert swung from his left, bashing his bat into the snout of one of the wolves, the force strong enough to continue through and knock a second one to the side.


    Hit from his right side Norbert went flying into the cliff. Falling in a pile, he looked up, a wolf already above his head, mouth gaping wide ready to snap down on his throat. Holding himself with one hand, Norbert punched up into the mouth of the wolf. Feeling the teeth clamp down, Norbert roared in pain, his hand slick with blood. Pulling the knife from his pack and stabbing it into the wolf''s jaw, the body instantly went limp, pulling him down.


    Broken and bloody, Norbert looked up at a wild animal. Moving backwards, he cut around at the wolf''s jaw, freeing his hand and feeling the cold air bite into the wounds, a trail of blood following him. With a pause, Norbert''s back hit the cliff; with a start, he looked back at the wolves.


    As one, they came for him from all angles, leaving no opportunity to escape. If he struck for one, the rest would shred him to pieces. Gripping the bat once more, Norbert stared back at them, shouting for all he was worth and met the charge.


    In the centre, they met again, his arm again taken. He looked on shouting and thrashing the bat about, feeling the impact ricochet up his arm, now numb.


    Pushed back on the ground, they were on him, only seeing teeth Norbert looked up and closed his eyes, seeing his body for the last time.


    A light was once more surrounding him, and knowing that not even that could save him, Norbert pushed back at the wolf on top of him with all his might. As a surprise, it flew into the air.


    With a rush, he leapt to the pair on the right, punching down and into the skull and kicking at the other legs like a basketball. With a crunch, the wolf fell, whimpering at him. Pushing off, he charged to the left, tackling one on the right, dragging his knife through its side. Pulling as hard as he could until it could go no more, slipping out of his hand.


    Turning, Norbert faced two more wolves, both rounding on him. With a final roar, he charged, but it was useless; both wolves blended into the background, the once green fur turning grey like the stone and disappearing, only leaving the eyes left before he charged through them, like wisps of wind. Looking down at his arms, both shaking, he left the path of destruction and headed towards the river.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Each step is more challenging than the last, each shaky step. Head swimming, he walked to the water to wipe off and clean the wounds. Reaching for his backpack, it was no longer there, torn apart in the struggle. He was looking behind him, seeing the destruction, three wolves near one area, single punches going through their body, a knife broken and sticking out of another. Grabbing the final one by the leg, Norbert went to the river.


    Shaking once more, he turned his back to wash his hands, not caring about the wound, unable to feel it. He looked down at his hands, their veins slowly fading, the purple light leaving them. Tiredness overcame Norbert as he fell into the flowing river.


    ***


    He was once more surrounded by wolves as far as the eye could see, everyone towering over him, mouths gaping and open, saliva trickling down, making pools at their feet. Swallowing his nerves, Norbert looked to find a place to run to and hide, but there was nowhere to go. All that surrounded him was death. Looking at the wolves, they charged at him, ripping him to pieces. Every time a part was removed, it would come back instantly, only to be ripped off again. Growls and screams pierced the forest. Slowly there were no more screams, Norbert''s throat dry, voice horse, unable to even utter a single word, but still he was shredded.


    Piled up so high the wolves were almost creating a mountain, and Norbert was at the centre of the moving mass, lying still with everything, an existence with it all of the pain, until even that slipped away. Lying there as time passed, the wolves slowly and indeed came to a still as well; what had once set their blood thirst moving now stopped. All was still as the stars shone down on the mountain of flesh.


    BADUM, BADUM, BADUM


    Norbert''s eyes opened up. He would not die in this eternal forest, being defeated by some simple beasts; he would at least once more look up at the clear blue sky, at the stars spotting the night sky.


    HE


    WOULD


    LIVE


    I


    WILL


    SURVIVE


    With an almighty push, Norbert stood up on shaky feet¡ªthe weight of a thousand lives resting upon his shoulder. Everything went to the side with a twist; all the wolves alarmed at what had happened.


    Norbert looked down in shock, a river below flowing down and the fall that would be all their doom.


    Grappling the wolves, Norbert started to climb one hand forward while reaching for the next. With a push, he rushed past, grabbing and pulling the next one along.


    Like this, Norbert started to climb, each one getting more manageable and more accessible, and his body feeling lighter. With each wolf passed, his arms began to shine purple once more, glowing brighter and brighter. Until each pull sent a wolf toppling down and him flying up, now a light step sending him flying, like there were wings attached to his feet, even the air itself being heavy enough to push off. Norbert powered through wolves flashing by, no longer touching them, just moving to the left and right until even that was unnecessary as there were no more wolves to dodge, but still, he climbed higher and higher up into the sky. He went past the trees and the canopy and up into the clouds.


    From up high, Norbert looked down, seeing the slanted world again. Norbert looked up, a tear forming in his eye, able to see the stars again. Looking at the consultations, not a single one was off home, but still, they brought a smile to his face; at least he would have one last victory. With this, he started falling, and down Norbert went. Smile still on his face Norbert looked up.


    Falling, he passed the clouds, the canopy, and the trees, splashing into the river.


    Submerged, Norbert looked around; completely underwater, he looked down and could not see the depths or the sides. He was looking up, and the surface was just a pinprick. Looking around, two yellow balls appeared, each twice his size. Formed out of the water, a wolf appeared, snarling at Norbert. It waited, Norbert snarled back, not caring about the consequences. With a push, both came together, Norbert cocking his arm back, his entire arm glowing purple, pushing out the darkness around him. As his fist connected with the beast, the world turned black.


    ***


    Norbert opened his eyes, staring at an unfamiliar wooden ceiling. Slowly sitting up, his body cried out in pain; falling back, he landed on the bed, a sigh escaping him. Looking around, he was in a small wooden room with a window looking outside. On the right was a chair with his clothes draped over it. Moving around, he found he was still clothed but not in his regular garments, wearing something that could almost be a potato sack. Looking around, nothing else caught his eye in the sparsely decorated room.


    The memories of the fight returned to him, the chase, the conflict and falling into the river. Not knowing how he appeared clothed and in a wooden room, panic rose. Grabbing the sheets, he pulled himself out of the bed. Falling onto the floor with a bang, he looked down at his hands, covered in bandages. Slowly he moved towards the door; just as he was about to reach it, the door swung open, hitting his arm. Pain shot through his entire body, the events from before all were replaying to him at once; all the pain coming back, he screamed. Still aware, he felt his body getting picked up and placed on the bed again, getting tucked in and the little boy watching over him, tears forming in his eyes.

 Chapter 14 Homeless

    Norbert once more returned to consciousness, the sounds of crying echoing from outside. Once more, Norbert looked around, eyes resting on a woman sitting on the chair; his clothes once were on knitting something and singing a tune he did not recognise.


    Slowly sitting up once more, a drummer in his head banging against his skull Norbert looked up at the woman, painting a smile on his face and waving to her, ¡°Hello, thanks for helping me.¡±


    The woman¡¯s head jerked up, looking surprised as she exited the room. Coming back a moment later, she returned with a wooden bowl with steam dancing around the top of the liquid.


    Coming down in front of him, the woman held the spoon up, filled with the thick soup and touched it against Norbert¡¯s lips. Blowing a bit to cool it down, Norbert opened his mouth, leaning forward and swallowing the liquid. The taste of chicken soup filled his mouth, remembering the times he was in the same position with a fever as a child, his mum spooning the liquid in and making sure he would eat every last drop.


    A tear trickled down his face, a smile breaking it, for Norbert would be able to see her again.


    RMMMBLE


    A wave of hunger consumed him, the taste of food kicking his stomach back into overdrive. Not remembering the last time he had a decent meal, Norbert slowly reached out again for the soup, not wanting to be embarrassed and fed anymore. Gesturing with a give me motion, Norbert reached out for the soup, looking up at the woman. A stern look was received back; Norbert looked pleadingly back, but the woman did not budge an inch. Giving up, Norbert leaned back, a smile forming on the woman¡¯s mouth as she began to feed him.


    Warmth consumed his body, starting from his stomach and going to the tips of his toes, radiating out in bursts. Content, Norbert lay down in the bed once more, sleep consuming him, eyes fluttering. Norbert looked out across the room, the woman smiling once more and exiting; with the soft close of the door, Norbert drifted off to sleep.


    ***


    Norbert woke up again, feeling the rumbling in his stomach; looking around, he was once more in an empty room. Looking outside, the shadows lengthened, supposing Norbert had slept through the day.


    Slowly feeling around, the last of his aches had gone. Flexing his right hand, Norbert was surprised to find it was moveable after the abuse he had put it through. Clenching his fist nearly all the way, Norbert sat up, not feeling any dizziness or new residents banging on his skull. He carefully moved each leg out of bed, the cold biting into him as he left the warmness and comfort.


    Slowly standing, Norbert felt his feet on the smooth wooden floorboards, a lighter wood, but not knowing the exact type. Norbert continued, gliding his feet across the smoothness; looking around, Norbert found his clothes once more, sitting neatly on the chair. Carefully he took his clothes off and changed over, feeling good once more being back in his proper clothes.


    Feeling in the pockets, he ensured the coin and the emblem with the stone were still there. Feeling around, Norbert took out the coin to exit the window and slip into the night or great the people of this house, hearing them talk outside the door. About to flip it, Norbert chided himself; what would his mother say if she found out about his current behaviours, she would be appalled.


    He exited the room. Norbert stood at the doorway. Inside was the woman, the little boy and a man, eating the same soup he had with them at the dinner table in the middle of the room. The man looked and indicated the new arrival, the spoons slowly stopping their magical dance as all eyes turned to Norbert. Norbert looked around at the eyes staring back at him. Norbert went and did a slow bow in thanks, not wanting to burden this family any longer. Looking at the wooden floor, only a separate room there. The room not looking that of a town hall, of a prosperous family able to flaunt their wealth. Coming back up, painting a smile on his face, his lips reaching under his eyes, knowing he could not tell them with words the thanks he wanted to give them.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    With that, he started to leave the house, heading for the door.


    A sound escaped out of the rest of the room; not looking back, Norbert placed his hand around the doorknob and opened it onto the cool air, watching the sun set in the distance.


    Slowly stepping out, Norbert looked to the porch outside, and there, sitting on the rail, was Obsius.


    Reaching down, Norbert pattered the bird, cooing and telling him of the journey, sitting down on the porch, legs dangling off the side and looking at the place he was at.


    Houses, all of wooden construction, dotted the hills, following a meandering path next to the river. Looking up the river, Norbert spotted a waterfall spewing water from above.


    Squinting in the half-light, Norbert could see the tops of the trees; with a shudder, he realised what he was looking at, the massive trees that were once up there, surrounding his field of view.


    Eyes travelling back down to the ground, the waterfall came off a plateau, holding the entire forest above. All around, a natural divide, the forest was cut off. The creator comes in and raises it with his fist. As far as the eye could see, the plateau could be seen, only the waterfall on the side breaking it up.


    Eyes wandering back down to the village, Norbert looked to the fields on the side, packed with vegetables and saw the occasional animal grouped up.


    Everything looked familiar and yet different; seeing the sun slowly set, the town once more awoken with lights.


    All along the streets, lamps turned on one by one. Norbert saw them light up, creating a sparkling look in the atmosphere. Looking around, Norbert was happy that such a place could exist so close to the forest of trees.


    Slowly the door behind him creaked open; turning around, Norbert was looking at the little boy, black hair tussled with eyes red. He opened it before, dropping a package off before scurrying back inside, the voices within slowly getting quieter as the door closed.


    Moving towards the door, Norbert looked at the package, unwrapping it. The wrapping, Norbert realised, was a wolf¡¯s pelt, the same stone grey as the last he had seen the wolf. Opening it further, he saw bundles of meat and a couple of bronze coins. Wrapping it back up, Norbert went around the town, seeing the little shrubs, the voices escaping from windows, mostly laughs and a few cries, feet on the dirt road, slowly cacking up dust going towards the denser part of the town.


    As Norbert walked the houses slowly turning from one story to two, signs appeared hanging at the front of doors. Looking around for something that could be an inn, or a pub, hoping to find a stein with liquid on one of them, but sadly for Norbert, he did not.


    Looking back in the town centre was a stone frame leading to nowhere. Resting on the smooth stone, Norbert placed the meat next to him, wrapping himself in his cloak and the wolf pelt, depositing the bronze coins in his pocket with the other coin. Norbert went to sleep, Obsius looking out over him from on top of the portal.


    ***


    Norbert woke up surrounded by voices. Getting up and picking up his things Norbert looked around, people going to and fro from one place to the next. Animals pulling carriages and birds flying around the town were now alive. Looking behind him, Norbert saw the sun well and truly in the sky; looking back at the town, Norbert looked for the next place he could find. Somewhere to sell the meat he has. Walking down the stores with the items on the outside, Norbert passed many until he found what he was looking for, the smell of meat permeating the building and people exiting with small bags wrapped up.


    Upon entering, Norbert could smell the meat, all hanging up, full racks of animals in the process or already butchered, sitting in neat little piles.


    Walking up to the only other person in the room, his knife rising and falling, the sound of bones breaking and meat sliding, placing the knife down, and wiping his hands on his apron at the front, Norbert unable to recognise the original colour. The butcher talked to Norbert, who said sell in return and pointed to the meat on the pile to the coins he put next to it.


    A perplexed look overcame the butcher, trying to figure out what it could be. Pointing towards the meat and himself, then towards the coins and Norbert, after adding dozens more to the pile. Norbert looked up and nodded.


    With understanding, the butcher took the items away and began wrapping them up, adding them to a pile of meat around the shop.


    Bending over, Norbert picked up the coins and counted them; now having forty-five little bronze coins, he placed them in his pocket, now bulging.


    Once more, outside the store, Obsius came and landed on his shoulder; looking back at the little bird, Norbert whispered to himself, ¡°I hope that I didn¡¯t just get ripped off on that deal.¡±


    The bird looked down at him from his shoulder, looking like he was a fool.


    ¡°Oh well then, guess I¡¯m just doing some community service then¡±.


    And with that, the pair left the shop, looking at what to do for the rest of the day and earning more coins if needed.

 Chapter 15 Money, Money, Money

    Norbert watched the people go about their day, waiting for an idea to come to his mind as he paced around in a circle. Seeing if he could make enough to get some shelter for the next couple of nights so he would not need to sleep in the open again. Exiting the town, Norbert looked at what he could do, seeing the many fields filled with vegetables and animals all fenced off; knowing that taking any of those would only result in a bad time, Norbert looked elsewhere for his job prospects.


    But no matter where he went, the place he just exited always loomed. Heading toward the plateau, Norbert made his way into the surrounding forest. Making his way through the bushes, the birds rabbits go past, Norbert realised that there were still the other wolves he had previously fought. Although he did not know how long it would have been since then, there should still be something for him to sell to the town.


    With a plan in mind, Norbert jogged over to the plateau, looking for some way to get to the top. Wishing he had his bag with rope, making at least the next climb if he took it much more accessible, Norbert looked for handholds. Walking around the plateau''s base, the walls jagged, providing enough hand holds for him to climb up if needed.


    Deciding on the rock climbing course where the land went a bit higher, he was, Norbert decided it would be the best spot and started heading up the wall. Grasping at the rock, Norbert pulled himself up, time and time again, finding a ledge to rest on. Norbert stopped climbing over the tree line and looked at the town.


    The river was cutting on the side of it. At its narrowest point, a bridge divided the river, allowing the passage to the other side filled with farms, the little houses dotted throughout the land, forest cupping around the edges, once more leading off into the distance. The trees and animals he had seen down here were not as large, gigantic more accurately, as the ones above on the plateau. Looking at the town again, he could spot the centre where he slept for the night, the butchers next to it and a bit further away, the house that sheltered him for the night. Looking out, he had a smile; such an excellent place for it all to be and so close to the nightmare he just escaped from the previous day.


    Norbert wiped his palms on his pants, ensured the wolf pelt was secure and continued the climb upwards. At the top, he looked once more into the forest; seeing the sun above, he looked out, seeing that he thought there should be plenty of time to make it there and back before the sun went down, at least to get a wolf back. Heading back towards the water fall Norbert jogged his way there, looking for any items that he might be able to collect or use along the way.


    Finding the same leaves as before in the temple that had lightened up the path there, Norbert pocketed them, maybe able to get something of an answer in the town.


    Continuing to jog along the riverbank, Norbert did not know how long he would need to travel, so Norbert made his way across without getting further distracted.


    Looking at the winding river meander across the forest, Norbert was looking for a way to move what he found. Waiting to see how many wolves remained, Norbert continued jogging.


    As the day grew longer, Norbert needed to replenish his thirst from the river, hoping he wouldn''t catch something he continued across. As he continued, he saw the hill up ahead and the cliffs further ahead; slowing down to a walk, Norbert came across the fight, not thinking he would return here.


    Looking at them only one closest to the river was undamaged by outsiders, only what he did that night. The rest had been picked through, moving them around from the blood. Norbert found that at list their fur was mostly intact or would have sections that could be used.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Looking around at the four wolf''s bodies, Norbert came around and looked for them. Knowing his backpack would be much further down the river and not wanting to stay in this place at night in case another beast appeared, Norbert looked around. Not seeing anything that would instantly notice as a way of moving, Norbert picked up one of the bodies, using the wolf pelt as a pouch to tie it to himself; feeling the squelch of guts on his back, shuddering, Norbert set off at a run, heading back to the village and the butcher to sell off what he could of the wolf.


    ***


    Norbert made his way back each time, hiding the wolves at the plateau''s base before heading off again to collect the next one. Having a pile, Norbert went and somehow could pile them all on his back carefully; like this, Norbert carefully made his way back to town, looking for the butcher.


    As he neared the closer parts of town, more and more people started to stare at him and make way for him on the street. Much faster than he thought, he reached the butcher, opening the door but not stepping inside for fear of dropping his load on the ground and making a complete mess on the floor.


    "Hey, how much can I sell you this for?"


    Norbert exclaimed at the butcher, pointing to the items on his back and then at the coins in his hand he could extract from his pocket; the same man as before, with a horrified look, started shouting about something.


    Norbert stood, slowly smiling, not understanding what he was talking about. With a huff, the butcher shouted some more before a kid came from behind Norbert, sticking his head in the door''s crack. The butcher pointed to Norbert, then pointed towards the kid next to him; Norbert exiting the doorway, knowing that he would not be selling his wares here, looked down at him. Before his eyes, the kid rushed onto the street, waving at Norbert to follow.


    Looking now he sighed, having to carry this bundle just that bit more; looking at the street as he followed, he saw several people just milling about, all watching him. Feeling special at the procession he had, Norbert continued to follow the kid.


    The further they walked, the more nervous Norbert became. Were they kicking him out of town, not wanting him anymore, was he just a danger, or were they leading him someplace he needed?


    As he continued with these thoughts, the houses became similar once more before the kid stopped at one very similar with the same little balcony. Obsius moving from Norbert''s shoulder sat once more on the balcony railing, chirping to Norbert and nodding along at the wiseness of the bird, not wanting to get pecked with what he was holding.


    The door opened at the door, and the woman behind, smiled as she talked with the kid. As he left, the woman called back and threw him a copper, the kid catching it before waving again and running away back to the centre of the village.


    Looking up at the woman once more, Norbert saw she was in a flowing red dress, sleeves underneath covering her arms, her black hair tied up in a ponytail behind her, reaching halfway along her back, and her blue eyes twinkling with delight coupled with the smile on the face.


    She stepped off the balcony, talking about something and indicating for Norbert to follow as she approached the house. His back was finally tired, and little liquid started to run down it, Norbert not knowing precisely what it could be but just saying it was sweat. To keep his sanity, Norbert went around the cabin.


    Seeing the back, he was relieved, watching the tanning racks and the man taking apart some animals. The burden now felt like a boulder suddenly, but his victory so close Norbert followed the woman; she stopped suddenly and pointed away from the house. Norbert saw a little nook covered by wood dug into the hill.


    Looking, Norbert saw where other kills were placed, the smell of the carcasses surrounding it. Norbert''s relief washing his back put the pile of wolves on the ground, the weight finally getting off his shoulders. Norbert walked back to the couple, a smile on his face.

 Chapter 16 A New Home?

    Norbert looked at the couple discussing together. Standing sheepishly to the side, he waited for the outcome, hoping it would benefit all. With hands waving between them, an agreement seemed to be made. Once more, the man walked back to his pile and, picked up the knife, continued working.


    The woman came over and indicated once more for Norbert to follow. Into the house from the back, they went. Passing the room and the one he woke up in, the woman knocked on the door; hearing feet pad on the floor, the door slowly opened and out popped the little boy.


    With a smile on his face, the two exchanged words before finally an agreement was made. The woman entered the room, and the boy left it and ran outside to his father. Norbert looked outside, following the little boy and stopping as the door closed behind him. Looking at the room, it was the same as before. Looking around, Norbert went and placed the wolf pelt over a chair; looking at it and seeing it caked with filth, he picked it up again.


    Turning back to the mother, he pointed to the pelt and made washing gestures. Turning to exit, Norbert saw Obsius sitting on the rail, with a flick of his wrist, motioning for the bird to follow the two set off for the river, Obsius sitting in its usual throne, being Norbert''s head.


    Arriving at the river, Norbert felt the water, the hairs on his arms standing up from the chill. First, taking off the pelt, he dipped his hand in the water and rinsed off what he found there. After some time, it was clean enough that it shouldn''t smell anymore. Peeling the shirt off his back, Norbert looked in horror at the atrocities while carrying it. With a breath of air, he once more cleaned it out; when placed in the river, the area around the water went darker. Norbert looked at it with a shock that so much filth could be on a single garment.


    With determination renewed, Norbert continued to scrub it until the water finally was not changing colour around it. Unable to completely clean it off, however, were a couple of spots here and there. Placing it on a rock beside the river, Norbert looked around, making sure nobody else was around before taking off his clothes, so they would remain dry and hopped into the river as well. The cold water engulfed him, making him speed up his work of getting clean as quickly as possible.


    Before realising it, he was back out of the water, wiping himself down with his mostly clean shirt before putting his clothes back on. With no top, Norbert returned to the cabin to dry the clothing items on the rail outside. Obsius was already there waiting for Norbert, not wanting to get wet while he was there, leaving his clothes on the rail to dry. Norbert once more entered the cabin.


    In the area''s kitchen, Norbert assumed the woman was moving items about this way and that. Wondering what she was doing, she suddenly stopped, raised her hands and said something; before his very eyes, a ball of flames appeared in her hand before shooting over to the stove, catching the logs that were there on fire instantly, the pan on top started sizzling, seeing the vapour coming off it.


    Moving towards it, Norbert looked closer at the stove, knowing that the heat transfer through the metal should have taken a lot longer than that. Reaching for it, Norbert held his hand just off the metal, not feeling any heat, he slowly touched it with his finger; when he did, Norbert instantly pulled his finger back out of instinct, expecting the heat to be there, surprised that it was not Norbert stared inquisitively at it, having a look around looking for markings or anything odd that could be happening to cause the reaction.


    Partway through his investigation, he was interrupted by giggling. Turning around, he saw the mother with a smile on her face and trying to hold back her laughter. She slowly stopped at his look of anger, her shoulders no longer shaking. She stared back at him with a twinkling of amusement still in her eye as she returned to cooking.


    Looking over her shoulder, he saw items that should have been familiar, like potatoes, garlic and broccoli, but something was always wrong. The potato''s skin was too tough, and the colour darker than usual. The broccoli looked like broccolini due to the size, but a lighter green, like a lettuce leaf and the garlic was the size of his hand. Amazed at the proportions, he looked at what else was sitting there: the meat. The same as always, with no weird flecks in it, colour oozing out or not glowing in any weird way.


    Relieved that, at least, that was how Norbert looked as she placed the meat on a tray in the oven; Norbert quickly looked inside, dropping onto the ground and seeing some markings at the top before the metal door closed, sealing it off. Norbert quickly got onto his feet and stood before a pot was brought out and placed on the stove, moving the sizzling pan off to the side. The woman poured water from a jug into it before placing the pieces of vegetables and pouring the contents into the pan. With that, she placed the lid on top and turned around to look at him, smiling.


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    Waiting, she just looked at him, feeling like he was a naughty boy again about to get grilled if he didn''t spill. Norbert sighed.


    "You''re not going to understand this, I''m pretty sure, but I hope this is what you''re after. It all started; oh boy, I don''t even know anymore; the switching has wholly done my head in. Has it been a week or a month since I last left here? I couldn''t tell you, and you can''t tell me. But it all started briefly when I was sitting in class, not minding my business, when a light "...


    And Norbert began explaining his story, his ups and downs, finding out that he wasn''t dead when he hit the canopy, travelling through the forest, Obsius and Earth. Norbert kept talking, the mother smiling and nodding along, like she understood everything he was saying, occasionally stirring the pot or checking the meat in the oven.


    Norbert continued speaking, sometimes laughing at the stupidity of what he had found, of these thoughts of this world and glossing over the parts of how he retrieved the wolf. With his story finished, Norbert started talking about his future


    "Are there schools in this place as well? What of religion, and is what you did magic or something else? If so, can it be taught to even someone like me? It would be pretty cool to be able to do magic, creating fireballs and throwing them at foes. But I can already do magic, seeing how much stronger I have gotten. Guess it would just be nice to see something new, experience things I never would be able to, do things for the fun of it" Smiling in contentment, Norbert slowly went quiet, thinking about his future. Hoping that it would be just sunshine and rainbows, but thinking about what his experience in this world has been, Norbert doubted if it could indeed happen.


    With a tap, Norbert was shaken from his little world, the mother holding some plates and indicating to the table. Taking the wooden plates, Norbert set the four out, seeing that he was obviously to stay at least the night here. Hoping that the payment was accepted for however long, it took him to find a way to live in this world, at least he took one worry off his back.


    Placing the cutlery and the cups on the table, it was all set up; smiling at a job well done, he walked back over to retrieve the jug and placed it on the table. With that, the mother took the meat out of the oven, a wave of smells greeting Norbert and making his mouth water.


    With that, she added to the pot and let it simmer for some more time. Knowing it would take some time to cook; Norbert looked outside at the father and son, showing how to tend to the animal. Walking back to the front, Norbert sat once more on the porch; Obsius, still on the rail, looked outside, not bothering to move for him. Feeling his shirt, Norbert was surprised that it was mostly dry. Putting it on himself, he felt relieved to be appropriately clothed again.


    Re-positioning the fur to remain in the sun for the last rays, Norbert felt it, believing it should all be dry again. Sitting with Obsius, Norbert looked out as the sun again came down for another day. Looking at the world as it slowly fell asleep. People in the fields are coming home for the day, shops are closing down, and others are still going strong, pouring in after another long day.


    Breathing in, Norbert lay on the porch, looking at the roof above him. Just waiting and living in the moment, happy for the little bit, and can''t wait for the food that would soon come. The boy appeared in his vision, pulling on his arm and waving inside.


    Turning around, Norbert got up onto his feet and entered, looking at the table before him.


    Looking down, the bowls were being made, and chatter was happening between the people in the room. The boy pulled a chair out and pointed for Norbert to sit in it. Sitting down, he waited expectantly; feeling something on his head, he felt it; on top was once more Obsius, Norbert not realising when it appeared on his head. Obsius started jumping around, waiting for his meal as well.


    The plates arrived, and some bread was brought to the table. When everyone sat down, words were passed around before everyone began eating.


    Reaching for some bread, Norbert broke a portion; the brown bread was hard to break, but a section came off. Holding it up, Norbert carefully placed it on his head, balancing it all. Feeling Obsius move around him felt, it was picked up the bread and started feeling the crumbs fall off.


    Snickering, Norbert ripped a piece off, dunking it in the stew, the vapour coming off. Norbert held it to his mouth, the smell already making him hungry Norbert placed it in his mouth and was transported to the warmth of fire slowly working its way from his mouth to the rest of his body. The rest of the cold he felt from his shirt washed from his mind, the food warming him up like a fire in him. Demolishing the bread, Norbert went for the stew next, swallowing it by the mouthful, not caring about the burns he might be having or the looks he may be receiving.


    After finishing up, Norbert leaned back in his chair, moving Obsius onto the table to have some stew. Sipping on his water, Norbert listened to the conversation happening around him. As the last of the light finished for the day, the boy got out of his chair and brought a device over looking like a lamp; repeating words, the device lit up, bathing the entire room in the light once more, hanging it up on the roof the light flickered over the dining table, the conversation once more continuing.


    Shocked, Norbert stared off into the light, the words washing over him like a blanket until he was directed to the same room as before by the boy; Norbert picked up Obsius''s belly and flopped onto the bed, falling asleep instantly.

 Chapter 17 Relaxation

    "AHHH!"


    A body fell on top of Norbert; he was once more woken from his slumber. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he looked around, expecting to see something of a panic around him. Seeing nothing amiss, he looked around at his latest guest. The boy was lying on top of him, staring at him with a smile and reaching for the covers, trying to pull them off.


    Keeping up resistance, Norbert not wanting to leave the confines of his pillowy domain. Getting off the bed, the boy tried his hardest to pull, face nearly going completely red. Sighing in defeat, not wanting the boy''s mother to get involved, Norbert raised his hand in the air, signalling defeat.


    Grabbing onto the covers tightly with both hands, the boy whipped the covers off the bed, the cool air of the day hitting Norbert all at once. With a shudder, Norbert moved his legs off to the side of the bed, reaching down and putting his shoes on. With a yawn and a stretch, he exited the room, his buddy leading the way. Looking around, Norbert could still see Obsius somehow able to sleep still, silently sitting on the pillow.


    As Norbert looked at the table, he noticed that the food had already been served and was steaming hot in its bowls. Norbert, the last to sit down, looked around, the family once more saying the exact words as before, Norbert trying to follow along but butchering most of it. Still, Norbert thought he received a slight nod from the father, some recognition finally. He wouldn''t be kicked out of the cabin tonight, at least.


    Finishing up, Norbert looked around while sipping his water. Watching the rest of the family finish eating one by one, Norbert rose from his chair and quickly picked up the rest of the bowls and cutlery, making his way to the sink and washing them.


    Instinctively Norbert''s hands went to the top of the sink to turn the taps on, only to find no tap to turn on, only the faucet. Looking expectantly around him could not see anything poking out from it. Looking back, Norbert saw everyone looking at him, all smiling at the situation. With a pleading face, Norbert looked from one person to the next. The father, a slight smirk on his face, the mother grinning from ear to ear, not wanting the moment to end, and the son looking back, mouth open wide, that someone would not be able to see something he deemed so obvious.


    Quickly the son shot from the chair and ran towards the sink. Looking again, he pressed to an area on the right of the faucet, and water started shooting out into the sink like magic. With that, Norbert started washing, the boy next to him drying the plates and putting them away in his cupboards. As the bowls were cleaned, the water pressure started to die until nothing was left. With confidence, Norbert pressed the area the boy previously indicated, and nothing happened.


    Confusion once more overcame him. Norbert thought with what he had seen, magic would be possible. Looking into himself, Norbert closed his eyes, trying to feel what the tap was trying to pull. Feeling something stir within him, it slowly made its way to the sink, only to fall apart when it did, and still, nothing happened. Now everyone in the room''s jaws dropped open, not believing that it could not be done. Once more, the little boy walked towards the sink and pressed, water shooting out instantly; Norbert quickly finished off the cutlery, rinsing down the sink and washing his hands, moving to the side and indicating the boy to wash them.


    Hearing a sigh, the boy again stuck his hands and moved them around. With an expression saying, "There happy?"


    With a smile, Norbert turned around to judge the parents'' reaction. Both of them were still staring, not believing what had occurred.


    Wetness came down his back. Quickly turning around, Norbert looked behind him, the boy''s hands up in the air; pulling a face, the boy ran out the back door. Smiling, he ran out of the cabin, making sure not to slam the door when closing, leaving the couple to their thoughts.


    Outside, breathing in the air, the boy ran up the hill, clothes flapping behind him. Not wanting to be beaten, Norbert rushed up the hill, yelling as loud as he could. The boy turned around and started laughing further away from the cabin. Looking ahead, making sure he could always see the boy Norbert saw bushes and grassland, little animals like rabbits scurrying this way and that, being scared at the noise he was creating. Spotting things he would never have, prints etched into the ground, the claw marks of animals pushing off.


    Twigs falling and cracked, and the smells of the forest, something that was indeed alive. Looking back once more, Norbert was surrounded by bushes and pathways dividing them. Looking around, Norbert had lost track of the boy. A head popped up a little to his left; grinning, the boy started chanting something, a little ball of water appearing in his hand before he threw it at Norbert. Stunned at what he once more saw, Norbert was hit with the water right in the face.


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    Splattering onto him, it slowly dripped down onto his shirt. Slowly opening his eyes, a grin forming; Norbert looked at the boy, who suddenly gulped. Quickly Norbert leapt over a bush running to the boy''s last known location. In response, the boy dropped back down to the obscured ground, the bushes around him shaking around Norbert as he looked.


    When Norbert arrived at the boy''s location, he popped up from his right, water already in hand once more, throwing it; Norbert started to move to the side before stopping and letting him get hit, a laugh filling the air around him. He raced off towards the boy once more, giggling from both sides.


    Norbert saw both parents leave the cabin through the back as the two chased each other. The father, wearing a bow and knife strapped to himself, stalked up the hill, going past and further into the bushes, like the son quickly crouching down and disappearing. Turning back to the house, Norbert saw the mother and waved at her, receiving a smile and a wave in return, before getting hit in the back of the head once more drenched with water, a teasing tone coming from behind him.


    With a final wave, Norbert turned again and ran towards the boy when he finally caught him, not letting him escape. More running happened as the boy started to slow down. Norbert saw that he was somehow able to make the bushes move without being there, and a quick flash of fabric was able to pin the boy down on the ground. On top of him, Norbert, covered in water dripping from head to toe, looked down like a wolf on a lamb, grinning and showing teeth. Norbert placed his hands on the boy''s side and started tickling him. Screams echoed from both of them.


    The boy struggled as hard as he could trying to escape, but Norbert had none of that, the resulting movements only digging the boy into the ground, making it harder and harder to escape. For what felt like hours, Norbert tickled him, laughing harder and harder as he saw the kid squirming away, slowly the boy curled up.


    Knowing it was enough, Norbert let up slowly before falling back on the ground next to the boy, staring at the cloudless sky. Happy, the laughs slowly died down, and the breathing returned to normal. Norbert stared up at the sky above him, not knowing if he was covered in sweat or water anymore.


    Looking at the insects buzzing by, from bush to bush, Norbert is not tracking them, just letting them zip by. Seeing the occasional bird come by, the weirdest one he had seen was extremely long and had four wings next to each other, looking more like a dragonfly from Earth rather than something a bird should be able to do.


    After resting, the boy quickly got up, pulling Norbert again and returning to the cabin. Smiling, Norbert followed, passing the pile where he placed the wolf bodies; what was once just a bundle of bodies was now carefully chopped pieces of meat and some of the fur neatly in a pile, nicely folded. Looking around, Norbert saw the one completely hanging up, looking to be drying at the moment; not sure of the process, Norbert continued following.


    Looking around, seeing if anything else was happening, Norbert saw the father come back, holding something that looked like rabbits from their ears and the typical size of them; looking at them closely, Norbert was able to make out instead of the usual buck teeth it had incisors sticking out. This was not something made to eat plants but meat. Looking towards the forest, Norbert wondered what else he could find out there, other strange items he could consume, other strange places waiting for him to explore.


    Feeling the skin pull tighter as Norbert smiled at what the future could bring, Norbert looked once at his path. Standing outside was the mother, a look Norbert had seen many times, knowing they were about to get into trouble. As they both stood next to the house, the mother started scolding them, looking down from the steps.


    Even though he did not know the words being said, it did not hurt him any less; with each sentence, their smiles started to drop, Norbert turning once more into a boy being scolded. He looked towards the ground slowly, hoping for it to be done.


    CLAP


    With a clap of her hands, the mother''s face brightened, looking happy that her ideas were met. Showing them both away, she also walked down. The boy ran off and stood in a spot, indicating Norbert to follow. Looking at the two of them, he followed the boy, who was standing spread-eagled.


    Copying the same position, Norbert looked at the mother as she smiled again before she began talking and holding her hand out. First, a torrent of water hit them, washing away any dirt and sweat that may have stuck to their clothes or bodies. Looking in surprise, Norbert started to walk off; turning around, he was stopped by the boy holding his hand, shaking his head.


    With a sigh, Norbert retook the position, standing there and waiting before the mother began chanting. Holding both hands out, the air whipped towards him, blowing his clothes. The longer he stood still, the warmer the air began, until Norbert started to see steam coming off the both of them.


    It stopped as quickly as it started, leaving Norbert bewildered at what had just happened. He was cleaner than when he went off that day, cleaner than how he cleaned himself. Staring at the mother, Norbert slowly squinted his eyes, looking and trying to read her. With a smile, knowing she could have cleaned him the other day, she turned around, waiting for the two boys to follow her. For Norbert had quite thoroughly been schooled.

 Chapter 18 Magic *no hand waving*

    Entering the house, Norbert looked around, the boy making his way towards the table and pulling out a chair. Also heading towards the table, Norbert sat down in his usual chair. The mother returned from the parent''s room, holding a book. She picked up her usual chair and slid it between the currently occupied chairs before taking a seat and presenting the book. Looking once more at the writing, it looking familiar, Norbert dismissed it and looked at the cover. On it showed a swirling ball of water hovering over a landscape of green; the cover itself was red, with what looked like indents of swirling flames around it. Opening the book, Norbert looked at the first page, diagrams showing and words written around it.


    Looking at the diagrams, they were circles with what looked like runes written in them, lines going through at what seemed like odd angles. The mother started talking to the son, pointing things out at the diagram, and the son copying it with his finger the pattern that it was making. Carefully, he copied it onto the table, drawing it out again.


    Stopping, the boy closed his eyes, chanting under his breath as the light appeared on the tip of his finger. With an immense look of concentration on the boy''s face, he began writing on the table. After the first few motions, Norbert saw what he was trying to replicate what he had seen in the book. Holding his breath, Norbert waited in excitement at what could happen. As the boy completed what looked like the last rune needed, he smiled, looking up at his mother expectantly. With a chide, she chanted again, a blue light appearing on her finger as she corrected the diagram again. With a flourish, the air started to move around the room, constantly blowing away from the circle.


    With amazement, Norbert looked at what he had just witnessed, magic. He had seen magic, which was a magic book of sorts. Quickly Norbert stood from the table; looking at the stove, he walked over to it. Opening the door, he placed his head at the bottom and looked up, showing what he was looking for. Another circle appeared around at the top, with the same lines there. Norbert looked and traced his fingers, trying to find a pattern that would allow the heat to be absorbed and directed above him. Norbert looked around again, Not seeing any pattern as he began crawling back out.


    Closing the stove, Norbert looked towards the direction of the sink. He stood up. Once more, feeling if there was anything there, now knowing what to look for, it was a solid piece of wood, slowly gliding against his fingers and shining back at him, not showing any of its secrets. Sitting on the floor, Norbert opened the wooden cupboards, seeing the plates sitting there with a pipe going out the centre and towards the back. Looking towards the back, Norbert saw a metal box there, painted in solid black. Confusion surrounded Norbert, not knowing how that black box would allow it. Looking, he saw a pipe flow from it out to the faucet above. Looking to the right, Norbert saw two wings extending out the side. Looking at it, Norbert realised what was happening.


    By holding your finger on at the top, you would direct your magic, which would then flow into the device and release water. The run-off was exciting; Norbert did not know exactly where it would go as he did not see any pipes coming out from outside the cabin. Excited that maybe he had figured out what to do, Norbert once more put his finger over the point and closed his eyes. Feeling around himself, he waited for it to happen; that feeling came once again, more sluggish than before. Coaxing it towards his finger, it took all his patience not to give up, hoping he could also do magic. Sweat started to fall off Norbert''s forehead, his finger slightly wavering with concentration, but still, he persisted. Finally, it curled to his finger, and as it came just to the point, about to break out and into the magic circle, it fled away, dashing again into the centre of his body before disappearing inside, not feeling anything else.


    Grabbing the sink, Norbert bent forward, feeling a tear roll down his cheek. Norbert stared down into the sink drain, and his tear dropped as a second replaced it. Thoughts swirled through his head, knowing he was now trapped in a magical land with the great equaliser being magic. The place had no technology that he could see and couldn''t take anything from Earth, even if he did manage to require it. Looking down, Norbert moved his hand and pulled his phone out of his pocket, the light frozen on the time and date he left it with his pizza.


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    Knowing that anything could get him now, he thought back to what he had done, his slight increase in strength now looking useless; he would never be able to be one of the greats in this world. No, conquer or ruler, no great that can take on even the gods themselves. Just someone that may as well stay in this village. Thinking back to what he had seen, at least he had seen and that he had arrived, thinking back to earlier this day and the bird with four wings, the mystery that could still be found here.


    He was thinking back to Earth with what seemed like plainness now, of going out to uni and hanging with friends, eating pizza. Remembering the pizza still waiting for him, Norbert realised that even on Earth, he would not be a billionaire with his Forbes 500 company. The reality sank in that he was once more in the same position, just a man going through his life, not extraordinary in any regard, thinking his lack of magic nullified his increased strength.


    He thought that he would survive in this new world, that it would not get the best of him and that he would see what it had to offer. Wiping the tears from his eyes, Norbert turned around, the son looking at his book, the mother pointing at a new page. With a sad smile, she looked back, having known from yesterday this would happen. Patting the empty chair he left, Norbert closed the cupboards, breathing deeply again. Norbert sat down and looked at the book with the circles. If he could not use this, the least he could know is about them because he never knew when it could come in handy.


    ***


    With the book''s closing, the mother told the boy he could go; the mother stood up, taking the book with her. Holding his hand to stop her, Norbert looked up and tapped at the book. Looking back at him, she placed the book on the table, spinning it around to face him. Looking once more at the cover, he understood what it depicted, the classical elements looking back, fire, water, earth and air.


    Opening it, Norbert looked once more at the spell he saw. Looking at the symbols and trying to memorise what they looked like, Norbert went to the next page. Seeing something looking entirely different, new runes marked it and lines all over. Quickly flipping through, Norbert looked through the rest of the book, trying to understand and look at sections. As he flipped through, nothing came together, all looking like a jumbled mess. Closing the book, Norbert would wait until he learnt the language, hoping the text around it would indicate what each circle could do.


    Standing up, Norbert looked towards the empty room where the mother and son could have gone. Looking around, Obsius flew inside the just-opened door, both of them returning. Quickly the mother washed her hands in the sink, drying them with some words before standing next to Norbert; needing to look up slightly, he handed the book out towards her, giving her a deep bow when she took it. She took the book and headed to her room once more, returning wearing a jumper.


    Looking out the front, the boy was already there, looking at Obsius and trying to pat the bird. Obsius, not liking the attention, tries to bat the boy''s fingers away. The air produced blew against his face; he tried again, giggling. Obsius looking annoyed, saw Norbert step outside; seeing a way to escape the little demon, he flew on top of Norbert''s head and beamed down at the boy, flapping his wings, trying to egg him on and showing that he could not get it no matter what.


    Stepping further outside, Norbert looked; it would have been past noon, he assumed, looking at the sun. Turning again, he saw the son run forward, already on the path heading to the heart of the village. The mother is also looking and walking, and Norbert is shrugging his shoulders.


    Up the path they went, after a hundred meters, the group stopped. The mother walked towards one of the houses; she knocked on the door; another lady opened up, and the two began talking to each other and waving their hands in enthusiasm at having met. Waiting by the fence, Norbert looked at the boy, crouched and fiddling with the long grass shoots poking out. With a wave, the mother returned, pointing for Norbert to follow. Walking forward, Norbert followed the two women around the house to an alcove, where a cart sat.


    It was a small thing, Norbert assuming to be hand pushed, looking at the two poles sticking forward, currently in the dirt. Having a flatbed, only the railings on the side keeping items in, and a hatch at the back. He was looking at the wooden construction with only two wheels. Walking forward, Norbert brushed past the two ladies, talking to each other as he picked it up and made his way outside, both looking with shock on his face. Holding it up with one hand, he indicated for the mother to hop on, the boy not needing even to be told as he made he scrambled his way on.


    With a sigh and a shake of her head, the mother said some last words before once more stepping into the cart, and with that, they were off. The wheels crunched on the dirt, finding the already ruts in the road from the carts that went previously; Norbert headed once more towards the centre.

 Chapter 19 A Trip to Town, Pt 1

    Norbert walked along the path, the boy jumping around and pointing at things. Obsius stared at him, ensuring he wouldn''t get past without warning. Once more, walking to the centre of town was more straightforward than last time, being pointed many things and people waving towards them as they walked across their path.


    Norbert looked and could make out things here and there that he passed last time. The little signs of magic and lights spread throughout the area. Poles were sticking up at weird times, and some engravings were on fence posts near the bottom. Tools he walked past had engravings. Squinting, Norbert even noticed some of the rooves having them placed in areas, all of them having it near the side, assuming it would be to collect the water falling on them when it rained; Norbert saw it go into containers on the side of some houses.


    In others, the pipes continued going into the fields, barns, or other steads to hold animals in. Looking around, Norbert saw no stone being used for building, only seeing the same type of dark wood being used. All expertly smoothed and not a speck of dust on it. Breathing in, Norbert was happy to breathe in the air again. As he grew closer to town, he stopped seeing gardens in the front, either filled with bushes with some fruits on them or just grass throughout, forming instead to be closer to the path and have two stories.


    The ones like this usually had signs out the front, Norbert assuming it was the wares they were selling. The wooden signs hanging passed his eye one after the other. Still, Norbert saw some two-story houses with a garden at the front, generally with a fence and a gate surrounding it.


    However different the house looked, the people were still much the same, smiling and shouting at the pair behind him as he made his way across. Rattling around on the side, Norbert had to sometimes make way for other carriages being pulled by beasts.


    Looking at them, they seemed like cows, but in the usual regard, it was different, having the elongated facial structure like that of a horse while its ears flapped down over its head like a golden retriever. Slowly it plodded past Norbert; looking at the back, it was filled with food items, the most he had ever seen and such a wide variety. Looking back as it passed, the other driver reached down, picked up what Norbert assumed was an apple and tossed it to the boy behind him. Shouting something, the boy smiled and waved to the gentleman on the other cart.


    With a wave and words from the mother, the cart passed; Norbert had to put some effort in to get the cart back on the road due to the loose dirt before continuing through the town. Thankfully, they only passed a couple more carts that he had to pull over, some with items like furniture and some with freshly pulled crops. As Norbert continued towards the town more people stood on the side, blatantly staring at him as he walked across the path.


    Seeing that they were nearly at the butcher, the mother climbed over to him and pointed at it, signifying wanting to head over there. Pointing towards and making sure nobody was around, Norbert headed in the direction as he stopped Obsius flying off his head, landing on the door frame and standing in the middle. Watching the son jump off the cart, about to run off before his mother called him back. Holding out his hand, he held it for the mother, who gracefully jumped off the cart, not needing assistance.


    Inside, the pair of them walked, Norbert slowly putting the cart down the road and looking around. Realising that he was in town for the first time with someone able to buy items for him without him being blindsided, Norbert patted his pockets. Only feeling his phone and the talisman, Norbert remembered leaving them in the room he sleeps; due to the number of coins he was carrying, it was too bulky in his pockets.


    He realised this was what coin pouches were made for, and he had nothing like that. Adding it to his mental list of today buying a coin pouch or something similar so he could take the meagre amount he had with him. Interrupting his thoughts, the woman exited with a smile, carrying nothing in return. Norbert picked up the cart while the pair climbed on board again; turning around, Norbert looked at the woman, waving around to ask what the next place to go would be.


    Holding a hand to wait, Norbert looked around to see what could happen. Around the side of the butcher shop, the butcher appeared again, holding meat packages. All finely wrapped in what looked like paper or something similar to keep them clean in the travel, Norbert saw him load it on before returning and returning.


    He returned two more times, the cart bed nearly filled with meat. He was looking back and raising an eyebrow about why the small family would need that much meat when the father was some hunter. Getting only a smile in response, that twinkling in the mother''s eye knowing he had made a mistake she pointed down the path again. Pulling out in the street, Norbert called out to Obsius, who had just opened an eye before closing it again.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert continued on the path, "Oh well, I will probably pick him up on the way back."


    As they continued across, the path was busier and busier, Norbert needing to slow down for the people there. Looking ahead, Norbert saw why; about a dozen stalls ranged out neatly in a field on the side. Everyone had their space and showed the food they had. Each contesting towards who had the better prices. Some of them were standing on boxes and pointing at their items. Others have megaphone-looking devices, talking through them and the sound magnifying. While others were doing some tricks for the kids, hoping to quell the parents into buying their food. Upon seeing the crowd of children, sounds came from behind Norbert once more; turning around, a discussion between parent and child was happening.


    Looking at the two of them, the boy jumped off the cart with a smile and lots of nodding and ran into the crowd of children. Waiting for the next place, the mother pointed towards one of the stalls, seeing the currently small amount of meat there and the woman tending it, realising it was the butcher''s stall. Heading towards the direction, now realising the crowd was staring at him as it parted, Norbert made his way to the stall. Words were exchanged, and hugs were given; seeing that he would be stopping here, Norbert placed it on the ground before slowly taking the items and handing them to her. With the cart finally empty, Norbert looked towards the mother at what to do next.


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    Pointing to the side of the stall, Norbert moved the cart across, leaving the two women talking to each other. Seeing that he was now at the end of it, no more stalls to his right, Norbert looked out across the tiny field with no stalls, having children run across and playing games. With a smile at the youth, Norbert looked further across, seeing one more plateau standing there, high above the walls looking the same as always.


    The green grass is vibrant, and looking at the river cut across the land, the other side of the fields, people are still working there, tilling the land and tending to the crops. Looking slightly to the left, Norbert saw the bridge connecting both sides. Looking at the waterfall once more, not believing the drop he had made while holding onto the wolf unconscious, the feeling of the water sent shivers down Norbert''s spine. Looking, Norbert wondered when he was picked up from the river, thankful for whoever was kind enough to do so.


    Following his eyes, it was lost, hidden by the other stalls and the crowd. Looking at the crowd, Norbert was confused, being the only person his age around, seeing several he would judge a couple of years younger and even a few several years older Norbert looked confused, seeming to see nobody in the 18-24 range, thinking that they must be out in the fields or working Norbert put it to rest.


    The mother headed towards him and stood beside him; Norbert went and picked up the cart, looking expectantly at the next place to go; the woman shook her head; as Norbert was about to lower the cart, she also shook her head, indicating to continue to hold it.


    The two of them standing in the crowd, Norbert realised he hadn''t talked to anyone sheltering him, not even knowing their names. Face palming himself, the slap caused the mother to look towards Norbert, thinking back to the lack of manners he would have gotten from his mother. Norbert pointed to himself, saying, "I''m Norbert", before pointing to the mother expectantly.


    A strange look took her face; again, Norbert pointed towards himself, saying "Norbert" before pointing back.


    The mother, now pointing towards Norbert, repeated the exact words before pointing to herself and saying, "Helga."


    Norbert repeated the name, hoping he wasn''t having any inconsistencies when using it and forming links to a name he already knew.


    Getting a smile and a nod, Norbert was happy that at least he knew the mother''s name and didn''t need to call her "Mother" only.


    Pointing towards the crowd, Norbert pointed towards the son before pointing towards himself, saying Norbert, to Helga saying "Helga", then at the son expectantly. With understanding, Helga said, "Nassan", repeating Norbert got a smile and a nod of the head in return.


    As the conversation died down, Helga was approached by people, looking to the side but paying attention to the conversation now, not just drowning it out in his thoughts like usual he heard the mother''s name and his name called multiple times. Partway through the conversation, coins were exchanged from one person to the other, sometimes to Helga, other times towards the other. Helga indicated that fruits and vegetables were being exchanged to Norbert, who took the product and placed it in the cart behind him. Like this, it continued throughout the day, the food they were storing slowly getting more and more until the cart was packed to the point of overflowing.


    As the last people of the day slowly died down, Norbert looked out towards where all the shop owners came together and talked about business, and he assumed a prosperous time. Seeing the other kids run off to their parents, Nassan joined him at the side, not wanting to listen to the conversation. Pointing towards Nassan, Norbert said, "Hi Nassan, son of Helga, did you have fun?" with a wave.


    Shook Nassan looked back at Norbert, confused. With a laugh, Norbert then pointed towards himself, repeating "Norbert" before pointing back to Nassan and saying, "Nassan."


    Comprehension and looking embarrassment Nassan said back. Norbert assumed a greeting, placing his name in there.


    With Helga coming back, they both started walking towards the exit.


    Looking perplexed, Norbert shouted, "Helga, Nassan, get on the back; it''s lightweight."


    While pointing towards the back of the carriage.


    With looks of concern and scepticism, both sat on it, finding space for only their legs; they sat on the railings on the side. Finally, everyone was there. Norbert made his way out of the path, careful not to be too bumpy and knock something off. Making their way back to the doorframe at the town centre, Norbert slowed down to stop, calling for Obsius. With a flutter of wings, Obsius landed on his shoulder, Norbert getting a peck on his ear. For the amount of time he waited, Norbert was sure.


    Looking back at Helga, Norbert pointed at the ground around him, trying to encapsulate the town.


    Pointing towards himself, Norbert repeated the names, wanting the town''s name.


    With understanding, Helga said the word "Flare-dew."


    He repeated it several times until Norbert pronounced it correctly.


    With a smile and quickening his pace, Norbert returned home.


    At the cabin, Norbert helped them unpack the items, a tarp already pulled out on the side of the house. Norbert unloaded the goods onto it with the help of the father.


    With darkness consuming them once more, Norbert picked up the now empty cart and walked out after receiving a nod in return from the mother.


    Pointing towards the house, they picked up the cart. Norbert headed back out, passing once more on the path.


    Placing the cart outside the house, Norbert knocked on the door; of the lady before opening it; Norbert pointed towards the cart, and then towards the shelter it came from. With a nod and a smile, the lady stepped out. Picking up the cart, Norbert headed towards the shelter. Hearing a whinny from inside, Norbert assumed it was a barn instead.


    Opening it again, Norbert looked inside and saw one of the cow-horse animals from earlier.


    Surprised, Norbert went and placed, the lady turning on a lamp she held for him to see. Looking at the walls, he could see a tackle on one side. Looking at one piece that looked like a pin, Norbert thought it was strange to pin something with no cart to do it. Placing the handle down on the ground once more, Norbert saw a hole in the handle; with horror at what happened throughout the day, Norbert also picked up the pin, able to slide it in the perfect fit before the two secured together.


    With horror, Norbert looked around, realising that he had carried the cart around for half the day for nothing.


    Laughter could be heard from the lady as she walked over to give Norbert a pat on the back. Picking up the last bit of courage, Norbert headed to the carriage, waiting at the door and breathing in, knowing the looks he would have received as he headed through the doors.

 Chapter 20 A Trip to Town, Pt 2

    Norbert opened the door, and, looking in, something different caught his eye. Lifted from the floor was a trap door he missed before when looking at the room. Walking in, Norbert could see magic circles all around it from the underside, all bisected in the middle and looking at different shapes. Walking closer, he saw Nassan''s head poke out the top. There he waved Norbert over, exclaiming his name to his parents. Looking down the trap door, Norbert saw steps leading down. Poking his head, Norbert saw two lamps on the ground, shining on the room below.


    Looking at it, Norbert was surprised at the extent of the room. He could see a small amount of it blocked by the shelves. Peering his head further inside, Norbert looked from one end to the other, swivelling his head around. Quickly Norbert raised his head and looked around the cabin. Confirming it, Norbert stuck his head down again, not believing the underground room he had been sitting on top of was even larger than the cabin. He guessed it would be inside the perimeter of what he classified as the cabin''s land. Looking down, he saw it went further down, at least twenty meters.


    Moving his head out of the way, Norbert went down the ladder; looking around, Norbert found Helga and her husband already down there. Looking around, Norbert saw it was all food items. What he thought of as fruits, vegetables, and meats were all down here. All bundled on their shelves made of wood. Inspecting a shelf closely, Norbert saw that it had magic circles of minimal size littered throughout it.


    Looking down the shelves to the floor, he saw bigger ones etched into the stone at his feet; looking down at the stone now, he looked across the floor, not believing his eyes. This was the first time he had seen the use of stone, and it looked splendid, looking marble smooth, the only indents being from the magic circles and lines connecting them. Stepping back and onto the ladder, Norbert, knowing what he was looking for, could see that everything here was covered in magic circles of varying size and complexity.


    Looking at it further, Norbert noticed it was the same as before, all around trying to show it. Turning around, Norbert saw the other half of the circles on the trap door on the underside, realising they were completed when it was shut. Looking around, Helga returned, heading towards the steps he was on.


    Backing up the steps, Norbert stood there, waiting for Helga to come upstairs. Stepping together, they went out the front door towards the pile of food, which was much smaller than before. Helga gave some items for Norbert to carry, and while taking some for her, the two headed down into the cellar. Once down there, Norbert followed Helga to a shelf that she pointed out a shelf. Placing the items on it, he could see other similar kinds with some meat wrapped up on its shelf.


    Looking further, all of them had rows of items on the rows of shelves. Moving around, Norbert looked closer at the walls. Pressing his hand, it felt slightly cool to the touch. Looking at the floor, Norbert watched around the room. The entire thing was excellent, and no water or cracks were seen. Returning to the exit, Norbert went up the stairs once more and picked up the food left, bringing it all down into the cellar.


    Once it was finished, Helga confirmed the correct placement of all the items, going past the rows of shelves before reaching the stairs and giving a satisfying nod that everything was in order; she exited from the top. Placing the hatch back down, Helga knelt and placed her hand on it, chanting once more, and light appeared from her hand, once more a flash before the trap door melded into the rest of the floor, appearing like it was no longer there. Slowly Helga got to her feet, standing up straight; Norbert went down and looked, feeling where the crack should have been but seeing nothing of the sort. At least appeasing his lack of knowledge, Norbert stood up, seeing Helga sitting on the chair.


    Norbert looked around, seeing it was nighttime outside, the sun just about to set. Norbert looked and saw no food on the table or being made. Heading towards the kitchen area, Norbert rolled up his sleeves before getting started. Following the same steps as before seeing she had done, Norbert put a pot on the stove, calling for Nassan to come over and directing him to start the fire; shaking his head, Norbert quickly went outside, finding any loose twigs and branches and sticks to start the fire.


    Placing it on the wood, Norbert once more directed and moved his hands, mimicking fire. Walking around, Nassans father came forward; moving the sticks around, he said a chant before fire formed and shot out, starting the leaves and slowly catching the rest. Happy that it had started, Norbert closed the door, confirming that the pot was boiling.


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    Putting a pan on the side, Norbert found the meat, cutting it into cubes as it sizzled. Norbert placed the vegetables he remembered from the other day in the pot, letting it boil. Once the meat was cooked, Norbert put it into the pot, closing the lid and letting it all come together. Opening up cupboards, he looked for wine or something to add; pulling out random bottles, sniffing and tasting them, Norbert found one that tasted close enough to wine.


    Turning around, he showed it to the family, giving it a thumbs up or down. Receiving a thumbs up from the mother, still looking a little white, Norbert went and tasted a bit, confirming it was similar enough to red wine and, hoping he wouldn''t get thrown out, poured some into the pot. Finding some spices, Norbert also tried them until he found the salt and poured it in there, believing in the wonders that are salt. Letting it sit again, Norbert waited for it to finish cooking while sitting at the table. Looking outside towards the end, Norbert smiled, thinking days like this would be good.


    After some time, Norbert got up and tasted it, confirming it was all cooked with the meat. He brought out five bowls, dishing them out and only putting a small amount in for Obsius. Retrieving the cutlery, he placed them on the table with the bowls before sitting down once more.


    Calling out for Obsius, the bird came inside, sitting down at the table at the last bowl beside Norbert. Looking around at everyone, a smile on his face, Norbert went and listened to the prayer being said by the rest of the family, trying to memorise the sounds so he could say it next time.


    With it concluded, the rest of the family looked around. Norbert tasted a bit, was happy with the flavour and gave a thumbs up. Looking sceptical, the father took a bite before getting a second and a third. Quickly he picked up the bowl and started scooping it into his mouth. Seeing that at least one person liked it, the rest were hesitant and had a bit before eating, though with little enthusiasm.


    With it finished, Norbert cleaned up again, Nassan helping as well. With everything cleaned, the two returned to the table, Norbert happy at seeing some of the colour return to Helga''s face.


    With that, Norbert headed towards his room; the father called out his name, and turning around, he pointed again to the chair. Saying Nassan''s name, the boy went off to the room Norbert usually slept in; the father looked at Helga, saying some words to confirm she was okay before assisting her to their room. Sitting and waiting until the father returned, he headed towards the door, picking up a lamp and beckoning for Norbert to follow.


    Heading outside into the cool night air Norbert followed the father up the path and into town. Still forgetting his coins, Norbert was annoyed, but knowing there was some reason for heading this way, Norbert followed the father.


    The night having some mysticism about it, knowing what was hidden behind the fog of darkness. Only the lights from the houses marked the path, the blowing grass on the side catching the light, sending infinite shadows outside. Knowing that he did not know the creatures that walked the night, Norbert followed closely to the father. Closer into town, they went until they stopped at a two-story house with a sign on the front; realising they were at some store, Norbert heard the sounds of cheering and laughter inside.


    The father placed his hand on the lantern, stopping the light it produced. Looking back at Norbert, he pointed at him, saying Norbert, before pointing to himself, saying "Cossan" Norbert repeated the word and got a confirmation nod before Cossan opened the door.


    Instantly Norbert was flooded by light, the sound from inside enveloping him. Hearing a cheer of "Cossan" throughout the bar, with a replying somehow even louder cheer from Cossan, he stepped in.


    Norbert looked around and confirmed it to be a pub filled with men drinking from wooden mugs. Stepping in, Norbert tried to shrink down, but he heard multiple shouts of "Norbert" throughout the pub before he could.


    Looking around and smiling, Norbert cheered back, not trying to say any words knowing that it would be useless. Stepping into the pub, the door closing behind him, a fist came forward, holding a tankard of something. Looking and seeing that Cossan was holding it and picking it up, Norbert had a taste. With a smile of a familiar taste of bear, Norbert looked around, everyone going silent until you could hear a pin drop in the room. Slowly Norbert raised it towards his mouth before smiling and tipping it down.


    Glug, glug, glug


    The only sound that could be heard in the room. Norbert raised it, finishing the entire cup in one go before placing it back down and sighing in contentment.


    With a sigh, the silence broke; cheers engulfed the bar even louder. With cheers surrounding them and pats on the back, Norbert was given another, holding it out once more for the crowd. Norbert looked around, waving his hand in a down gesture, once more quieting down.


    Gulping air in preparation, Norbert quickly pulled the pitcher up to his mouth and chugged it down as quickly as he could before slamming it down on the table closer to him. Once more, everyone just stared, the crowd getting louder. Looking around, Norbert saw that even the bartenders were cheering as well.


    Norbert knew he would regret the decisions made tonight when he next woke up.

 Chapter 21 River Time Fun

    Norbert opened his eyes, waiting for the pounding in his head to start. Looking around, Norbert felt nothing. Slowly getting up, not wanting to ruin his luck, he carefully leaned off the bar, looking around and seeing everyone still sleeping.


    All around the pub, people had just fallen unconscious from the night before; looking around, even the barman had lied down on his bar, somehow able to sleep standing up. Carefully Norbert stood up, not wanting to disturb anyone sleeping. Carefully he leaned over, looking for water to quench his parched throat. Finding a pitcher filled with something that looked like water, Norbert tasted it instantly, spitting it out, for it was not water but some alcohol that burned his throat. Looking down at the amount left, Norbert shook his head, not believing the craziness that must have transpired.


    As the alcohol hit his tongue, memories of last night briefly flashed before his eyes. Most of it was him downing mug after mug of alcohol, surprised at the amount he had taken, and getting into drinking games with everyone in the pub until there was only the bartender left, which brought out the last liquid he had, which sent both of them over.


    Looking at the bar again, Norbert found his prized water, chugging it down as quickly as possible, his mouth finally hydrating after the other night. Sighing in contentment at his thirst being quenched, the door to the pub banged open, and a woman Norbert did not recognise was staring at all of them. Groaning started coming from the men, having woken up from their activities from last night.


    As the woman looked over the pub of groaning men, her eyes locked on him, staring and looking for answers.


    ¡°Hey, my name is Norbert, and you won¡¯t understand what I¡¯m saying, so look for someone else to get an explanation from¡­ Please?¡±


    Having opened his mouth, the woman¡¯s face turned as red as a tomato. The following words coming out next Norbert did not understand but knew enough that everyone here would be in trouble. Taking the words, the men around started getting up, only to whimper and go back down when the woman¡¯s berating fell on them.


    After what felt like hours, she stopped. Seeing a chance to make amends at least, Norbert looked around for a mug with water; holding it out quickly to her, she thanked him, taking a chug before continuing. Norbert said a quick prayer to Lady Luck that he hadn¡¯t picked a mug that had alcohol to give her.


    Surrounded by groaning, the men rose slowly, squinting and complaining about whatever ailed them. Looking around, Norbert sighed, as getting everyone home would be up to him. Looking around, Norbert found the most awake people and started to rouse them, holding cups of water for them to drink. Slowly everyone woke up and started stumbling out of the bar in pairs. The last to leave being Norbert and Cossan, not including the bartender, who Norbert went and laid down on the floor, hoping he would get a bit better rest. Before leaving, Norbert cleaned up as much as he could with the water available, seeing that the sink was like Cossan¡¯s cabin. With a smile that he had done his best, Norbert was left for the outside, holding up Cossan as they crossed the threshold.


    On the walk back, he saw other men stumbling home, wives waiting outside, planning to criticize them on a night out. As Norbert continued through the town and back to the cabin, the sound of the berating was so constant, almost sounding like the music of animals, like the twittering of birds, never leaving him.


    As Norbert plodded, at the end needing to carry most of Cossan, Norbert saw the cabin and Helga waiting outside for them. Swallowing nervously, Norbert continued walking to it, trying to hold Cossan up as much as possible. Standing on the ground, looking up at the woman on the porch, Norbert gave a small smile and a wave, trying to wake Cossan up enough to know where he was and get him to wave as well.


    Sadly this attempt was unsuccessful as he dropped his head back down straight away; a sigh came from Helga, and she moved to the side. With a quick nod, Norbert continued up the steps and entered the house, seeing that food was already on the table and Nassan¡¯s plate was already empty.


    Heading to the parent¡¯s bedroom, Norbert deposited him in it before removing his shoes and covering him up. With that, Cossan¡¯s barely opened eyes shut, and he immediately started snoring.


    Quietly leaving the room, not wanting to wake him up, Norbert sat at the dining table, looking at the food on his plate, the porridge-looking stuff with no steam but still warm enough. Taking the spoon, Norbert held it to his lip to confirm the temperature before eating it. The blandness was different from the other foods he had eaten; looking up, he saw Helga staring down at him with a constant death stare. Knowing that this would be his form of lecture, Norbert swallowed again and continued to nibble at the food until nothing was left. After reaching for the water and washing it down, Norbert looked up at the woman and stared back at her, looking sheepish at the knowledge that what he had done the other night was wrong.


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    Like this, they continued staring at each other until Norbert sank further into his chair, the memories of the other night replaying. He had everyone drink one more round each time until they fainted, then went to the next person. Norbert had drunk the most out of everyone, yet he was the spryest-looking one out of the rest. He was dismissing it, thinking it may have been something to do with the goblet before, being happy that he could still get drunk but with none of the downsides, unlike some superheroes.


    Interrupting the two and Norbert¡¯s thoughts, Nassan ran in, shouting about something he saw. Stopping, he slowly quieted when he saw the two adults looking at each other. Helga gave Norbert one last look before turning around and talking to her son.


    Thinking he was out of it, Norbert went and stood up out of his chair and slowly went out the front to look out at the rest of the village. Thinking back to last night, he was surprised that nobody of his age was still at the pub either. Thinking it was strange, Norbert was distracted by Nassan crashing into him, nearly causing them to topple over. Catching himself at the last moment, Norbert picked him up and looked him in the eye.


    Nassan trying to get out, started wiggling around but could not. Stopping, he looked up at him, and the two stared at each other for a second. Before Norbert went, he put Nassan on his shoulders and ran around the town''s centre.


    Norbert ran as fast as he could, the wind blowing through his hair, and shouts of excitement came from above. Looking up, Norbert saw Nassan laughing and screaming his name. As he continued to run, People came out of their houses to see the commotion, only to go back inside when seeing it was just kids having fun. As he continued running, Norbert saw some men trying to walk around and do their daily chores. Most of them looked up, seeing Norbert running carefree and swearing.


    In response, Norbert joined in laughing as well and ran even harder. Before Norbert realised it, he was at the door frame that he dubbed the centre of town. As he was still out and nobody had come shouting badly, Norbert positioned him to the bridge and ran for it. Going past the stores, Norbert saw people lining up, all of their clothes moving with the wind he created.


    Before realising it, Norbert made it to the bridge, feet thumping on the wood. Slowing down, Norbert picked up Nassan, placing him on the ground. Looking over, Norbert tried to see any fish in the water. Finding a couple of Norbert pointed them out. Looking down, they were the usual kind he would see in a river. All were small and could blend into the environment, almost making them invisible as the sun reflected off them, making them look like waves. That is except for one that was found. Nassan pointed it out to Norbert, who was utterly shocked.


    Swimming with the others, sometimes trying to take a bit out, was what he recognised as an anglerfish. Only the colours constantly changed like a rainbow or a mirage under the weather. It goes from red to blue to green, then to yellow, completely the same as the background, making it invisible before changing to pink polka dots. Laughing at the changing fish as it swam away, they lost track. Wanting to see it again, Norbert once more picked up Nassan and chased after the fish on the river bank on the other side of the river.


    Looking, they were able to find it again, Norbert slowing down to keep up with it. Looking at this side, Norbert saw that it was filled with fields, row after row of plants in the ground of all different colours. Looking, Norbert could finally see all the different vegetables he had eaten during his stay at the village and the people working the land. Giving a wave to the people there, Norbert saw a few identical wooden houses pocketed the land. Looking further out, the rich brown land had slight undulations, creating a hypnotic atmosphere.


    Looking further out, Norbert saw more poles sticking into the ground. Looking around, Norbert saw that these were similar to the ones he saw in front of houses in the village to provide light. Up ahead, one was closer to the river. Seeing mist around it, Norbert saw it had a magic circle at the top, water being ejected from it, hitting the plants and smiling at the ingenuity of having sprinklers that could be moved around and how easy they must be, looking at the other way of using magic circles. Though wondered where the water came from, if something underground connected to the river or just from the atmosphere. Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert caught up to Nassan, watching the fish.


    The two kept looking for fish and played in the water a bit. Not too much, as the water was still cold, but Nassan¡¯s fire magic helped dry them off relatively quickly.


    Walking back home together before Helga got too annoyed, Norbert started whistling a tune he remembered from somewhere. Nassan tried to join in but could not whistle yet, and Norbert could not teach him.


    Together they walked past the house they used the cart from and up to the cabin. As they got up the porch, Norbert smelled something good being cooked; opening the door, the smell hit him, the hunger of the day instantly hitting him, realising he had been gone for hours. Looking, Norbert set the table, wanting to make amends at least. As the move was taken out, Norbert saw the parent¡¯s room open, out coming to a tired-looking Cossan. Smiling at him, Cossan looked back, annoyed, as he sat at the table and rested his head on it.


    The meal was eaten silently, but that did not mean everyone didn¡¯t enjoy it. The food once more filled Norbert up with joy.

 Chapter 22 Survival Skills

    Norbert looked at what Cossan was showing him. In front of both of them was a rabbit. Norbert was borrowing one of Cossan¡®s knives and looked at the dead rabbit before him. Trying not to puke, images flashed before his eyes of the cute white rabbits in the pet shop, only falling away as he felt the warmth on his fingers.


    Taking apart the fur, Norbert followed the steps he was shown, taking apart the rabbit and placing the items of use into piles. Finally done with the work, Norbert looked down at his hands, covered in blood. Looking around for a bucket or something to wash them with, Norbert saw Helga come out of the house holding two cups.


    Smiling, Norbert reached for one, only to stop just before looking at his hands. Waving them around until Helga showed him to a bucket she had filled up on the side of the house. Carefully washing his hands, Norbert returned, giving the knife back to Cossan. Raising his hands, shaking them, and waving his head, Cossan refused to accept the knife back. Norbert insisted once more, only to feel a hand on his back and a cup placed into his hand. With a smile from behind him, Norbert accepted the cup, looking for a place to store the knife on his body.


    Out from the house as well, Nassan bolted out, the door slamming on the side of the house. Everyone turned around looking; Nassan was holding a belt, many sized too big for him.


    Walking forward, he approached Norbert before presenting the item to him. Going on one knee, Norbert looked directly at Nassan, and the gift was given. A tear went down his cheek, feeling like he was once at home in this strange world. Accepting, Norbert wrapped his arms around Nassan, lifting and spinning him around. The laughs of the child filled the area. Norbert continued to spin him around until his eyes were dry again, and he could not feel the tears running down his cheeks.


    Putting it down, Norbert strapped the belt around himself, tying it up. Doing a quick spin, he also went and secured the knife to the belt as well. Once secured, Norbert brushed his hand against the belt, feeling something else tied there. Feeling around, it felt like a little leather bag. Carefully Norbert went and unsecured it from the belt without looking down.


    Picking it up and raising it to eye level Norbert looked at it, for it was indeed a little leather bag. Feeling inside, Norbert heard something jingle; opening it up, Norbert was presented with coins. Copper coins, to be exact. Opening it up, Norbert looked inside and started counting. There were sitting the forty-five coins he received before.


    Looking around, happy that he could now buy things, Norbert once more secured it to the belt, feeling the weight of it settle on his hips.


    Smiling once more, Norbert went and thanked everyone there and was happy with the gifts he received. Walking out, Norbert saw Cossan leave, going to the shelter that held the wolf parts he received. Picking one up, he slung it over his shoulder as he returned.


    Sighing, knowing the class would continue, Norbert sat down again, ready for the bloody work that was to come.


    ***


    Sitting, Norbert looked at the piles of meat and fur that he had collected. Happy and with a satisfied smile at what he had done, Norbert looked around, now wondering what to do next.


    Looking around expectantly, Cossan came back with an item. In his hand was a backpack, not the same one he had but a different one. Placing it in front of Norbert, he started packing it in. Not sure what was happening with it, Norbert went and assisted.


    Giving the items, Norbert followed him, picking up and wearing the backpack. With a shout of his name, Nassan appeared. Words were given between them, and Nassan repeatedly nodded as he followed. With the conversation over, Nassan grabbed Norbert¡¯s hand, taking him outside.


    Once there, Nassan started climbing up Norbert¡¯s body. With a sigh, he grabbed Nassan and placed him on his shoulders again. Out from the gutter, Obsius squawked; all looking, he went and landed on Nassan¡¯s head. Smiling and shaking out of excitement, Nassan sat perfectly still, not wanting to disturb the bird on his head.


    With that, Norbert carried the group, following back into town again. Once at the centre, Nassan once more pointed him toward the butcher. Arriving and opening, Nassan greeted the butcher, conversing between them.


    Once it finished, Norbert brought the meat from the bag. Once more, the conversation between the two of them continued. Finally, the two shook hands, Norbert feeling left out. On the pile, the butcher placed some other cuts of meat Norbert did not know and several copper coins.


    Smiling again, Norbert picked it up, depositing the meat back in the bag, the coins chinking into his money pouch. With that, they both waved and exited the store.


    Nassan went and pointed to the next direction across from them. Once more entering, Norbert saw the lady inside sewing something. Once more, the conversation happened between them, exchanging words until Norbert brought out the fur and the meat. Leaving for the day, they walked again through the town.


    Walking back home, Norbert stopped in front of a store. Sniffing, he could smell sweets in the air. Following his nose, Norbert entered and was surrounded by a world of colour. Looking around were candies and lollies that would rival even the best candy shop back on Earth. Standing, Norbert took Nassan off his head so that he could go off. Looking, Norbert picked one up, only to be distracted by something else. What looked like little rock candies of all colours in one section, lollie pops in others, and gummy snakes down the aisle.


    But what Norbert couldn¡¯t draw his eyes away from was the glowing candies. They illuminated the area around them, some changing colours, like the breathing lights, slowly changing from purple, going brighter before dark again, to blue, then yellow, and random solid colours. A pile of them doing this made it seem alive and trying to move.


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    Norbert looked up, seeing a young woman behind the counter, the person he had seen around the town the closest to his age, though a bit younger. Looking around, Norbert tried to work out the pricing for this, wanting to try at least one.


    Picking up two light-breathing candies, Norbert deposited them on the counter, calling for Nassan to come over. Once the discussion began, Norbert removed his coin pouch from his belt, waiting to hear an end to the conversation. With it finished, Norbert passed the coin pouch to Nassan, who took out seven coppers and handed it over. With a smile from the woman, she pocketed the coins, waving goodbye to them.


    Picking up the two candies, Norbert went outside with Nassan. Looking, they were about the size of a small chocolate Easter egg from Earth, something to hold in the mouth and suck, Norbert guessed from the hardness.


    Popping it in, his mouth was filled with sweetness. Like drinking an ichor, it swirled around and bathed down his throat, finally reaching his belly where it seemed to grow through his entire body. Each suck of the candy sent a wave of sweetness into his body.


    He looked down at Nassan, who was smiling, light coming out of his mouth. Doing a double take, Norbert kneeled in front of Nassan, looking at his mouth and its shining light. Nassan opened and stuck out his tongue. Norbert fell back with laughter. Nassan¡¯s tongue was changing colours, the same way the candy was, going from one to the other, looking like a chameleon trying to blend in but unable to.


    As Norbert was on the ground rolling around, he realised something, stopping for a second. Sticking his tongue out, being careful not to swallow the candy, Norbert stuck his tongue out as far as he could and tried to lick it.


    Just seeing the tip consumed Norbert in giggles once more. It was glowing the same as Nassan¡¯s, and its humour was not escaping him. Looking up, Norbert saw Nassan smiling, shaking his head at Norbert¡¯s silliness.


    Struggling, Norbert finally got up, whipping the tear from his eye. Picking up Nassan once more, Obsius fell, landing on Nassan¡¯s head. The trio returned to the cabin, the backpack considerably lighter than when he left.


    ***


    Out in the forest, Norbert followed Cossan. He was as quiet as he could, trying to glide past the bushes without moving them. To step on the ground without the world knowing he was there. Sadly for Norbert, he was as loud as an elephant, feeling like he was knocking down the forest, and whatever they were trying to catch had indeed run off by then.


    But still through the forest they went, Cossan pointing things out everywhere, no words being said. Looking at bushes being crushed, grass being trampled, and sticks snapped. Everything was a clue for the man, a puzzle waiting to be solved, with the prize being whatever they caught.


    As the day wore on, Norbert thought about what he did to get here, remembering he had just woken up and brought over Norbert out after some food in his belly. They went out once more to the back of the bushes, making sure he had his knife, past further than he thought possible before he hit a forest.


    These trees were what Norbert would consider ¡°normal¡± for this world, and not gigantic and had no weird purple veins throughout them.


    As they walked and Norbert tried to be quiet, thinking he was getting better, Cossan stopped. Moving even slower than before, he quietly took his knife out. Waiting patiently, he pointed ahead. Norbert moved around, craning his head to the side. In front of them, a white deer stood. Similar to the ones before but not as tall. Standing only a head taller than he would, looking at it, the two of them stared, waiting. The deer had its head down, eating berries from a bush. One by one, he swallowed. Looking around, the deer had bright red eyes, the once white deer slowly changing to the same dark green of the berries, almost blending into the environment.


    As it was about to head off, raising its head, Cossan was gone in a flash¡ªthe air and bushes were no longer around him. Staring, Norbert saw him at the deer. He was grappling with it and trying to place his knife through it. With a struggle, Cossan tried to hold two of its legs together with his, trying to force it to stay down. But the longer the two struggled, the closer it looked like the deer would escape; all their effort of the day would be gone.


    Breathing once more, Norbert looked ahead and charged in, screaming as loud as he could. Going, he tackled the deer, trying to knock it off balance. And knock it off balance he did, all three of them falling to the ground in a heap. Norbert, somehow still able to hold onto his knife, looked around to find a spot on the thrashing deer to put it out of its misery.


    Looking and holding it down, the deer once more tried to get up, but not letting it, Norbert scrambled his way onto its neck, losing the knife in the process. Looking around for something and finding nothing, he wrapped his legs around the base of the deer¡¯s neck, his arms near its head.


    Confirming he was secure, Norbert squeezed and pushed with his legs as hard as he could. Hearing it scream in protest, Norbert hunkered down, not wanting to look at it, burying his head into the nook of his shoulder.


    Starting to shake with the strain, Norbert pulled as hard as he could one more time, watching as he saw his arm take on streaks of purple coming up; before he flew off the deer, the sound of breaking bones followed.


    Norbert, a thud followed away; Norbert looked up at the sky, exhaustion surrounding him. He panted and tried to calm down. Looking up at the sky, a head appeared from the side. Seeing Cossan standing, relief overcame Norbert; at least he wouldn¡¯t need to find his way back to the cabin alone.


    Slowly Norbert sat up, looking at what his hands had done. Lying on the side was his knife; slowly, Norbert stood up, picked up the knife and confirmed that it was still OK with no damage from the fall before placing it back in its sheath on his belt.


    With as much as he could avoid, Norbert looked once more at the deer. He was lying on the ground, its neck that was once white now just pulp. Looking, Norbert could see where he had wrapped his hands around the neck, now having a band of crushed flesh where his arms would be, a circle of purple showing where his hands connected, and the crushing force came together.


    Looking once more, Norbert said a prayer of thanks to whoever was listening, happy that he escaped from the fight mostly unscathed, apart from a couple of bruises here and there.


    Cossan came behind him, giving Norbert a pat on the back. Indicating with his head, he walked up to it, moving it around so it could be picked up.


    Sighing in the work that was to come, Norbert squatted down next to the deer, holding it by its legs and with the help of Cossan, he was just able to place it on his back. With effort and shaky steps, Norbert could stand up and slowly made his way back to the cabin, following Cossan.


    ***


    Once out of the forest, Norbert looked down the hill, having the bushes where Norbert played with Nassan. Looking out, Norbert saw Helga sitting on the porch in a chair, reading the magic book that he looked at what felt like a lifetime ago. As the two returned, Norbert once more placed it down in the appropriate area; taking the knife out, the pair began to work. He placed the items of importance in a pile and kept the pelt as intact as possible.

 Chapter 23 Celebrations

    And so the days passed, and weeks, Norbert went around the town doing his daily drop off of items. Looking around, he went into the leatherworking shop once more. The grey wolf''s pelt from long ago was hanging up on a mannequin. He was now transformed into a coat by the hands of the skilled seamstress. Walking up to it, Norbert looked to the seamstress, and with a nod of confirmation, he touched the outside of the garment. Feeling the hairs go through his hand, Norbert went and smiled.


    Carefully Norbert raised it off the mannequin, holding it before himself. He looked at it one last time before he donned it. Instantly feeling the warmth engulf him, Norbert smiled at the creation. With a wave of his hand, Norbert left the shop, the doorbell ringing, announcing his entrance and prize to the world.


    As he left, Obsius came down and landed on his head from resting on the door arch; looking at it again, Norbert never did see what it was used for or the reason for its placement. With a smile, Norbert looked at what was around the arch; stalls and people were gathering for an event. Excited about what the rest of the day could bring, Norbert returned to the cabin. Seeing the people pass his way, all arriving at the centre.


    Most of the people now waved at him, shouting his name. Norbert went and waved back, not remembering the number of names required for everyone in the town. Still, Norbert tried and succeeded on more occasions than not when he did not; they would re-introduce themselves again with a smile on their face.


    As he made his way back to the cabin, Norbert saw the family all sitting around the table; with a smile and a wave, Norbert walked in and turned in front of the table, showing off his new coat to everyone.


    Nassan clapped and cheered for him, the two parents only giving him half smiles. Giving both of them strange looks, Norbert went and looked at the two of them. Without a word, the family stood up from their chairs and exited, smiles taken once more and voices being said between them.


    Looking, Norbert confirmed he had his belt on him with his knife and coin pouch. Norbert also went and left with the family. Turning around, he looked out from the balcony, Obsius sitting on the rail as he did all those days ago when he was looking for something to do. With a smile of how far he had come in the time, looking back at all the things he had seen and the skills he had been taught.


    Smiling, Norbert caught up with the family as the group made it to the town again, picking up and talking to people along the way. Norbert carried Nassan on his shoulders, making him stand tall.


    ***


    In the town centre, the crowd was bustling. Looking around, Norbert was in the back, still having Nassan on his shoulders so he could see over the crowd forming. Unexpectedly, the crowd surrounded the door frame in the middle of the town that he had passed so many times before, putting off the idea of what would happen. Looking around at everyone, there was constant chatter within the crowd.


    Norbert looked around at the parents to the side of him. Tense and not saying a word, just holding each other''s hands, Helga and Cossan stared at the frame like they were waiting for the doctor to come out of the operation. The tense atmosphere infected Norbert, changing his excitement from the unexpected to nervousness at what could significantly affect the people around him.


    Tense Norbert forward once more and waited with the crowd. The longer they waited, the quieter the crowd became, until it was so quiet you could hear a mouse squeak. The metal frame filled with blue light, a swirling mist appearing within the frame that was constantly changing. Breathing and moving as if alive, everyone in the crowd stepped back, Norbert doing the same and looking at the blue light.


    With his eyes growing even wider, Norbert saw a foot and a head appear. Out came a person wearing a black cloak, completely covering his body. His face was hidden within the depths of the hood. Looking out, the only part not under the cloak of the person''s body was a hand holding the staff. He could see none of his skin, for he had black gloves over his hand and a black shirt covering his sleeves. The only part of his attire, not black, was the staff in his hand.


    It was a white staff, clashing greatly with the rest of his uniform. Squinting, Norbert could barely make out the rune covering the staff. The sleek material is just a constant shape throughout; only the runes'' undulations provide any difference in shape. Turning around, the person passed his staff partially through the smoke light of the frame once more. Stepping away, the crowd stepped backwards; going with the crowd, Norbert looked out again.


    They outstepped people wearing uniforms. All the same and have swords strapped to their waist. On them was metal armour with the same metal helmets covering it in the style of the Galea helmet of ancient Rome back on Earth. This one had no plume on top, just the helmet within it. Standing out came more and more people. With their arrival, the crowd stepped back even more. Also stepping out were people he would recognise as regular clothes. With the arrival of these people, the crowd burst with emotion.


    People started laughing, smiling and crying. People ran towards each other, and the crowd dispersed. Standing still, just looking at the meeting of the people, Norbert was happy at the reunion, though not entirely sure what was happening. Feeling squirming on his head Norbert picked up Nassan and placed him on the ground. Once his feet hit the ground, he sprinted off into the crowd, being instantly lost.


    Looking back, Norbert stared back at Cossan and Helga, waiting to see if he should chase off after Nassan. Seeing Helga raise her hand, he stood beside them, waiting for whoever to come. With the crowd now alive with movement and sound, Norbert stared at people and saw more people than ever in this place now. Waiting, Norbert looked at the crowd, and out appeared Nassan, holding a man''s hand and dragging him towards their group.


    The man being dragged was the spitting image of Helga, with the same blonde hair that pierced the crowd of dark but having the eyes of Cossan and the height. Together the pair of them walked forwards; hearing the sobs and cries of those around him, Norbert continued to look forward. With a flap of his cloak, the two rushed forward, all semblance of holding back the emotions lost on the family as they cried in each other''s arms. Hearing words being exchanged between them, Norbert just stood still. He was, once more, feeling alienated in this world.


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    The memories that this is not his actual home but a strange land he had somehow half trapped in. Standing there, not knowing what to do, he felt a weight on his shoulder; looking to the side was Obsius, looking back at him. Petting the bird, Norbert did the only thing he could do; Norbert smiled at the family. He was not moving a single step.


    ***


    The crowd moved to the field where the markets were usually located, but today there were no stalls for food. Throughout it, tables sat up, all long, able to fit the entire town. Walking with the family, now reunited, Norbert followed them to one of the several tables. He was looking down and saw food already laid out on them. Looking at it made his mouth water; on his shoulder, Obsius went from foot to foot, waiting to begin.


    Standing, one of the armoured people stood up from their table, saying some words; Norbert stayed quiet and looked. Not wanting to draw attention to himself at a time and place he didn''t belong. With the words over, everyone waited and said the exact words at the cabin; now, knowing the words, Norbert joined in, though the message was lost on him. With that, everyone began eating.


    The crowd once more came alive with music and voices. As the sun slowly set on the town, lamps around the field began to light up the field. With the light came out, the pub owner stood up and shouted some words. With that completed, out came the same jugs he had seen before. Looking around, people started to go up and take a drink. Starting to stand, a hand fell on his shoulder. Looking around, Cossan, beside him, just placed his hand and pushed Norbert back onto his seat, shaking his head. Sitting down and looking, Norbert waited, still not letting the strange behaviour affect him. He started talking about his adventures to the people around him, knowing that although they listened, they did not understand what he was saying.


    And like this, the rest of the event went out without an issue. They were laughing and smiling. As the last plates were finally emptied, the sun was well and truly gone; Norbert was happy that he had his cloak around him, keeping off the night chills as the food ended; the same person as before stepped up again. Talking, he looked around at the people. When he finished, the people around him clapped.


    As the speech ended, people started to get back up; some started crying together. As those once reunited left. Looking around perplexed, Norbert felt arms around his stomach. Looking down, Nassan was hugging him. Not understanding what was happening, Norbert felt himself get up, not moving his body. As he stood up, so did the rest of the family. Each hugged him and whispered in his ear. First was Cossan, the father of the family. The one who had shown him how to survive in this land, who had taught him how to hunt and come back to the town no matter how far away he was. The son, Nassan, showed him the joy of the world. The wonder of it if you knew where to look. Smiling, he picked him up, throwing him as high as possible. He wanted to leave him on a happy note, at least. As he laughed in the air, tears flowing down Nassan''s face, Norbert caught him, gently tossing his black hair before walking forward. Next was the man who had returned from wherever he came. Still sitting down, Norbert went and bowed to him. Receiving a nod, he returned to the last one in the family.


    Helga, the mother, stood there, watching with tears. Slowly walking forward, time slowed down for Norbert. All sound stopped, each step taking all his effort to go. With each step, Norbert remembered what she had done and the things he never saw¡ªlifting him out of the river, tending to him when unconscious, and preparing all the food he had. Showing him around the town and making sure he kept on the straight and narrow. Always there, a rock in the storm of newness. Something Norbert could always count on. And the rock was now falling away, leaving him alone in the sea of the unknown, with no reference for what he should do or should happen.


    All this went through him, and when he finally touched the world sped up once more, the sounds that had once stopped came back with a vengeance. Staying together, Norbert spoke to her and thanked her for what she had done for him. Trying to allow her to express what happened, what she had done. Feeling the pats on his back, Norbert finally cried, just holding there. As the uniformed man started talking again, Helga held him back, taking a final look at him. With a smile and a squeeze of his hands, she left him.


    Norbert looked to the soldier. Most of the people already there arrived today. Some of them stayed behind like the new member of the cabin family, and other people joined the group, now circling. Looking at the group, Norbert spotted the young lady at the candy store. Smiling that he would at least recognise some people, he joined them with a shooing motion. As the uniformed individual continued talking, words were said until he died. With a calm tone, Helga broke the silence and started talking. Looking back at her, Norbert did not know what was happening. Those were the last words that came out of her mouth before she held her hand high.


    "Norbert", escaped Helga''s lips. Now staring, she nodded back at him. Slowly, unsure what would happen, Norbert held his hand, waiting for whatever to happen. Looking around, Norbert saw the cloaked man who first stepped out of the mist walk over. Reaching slowly, he took something out of a pocket on the cloak. On the simple leather chain was a flat disk with a small crystal on it. He stood in front of Norbert, holding it out. Norbert went to hold onto the medallion. Both of them holding it, the cloaked man was not letting it go. Chanting, his hand lit up, causing spots to dance in his eyes. When he finished, he let go, letting the band fall against Norbert''s hand. Looking at it, Norbert went and placed it over his head.


    "Now that everyone can understand me, thank you all for coming to help support your country. Thank you for joining The Frontier. And to all of those who have served, we thank you. "


    With that, the soldier walked off, the rest following him and the cloaked person. Looking back and hearing for the first time all of the voices, Norbert waved once more and shouted, "Hello, my name is Norbert, and thank you all for having me in your town."


    With a bow, Norbert went and followed in silence.


    Hearing the cries from the town and the responses of thank yous, he heard one voice. Sitting on what Norbert assumed his brother''s shoulders sat Nassan shouting, "Good LUCK!!!"


    Turning around, Norbert smiled again, waving back at Nissan.


    "Luck will always be on my side Nassan!" Norbert shouted back to him. With that, Norbert joined the crowd walking back to the door frame. The cloaked figure went and made the light appear again, walking through. Once again, when Norbert saw the staff walk through, half of the uniformed people went first, and then the several dozen villagers followed. As Norbert walked up through, he stopped at the portal, waiting. As he stood there, the wind blew out, able to follow it from the glowing dandelions caught in it. Norbert followed them as they travelled back to the forest on the plateau.


    With a square, something landed on his shoulder. Obsius landed once more. Knowing he was leaving people but would not be completely alone, Norbert breathed in again. Norbert controlled his nerves and stepped into the blue mist within the metal frame.

 Chapter 24 Admission

    Norbert felt like he was being stretched apart, his foot first elongating, then the rest of his body followed before he stepped out the other side. Feeling his insides bouncing around, Norbert bent down, trying not to throw up the food he just had. Now realising why Cossan did not want him to drink anything alcoholic, for he would be throwing up.


    Norbert looked up; once his stomach was settling, he slowly shuffled forward as people came up behind him. Looking up, Norbert saw that he was no longer in the village but in some massive facility looking more like a warehouse. Looking around the structure''s walls, he saw it was made of stone. The same metal frames that Norbert stepped out of were dotted around, people streaming into the room.


    Slowly stepping forward, Norbert looked around. Up in front of them was another of the uniformed people, standing and looking out of the crowd standing on a wooden stage, unable to get a good look at anyone there. As he was pushed further to the front of the frames behind him, slowly, one by one, people stopped streaming from out from them, the light within dying out one by one.


    "Now that everyone is here, I would like to introduce you to The Frontier formally. From this day forward, all of you will do your time here for the required amount invested in every one of you. I hope all of you do your best and meet next time." She stopped talking, her voice being easily projected throughout the audience. She bowed to the crowd, who in return bowed to her. Norbert quickly followed suit.


    "Now, I would like all of you to head to the side rooms to be interviewed and placed in the designated groups. That is all."


    And with that, she turned and stepped off the stage. She disappeared into the crowd instantly, shouting surrounding Norbert. Voices asking questions to their neighbours, looking around, people began talking over the crowd, wearing similar uniforms.


    "Please make your way to the side to conduct the interviews. Everyone will have time and no need to rush."


    They pointed to the closest one near them and repeated it constantly for everyone to hear. Slowly turning, Norbert made his with the crowd. He was slowly making his way to the desired rooms. Norbert looked around the crowd of faces, trying to spot anyone he recognised. Slowly shuffling through the crowd, Norbert constantly checked to ensure that Obsius was still on his shoulder. As Norbert made his way through, he noticed a face from town.


    Up ahead was the woman who ran the candy store. Pushing and wiggling his way through the crowd, Norbert could catch up to her. Grabbing her shoulder, she turned around and looked at him. As he smiled at her, what was once an annoyance, soon turned to recognition as she smiled back at him. Walking together, they walked in silence. Norbert, did not even know if she could understand him, and her not initiating the conversation, they walked silently.


    Through the room, they bustled, able to constantly move. He did not know what was in front of the doors. Before he knew it, he was there, the stone walls towering over him. With a wave, the candy shop girl walked forward and entered an open door before it closed, and Norbert only had Obsius for company.


    Nearly instantly, another door opened off to the side; Norbert walked up, as nobody else seemed to go towards it. With that, he entered. As he walked through the door, it closed behind him.


    Looking into the grey room, Norbert only saw a desk and two chairs opposite each other. One has already been taken up by a person in the uniform sitting down but with no helmet on. Looking around, there was nothing else in the room, completely spotless and looking like it was cleaned just before he came. On the opposite side of the room was a door, the same kind. Looking around once more, Norbert realised he was in a mirror room. Still looking around, trying to grasp what was happening, the person opposite him said, "Sit", cutting through the air like a knife.


    Norbert immediately went for the chair and sat in it, arms crossed. Obsius pecked at his head for the sudden movement. Patting the bird, Norbert looked once more at the person opposite him. The man opposite him looked tired, almost knowing that this interaction would be longer and more tedious than usual.


    He stared at him, eyes unflinching, the skin tanned and cracked from the sun, looking like parched dirt. As Norbert looked further down, he followed to his sharp chin, looking sharp enough to cut paper. As he looked further down, Norbert could look closely at the uniform. Underneath was a simple-looking red shirt with a leather jumper over the top. Throughout the leather, he saw markings and runes along the seams.


    Finally, Norbert looked down at his arms sitting on the table, tapping away at the table. Quickly Norbert looked up, staring into his eyes. Waiting for a response, Norbert looked back at the man, waiting. The two of them sat looking into each other''s eyes.


    With a flutter of papers the man took from the side of the table, he looked at Norbert. Breathing deeply, the man said, "Hello, my name is Oscar. Thank you for joining The Frontier. I am here to assist you with your on boarding process. May I please have your name?"


    Looking at him, Norbert replied with his name. Scratching on the paper continued, no pen appearing in his hand but some words appearing on the paper.


    "Ok, Norbert, what area are you from?"


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    Stumped, Norbert thought back; he knew he couldn''t say from Earth or any of the countries there. Thinking about what Helga said before, being sure she had said it once. Remembering it was related to the trees found on the plateau. It came back to him when he was accidentally moving the cart by himself.


    "Flare-dew", Norbert replied


    "Well, you''re a long way from home", the pen continued to scratch. "Is it yours?" Oscar asked, pointing to Obsius on Norbert''s shoulder.


    Petting him once, Norbert replied, "Yes, its name is Obsius."


    "Do you have anything to declare of your own?"


    Norbert looked around. He took off his belt with the money pouch and knife and untucked the medallion that the cloaked man gave him from beneath his shirt. Feeling around in his pockets Norbert removed his phone, still stuck on the time and the stone with the rune he had removed from the temple. With a flourish and a wave of his hands, Norbert showed all he had.


    Oscar''s eyes pinned down on the medallion that was around his neck. With a nod, he leafed through the papers, pulling something out of his pocket and placing it on the desk. Now facing Norbert was a milky crystal ball, somehow sitting on a little pedestal.


    "Please place your hand on the device for an aptitude test," Oscar said.


    Norbert is already moving his hands over it; holding his breath, he touched the device, waiting for something to happen. It looked like some dark purple smoke entered it for a brief instant, only for it to be blown away by an invisible wind within.


    More scratching continued as Oscar flipped through the pages. "Do you have any other abilities The Frontier should know of?"


    Norbert shook his head, knowing he did not impress Oscar at all. With more pages flicked through, Oscar looked up, raising an eyebrow and asking, "Do you know how to read, write or magic circles?"


    Norbert shook his head again, "Negative, don''t know any of that."


    With a nod, almost expecting the answer, Oscar continued to fill in the paperwork, more scratching filling the room.


    "Now, Norbert, do you know what The Frontier does?"


    "No clue what they could do," Norbert replied.


    With another nod, Oscar continued, starting his rehearsed speech, "The Frontier serves as Morena''s way of resisting what nature will throw at us. We keep off the hordes of beasts that come and try to threaten little towns constantly like yours. We allow you, those citizens, to come here. Before The Frontier existed, it was up to individuals to join, but after certain events, the rules changed to what you see today. Now the usual time someone is in the organisation is four years. After that, any individual can either return to the area they came from or continue to work in the organisation. Going through your results, you will be placed in the scouting group."


    Stopping, Oscar reached to the side and placed two bottles on the table.


    "These are your designated elixirs, one for perception and the other for endurance. After leaving here, you will exit through the door behind me, where you will take both of them. Any gear given to you by The Frontier will need to be replaced by yourself if you lose it. Do you have any questions?"


    Norbert licked his lips, thoughts flying through his head, but first of all, "Does that include the pendant, and what does the pendant do?"


    Slowly closing his eyes, Oscar replied, "That does include the pendant, as you call it. It acts as a translation device and was given to you when you were collected to allow you to easily integrate within the organisation and be able to deliver tasks. Your specific one can hold a charge itself and be used for those who ¡­ is below what is needed in their magical prowess. You will need to have it charged up at your discretion and payment. By looking at the crystal in the centre, the less light it has, the less magic is within, and you will need to recharge it. The more it is used, or the more complex it is, the quicker it will go through said charge. Now do you have any other questions?"


    Norbert rattled off his following questions, asking about pay, what other equipment he would be getting, what the fancy armours were if he would get one and what a scout would do. Carefully Oscar answered all the questions one by one. The pay is typically three copper a day, so fifteen in a week would be getting standard equipment deemed suitable for the job. The fancy armour was the standard equipment for the usual battle forces within it, and the scout went ahead of the major parties and looked for safe paths, monsters to avoid or battle or relayed messages when needed.


    With more questions asked and all of them exhausted, when was asked the question, Norbert replied he had none. Smiling, Oscar reached under his desk, pulling out a card with the same runes as before, the door behind him slowly opening.


    Placing the card next to the elixirs, Oscar pushed them across the table. With a smile, Norbert picked it up, placing the card in a pocket and carrying the two elixir bottles. Norbert looked down as he walked around the table, not seeing where the items could have come from.


    With a shake of his head and chalking it up to magic, Norbert continued through the doors and entered the next room. Surrounded by white with rows and rows of curtains, Norbert watched, hearing screams and gurgling around him.


    In front of him, a lady came, holding a clipboard. Holding out her hand, she asked for his card. Norbert, taking it out of his belt, gave it to her. Smiling, she walked off, asking for Norbert to follow. As he walked past more and more, screams and liquid escaping bodies continued. The smell was getting worse and worse the longer he was there. Suddenly she stopped and opened a curtain. On the other side was an empty white bed; looking at it, Norbert stepped inside as instructed.


    "Here is your card; taking the perception and then the stamina elixir in that order is recommended immediately. It is also recommended to place your clothes in this bag before taking any of them." The lady said, reaching around from behind the curtain. She brought out a metal bucket. And a second one was placing it on the ground.


    "Please try and get as much in here as possible; we will check on you occasionally."


    Quickly turning away, she closed the curtain behind herself. Looking weirded out, Norbert did as instructed, placing his clothes in the bag and leaving his pendant around his neck in case he needed to talk to someone during whatever was to happen.


    As he sat down, breathing to psyche himself up, Norbert made sure the buckets were close by and opened the first bottle. Uncorking it, the smell instantly hit him, reminding him of peaches and orange zest. Swallowing it, he felt it go through his body as he tried to gulp it down. It went down his throat in a zesty swirl. After finishing it, he looked to the next one, also uncorking it. The smell hit him again, smelling like green apples, limes, and mint leaves. Swallowing it down, Norbert felt it once more penetrate his body. As he sat there thinking it seemed familiar, he was reminded of all those weeks ago when he had the purple liquid from that cave.


    Quickly grabbing the bucket, the process began.

 Chapter 25 Hangover Pt 2

    Holding the bucket, Norbert could feel the same changes again throughout his body. All at once, black liquid poured out of him. Puking it up, he saw it start to sweat through his skin. Whipping the tears from his eyes, they came back black; when he looked at his hand, confusion on his face before he re-doubled again and was lost in pain.


    ***


    Norbert woke up several times, consciousness coming for him and sitting over the bed, unable to move his body an inch before he needed to puke up something more. Each time it took longer before his body needed to expel anything. Sitting there waiting, Norbert slowly looked around. The once-white sheets now had a black circle originating from himself.


    Slowly Norbert looked down, seeing the pool of black filth around his feet. Shuddering, Norbert slowly stood up, feeling his feet squelching on the floor. Careful to step in the least amount of black liquid, Norbert made his way over to his bag of clothes.


    Seeing that a towel and bucket of water were placed near it, Norbert quickly washed himself down. The towel afterwards becomes noticeably darker. When he had finally clothed again, Norbert breathed in, satisfied that the trial was over.


    As he stood there, he listened to the sounds around him; he could hear the cries and whimpers around him, the groans and the rustling of blankets. Hearing people walking around the room he was now in. Able to hear each distinct person.


    Shocked at what the elixir did, improving what he heard, Norbert thought about what it could do for his other senses. He is not looking forward to the intense smells he can now smell with it. Norbert slowly looked at the black filth once more without thinking about how this area would be.


    His eyes grazing over his bed, Norbert spotted Obsius sitting on the opposite end of himself, on the end of the bed, just staring at Norbert. With a smile, Norbert picked up the little bird, cradling it like a baby and patting it down.


    Chirping to itself, Obsius started wiggling around; Norbert placed it on his shoulder again. Satisfied that everything was right, the room suddenly went bright. Looking down, Norbert saw the circle appear on the ground. Quickly, Norbert threw the belt on the bed, not wanting to explain that to anyone. As he was about to take off his coat, Norbert once more was surrounded by darkness.


    Looking out into the black expanse, Norbert looked at himself, now able to see his knees. Norbert was happy at the progress made. As he stared out into the darkness, waiting to be sucked into his world, he thought he saw something twinkling in the distance. Before he could look closer, light surrounded him once more; before Norbert was surrounded in the half-light.


    Looking around, he was back on the street, just outside the pizza shop. Looking to the side, Norbert saw the discarded pizza. Picking it up, it was still warm. Quickly Norbert felt around and confirmed he could feel his phone. Relief overtaking him, he pulled it out and confirmed it could be used; swiping around the device made him smile.


    Norbert picked up the pizza, feeling Obsius dig into his shoulder, knowing the bird had made it with him. Smiling again, Norbert ran towards his apartment, pizza in hand and stomach grumbling and not wanting to leave Jack waiting too long.


    ***


    As Norbert stood before his apartment door 17, he awaited a response. Able to hear Jack inside watching TV, he heard him scruffle around, complaining to himself then. As he stepped up and opened the door, he stopped and looked at Norbert.


    Jack looked at Norbert confused, only for realisation to hit his face a couple of seconds later when he looked down and saw the pizza box in his hand.


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    "Dude, where did you go? You''ve lived in a forest for the past month."


    Grabbing for the pizza box, Jack placed it on the kitchen table, opening it up, the steam rising off it. Ripping the pizza box in two, he moved his four slices to the side, picked up half of the box and made it to the couch.


    "So where did you get your fancy new coat and still have time to get the pizza? The same place you grew your hair."


    "Yep", Norbert replied. "The very same place."


    "Keep your secrets then", Jack whispered under his breath, slowly going quiet as he started watching the tv.


    Sitting at the table, Norbert looked at the pizza he hadn''t had. Sitting down again, his mouth-watering, Norbert took a bite, an explosion of liquid engulfing his mouth. Tears went down his cheek in joy at the sensations he had. That was the best slice of pizza Norbert had ever put in his mouth.


    Smiling, he looked at the other slices. Pulling one apart, he rested it on the side for Obsius. The bird saw landed as well and began pecking away at it. The two of them sat in silence, only the sound of the tv and the biting and chewing coming from around the room.


    When Norbert had finished, he sat back, feeling content at being full. Reaching over, he took a sip of his cup of water, looking at the ceiling. Thoughts went through his head. What would he do now in the other world? Feeling around, Norbert removed the pendant around his neck, which still glowed the same amount. Spinning it around on its cord, he saw it climb up and back down. He was looking at the glowing stone in the centre.


    Thinking about the day''s events, Norbert thought about escaping from them; maybe he could slip out and find his way around. As thoughts spun of him making a dastardly escape plan, avoiding guards, and somehow getting out, it was all cut short by reality. Being trapped in a strange world, surrounded by people training to stop the very thing he was trying. With gear, he knew nothing about what could be, not even if they already had some way to track him to the ends of the earth.


    With plans of escaping The Frontier blowing out the window, Norbert''s thoughts changed to what he could do to help his situation. He had an unknown amount of time to plan for whatever the organisation had for him. Still looking at it, Norbert only knew his job was finding and reporting things. Thankfully he wouldn''t need to fight anything; not like he would know what to fight.


    As he mulled over what to do, Norbert yawned, the day''s events finally catching up with him. Slowly Norbert made his way to the bathroom. Wanting to clean himself off properly, Norbert went and had a shower. Finally able to relax and bathe in the warm water, Norbert saw the liquid running off him was not clear at the start. It came off dark either from his body excreted recently and unable to wash it off or from the time he spent in the other world.


    Once feeling clean, Norbert went and dried off. As he was wearing fresh clothes, he passed the mirror; abruptly turning his head back, Norbert looked at the man he saw. Norbert looked across at the mirror, seeing the unkempt hair all over his head. Looking down at his hands, Norbert saw the tan lines where his hands were. He received the nicks on his hands from wielding the knife and looking at the lines he had received from working hard to survive day after day and integrate into the town. Slowly looking up, Norbert saw his pale arms, from not having enough sun, now looking even paler due to his tanned hands and face and looking up at his face, his grizzled look back at him.


    Norbert looked at the man in the mirror, not knowing what to do. The changes in the world, not even the magical ones, were already impacting him. Nobody would believe he had changed this much in just a few days. Pulling on a stand of his hair, looking at it go longer and longer. People didn''t grow their hair a month''s worth overnight.


    Happy that at least Jack wasn''t insisting too much on his recent change Norbert looked for his razor. Even if Jack wouldn''t ask questions, he was sure others would. Turning it on, Norbert held the razor above his face. Thoughts of what The Frontier might say with his sudden change of hair, would they investigate, would he be interrogated. Thoughts are swirling through Norbert''s head, his hand staying perfectly still. Slowly his hand descended, going to his face as the hair fell off and into the sink. The water was already running and taking it away.


    Norbert cut it all off, being clean-shaven once more. Looking down at the hair in the sink, slowly being washed away, the clarity of it took him away. Able to start to see the individual hairs. Looking up at his face Norbert was satisfied with his choice, and he wouldn''t let himself be swayed one way or the other. With his decision secure, Norbert left the bathroom and headed to his room.


    Opening the door, he saw Obsius lying on the pillow; Norbert assumed he was already asleep. Placing his clothes on the ground, thinking of how to take the coat with him, Norbert slowly went to sleep, leaving his worries for tomorrow.

 Chapter 26 Pizza Time

    Norbert felt the calm wind blowing through his hair. On his daily morning run, he went all over the campus. Obsius flew above him, looking out at the world. After being so long away, it felt good to be back, like he went on a vacation with all expenses paid. The only danger is his life. As he ran through the streets, the details that he once missed picked up. The cracks in the concrete, the light filtering through the leaves. The sun shone through his misty breath.


    As he ran, Norbert thought about what he was able to do. For now, he would wait it out and always be prepared for when it inevitably came¡ªnot letting it control his life since he wasn''t in constant danger if he wasn''t prepared.


    As he descended a hill, his feet slapping on the pavement, Norbert thought about the classes and notes he would need to attend and catch up on. At least Jack was helping out as much as possible and saving Norbert many hours of work. As he ran across the road at the bottom of the hill, nobody was up then; Norbert thought about that endurance elixir, as even though he had been running for nearly an hour, he still wasn''t out of breath. As he made it back to the apartment, unlocking the door, with Obsius on his shoulder waiting patiently, a thought hit him, would he now need to eat more or less due to the potions?


    Thinking about the bills he would need to pay just in food if it increased made him stop and shudder from head to toe. As he washed himself off of sweat, Norbert made a list of classes he would need to attend and go to work. After all the money he had thrown down the drain in the name of survival had to come back somehow. And sadly, he didn''t think the handful of coppers he would get would be enough to offset that cost.


    ***


    As he sat at his desk in the call centre, wearing regular clothes and his coat draped over his chair, Norbert did not know how he was still here, able to look at Obsius playing with the tissues in a pile on his desk.


    Before he arrived, Norbert was thinking of what to do with the bird. Should he leave him at home? Let him go free in the wild over here, or try and take it with him. No matter how much he wanted to leave Obsius at the apartment, the bird would not budge.


    Decided on his fate of being called out, Norbert walked and entered the elevator, Obsius staying on his shoulder the entire time. Listening to the elevator music playing, Norbert tapped his foot in tune. As the elevator doors dinged, they opened, and Norbert stepped out, trying to act inconspicuously as he made his way to his desk.


    As he sat down at the desk he was using and turned on his computer, the screen in front of him lit up, bathing his face in the light. Norbert looked went and placed on his headset, preparing for the day of calls.


    As he placed Obsius on his desk, hoping nobody would see the bird, he began his work, hearing the first call. "Hi, it''s Norbert at "¡­. And so he continued his job. Looking out at the corner of his eye, Norbert could see Obsius playing with the tissues. The list went on, taking one out at a time, making them into a little nest, covering himself with them, and trying to blow them off the desk.


    Norbert looked at Obsius but did not see the person walking up to his desk.


    "So, whose your little friend?"


    Norbert looked up; leaning over the wall divider, Henry stood staring down and smiling with a toothy grin. In his t-shirt with some faded design printed on it, his hair tossed, half covering his eyes.


    "Its name is Obsius. Just started following me one day, and no matter what I try, I cannot get rid of him ¡­ thus," Norbert presented the birds with his arms. Now looking between the two people, his head is only barely visible underneath a tissue.


    "Well, let me know if you find another one; I wouldn''t say no to having a little bird pal", Henry replied, moving around the divider to gently rub Obsius''s head, ruffling the feathers before smoothing it down. "I''ll also keep an eye out for Agatha for you; I don''t want this little guy to get kicked out of here when he''s so well-trained," Henry said, finishing petting the bird.


    Obsius stared at Norbert, looking for more pats as well. Relenting, Norbert gave in, giving the bird a pat on its head. Ruffling its feathers, Obsius scooted around, getting closer to Norbert, before he jumped forward into Norbert''s lap.


    With a laugh from Norbert and Henry at Obsius''s antics, Henry waved, walking away from Norbert as he had to return to work.


    ***


    And so Norbert''s day on the call desk with Obsius went without any hitches. As Norbert packed up for the day, happy that no last-minute calls came in, he shut off his computer and picked up Obsius from the desk, moving the tissues into the bin. Looking into the box, Norbert saw that it was empty; with a shake of his head, it also joined the discarded tissues in the bin.


    As Norbert whistled once more, Obsius joined in and whistled as well. As Norbert dinged the elevator he entered, the doors began sliding shut when he heard outside.


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    "Please hold the door!"


    Instinctually Norbert went and pressed the button to allow the doors to open. As they opened, Norbert looked up to see who was coming down. Hearing the tapping of high heels on the floor, Norbert swallowed when his eyes met the person¡ªthe one person he did not want to meet.


    He looked around to see if he could hide Obsius anywhere, but he was in an elevator with only a backpack. Before he could even more, the person he did not want to see, Obsius, was next to him, his boss.


    Agatha, in her red high heel shoes and blue jeans, having a ruffled top and her hair down, looked directly into his eyes. Gulping, Norbert looked away and pressed the button for the elevator doors to close, hearing the music coming on once more.


    Hiding Obsius on his left shoulder, hoping his body would stop Agatha from finding it, Norbert sat silently in the elevator, only the music playing. As he was halfway down, Norbert suddenly calmed down, thinking he would get away with it.


    Chirp chirp chirrup


    Turning his head to the side, Norbert saw Obsius singing along with the music. Drooping his head in shame, he looked to the side, seeing his boss''s reaction. And to his surprise, instead of being annoyed or angry about taking an animal into the office, a sly smile crept across her face, a twinkling in her eye of mischief to come. Slowly turning her head, she exited the elevator as the doors opened.


    Stepping out quickly before they closed, Norbert waited for her to say something, turning around, her hair flowing behind her, "You coming or what?" She asked before turning around again and walking down the street.


    Quickly to catch up, Norbert walked fast, meeting up with her on the next block. Down streets, they walked together, not saying a word. Suddenly Agatha stopped and walked into a building, opening the glass door and hearing another bell.


    Looking up, Norbert was shocked at where he was as he walked inside. Not knowing how he lost so much track of time on the walk, as it usually would have taken him at least 10 minutes to make it this far.


    There at the counter stood Bob, smiling and waving at the two of them.


    "Will it be the usual again, Agatha, or will it be your usual Norbert?" He asked the pair as they walked in.


    "Mine, thanks, Bob. All good if I sit at the side?" Agatha asked, already tapping her card to pay for it. Norbert not even seeing Bob use the cash register or touch the pin pad. With the receipt came out, Bob tore it off and placed it on the spike filled with other receipts.


    Norbert and Agatha sat opposite him at the table, Obsius in the centre. As they looked at each other, Norbert tapped his fingers on the table, waiting for the conversation to start.


    "So, what was this cute little guy doing in the office today?"


    Staring at her, Norbert thought of what he could say. Should he make something up ultimately, act completely oblivious, and say someone else took the bird in? Looking down at Obsius, Norbert thought about what could have happened if she had said no to him. Would the bird understand? As he thought about what to say, he thought, what if she had already talked with Henry? Then she would already know about the bird and how it followed him. Seeing a path through the forest, Norbert opened his mouth.


    "Like I told Henry, the bird Obsius just started following me one day, could not shake him for my life. Today I tried to leave him behind, but he wasn''t having a bar of that. So here we are, the office still intact."


    Flourishing his arms at the bird, Norbert finished his speech Obsius turned around, looking at Norbert, almost seeing if he had been insulted by something that Norbert had said. Turning around once more and ruffling its feathers, Obsius walked over to Agatha''s end of the table before jumping off and sitting in her lap.


    Cooing softly, Obsius cuddled up with her. Jealousy flashed through Norbert, the fact Agatha somehow won over Obsius so quickly, life couldn''t get fair.


    "Due to this little guy''s wonderful behaviour so far, I will persist if Obsius were to stay in the office. Now don''t tell anyone else this, and I will know if I ever spot him doing anything obstructive to work."


    Picking up Obsius, she placed him on the table, walking up to the counter to pick up the box Norbert had left. Coming back and sitting at the table, Agatha opened up the pizza box, steam billowing out once more.


    Looking down, Norbert saw the pizza she had picked, and in a look of utter surprise, Norbert saw the most argumentative pizza topping of all, the pineapple on a Hawaiian pizza. Looking up at her, she raised an eyebrow, waiting for his response.


    "So I see your usual is the always contested, the one topping people cannot decide on the most. The pineapple on the pizza. So I assume you are a fan of it and do not think it makes the pizza soggy?"


    Already a slice in hand and about to bite into it, Agatha looked at Norbert, slowly putting the pizza down and laughing, a proper laugh. Whipping a tear from her eye with a finger, she picked up the pizza again, taking a bite and savouring it before shaking her head. "The gal on some people"


    After eating the slice, she looked at Norbert, "Thanks for a laugh, Norbert; at least I know who to go to brighten my day. And as you can see, I think pineapple belongs on pizza."


    Seeing Obsius near the pizza moving around, Norbert looked down and was horrified at what he saw. Obsius was walking on a slice of pizza and picking off all the toppings. What barbaric actions for something to do. His face moving down, not knowing what to do, he heard another laugh from across the table. Looking up, he saw Agatha staring at him, a smile once more on her face.


    "It''s fine; I can see that at least someone here agrees with having pineapple on a pizza."


    Norbert stared quietly across the table at a loss for words, not knowing what to do anymore. Seeing him falter, she gestured for Norbert to pick up a slice of pizza. He did so and bit into it. The juice of the pineapple washed away the bile that was building up. With each bite, Norbert was diving through a waterfall, swimming through the ocean and sipping drinks on the beach, under an umbrella on a beach chair, with the drink also having a little umbrella.


    The two of them ate in silence, only the munching of the pizza and the crowd slowly filling in, creating sound. The chiming of the doorbell nearly constantly ringing, like the second hand of a clock. When the last slice was eaten, Agatha brushed herself off and stood up. Smiling and giving Obsius a little pat moved to the door. Turning around, she said to Norbert, "Don''t forget what I said", and she left, the bell ringing again.


    Sitting there thinking about the luck he had to avoid losing his job, Norbert cleaned off Obsius before placing him on his shoulder and picking up the empty pizza box before leaving the place and heading home. Dropping the box in the bin, Norbert waved to Bob, dishing out pizzas to the people in line.

 Chapter 27 Escape

    Norbert walked back from his impromptu dinner, not believing his luck. Both were at finding another pizza lover like himself, but he could continue taking Obsius to work when needed. Feeling the weight off his shoulders as he went back to his apartment, happy that life was turning out so well, he opened and unlocked the door; looking in, the TV was not on, strange, as the TV was almost always left on, for making it seem like there was someone in the place.


    As Norbert went around, unpacking for the day and putting his stuff down, he called out for Jack, hearing no reply and the bathroom not being used. Norbert shrugged, thinking he could have gone out and met someone. Norbert went to bed, sleeping with Obsius on the pillow next to him in their usual spots.


    The next day Norbert woke up and headed off to class, taking Obsius and a piece of bread in his mouth and sharing it with Obsius as he did not have enough time to eat breakfast and make it to the class. As he entered the room, Norbert looked around his class, finding Jack sitting in his usual seat. Looking behind Jack, Norbert saw Casper sitting there as well, slumped over and half asleep as usual.


    As Norbert sat down, taking out the items for the class he would need, Norbert realised that he was back in the same place all the funky stuff happened. Slightly grinning at the adventures that he had gone on due to the ring appearing, Norbert turned to Jack.


    "So, where did you go last night?" waggling his eyebrows at Jack, waiting to get a rise out of him.


    "Just went with some friends and got a bite to eat. Now I could say what were you doing last night? Hmmm?" Jack replied, waggling his eyebrows back at him.


    "What do you mean; I returned from work, surfed the web and went to sleep?" Norbert replied, thinking about what Jack could be talking about doing.


    "You know what I''m talking about. Do I need to spell it out to you?"


    Norbert waved his hand in the air, waiting for Jack to continue


    "Man, your real dense sometimes. You, in the pizza shop, with Agatha. Who is your boss, by the way? Eating PINEAPPLE on a pizza."


    Looking at Jack, Norbert could not believe what he was hearing from his mouth. "So let me get this straight. You''re annoyed at me because I had pineapple on a pizza?"


    Jack looked back at Norbert like he couldn''t believe the words coming out of his mouth. "Of course, that''s what this is about. You broke one of the rules of being a pizza, bro. I can''t believe you betrayed me like this."


    "Betrayed you, Jack; I have done no such thing. That was a Hawaiian Pizza, which was meant to have pineapple. No codes were broken. Let me remind you. And even, when did you see me eat this."


    Jack stared back at Norbert. Utterly not believing his words. "We were behind you and the next customers to be served after you."


    "Now your j."


    "SHHHHH"


    Stopping, both Norbert and Jacked looked around, and all eyes were on the two of them, the professor giving them a death eye. Finally, with silence, he started talking, scratching pens and clacking keyboards filling the room.


    Norbert gave Jack the stink eye. Hearing Jack whisper back, "This conversation isn''t over", they both started writing out the notes for the day.


    ***


    After finishing classes for the day, they walked back to the apartment together. Obsius are flittering around between their heads. After having a heated discussion during the break, neither of them moved from their position. They both continued to the next class. With both of them laughing and smiling again, Norbert asked the question playing on his mind.


    "Who did you go out with and stay overnight at?"


    Jack gave him a toothy grin, smiling at him, replying, "That''s a secret," while tapping his nose; he winked at Norbert before running away before Norbert could say anything. The two of them ran past the busy pizza shop the two of them entered.


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    Norbert is doubly happy that he was getting pizza two days in a row, a pizza celebration. The price appeared as they waited in line, making their way towards Bob, still serving people before even saying anything.


    "One carnivore pizza for you boys?" Bob asked the pair.


    Norbert pulled out his phone and tapped it, "You got it, boss". The two of them stood on the side as they waited for the pizza to be made. Looking at the people come and go, the tables busy once more at this time of day for the dinner rush combined with the rush after uni students got out. Looking around, Norbert saw people coming and going, the usual regulars sitting at their tables and talking together.


    "I wonder what they think of us, always standing here and dipping out so quickly?" Norbert asked himself. Hearing a chirp in response from Obsius, Norbert nodded his head. He was acting like he had just received sage words. As for all, Norbert knew he did.


    As Bob again slid the pizza over to the two of them, Norbert picked it up. Able to smell the pizza through the box without even opening the lid, seeing the steam slowly rise out of the sides, and not wanting to let any more escape.


    "Another good one you did, Bob."


    The two of them exited the joint. The bell rang for the last time Norbert would hear for the night. As the pair made their way home, Norbert felt Obsius jump from shoulder to shoulder. They entered the street of the apartment complex and entered the door. He was saying hi to the people exiting, braving the elements for the cold.


    As they entered the apartment, Norbert felt his phone vibrate. He was placing the pizza box on the table, and Obsius was already flying over and waiting for his piece; Norbert reached into his pocket, pulling out the phone.


    The words "Boss" with a green pick-up or a red decline button are on the screen printing. Thinking over what happened, he was lucky to be able to bring Obsius into work; he still pressed the green button¡ªholding the phone to his ear.


    "Oh, thank goodness you picked up Norbert. I will need you to come in and do the last bit of the afternoon shift, an emergency came up, and I''m counting on you."


    Without Norbert even being able to talk back, Agatha hung up the phone. Looking at it strangely, Norbert put it back in his pocket. Whatever emergency work had, it could wait for pizza time.


    Sitting down, Norbert started eating his slices, wolfing it down quicker than expected but still able to enjoy it. When he finished his part, drinking some water, he looked over to Obsius.


    "You wanna come with me, pal or sit this out?"


    Quickly biting a few pieces of his part of the pizza, Obsius also landed on Norbert''s head. Picking up his coat, Norbert headed off. Quickly running through the streets at night, the only illumination the street lamps guiding his path, Norbert made his way to the office.


    Running the flashing lights, once engulfed in darkness, then submerged in light only to repeat. As he neared the office, the lights still on, Norbert quickly ran up the stairs, not bothering about the elevator until he landed on his floor. Quickly Norbert made his way to his desk, turned on his computer and put on his headphones, waiting to see what could be so crucial for him.


    As he sat down, the screen flickering to brightness, a call came through. Quickly swallowing, Norbert prepared himself for however long this would take. "Hello, this is Norbert speaking", and the calls just kept on going through.


    He was answering and solving one person''s problem next after next. Printers malfunctioning, computers not turning on, peripherals not responding, the list just went on and on. Quickly he was engulfed in work, unable to even breathe between the calls that kept going through.


    As he tried to answer them, more people came in, seeing even Henry come in, still wearing the same thing the last time he wore. It must have been all hands on deck for whatever reason.


    And the battle continued; slowly but surely, the calls started to die out, and he was giving him enough time in between to finish what he was doing. Norbert yawned as the clock struck noon on his computer, signifying the start of a new day. He looked down, seeing Obsius asleep on his desk in his tissue fort.


    They were finishing up for the day. Norbert and the rest of the team slowly made their way out. They were talking to each other about what could have possibly happened to cause so many issues. As they exited the group, Agatha came out of the office, locking up behind her.


    "Thanks all for coming on such short notice. I don''t know what happened, so don''t even try asking, but thanks again for coming."


    With that, she entered the elevator, closing it behind them. Norbert looked at her, a slight smile that he just caught a glimpse of before the door closed. She was looking at Obsius, agreeing not to know about it.


    Happy that the secret would be intact, Norbert continued to talk with his colleagues before they all entered the elevator to make their way down to the lobby. Once in the lobby, they all split up, saying their goodbyes and agreeing to meet each other.


    Norbert, cradling Obsius in his arms so the bird could still sleep, started walking back home as well. As he left the group, Norbert walked through the night. Looking out at everything in the dark, keeping an eye out that nothing came after him. As he walked faster, Norbert looked to the side, seeing something move in the darkness. Running faster, he rushed home, closing the door and locking it in the apartment, his heart racing. Norbert made his way to his bed. Just landing on it, the thoughts of the run home were lost as sleep overtook him.

 Chapter 28 Armour Up

    Norbert looked across from them, not understanding how he could have gotten here. There were people in his room, or what should have been his room.


    Norbert got off the ground, looking around and seeing Obsius on the side of the bed again. Slowly moving his head, Norbert saw the pool of black sludge approaching him. Jumping to his feet, avoiding the sludge from moving, Norbert looked around again in the white room where he had the elixirs. Looking at the bed, Norbert grabbed the belt and put it on, ensuring nothing was moved.


    As he placed it on a head poked around the curtain, the same woman as before appeared.


    "Looks like you''re a quick riser, should prove you good", she said as she stepped around the curtain. "And you even had time to change your clothes. Well, aren''t you full of mysteries"


    Norbert looked down at his clothes, remembering his late night at work and the issues it created. Happy that he at least got some sleep, Norbert looked at his clothes, realising he was wearing something completely different from before. Feeling around, he confirmed he had his pendant and the talisman he received in the forest.


    Feeling his coat that he still had on, that thankfully had no stains, Norbert looked and smiled at her. "Had some spares lying around, and I wanted to get clean."


    "Impressive," the worker said in return before opening up the curtain and exiting. Norbert followed Obsius landing on his head as he followed the woman down the hallway, continuing away from the door he had last exited.


    As he passed through the rooms, the groaning still came behind some curtains. The nurses rushed around with buckets filled with the same black ooze he had previously rejected from his body. In some rooms, mops and buckets were brought in as the black ooze had started seeping under the curtain walls.


    Quickly stepping around this, Norbert was once more at a metal frame, rows and rows lining up. The nurse Norbert was following turned towards him. "Card, please", she nicely requested.


    Pulling out his card from his pocket, happy he still had it because that would have been awkward, Norbert handed it over.


    Pressing it into a console-looking device, it flashed once before the same blue smoke filled the portal. Handing the card back, she stepped away, walking over to her next task.


    As Norbert placed the card back in his pocket, Norbert swallowed, happy that he hadn''t been figured out and he still had all the items he needed. As he made sure Obsius was on his shoulder, Norbert stepped through.


    Once more, feeling his leg extend first, then the rest of his body stretching, until he was on the other side and looking around at the next strange room.


    In front of him was a wall. Within the wall was a cutout, allowing him to see through and watch the person on the other side. Papers flying everywhere, Norbert went and looked at him. Slowly stepping up. "Excuse me I."


    "Just a moment," the person behind the desk said, papers still flying everywhere.


    Looking behind the flying papers, Norbert saw shelves lining the walls. Barely able to see, Norbert saw what looked to be equipment of all kinds¡ªleather armour, cloaks, robes, full metal armour, tactical-looking armour. The list just went on. And the weapons Norbert saw more there than he ever did. Looking around at them, some seemed too bizarre to him.


    Just the dimensions being wack, something more akin to a video game or a cartoon than in reality. Some of the swords he saw were his size, both in height and width, with the handle looking tiny in comparison. At the same time, others were so tiny that he could barely even hold it between two fingers. He saw a bow in the back, having purple veins spiking through the dark wood. Seeming that, the light breathed, slowly pulsing in time with his breath.


    The papers finally stopped flying a voice spoke up. "Thanks for the wait. Can I have your badge, please" interrupted Norbert''s train of thought; moving his eyes away from the bow, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the card, presenting it to the clerk.


    Looking at him properly, now that he was sitting still and had no papers in the way, he saw a little man, almost dwarf-like. His blue shirt had a little nametag over his breast. Norbert leaned in, getting closer so he could read it. "Glomly," the words said in bright red letters, hard to read on the white background it found itself on.


    "Glomly, what a strange name," Norbert said to himself.


    "Well, that''s no good way to start a conversation, chap. If anyone has the weird name here, it''s you" Glomly pulled the card closer to his face, pretending that the light catching it properly would allow him to read it better. "Norbert doesn''t follow any standard or logic at all."


    Glomly shook his head, passing the card back to Norbert. "As the record suggests, you have been assigned to the scouting force; tough luck, you pulled that one. Now you''ll need some equipment, which is why you''re here." Thrusting his hand to the side, Glomly presented all the items behind him.


    "But for you, lucky individual. You get none of this." Glomly stated, sitting out of his chair and stepping through the hole in the wall. Norbert saw that some lines were going through it, like a mesh of some sort which Glomly just passed through like it was nothing.


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    Norbert reached out, placing his hand against it. Instead of feeling nothing and his hand passing through, it stopped. The lines around his fist glowed a bit brighter than the others. Moving his hand back, Norbert saw it once more fade, nearly to the point of being invisible.


    "Come along now; we don''t have all day", Glomly called out, heading to the side of the room that Norbert had not seen before. Passing through the room, Norbert correctly looked at it. This was solid metal on all sides instead of the stone like before or the town''s wood. The lamps he had seen in the town at night were hanging from the ceiling, producing a harsh white light, bathing everything in even tones.


    Looking at the ground was stone instead of metal like the walls. This, too, like in the town, was perfectly smooth. He looked more like one piece than multiple that would need to be individually placed. As he neared Glomly again, Norbert looked at what was ahead. Sitting there was a shelf sitting on one of the walls. Looking on, Norbert could see further down that there were doors ahead, unlike he would reach them.


    Glomly started going through the shelf, picking up a bag he stuffed items in, grabbing leather pieces here and there. Glomly looked back, sizing Norbert up, before he nodded once more. "So, what do you know how to use?"


    "What do you mean, know how to use?" Norbert asked, taken aback by the question.


    "For defence, dummy."


    "Don''t know how to use anything", Norbert replied.


    A laugh echoed throughout the corridor, originating from Glomly


    "Oh I¡¯m sorry if you''re offended; you will not last long out there. Surprised you''ve lasted as long as you have."


    As Glomly continued placing items off the shelf into the bag, he finally turned around. He was holding two daggers in his hand. With a thud, he placed the bag onto the ground, putting the items on top.


    "This is your issued gear; keep it clean and well," Glomly said, a smile forming.


    Norbert bent down, opening the sack up and seeing what was inside. Pulling out a pair of each item, Norbert was worried about what he saw. First, he pulled a shirt and pants made of fabric similar to his own in light green. Pulling out, the following items were a leather jacket, pants and boots.


    Norbert investigated the gear he was getting, sure that it would be unique, like the equipment he had seen before. Inspecting it closely, Norbert found nothing. No unique lights, no markings, no runes, no magic circles. All he found on it were the stitches that bind the leather pieces to form clothes.


    Looking up, Norbert had a questioning look on his face, pointing his head behind his back towards what they had come with all the great-looking equipment. "Why don''t I get anything from there?" Norbert asked Glumly, wanting to make sure he wasn''t getting screwed over and his.


    "Ha, you think you would get stuff like that? When you can''t even power your translation stone. What a fool."


    Norbert instinctively reached for the pendant, making sure it was still there; looking down, he could faintly see the outline and the glow coming from it. "And how am I a fool to want the best I can get?"


    "This is the best that you can get", Glumly replied, "You don''t have enough juice to use the magic in any of those items. You would probably just get crushed under the weight of some of them." Holding his hand raised out, Norbert already had his mouth open to protest.


    "Even the scouts, this is the equipment for those like you, oh almost forgot you''re gonna need this as well," Glomly said, looking back through the shelves and placing bundles of items into the backpack. "You don''t have any repair enchants to use, so you''ll need to do it the old-fashioned way. Make sure that you don''t lose anything. Well, the good thing about what you have is that it is very cheap to replace."


    Norbert looked at the bundles he had been given, seeing a sewing kit, some spare patches of fabric and leather, a smooth stone, a long piece of leather and a little pouch. Opening it up, Norbert saw pieces of fabric and glowing rocks. Looking up, waving his hands around the items he was given, Norbert looked at Glomly for an answer.


    "Sewing kit to repair clothes, wet stone and strop to repair the daggers, and a medical kit to repair you when out on the field. Now get out of those clothes; I want to make sure you can properly fit inside those clothes of yours."


    Looking around for a place to change, Norbert could see nothing.


    "Wow, I didn''t know they made girls around your size; just hurry up and change here, ok? I can already feel the paper piling back on my desk,", Glomly said. Norbert, sighing, began to undress his clothes, taking the belt off and leaving it in a pile. Keeping his socks and underwear on, Norbert changed into the cloth green shirt and pants, both long sleeves and then into the leather clothes, finishing off with the boots.


    Looking around, Norbert tried to find a mirror, unable to find anything. Norbert looked around, pulling out one of the daggers to use as a mirror. Seeing himself, he was at least happy it looked half decent¡ªthe shirt''s green blended into the brown leather he wore. Seeing the wooden buttons, he buttoned it up, hiding the green nearly completely. Reaching for his belt, Norbert put it on. Looking, he was able to find two more places for the daggers. He had one on the left with his coin pouch and the other on the right with the dagger he received from Cossan with the belt.


    Feeling all and confirming he could see it, Norbert placed his previous clothes in the backpack and slung them over his shoulder.


    "Finally, you''re done, and it looks like I got the correct size; yay for me; now, if you can head this way, please," Glomly said, leading him towards one of the doors, making chatter about the amount of work he would need to do and about the incompetence of people nowadays, whispering under his breath.


    Looking at it was once more just the frame; the little man gave it a wack on the side before it glowed again, smoke coming off it.


    "Here you go, right to your next place. Also, a final piece of advice, choose your conversations carefully cause you don''t want to run out because someone who talked way too much will burn through the magic in there. Just a little piece of advice," Glomly said, laughing at the horror, thinking back to the conversation that he had, the amount of information given and comparing it to the nurse from before who said nothing.


    Now realising why she said so little, probably knowing that he was on a timer. Obsius flapped his wings in Glomly''s direction, irritation on its face and squawking at him


    "Looks like you''ve got a loud one there, Norbert; now you best be off before you can''t understand anything anyone says." And with a push, Norbert fell through the portal, his body once more stretching. Time seemed to slow down as he went through, and the only thought on his mind.


    "How did that little man have so much strength."

 Chapter 29 Through The Dusty Plains

    Norbert looked at the people around him. All of them have strange faces on them or how they got there. Looking around, they all had the same gear on. The same leather jacket and pants, Norbert could see the green top underneath some of the open coats.


    People had belts on them with at least two daggers attached and in sheaths; however, they decided, and all had the same backpack Norbert had with him¡ªsome bulging more than others. Looking around, Norbert saw the room he was in, or more precisely, the lack of room.


    Norbert''s feet crunched on the dusty soil; looking around, Norbert saw no trees or life around him, just a single flat piece of dirt as large as a football stadium. Looking around, he would guess about a hundred people were already standing there, also watching and waiting for something to happen.


    As they looked around, Norbert not seeing any portals or frames anywhere, not understanding how they could be transported here. A voice came from the group''s centre, echoing, "Attention, everyone!" As the voice slowly subsided, so did everyone else speaking until only the wind blowing through the dirt was heard.


    "Thank you, now all of you here for the training of scouts for The Frontier. Most, if not all, of you, have no idea what you will officially be doing. And at this point, I have no intention to make that any clearer for you." The voice said, people looking around nervously, not liking what was being said.


    "I am here to teach you two things. The first is how to survive with nothing. Thus, we are out here in the middle of nowhere with nothing. The second thing I am here to teach you is to tap into your body''s new potential. Thanks to the wonderful elixirs you have all consumed, your body is better. Some of you may notice the changes, others not so much. Thankfully the perception is easy for people to grasp, most people, that is. The endurance one, now that is harder."


    With a pause, people started looking around, jumping from one foot to the next; the voice spoke up once more, "Now the only way to show your mind its new level is for you to do it. So with that said, we shall all begin running."


    With that, the crowd parted slightly, seeing someone run up ahead. Slowly the group continued to jog, moving away.


    "THE ONLY RULE IS NEVER TO LEAVE YOUR BAGS BEHIND!" the voice shouted off in the distance. Everyone stopped, looking behind them. Seeing the bags just left on the ground. The crowd is looking at what to do.


    One by one, each came back to pick their bag up until a sea of people followed. Arguments were happening all around Norbert, him thankful that he still had his bag on, never having the opportunity to take it off with Obsius on his shoulder.


    "Looks like we''ve gotten ourselves into quite a pickle here?" Norbert said to the bird, receiving a chirp of confirmation in reply. Seeing the crowd take off, Norbert followed, beginning to jog and keep up.


    As they ran, the dust being kicked up and into the faces, Norbert slowly made his way to the front, trying to breathe fresh air. As he made his way past the crowd, all the faces became slowly red, the breathing haggard people.


    Finally, Norbert made it to the front, no more dust in his eyes, just the fresh, calm wind of him moving to blow on his face. Looking up, Norbert saw Obsius flying through the air, getting bumped too much for it to stay on his shoulder. Up ahead, Norbert saw someone running ahead. Realising it was the instructor for their rag-tag group Norbert focused on them and continued running.


    Thoughts of when he was running back on Earth in his most recent time back there, happy that he ran in the mornings before, knowing that he had progressed further than before, the fact that he was still running and thinking at the same time at this pace showed it.


    The group continued to run, following the instructor in the lead. Sometimes he would get closer, only to hear him shout something out, saying we''ve only just started before reshooting forwards.


    Occasionally looking behind him, Norbert could see that the group that was once packed and bustling for space had spread out. Norbert is still at the front with three more besides him, the same three from the start, all keeping pace with him, sometimes going a bit further ahead, other times going behind him. Sometimes Norbert was at the lead before slowing down again.


    As the struggle came behind him, seeing they were stretched out over fifty meters or so from what he could see. Norbert looked around once more, seeming as if the scenery around them had not changed, not like he would be able to know if it did due to the lack of anything there. Up ahead was still the instructor, keeping pace with them as well. He heard a voice shout from the side say, "Hey, out of us here want to try and reach them" Looking to the side, Norbert saw a boy a bit younger than him. His long orange hair flapped in the wind behind him. With one finger pointing ahead to the instructor, Norbert could see, squinting hard. Norbert could make out his details, looking like he wasn''t even breaking a sweat.


    Nodding, the two other people increased their pace as they overtook Norbert. Looking up, Norbert saw Obsius flying ahead, almost hearing a cackle at him. Being raised to the completion, Norbert re-positioned his backpack. Happy that the straps didn''t feel like they were digging in and not chaffing anything, thinking the leather must be providing something for him.


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    About to head off, a thought occurred to Norbert, should he run it or go all out and try and sprint to the instructor? Mind underside Norbert chose the best method to do when not knowing; you do a coin toss.


    Slowing down slightly, people slowly started to overtake him, the group he was once part of increasing their gain. Norbert reached around and fell into his backpack. Not finding any of his coins from Earth, Norbert reached around for something to use. Finally finding what he was looking for, Norbert pulled out the stone talisman.


    One side was just solid stone, and the other had purple insignia. Looking closer, Norbert could see that he had not seen the marking before, not the same as the magic circle but similar still. Carefully blowing on it for luck, Norbert flicked it into the air ahead of him. "Magic side for sprinting, stone side for running."


    As it spun in the air and came down to his eye level before slamming into his face, his arm whipped out in front of him. Feeling the successful weight of it nestled in his palms, Norbert quickly looked at it, deciding what his fate would be.


    The purple insignia, AKA the magic side, stared out at him. A smile forming on his face, Norbert quickly placed the talisman back in his backpack, making sure it would be secure and he would not lose it on the next trip of his run.


    With his backpack on once more and secured, Norbert looked up, seeing that Obsius had stayed ahead with the group, now hard to see. Looking around, Norbert saw he was now near the group''s back. The wheezing surrounding him, the huffing and puffing of people, starting to look like they would fall.


    Looking around, Norbert cheered for them, trying to give them something to keep them going. Not getting any response back, Norbert let his cheers sink into him. Forming deep within his belly.


    Norbert breathed in, more and more, as much as he could. Closing his eyes, he felt the air within him, the power it would provide, amplified by the elixir coursing through his muscles and blood. He envisioned the red blood cells moving around his body, now to magic even more efficiently, taking it to the muscles of his legs. The muscles load it up, release the striations, receiving the brain''s signals to move.


    The red blood cells returned to his lungs to load up with oxygen again, going through the capillaries before reaching the heart again and rushing forward. As Norbert breathed as he imagined the blood within him reaching his lungs, Norbert breathed out, feeling some hairs on his head standing up, a feeling in his stomach.


    As Norbert breathed out fully, his body never stopping or slowing down, keeping to the same pace, he slowly opened his eyes. When he was out of the air, Norbert looked straight ahead, seeing the instructor far off in the distance.


    The world around him slowly faded, the people no longer there, just shadows of something in the background. Norbert opened his hands up; his next step in his gait was just a bit further. The dust from his foot slapped the ground before going behind him and the next one taking its place.


    The time between each step went faster and faster; his arms started to pump, propelling him further in front. Norbert started to sprint, not caring if he was tired, knowing and trusting in the belief of the magic and what the instructor said that he now had to find his new limit; that was all to the course.


    As Norbert sprinted past the other people jogging, feeling the wind blowing in his face, there was no dust near him. Norbert occasionally looked up, using Obsius as a guide to see how far forward from his destination. As he continued to sprint forward, not feeling tired, Norbert passed the group of three he was before. With a wave of his hand, Norbert continued going forward, leaving them in the dust. Looking back now that he was in the front, he saw they started to sprint, trying to catch up with him, looking more like beasts chasing him now than people.


    As Norbert dismissed them in his mind, he looked up once more to see Obsius, flying still in the sky, now going up and down and doing tricks out of boredom, as it definitely could not stay on his shoulder with all his bumping around.


    Surprised once more that the backpack was securely on his back, Norbert looked to the instructor before him. His prize and all for him.


    Breathing in deeply, Norbert pushed off with a burst of speed. Feeling like he was flying through the air, not just running on the ground. Finally, after all the running, Norbert could see the instructor slowly come into detail. As he sprinted forwards, the instructor ahead slowly approached him until they were beside each other.


    Norbert slowed down, feeling his feet once more thud on the dirt, kicking up dust into the air together; Norbert could finally see the instructor. He was wearing similar clothing to what he had currently on, the only difference being the leather''s brownness and the shirt''s green.


    Instead of being a solid patch, it seemed to form and mist together, like the camouflage gear from Earth, but constantly moving and changing shape. Norbert looked up, only for his eyes to stop lower than expected and looked at the person before him. Hair cut short, the same black as the village and an angular face with eyes looking more like a cat than a person. Their pale white skin left little sweat, unlike Norberts, who felt it was almost raining.


    As he looked once more ahead, the voice from before came up. "What makes you think you can run next to me?"


    Thoughts flying through his head, Norbert, not seeing the issue here, replied, "Well, because I can; this was only a test of endurance, and we just need to go further than we previously thought possible."


    "And where do you think that is." The instructor replied.


    "I''d say that is when someone can no longer move anymore, no matter what they do."


    A smile formed on the instructor''s face; a used car salesman could convince someone to price for more than it is worth and see them sign on the dotted line, knowing they had made a mistake.


    "Thanks to this one here", The instructor boomed out; Norbert thought it likely that everyone would be able to hear them. "We are going to go until nobody can move any more, so let''s chop chop" With that, they turned around and continued running as if nothing had happened.


    Looking forward, seeing that the conversation was other, Norbert now had nothing to do but to continue to run; he synched his breath up with the instructors.


    Norbert occasionally looked behind him as the two of them continued to run on the dusty earth. Seeing the numbers of the runners slowly dwindle off, falling to the ground out of exhaustion and not getting back up.


    As Norbert looked forward again, a thought occurred to him; he had not eaten breakfast today.

 Chapter 30 And on and on

    As Norbert continued running through the dust, nobody caught up to the instructor with him. Looking behind again, Norbert saw the distance between them and the next group grow and grow.


    As he turned back around again, Norbert saw his hands flash before his face. For the briefest moment, Norbert saw his hands had purple lines on them.


    Shock surrounded Norbert as thoughts flashed through his head. Would he be found out, tested for something, or killed for desecrating a grave? Could he think of something to say instead, some cover for what he has been given? Would anyone believe him?


    As Norbert continued to think, he slightly slowed down, losing his pace. He had to focus again, the butterflies in his stomach rising again. Turning his head to the side, he looked at the instructor, seeing the instructor laugh straight at him. A high-pitched laugh, sounding utterly different to the voice he heard before.


    Now, even more surprised, Norbert opened his mouth wide, the wires in his head crossed from being thrown from one deep end to the other.


    As the instructor whipped a tear from their eye, not knowing if one was there or just for show, they opened their mouth, a voice completely different from before coming out, sounding like the tinkling of bells, compared to the neutral voice from before.


    "You sure are a sceptical one. Relax, we all have irregularities here; say, can I look at your card?"


    Norbert looked back at the instructor, not believing they wanted him to ruffle through his bag while running. Receiving a nod from his pause, Norbert pulled his bag off one shoulder again and started looking around.


    Finding it where he last put it, in his pants pocket, Norbert showed it to the world before handing it over to the instructor.


    As they looked at it and nodded once before handing it back. "So you''re the Norbert fellow, the one with no lick of magic in them, a completely useless mundane then."


    "Well, that''s not a nice thing to say to people, even though it''s true", Norbert replied, putting the card back in his old pants pocket before placing it again in the backpack. Re-positioning the bag on his back. Realising he had been running for who knows how long and not feeling any pain, he rubbed his shoulders, confirming no soreness.


    "And you shouldn''t worry about the glowing hand thing", The instructor replied. "It''s already added to your file; it was discovered when you were excreting the toxins from your body. Gave the nurses a shock."


    He looked at the instructor, thinking that now everyone would know about his hands and being seen as an outcast doubly due to his lack of magic.


    "I would recommend wearing some gloves. As a teacher to their pupil, it will make it less obvious when you''re using whatever it does," They indicated to his hands, now not glowing as strong as before but still noticeable under the sun. Nodding in confirmation, he looked forward, wondering if now he would have time for some questions.


    "So, for keeping up with you for so long, can I ask some questions? Before you start, this would still test my endurance as I would be multi-tasking?" Norbert replied. Looking at the instructor, Norbert waited, not hearing anything to deny him. He continued the most pressing question on his mind for the conversation.


    Pulling out the pendant around his neck and showing it to the instructor, Norbert asked, "The last person I talked to said there is a limited amount of conversations for this, and I need to be careful, or else I will be trapped with nothing. So the question I''m asking is, how much time do I have left?"


    Looking at his pendant, the instructor moved closer, both still running. Cupping her hand over the pendant, she looked at it before nodding in confirmation. "It''s full or nearly there. Normally these things last for about a month before they need to be charged up. When unregistered languages are used, they will be used more up depending on what happens. The fewer records on a language, the more it will use, so you have plenty of time."


    With that off his shoulders, Norbert relaxed again, knowing he could use it liberally. The next question is related to it "So how does someone recharge it anyway?"


    The instructor looked at him like he was a fool before shaking her head, whispering "country bumpkin" under her breath before replying, "Really, anyone can do it at that level. They need to put some mana into it, normally just a couple of coppers to fill it up. They are designed to be efficient, you know."


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    As Norbert nodded his head, still running together. Still, the background was not changing; Norbert looked ahead, running and keeping to his thoughts. Looking back behind him, he could still see a couple of people running, now nearly over the horizon. Suddenly one dropped off, no longer able to see.


    "So, may I ask for your name, teacher?"


    Looking back behind as well, the instructor continued running, not giving any information on what he asked for. Looking down, Norbert continued to run, waiting to see if they said anything; sadly, nothing was said.


    The pair of them ran together back through the dunes once more. Occasionally looking behind them, Norbert saw silhouettes fall one after the other. When Norbert looked back and saw nobody, he looked to the instructor waiting to see if they would continue. Playing back in his mind that they would keep on going until they could no longer run, Norbert swallowed, thinking of how long he would need to go, as still, he did not feel any real fatigue like his body hadn''t yet communicated to his mind that it was tired¡ªthe adrenalin allowed him to be kept on going for much longer than he could.


    And so they ran together, Obsius still flying in the sky, now drooping down. He slowly landed on Norbert, catching Obsius before the bird fell out of the sky.


    Feeling Obsius slowly rise and fall, the bird now fast asleep in his arms. And still, the instructor continued to run as Norbert was still not stopping. Over time Norbert''s legs started to feel like jelly, but he continued. Occasionally looking down to ensure that Obsius was still fine, Norbert looked at his hands again. Now the light flecks of purple previously barely visible in his veins were noticeable.


    The veins on his hands were bursting, completely obvious, and glowing, completely visible in the light now, almost like it was pulsing. Looking up, Norbert looked back, seeing that nothing was seen. And still, they ran; looking at the instructor, Norbert saw they also were starting to sweat, the tiredness visible on their face.


    Norbert, now forcing his foot to raise, carrying the now awake Obsius in his arms, the little guy still too tired to fly, the person behind him dropped out. Norbert continued to run forward, not even paying attention, realising he was no longer running with someone. He tripped over his feet as he turned around for the last time.


    Instantly Norbert sprawled on the ground, Obsius crying out and flapping out of the way before Norbert landed on him.


    With a thud and a wave of dust billowed, Norbert rolled around until he was finally still. Lying on the ground, Norbert looked up at the sky, seeing no clouds. As he breathed in the air, the dust slowly drifting down to the ground again, Norbert saw a shadow over his face. Moving his face to the side stood Obsius, looking down at Norbert.


    Smiling up at him, Norbert was unprepared for what was happening next. The bird came down and started pecking at Norbert''s forehead. On his part, Norbert was too tired even to move a hand to swat the bird away, just lay on the ground, accepting his punishment.


    ***


    After who knows how long, the sun not moving anymore from what Norbert could see, Obsius stopped pecking at Norbert. After being able to relax, Norbert once more had his breath. Slowly he leaned up, only to see the instructor sitting on the ground.


    In front of them was their backpack, now also opened. From it, they pulled out a bag of some kind, nibbling on some food in their hand. Slowly Norbert stood up, legs shaking as he approached the instructor.


    Slowly the instructor looked up, taking a sip of liquid and putting more food in their mouth. Now looking at them, Norbert saw the food looked like dried apple pieces, not sure there are apples in this world, to begin with.


    "You''re finally up; let''s go and pick up the rest of the stragglers." The instructor said, placing the items back in their bag and getting up, looking like they hadn''t run.


    "And to answer your previous question, my name is Lily," she said, in her butterfly voice, before changing back to a neutral tone. "Don''t tell anyone else; they haven''t earned the right yet. Now come on, we''re burning daylight here."


    And with that, she ran off once more. Shaking his head, Norbert looked at Obsius, sitting on his shoulder; with a peck at his head once more, the bird flew, flapping its wings right in front of Norbert''s face, blowing dust-up at him and making him stumble.


    "That bird" Norbert shook his head once more before he also began to start running.


    Back the trio went, Norbert catching up quickly with Lily as they started looking around for people once more. Their band slowly increased more and more. They were first picking up the trio who Norbert competed with before. All of them had grouped themselves and sat and talked when Norbert found them.


    Getting up, the group continued; as more and more people came together, the group started slowly slowing down until they were only jogging, no longer running. Lily never goes ahead of the group and keeps them together.


    After some time, the group never continued getting bigger, but still, they jogged once more.


    ***


    Lily started slowing down from their jog, holding her hand in the air as she walked before stopping and engulfing herself in the crowd.


    "Now that we have done the first drill of the day, I will take you to your quarters you will be staying in for the next, however long you remain here."


    Everyone started talking in hushed whispers, waiting to see how well they could relax.


    "Your standing at it right now; we shall be staying here. We shall be staying here, on this dust bowl, for your training, teaching you survival training and endurance of all types. Let''s begin our first lesson, getting your sleeping quarters, for it will be dark soon."


    Looking around, Norbert could not see how it could soon be dark, the sun still shining high in the sky. Pulling out items in his pack, he looked to see if there was a tent or food magically, and sadly there was nothing, and only what items he had in before.


    As everyone was disappointed, Norbert realised they would be out here with no food, water, or shelter for as long as the training took. All in the name of "endurance".

 Chapter 31 New Limits

    Norbert looked at the camp formed around the instructor''s tent. Nobody had anything that could be used as shelter or bedding. Word spread between them that this was also part of the endurance test, enduring who knows how long with no resources.


    As Norbert lay down on the ground, making comfortable bedding for Obsius at least to sleep on, the inside of his backpack was wrapped up in his coat. Looking up at the stars, Norbert waited as his eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. He was waiting for the hunger pains to hit him; he ran around all day with no food or water for that matter.


    Thinking back to the previous day with the feast, he realized that most people would have only eaten nothing for breakfast if he always stayed here. Focusing back on the stars, Norbert looked for anything familiar in the night sky. Not like he would know where to look, Norbert thought, as he never really studied the stars.


    Still, it left him with some warmth to know that one of those, somewhere, was the same one that he was looking at back home. Smiling, Norbert craned, seeing what the other people were doing. Most people were already sleeping or trying to, rolling up on their old clothes or using their backpacks as a pillow.


    Looking around, Norbert was surprised to see how much detail he could already see. The dark had never looked so bright in his life. Swivelling his head around, Norbert looked at the details of people sleeping, trying to pick up any words and patterns on clothes people were using as pillows and still noticing that it was dark, compared to under the sun but closer to the difference under a tree, its branches creating shade and blocking the sun compared to out directly in the sunlight on a bright summers day. The darkness was always there and still is, but no longer was it something frightening, holding its mysteries close to its chest. Now Norbert could see through it; what was once mysterious now known to him.


    Smiling to himself at his progress, wondering if it was grander or less than others, Norbert looked down at his hands, seeing their normal veins. Looking again, Norbert thought back to his run and the fight with the wolves. He was trying to think of what caused it compared to the other times at the gym when he last tried it. What difference pushed him further, allowing him to go over the edge?


    Standing up, Norbert picked up his bag, being careful of Obsius still resting within and walked to the outskirts of the group, not wanting to disturb anyone''s sleep with the possible light show he would be creating, he hoped. As Norbert placed his backpack on the ground, a cloud of dust appeared in a wave around the bag. Sitting down next to it, Norbert looked down at his hands, trying to feel if anything was different.


    Not feeling anything, Norbert closed his eyes again and looked into himself. Feeling for the feeling he felt before, trying to get it out. But no matter where Norbert looked, he did not find anything. All he found was the darkness in himself even darker. Looking for the last time, he started at his fingers and toes. Imagining following his veins, he went up his arms and legs, both only feeling vacant, until he centred around his chest.


    In the centre, he felt the faintest whisp coming around there. Norbert opened his eyes, looking down, feeling the pendant he was wearing to translate there. He thought he could still use some little magic, unaware of its usefulness. Looking around, Norbert wondered if there was something that he could do to continue pushing on. Looking around on the flat plain, not wanting to get off if he ran somewhere distant, Norbert decided it was time to start testing. Taking his leather jacket and pants off, Norbert rolled his pants and sleeves up, so he could see some of his skin; on his knees, hands out in front of him, Norbert lowered his body.


    Doing pushups, Norbert continued. He stared down at the ground, the dust billowing from his breath. Imaging himself looking like an angry bull snorting and ready to charge someone, Norbert continued to rise and fall. Not counting, Norbert continued to go up and down until there was no more dust billowing out of the ground. Looking down, Norbert saw the cracked, dry earth, none of the dust in the way.


    As Norbert looked down, Norbert saw water dripping down now onto the dirt. Looking up in the air, still doing the pushups, Norbert looked up at the sky, still able to see the stars above, no clouds covering it. Whipping his head back down, Norbert felt the sweat fly off his hair, now a trail of droplets on the dirt before him. Realizing it was his sweat, Norbert thought of stopping and wiping his forehead. But he just wanted to endure and see the magic one more time.


    Closing his eyes, Norbert felt his arms cry out, his chest heaving, his back aching, feet wanting him to stop. Norbert just thought back to the blood racing through his body. Copying the path it would take from his back and chest, down his arms to his hands and back up again.


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    Norbert continued into the night, with each breath feeling more powerful than the last.


    Not realizing it, some people started to watch him as Norbert went up and down. For minutes they watched, slowly losing interest one by one, sleep overtaking them. Only the few that were still talking slowly stopped, watching Norbert. As he continued going up and down, they could now see him more clearly, this purple light slowly coming out of his top.


    Slowly, even those people relented to the call for slumber, leaving Norbert the only one awake, still going up and down. Not seeing anymore, he let the magic of the elixir take over his mind, pushing his body to the limit. When he opened his eyes again, he could see much more precisely. A smile escaped his lips as Norbert still went up and down.


    Norbert looked at his arms, the light of his veins clear under the cover of darkness whenever he could. He could see the veins he was shown in anatomy books, the ones closest to the skin shining the brightest. As he watched his arms, being hypnotized by the lightning strikes going up his arm, Norbert also saw it coming from the other side. As Norbert continued going up the arms, it was covered by his clothes, unable to see anything under the cloth, no glow coming up.


    Trying to look down his shirt Norbert saw the briefest and dimmest purple streaks coming from it, nodding his agreement of how it was activating within his body, whatever the light allowed it to do. As Norbert went up and down, now hearing the snoring from others, Norbert looked up and around. To the side, he saw sleeping people, all mostly still, some slightly rolling around. Looking at them, he felt no fatigue overcome him.


    Seeing the light and remembering how much more he could push himself even before taking any elixirs, Norbert continued, his arms burning steadily with each one.


    Counting in his head, he said, "Just 10 more; you can do it; it''s easy. 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, your half way there, we still have more left 4, 3, 2, and the last one comes on. Good job, you did it; now, can''t you do another 10? You did it once. Just do it again."


    And once more, with a shaky breath, Norbert lowered himself once more, as that would be easy. Throughout the night, Norbert kept on going; up and down he went.


    ***


    As Norbert lifted one last time, his arms shaky, the purple light had slowly left over the night. Norbert landed again on the ground; the dust was gone, and his back isk was slightly damp from his workout. Norbert stared up at the sky, wondering if he could move when he next woke up. As he stared up at the sky, sleep finally entering his mind, Norbert saw a light streak past behind his head. Not caring anymore, Norbert closed his eyes, sleep finally overtaking him.


    ***


    Norbert opened his eyes and stared out at the sky without remembering the dream. The once visible stars are gone, the sun on the horizon talking up the sky and brightening it up. Looking around, Norbert found others also starting to move around and get up.


    As Norbert looked at his backpack, there standing proudly was Obsius, looking out over the group, Norbert could almost imagine it was puffing its chest out in pride. Over what could lead the bird to be so full of himself, Norbert did not know. As he slowly got to his feet, the once wet ground now dry, he took off his shirt, dusting it off from the dirt and dust that stuck to it from his sweat while he slept. Quickly putting it back on, Norbert smelled himself, confirming his concern about needing a shower.


    As he returned to his leather clothes, feeling them slide onto his body, Norbert looked around, seeing what would be needed. As she looked around again, the camp surrounded by the instructor''s tent, she stepped into the air.


    Looking around, already in the same clothes as before, she stepped out, stretching towards the air and looking towards them


    "Well, I had a wonderful sleep; I don''t know about you," The instructor said in her neutral tone, giving no recognition on her face for the joke she made.


    Packing her things, the instructor placed her backpack on her back again. Looking around at random, she pointed in a direction at random.


    "Ready to follow me again today? Let''s do a better time than yesterday."


    And she shot off into the distance at a run. The rest of the group followed after her more quickly than before. Norbert, still on the outskirts, ran around the crowd, not wanting to eat more dust than needed. As he continued to sprint, Obsius stuck his head out of the backpack before going back inside. Norbert cut across to the front to run with the instructor once again.


    Surprisingly, he ran with no pains in his body or aches from the night before. As they continued to run on the dusty plane, the instructor not going as fast as last time and the group sticking closer together, they made it to a cord, waiting for them to follow on. And on they went, Norbert remembering the streak in the sky that he had seen the night before.


    As he continued running, thinking his thoughts in front of him were some shapes sticking out of the ground. As they came closer, he saw they were bags of some sort. Finally, the group made it there, all sitting around and waiting to see what was inside.


    Looking inside the bags were some food and water. Looking around, Norbert could see people stuffing their faces with food and quenching their thirst with water. Looking around, Norbert saw the instructor waiting on the side. Placing the smaller bag of food within his own, taking Obsius out to sit on his shoulder, Norbert waited for her to say something.


    "Now that all of you are ready, let''s start with teaching you all something", The instructor said before throwing out a stone cube on the ground. When it hit the ground, a cloud of dust formed around it, and a figure appeared before them.

 Chapter 32 A True Beast

    Norbert looked at the dust before him, slowly forming into a shape. As Norbert looked up, the dust swirling around it until he was looking at the wolf he had first seen.


    "Hello all, the items you have just been given will need to last you for the next few days until the next shipment arrives."


    Norbert looked around, seeing the horror on everyone''s faces. Happy that he still had his and that he didn''t feel like he needed them, he continued listening to the instructor, drowning out the words of annoyance and irritation around him.


    "Now, onto the lesson; in your travels, you will see many creatures you must notify of to exterminate." She looked around, letting her words bounce off the dirt around them until all eyes were on her again.


    "You are not expected to fight them; if you did, you would die quickly. You are all expected to notify of what has been found accurately and let the others in your group deal with it. Now then, there is little that can be said about these groups. When you are scouting, the three key important factors are how many there are, what type they are and what creature they come from. With this information, it will be possible to refine exactly what beast you have seen."


    The words rushed over Norbert, the realisation of what he would be doing. That this was no joke, the fears of the forest coming back, being alone, seeing strange things, and the only thing he could do was wait until he was devoured.


    PECK


    "OWWW" Norbert exclaimed, looking over at his shoulder. There sitting, Obsius just stared at him. Norbert looked back at him, seeing if he would get another peck. The bird looked away and back to Lily; Norbert went and allowed him to be there again. Getting out of his funk, Norbert looked towards the front again, listening to the instructor again.


    "The reason you need this is the vast number of beasts you may encounter constantly creeping on us; due to the amount, the most necessary information was said before. Now numbers mean the amount there; don''t underestimate any beasts you will see. As if you undervalue them, it can result in deaths on your shoulders."


    The instructor looked out towards the crowd, her voice dying off into nothing; Norbert, with the class, looked on, shocked at what was being said. The realness struck him, and like a blade being quenched, it hardened Norbert, listening back on what the instructor said.


    "The second item to note is the type. This can be trickier but can mostly be noted by any colour distinction on them, as well as seeing how they move throughout their habitats. Another way of looking at them is how they are augmented. It might be for speed, strength, using specific magic, or poison. With these knowing the best way to defend against them is needed. What equipment would need to be brought, and what are the possible casualties."


    "The final thing to notify is what type of creature it is. Is it a bird, a bear, a deer, a tyrannosaurs-rex" Norbert looked straight at her, head whipping around? Not believing the words that came out of her mouth. No way did he hear that correctly; an actual T-Rex could be found. Norbert thought back to his younger years, watching dinosaur movies in the theatres, getting entrapped into a pre-historic world from thousands of years ago.


    He went to the library with his mother, running around and picking up the dinosaur encyclopedia book he had there. Sitting down on a chair and pointing to them, letting his mother read them to him and sitting down and remembering the names of all the dinosaurs and their times and ages, looking at the pictures and borrowing them on the car ride home flipping through them, excited to get back and read more.


    Once he returned home, he got out his dinosaur figures and played with them, comparing them with the book he had given.


    On his 5th birthday, he opened it up and received a massive wooden T-rex. Building it up piece by piece (with help from his parents), he looked towards the marvel he had made. He stood way taller than him, looking up at its open jaw. Instantly one thought came through his mind of wanting to climb it.


    Sadly, Norbert knew, even at that age, the wooden pieces would fall apart and break if he tried, so he just read his books under it, letting his toy dinosaurs run up it and use it as some giant from eons even before them. As he thought back, trying to remember the names he once so quickly knew, he was stumped, only knowing several and only the main ones.


    Flashing before his eyes, Norbert tried to remember the book''s contents. Only the blue book cover comes to view with the dinosaurs in front. He remembered the t-rex, diplodocus swallowing stones, the pterodactyl in the air, the stegosaurus with its plates and finally, his favourite, the triceratops. Trying to remember, he could not, the rest blank.


    Thinking back to his family, he remembered that break was coming up in the next week; usually, heading home, he would do so once again, seeing the old stead, seeing his family once again, and if he was lucky, then finding that old book and looking back on the dinosaurs.


    Looking back, Norbert once more focused on what the instructor was saying


    "Monsterbook if you are interested in further analysis, though it is not needed or expected. Now let me show you some of the more common ones you will find.


    Listening, Norbert saw the dust creature shift from one to the next. Seeing the bull horses he saw before, rodent-like creatures, rabbits, squirrels of massive proportions. One, in particular, has what was described as a gaseous tail, which can release this for different effects depending on the species and the area found. Some were massive, like the squirrel and the T-Rex; seeing it blocks out the sun, Norbert imagined it could eat up half of the group currently in one swipe of its head.


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    Norbert kept on listening, trying to ram the facts into his head, not knowing if this would be repeated. With his head feeling floaty, eyes now tired from concentrating and trying to pick up any minute details that would save him when he left here, Norbert was surprised when the dust creature disappeared again, the cube seeing it again.


    "Now that you have all rested, it''s time for obstacle course training,", The instructor said with a smile, waving her arms in the air as she flourished them. The cube once more picks up the dust. Behind her, it also raised out, looking like it was always meant to be there. It slowly morphed from the soft sand that could always change shape to hard sandstone. Compressing itself, Nobrert did not know how the dust on the ground could change like that, but before his eyes, it did.


    Opening up, there was what he usually saw in any obstacle course, ropes to climb across, walls to jump down, and balancing logs. But there were also other aspects he only saw on tv shows. Parts looking like hammers jumped out, ready to smash anybody that tried to walk across the tight section of the wall. Fists coming out from the floor repeatedly in sync. The one section near the end had only what he could barely see as tiles with nothing strange about them.


    As Norbert glossed over, he noticed the further along it went, the weirder and stranger it became. It was going from the levels of reality into the stupid. Looking back at those tiles apprehensive, knowing it was hiding something underneath it.


    "You must complete it at least ten times before returning to our resting place. You can always do more, so I hope you were paying attention to where to go," The instructor said before the dust came up once more, obscuring her from view. When it settled again, she was gone, just like a specific bat figure.


    Looking at the task ahead, Norbert swallowed, waiting to see who would be the first to step up.


    ***


    Lily stepped into her office, looking at the pieces of paper on her desk, nearly in piles. Stretching, she removed her leather clothes, sitting in only the fabric shirt and pants, feeling her skin breathe again. Letting her hair go, she stretched out her fingers and toes, letting them breathe for the first time. Shaking her hair and trying to get the dirt off, she sat on her chair. The leather creaked slightly with her weight, the cushion giving in just the right amount that it was used to. She was hitting all of her necessary pressure points.


    Leaning back, falling into the comfort, she closed her eyes. Leaning slightly back, she draped her hands around the wooden armrests, letting her relax for once, the work of the past few days catching up with her. Opening her eyes, she leaned forward on her chair, it clacking back onto four feet, hitting the wooden floorboards. She brought her chair forward, looking at the papers on the desk.


    She saw them in their last piles of what could have been theirs, re-organising them to their current potential. One section showed a picture of Norbert on it, only his first name and the little details they could find. Tapping her fingers on her desk, magic circles appeared in different colours and sizes; by instinct, a screen appeared of the dust bowl she had just left, and the participants started to move forward and select them.


    Going through them in reverse order, Lily added new information, going from the easiest to the hardest. The ones lower in potential are more manageable due to being easily able to fill it out and the previous information being accurate. She listed everything she found, going to previous recordings to confirm it. Writing down information about who they spoke to, how far they ran, who they stopped with, how long they slept, how quickly they adjusted again, what section they put themselves in with the pack, how quickly they ate their resources and more.


    She wrote her reports through the list, occasionally looking up to see the progress on the screen. Seeing that nobody was making their way back yet, she continued. She made her way through Papers, slowly adding to the completed pile. She stopped writing as she landed on Norbert, one of the last ones left.


    His face stared back at her, a smile on his chin and a sparkle in his eyes like everything around him was mystical and new. She saw the bird on his shoulder get its head in the frame. An even bigger mystery is how someone could train one of those birds, or any birds from Flare-dew. Shaking her head, she looked further on, seeing his lack of magic potential, with little body from the initial investigator. Looking, she tried to find anything that could spell his mystery, but it was mostly unknown.


    Someone who had shown up someday unable to speak a lick of the language, just living as they could. Skimming through the report, she found the most recent development. A medical wing note showed his recovery time after the two elixirs were much lower than others and back up and functional much sooner. Looking at the ooze created, it was noted that it was also less than was typical.


    Seeing at the bottom said, "may have had elixirs before, no way to confirm at the time."


    As she placed the paper back down, Lily thought about her interaction with the man and his companion. The bird can have great endurance, and Norbert is even more so. Thinking back to the run the other day, she noted that he kept on going, even past what she could, while being augmented by items and magic to allow the resistance to be less. Looking down at her hands, Lily shook her head, not believing that someone with only two elixirs in them could have beaten her in a race.


    Fiddling with the circles again, she looked at yesterday''s footage, his hands shining purple, and saw the veins do it. Skipping forward, she made it back to the night, doing a final look and tracking him, this time not skipping over it. She watched him move away from the others before taking off some of his clothes and sitting down. Skipping forward, Lily saw Norbert start to move up and down. Seeing him do the pushups, he continued going and going.


    Fast forwarding again, she could see him rise and fall, becoming a blur in view. Slowly his body started shining again, working its way from his chest to his arms, then back up his back to extend to his arms. A tree blooming leaves after the hard left, starting in the most needed sections, with the most warmth and light before moving to the rest.


    Watching, he continued to move. He suddenly stopped as she looked at the time he had been going for. Quickly she played it back to average speed. Seeing he just fell on his back. He was watching up at the sky, unsure if he could somehow see the recording device.


    Closing his eyes, the light of his veins slowly receded until nothing was left. She saw that it was only thirty minutes before he was up again.


    Looking at what to write down, the door to her office opened.


    The lady from before stepped in the first welcoming who stood on the stage addressing Norbert. No longer donning the leather armour, she still had her sword strapped to her side, the clothes lose on her with sleeves rolled.


    The new person looked around the room. Seeing only the three pieces of furniture in the room, the chair Lily was on, the desk she was working off with the mountain of heaped papers in an order she could not discern, and a lone empty chair facing Lily. Stepping forward, she moved the chair back, looking at the two screens, one playing footage from the night, the other showing people running an obstacle course.


    A gruff voice came out of her, croaking and gravely from shouting too much throughout the owner''s life. "So, has the cat brought back any mice?"


    Lily laughed, sliding Norbert''s file across the desk to the woman. "The cat''s brought back more than just a simple mouse", she said, the twinkling in her voice going higher. "The cat''s brought back a true beast."

 Chapter 33 Obstacles

    Norbert looked out towards the course, seeing some people already trying to tackle it. Slowly they made their way across, up the wall they climbed, going over the single file, jumping down to the next section, watching some people were shoved off, their impatience rewarded with a school of people falling, only to make their way across to the start, the sand there seeming to carry them over.


    Watching Norbert feel Obsius take off into the air, he flew around the obstacle course. Down the bird flew over the wall, through the ropes hanging off, slipping between the sections that jutted out at people and through the end. Looking around, he came back and did it again. This time even faster than before.


    And so everyone stared at the bird as it completed before sitting back down on Norbert''s shoulder, crying victory over the rest of the people there.


    Obsius''s cry woke them up from their stupor. They all rushed to the obstacle course as a group, climbing over each other without waiting for a clear shot. Norbert turned to face Obsius, looking at him, knowing the bird was full of itself for causing such panic. Taking a breath, Norbert moved the backpack on his shoulders, getting it into a comfortable position. He reached for the two straps on the side, tightening it up as much as possible to stop it from moving around as much as possible.


    Testing Norbert did some jumping jacks and burpees, confirming that it stayed in position when he landed on the floor and jumped back up again; Norbert looked around and walked up to the wall. Feeling it on his hand, Norbert confirmed it was sandstone; when rubbing his hand on it, he felt it come off in pieces. Stopping, Norbert saw it form again into the wall after some time. Once more complete.


    CRASH


    Norbert looked up, only seeing the wall. Norbert walked around to see what had happened. Someone had reached the hammers that swung when needing to run between them and saw the person on the side, far away. Looking at the hammer that hit him, it was cracked over, only half of it keeping shape. As Norbert looked over to the person, he saw it was one of the three he had run with for the longest time.


    Staring, he saw the person slowly move to the side opposite Norbert; the sand had moved him there before dumping him. Slowly the body moved around, smiling towards anyone that saw. Walking forward, Norbert let his hand down; looking up, the person saw his hand, reaching up and pulling himself up. Staring at the man, Norbert had to raise his head slightly unnaturally. Looking, he saw it was the same one with long orange hair.


    Smiling, Norbert looked at him. "You took quite the hit there. Don''t know if I would have even survived that."


    The man looked back, still smiling. "Aye, quite a hit that was. I''ll best be off; thanks for the help."


    Walking away, the man started to the wall again. Before stopping and spinning on his feet, "Names Grosly, almost forgot", he said before walking away again.


    Waving back, Norbert shouted, "Norbert!" receiving a raised hand from Grossly.


    Watching Norbert saw Grosly make his way once more to the wall before bounding up it.


    Missing his chance at the empty wall, Norbert just stepped up. He was looking up at it being nearly 3 meters high. Reaching for the hand holds jutting out; he climbed up. Lifting himself, Norbert found the foot holds and hand holds easy, almost like they were placed there just for him. He was on the wall in no time, seeing the foot-wide path ahead of him.


    Looking forward, Norbert saw Grosly already ahead, past the tight walk and onto the next part. Letting him go from his mind Norbert stepped up to the plank, placing his arms on the side of him and carefully making it one step at a time. Keeping his eyes ahead, Norbert did not look down, each foot right in front of the next. Wobbling slightly, Norbert stepped out onto the other side.


    Standing on the next platform, he waited for the people to go first. He saw pads needed to jump from the left and right, looking like he needed one step. Seeing it, Norbert jumped for the first platform; Norbert pushed himself to the next on the opposite side and jumped forward again to the left. Norbert stumbled, not able to properly push off. He flailed in the air before smacking into the sand below.


    Feeling more like landing on his bed after a long day rather than sand, Norbert felt it slowly move himself to the shore again. Watching the people above try and make it. Once at the shore near the wall, Norbert stood up, brushed himself down and jogged over to the wall again, climbing back up.


    Once more, after completing the tight platform, he looked to the jumping platforms. Jumping off to the right, Norbert successfully pushed himself across, making it past the five jump plates and onto the next platform. Looking forward, now fewer people than before, Norbert saw the shoulder-width plank of sand. Seeing on the side swinging were hammers. Looking up, Norbert could see nothing fixing the handles together, allowing it to spin. Chalking it up to magic, Norbert watched as it moved, studying the timing and not wanting to get smashed like Grosly from before.


    As Norbert looked at it, someone rushed past him; seeing them step, they made it past the first hammer, weaving through the second. The third came quicker than the others, smashing them in the side and sending them flying off. Looking at the hammer, the sandstone it was made of had only a few cracks.


    Gulping, Norbert looked ahead, seeing his fate sway in front of him. Seeing the first pass, Norbert sprinted forward, not wanting to get hit. Seeing the second, he slipped passed it, the third reversing again too quickly. Ducking down, Norbert felt the breeze go over his head before being yanked off the platform and spinning off.


    Feeling the backpack straps dig into his shoulders, Norbert fell into the sand, feeling it take his body once more to the start. At that moment, Norbert forgot one of the grand rules, never take off the backpack.


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    Climbing to the start, he looked around inside the backpack, ensuring no sand or dirt was inside. Tipping out what he found, Norbert saw it slowly glide back into the pool. Breathing in, Norbert climbed the rock wall once more.


    ***


    The fifth hammer grazed in front of his face, and Norbert felt it whip the hairs on his head. Norbert stepped across. Finally, on a secure platform, Norbert looked at the next challenge before him. At this point, the number of people was far less. Looking forward, Norbert saw Grosly and one other a couple of platforms ahead.


    Looking at the next one seemed easy enough, only some ropes hanging down. Looking at them and not seeing any knot or platform at the bottom, Norbert saw it would be much more trying than usual.


    Next up, he grabbed the rope in both hands, imaging tying his legs around the base to hold him. With a Tarzan yell, he propelled himself to the next rope. Having one arm off, he grabbed onto the next rope. He was holding himself on and stopping him from going back.


    Untangling his feet, he occupied himself once more with his feet, pulling himself back on the old rope before letting go and reaching for the next one. Norbert continued this throughout the rope climbing section of the obstacle course.


    Finally, his feet were on the other side, not dropping into the sand even once Norbert rested, his arms shaking from holding himself up. Looking at the next one, his face dropped. On the left-hand side was a wall. Staff randomly emerged from the wall, looking to poke you off the half-foot comprehensive platform. Norbert looked, not seeing a way to get across without relying on pure luck.


    Whipping his hands on his pants as best he could, Norbert breathed in again. Looking and trying to see if there was some pattern to them. Staring at it for at least five minutes, Norbert was as perplexed as before, not seeing any way to dodge the staff.


    Seeing others pass him and attempt it seemed to change each time, all at random. Looking at it an idea appeared for Norbert. Seeing that most of them was hit within the first third of the obstacle, Norbert wiped his hands once more, removing the sweat that built up on them.


    Carefully he dropped his legs from the platform, grabbing the slight ledge with his fingers. Digging in, Norbert focused once more on the blood in his body, breathing in and going to his fingers, strengthening them and making them fresh instantly.


    Opening his eyes, Norbert saw a faint shimmer of light on them, able to barely see it due to the sun''s high overhead. Looking at the challenge, he grabbed the ledge with his fingertips and carried himself across.


    Slowly Norbert shuffled his hands; each time, moving even a finger made it feel even harder to hold on. Just focusing on his breathing to try and keep it up, Norbert closed his eyes. Trying to drown out the sound of the staff whistling through the air, any of them making his return to the start again. Reaching out one last time, Norbert''s arm hit the side.


    Opening his eyes, he saw the next platform and a hand reaching down. Grabbing it, Norbert was pulled up by someone he did not recognise.


    "Thanks for the lift."


    The other person just nodded before looking at the next section. Norbert followed their eyes as well. They saw a seesaw that erratically moved, trying to catapult people off.


    Norbert looked at this one, feeling the adrenalin from before rushing ahead past the person. Seeing it come towards him, Norbert rushed forward, jumping as high as he could.


    Just as his foot was about to land, it jumped up, causing it to crash into him. Bending his leg to brace, Norbert continued to run, not letting it break his stride as he jumped off to the following see-saw.


    When he was pushing down to jump, the platform dropped from under him. Sailing forward, Norbert smashed his chest into the next one. Not wanting to let go, Norbert grabbed on for dear life, feeling it fling him up.


    Letting go, Norbert launched himself forward; letting go, Norbert raised into the air before falling back down on the ground again. With a crunch, Norbert landed on the next platform in a heap, not believing what he had just somehow done.


    Looking forward, Norbert breathed out, unprepared for the next part of the challenge.


    ***


    And so Norbert and the group slowly progressed, many times needing to go back to the start, crossing hurdles, under rope nets, over tires and even just a long jump section. Norbert slowly made his way across until he finally reached the final platform.


    Looking at it, Norbert saw the ten by ten square field of sand platforms. Seeing others ahead, some standing up and others not, Norbert said a quick prayer to Lady Luck before pulling out his coin from his pants and flicking it into the air. Heads for right and tails for left.


    Opening his palm, Norbert saw the tails facing him. Putting it back in his backpack, Norbert looked towards a possible path. Staying on the left-hand side Norbert just rushed ahead, taking the giant leaps possible over the board.


    He went over one after the other, each leap planting squarely in the middle of each tile Norbert ran across. Jumping as hard as he did, zig-zagging to the left and right, Norbert reached the other side.


    A ladder led down to the floor on the last platform. With no more fanfare, Norbert climbed down, standing once more on the dusty ground. Norbert walked back to the start.


    Nine more times.


    ***


    And Norbert did run all of those times and more. Once reaching the ten, others started to leave until only Norbert and Obsius were left. Norbert had lost track of time on how long he had been there.


    As the sun slowly set, Norbert climbed up the wall one last time. Looking down at Obsius standing on the wall next to him, nearly invisible in the half-dark, even with Norbert''s increased eyesight, he could only see the bird due to the white speckles on him.


    Breathing in once more, wanting to get at least one perfect run without being hit, Norbert blasted off. Running straight across the balancing beam, not even stopping or holding out his hands, Norbert used his momentum to run and jump onto the platforms on the side.


    Slipping between the hammers coming down, Norbert squished his body to the side with the staff, wanting to do it properly.


    Feeling one come out at him, Norbert held onto it, feeling his body weight over the precipice; Norbert waited, feeling the staff slightly bend before it was shot back inside, pulling Norbert up; not having any time to calm himself, Norbert shot forward, and onto the rope section.


    Going full Tarzan and not even holding with his feet, Norbert had one hand on each rope, swinging himself across. Over the tires, skidding under the net, Norbert made his way to the platform.


    Now, after trying so many times, Norbert found the pattern based on the previous person''s attempt. Shuffling it within that side and going in a clockwise direction of forward, left, backwards, right, and forward again.


    Causing the person to need to do half jumps backwards sometimes, throwing most people in for a loop until someone found out how to do it and shared it with the others.


    Over the platforms, he made it; what was once a challenge was now accessible, and he could almost do it with his eyes closed. Almost though, Norbert knew he wasn''t there yet, even with the half-light causing no challenge.


    As he stood on the platform, with the ladder leading to the ground, Obsius once more landed on Norbert''s shoulder, and they descended onto the dusty ground.


    Norbert looked around, having lost track of the direction needed. Looking at Obsius, the bird pecked his head again before flying into the air.


    In the darkness, Norbert followed Obsius, running as fast as he could until he saw things jutting out in the distance. Smiling to have found the resting sight, Norbert pushed on further, making the last sprint at the end.

 Chapter 34 Communion-cation

    Sprinting through the dusty planes, Norbert usually ran, pushing himself as hard as he could without the purple light taking over him. Wanting to make sure he could look normal and not tap into that whenever needed.


    As Norbert continued running, each time he saw purple light coming from his body, stopping and going for a walk before it faded again. Norbert made his way back to base camp. Finally, seeing the group huddled together, Norbert smiled, slowing down to a walk to ensure he would not wake anyone up at whatever time.


    Taking his backpack off, Norbert sat down on the outskirts of the group. Looking around at the faces, Norbert heard people whispering on the other side of the camp. Squinting his eyes, Norbert saw the long orange hair swish under a hand. Norbert, having spotted Grosly Norbert picked up his bag carefully from the sleeping Obsius inside and made his way around the group.


    Norbert, getting closer, waved his hand, receiving similar waves in return. Sitting down, Norbert looked at the little group talking to each other looking around, Norbert noticed they were the two other people at also had tried to catch up with the instructor.


    Looking around, Grosly said, "Ya finally joined us, got tired with playin'' with ya self?"


    "I wasn''t playing with myself; I was playing with Obsius", Norbert responded. Strange looks were going around the group. Norbert opened his bag, slightly tilting it so the others could look inside. There, curled up within his coat, sat Obsius, oblivious to the world.


    The others were cooing in the cuteness of the little ball of black feathers with white speckles. Norbert pulled the backpack next to him, ensuring it was secure and Obsius was still sleeping.


    "So, where did you pick up the little guy?" Norbert looked at the person speaking. Seeing it was the female that ran with them, looking Norbert saw she had the leather gear off, just wearing the fabric clothes underneath. Her long brown hair curled at the ends as it spooled past her shoulders.


    Norbert looked at her face, trying to find something to recognise her, but the darkness seemed to infringe upon it, making it impossible to confirm seeing any distinct part of her face.


    Norbert, stopping his looking and remembering he needed to answer, "On my travels around Flare-dew, I saw it within the trees, ever since Obsius has just hung around. Sometimes flying off to do their own thing but always coming back," Norbert said, quickly gulping down his nerves, needing to talk to strangers now.


    "So, great runner, how long did it take you to complete the ten times?" a small voice peeped up; Norbert looked to the third person of the trio from before, having the short black hair and dark skin, the first noticed in his time at this place, Norbert realised. Wondering the geography of where this individual came from.


    "I don''t know how many times I did it, not as fast as you guys, I''m sure, but let''s just say I stayed a little over time," Norbert replied, looking sheepishly at the ground, rubbing his head like a child caught by his parents after doing something naughty. "Anyway, before we continue, shall we share names? I''ll start; hello, group; my name is Norbert," Norbert said, standing up and bowing before sitting down again, expecting the others to follow suit.


    Grosly stood up, brushing the hair from his eyes with his hand. "Ya, all know the wonderful me, Grosly, who was the first back here" With a bowl Grosly sat down. Norbert doing a quiet clap in congratulations.


    Looking up, the girl stood up next, whispering, "This is stupid", under her breath before lifting her chin to the world and exclaiming ", Hi, Norbert and folks, my name is Carmen." Also, doing a bow, she sat down again. Norbert also clapped for her, not wanting anyone to be left out.


    The last one of the group raised his head, saying, still sitting down, "Chip and you better praise my voice every time I speak. And how many times do I need to say you only ''won'' Grosly because you cheated" he grumbled slightly. Looking around, Norbert clapped, albeit much slower than the other ones. Looking around, the conversation slowly died down.


    Grosly looked at Chip''s tone, increasing. "Take back the words before you regret it", Grosly said, staring down at Chip, waiting for a response.


    Standing up, Carmen approached Grosly before slapping the back of his head. "Really, in front of our first guest and your acting like children. Don''t come crying to me if you two scare him off like the others." Carmen said before sitting back down again next to her pack.


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    Both boys looked over at Norbert to judge his reaction. Holding his hands up in surrender, Norbert said, "You can both calm down; I''m not going anywhere." the two boys breathed out, and the fears that Carmen had instilled disappeared. "But it is going to cost you, though. Now don''t give me those looks again; it''s easy. If you''re up to it, want a couple of questions answered about yourselves?" Norbert said, eyes going back and forth between the two boys in the group.


    "First things that have been on my mind, how are you, not a pulp Grosly?" Norbert said, looking straight at Grosly, not moving his eyes away until Grosly began speaking.


    "Well, it''s a secret" with that, Norbert stood up, slowly reaching down to get his backpack, being careful. "Wait", Grosly said; Norbert slowly turned around before. "It''s an ability. As you can see, that increases my toughness for a short time. Now that''s all I''m going to say about it."


    "And anyway", Grosly commented back, "Don''t think you can keep it a secret with your glowing hands; we all saw it." Norbert looked around the group, seeing nods coming from the other two.


    "Honestly, I don''t know what it does. Sometimes happens when under physical strain. Received it along my travels. Now that''s all I''m gonna say about it." Norbert replied, looking at Grosly.


    Conceding his hands, the two of them looked back to the rest of the group. Carmen piped up, "But how long did you do the course for Norbert?"


    "Well, like I said, I did it for as long as possible. When the sun started to set, I did the final run in the twilight as quickly as possible, then had to make it back here. And using my trusty navigator, I made it here when I met you." Norbert looked around. I was lying back on the ground to look up at the stars as he finished his story, looking once more for constellations he had known but finding nothing.


    "So, what did the rest of you do while I was away?" Norbert asked the question to the sky, waiting to see if there was a response.


    "None of your business, but if you must know what the great I did, we just rested while we could," Chip said, Norbert looking up and seeing the nodding heads between the other two trio members.


    The conversation continued before, one by one, they nodded off to sleep, Norbert still just staring up at the stars.


    Thinking about what the others did and if he wanted to get out of this situation, Norbert looked around, not feeling the day''s tiredness before kicking in, and was watching for something to do.


    Finding nothing, but at least now knowing roughly where he was, Norbert went and picked up his backpack and started walking around the camp. Letting his thoughts wander.


    As Norbert came around one final time, looking down and seeing grooves in the cracked earth where he had been walking, Norbert lay down and closed his eyes. No dreams about what could be in his future interrupted him, just the bliss of sleep.


    ***


    "Come on and get up; we gotta go to the next location!" the instructor shouted, already out of her tent and hitting people to get up.


    Norbert groggily opened his eyes and slowly stood up. Stretching his back, Norbert looked around the group, the cracks and pops of it making him sigh in relief. All this sleeping on the hard ground with nothing was starting to get to Norbert. Not wanting to think about how much longer he would need to stay here.


    Following Lily as she led the group out, Norbert met up with the trio. Going into a run this time again, the three followed Lily as she crossed the planes. Idly talking between the little group, Norbert asked, "Is it just me, or is your back also getting twisted out of shape?"


    Norbert turned to the side, seeing Grosly and Carmen nod in confirmation, Chip not registering what they said. "Well, after the massage yesterday, my back is feeling better", Grosly said out loud. Norbert looked at him, feeling betrayed once more.


    "So that''s what you did while you were ''sleeping'' yesterday. Wonder if you did anything else?" Norbert asked, voice slowly rising in pitch as he couldn''t keep the grin off his face.


    Looking to the side, nobody''s face went beet red; knowing he had missed the mark, Norbert just shrugged and let the conversation take over. Interjecting here and there when he felt necessary.


    And so the group continued running, Lily taking the lead once more and not stopping for anyone. Slowly, people started getting left behind, the group extending from the close pack it was previously.


    As Norbert continued running with the trio, nobody was no longer talking and just focusing on breathing the fresh air with as little dust as possible Norbert looked up at the sky. Obsius is still flying strong in the air, gliding slowly down before flapping its wings again.


    Norbert smiled, knowing the little bird had more life in him than before, knowing he might need to catch him again.


    Still going, the group finally petered out until it was just Norbert carrying Obsius in his backpack, not wanting the bird to be completely tired in case he needed to go back, the trio and Lily.


    Looking back, Lily smiled at the three of them before running again. The group continued to run for a short while, leaving nothing in the distance; shortly after, Lily slowed down, coming to a walk as she looked down and tried to find a spot.


    Looking up at the small group, now following her, saying, "Thank you all for lasting this long. As it has been deemed that your endurance is enough, it is time to teach you how to use the blades on each of your waists. The first part of your training will be with other people to have a base before going up against the creatures you will be expected to face." She said, walking up and down the line of people like a drill sergeant.


    "You will continue to do this training at night from here on out, under my supervision, of course, while continuing to do the rest." She stopped at Norbert, looking up into his eyes.


    "Now, as there are no more questions, please take out your knives and form into two groups."


    Norbert looked to the side, seeing Chip and Carmen already pairing off. Looking at Grosly, Norbert gulped, knowing he was about to have a ''fun'' time as he saw the smile on his face.

 Chapter 35 Pummelled

    Norbert looked across, gulping as Grosly came at him. Panicking, not having any experience fighting people or anything at all backing off. Sliding his feet on the ground, dust kicking up, Norbert stared at Grosly, trying to see his next move. Grosly continued moving forward, waiting for a chance to strike. Norbert looked up at what was happening, skirting to the side and slowly circling.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Norbert saw Chip and Carmen exchanging blows, deflecting blades from each other in a shower of sparks. Before Norbert could turn around, Grosly appeared in his vision, charging towards him. Before even being able to move, Norbert felt a jolt go up his arm. Reflex, he opened his hand, his dagger dropping from it. Looking down, Norbert saw it sink into the ground.


    Before he could even move, Norbert felt cold resting against his neck, Grosly holding one blade, gulping. Norbert stared at Grosly, waiting for something to happen. With a laugh, the man returned, sheathing his dagger, "You are so bad at this", he stated.


    Bending down to pick his dagger up, Norbert looked at Grosly, unable to have a good comeback. "This is the first time I''ve used a weapon like this: Norbert whispered to himself."


    "First time", Grosly said, "What have you been doing with your life?"


    Norbert looked at him, annoyance forming; before he could utter one more word, Lily said, "That''s enough; I know at least Norbert''s level."


    "Which is nothing," said Chip, stepping back from Carmen and looking at the interaction between the two boys.


    "Now then, let''s start with the basics, the very basics for all of us here. I imagine you will hear this more than once," Lily said, not disagreeing with Chips'' comment. "Now face me and swing the dagger, like there is a dummy in front of you like this", Lily demonstrated by holding a dagger above her head as she hit an imaginary target before moving to the side and going again.


    "I will ask you to do this until the movement is fluid with both hands." Hearing sighs from around, Norbert didn''t argue, knowing they were doing this level of demonstration because of him. Standing up, Norbert swung it down, nearly falling on his face the first time. "You need to make sure you balanced, and it''s a fluid motion", Lily said to the class.


    Nodding, Norbert tried again, going slower and trying to get the movement down pat. Doing ten strikes with each, Norbert swapped to his left hand before doing another ten and swapping to the other hand. Continuing this, they went throughout the day, being shown the basic techniques of knife-wielding.


    As Lily looked, seeing the sunset, "Now, for the last time today, and the true test of your level, it''s time to have some fun." Once more, she threw out a cube, accepting the dust once more. "You will either accomplish in taking down the scharve in front of you or will be put out and need to make your way back to camp tonight."


    Fully forming was one of the massive squirrels Norbert had seen before. Remembering from the previous lesson and trying to identify it was futile, as there was no way to discern what type of tail it produced other than dirt and dust. Thinking back, Norbert knew there was no dust or dirt type he was told of, so Norbert went and removed that from his thoughts.


    "Norbert, you''re up first !" Lily shouted at Norbert. Moved to action, Norbert looked up at the creature. Standing two meters tall and on its haunches, it stared at Norbert. Grabbing a dagger in his right hand, Norbert reversed the grip, not taking his eyes off the beast before him. As he stared across at it, Norbert looked, trying to make a plan to take it on. Thinking back to the last one he caught, the deer, he was severely outclassed in weight, knowing that if he tried to take it on again, he would be slammed against the ground.


    He was thinking of what to do, the scharve charged at Norbert. Getting down on all fours, it went up to him before turning to the side and letting its tail spray across him. Norbert stood still, waiting to feel what hit him. And what hit him was just dust. Norbert closed his eyes, covering his face with his arm. Happy that the leather was protecting his body. After what felt like a lifetime, the dust slowed to a trickle, then a stop.


    Norbert whipping his face, looked down at his hand. Pieces of dust and dirt had caked into the skin; whipping his hands off on his pants, it didn''t come off. Looking more closely, Norbert saw that the dirt had seemed to imbed itself into his skin, a small amount of blood already coming up. Norbert looked across, happy he had the semblance of covering his face. As Norbert looked back at the scharve, Norbert knew he would not be able to take another one like that without punishment.


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    Looking back, Norbert saw the scharve standing there; Norbert stared back and started to breathe in, focusing on the air in his lungs all around his body. Waiting, Norbert saw the scharve come back around; Norbert still waited. As the scharve came towards him once more, Norbert dashed forward in the last moment; feeling the tail come down, Norbert went to the side of the body, placing the dagger across its side as he dug in as deep as it could go, whipping his body in turn, to have the knife cover the most distance in the body as possible as the beast slowed down beside him.


    Looking back to see the damage Norbert looked, dirt and dust trickle out of the wound before it stopped a second later; the area around it has closed up. Norbert breathed out, not realising the breath he was holding in; staring back at him, the scharve looked, once more charging. Norbert stood there, holding his breath and waiting; the beast raised its arm in the air, about to strike at him. Leaping forward, Norbert hit the ground on his back, spinning himself halfway in the air.


    The scharve over his body Norbert held the dagger up, supporting it with two arms as it rushed forward. Norbert felt like his arms would be ripped off at the point of impact. The blade dug into the beast only slightly as it passed off.


    Turning around and getting up, Norbert rushed towards the scharve, hoping that he would be able to get an advantage in the lack of time. As he neared the beast about to strike, the tail came around it, protecting it in a dirt wall. Too late to stop, Norbert dived head-first in, feeling get battered again. Pushing forward, it decreased, and Norbert could breathe freely once more. Looking around, I saw no dust, not even on the ground. Norbert looked at the beast, not knowing how long it could hold the wall for jumping for its head.


    Knowing that he would not win in a battle of attrition, Norbert went for his old strategy of riding on the head and stabbing as many times as possible.


    Circling, Norbert saw the eye in front of him, or what he assumed would be an eye, as this creature had no wet orb. Norbert, knowing it was the quickest way to the brain, stabbed down on it, wrapping his legs around the beast''s body as much as he could. Raising his arm, Norbert let it fall back again as he had done before. Twice he was able to hit the beast before it moved on him.


    Feeling his body move down, Norbert went for a third strike, knowing the oncoming body slam was about to happen. As he hit the ground, Norbert heard cracks go throughout his body, the arm with the dagger a twisted mess, pain shooting from his legs; Norbert still held on.


    Raising the dagger again, he stabbed it down, not thinking about his body, just about breathing and hoping the purple light would protect him. Norbert is no longer thinking about it, just a machine carrying out the parts.


    ***


    Norbert felt the pain finally stop; cracking his eyes open, he saw a white ceiling far above. Looking at the lights, they seemed weird, unlike any bulb he was expecting. Thinking it was an antique bulb, he looked down at the room around him. Lying down on a bed with white sheets, feeling the fabric on his body as he moved his arms, like riding on a marshmallow. Norbert looked up and saw a white curtain, thinking it strange that his hospital didn''t have any walls. A nurse walked in.


    Holding a device, he had never seen, she looked through it at his body, saying something to him, the words not making any sense. As he stared at the nurse, the brain fog on it lifted, and his memories from the last moment of the ground rushing towards him entered his body. Jumping from the memory, he knew he was in The Frontier''s medical wing; the nurse approached him, still talking nonsense about this place.


    Norbert, not understanding a word, reached for his chest, trying to feel the pendant but not feeling anything on his chest. Norbert looked around at the table, seeing nothing there.


    "Well, this sucks", Norbert said aloud, knowing that the person in front of him would not know what he was saying and hoping he would get another pendant to translate again.


    Looking back at the nurse, she nodded sagely once again before walking back outside. Norbert rested his head down, waiting for whatever was to come. As he looked around, Norbert realised something was missing; he could not find his little black and white speckled friend anywhere. Twisting his face in annoyance, Norbert felt the blankets again, happy that at least that was good. He moved his legs and arms around, feeling it brush all .. over ... his ... body.


    Norbert lifted the covers, stopping his movement, and there, with all its glory, was Norbert''s unclothed body. Quickly Norbert covered his body again, turning beet red. The heat from his face felt like a furnace in front of him. Norbert looked out again, and a head popped around the curtained corner. Looking down, Norbert looked in horror at who had entered, for in front of him was his instructor, Lily, spinning his pendant around her finger by the necklace; on her shoulder sat Obsius, who quickly took to flight and sat on top of Norbert''s head. Moving his hair around, Obsius sat in, quite content with his location.


    As Lily came around, still wearing the same clothes, not wearing the leather top or pants, the clothes shifting constantly, the pattern always changing, she opened her mouth.

 Chapter 36 Busted

    Sounds came out of Lily''s mouth, Norbert not understanding anything. He just knew one thing, that he was in deep trouble. As Lily continued to talk, Norbert heard around him; the voices slowly died down until the only sound he could hear was Lily continuing to talk to him. He slowly scooted himself into a sitting position, knowing there would be a conversation about what had happened.


    As the rant continued, Norbert, not understanding anything she was saying, finally stopped. Breathed in and was silent, still spinning the pendant around her finger. With a stop, she caught the pendant as it swung into her hand, holding it, raised it to her face, and looked within.


    As she stared at the pendant, quiet Norbert assumed in thought he stared back at her, not knowing what to say or how he could defuse the situation. Lily tossed the pendant to Norbert, who caught it out of the air, slipping it over his head, feeling the comfortable weight on his chest again.


    "Quite frankly, you should not be in this bed. Either because of being kicked out or dead." Lily said, knowing that Norbert could understand the words. She let it sink in. Gulping, Norbert looked at her, thinking about what to say next; slowly, he opened his mouth, stopping when Lily raised her hand. Norbert closed his mouth again.


    "You have received many spotlights on you due to the capabilities that you have shown." Lily''s words were slow and deliberate, feeling like a judge''s gavel striking wood to be his doom.


    "As your physical capabilities are astounding, your mental fortitude breaks most people. However, as you may have realised in your combat training, you just did it is atrocious. To the point of being brain dead." Lily sighed before continuing, "Now, Norbert, hopefully, with your head cleared, you can figure out what you did wrong. What was the first thing you were told of being in the scout?"


    Norbert looked at her, "It''s for someone like me with no magic or literacy?" Norbert asked, remembering the interviewer person he had met with the crystal ball.


    "For you, maybe, but what about what I said in the first lesson?" Lily responded, not wanting to answer Norbert.


    Norbert opened his mouth to answer, thinking about the rules needed for beasts found and how it ¡­ Norbert slowly opened his mouth. "Not expected to fight," Norbert said weakly, knowing the error that had occurred.


    Thinking back after the first time he took it and the swing he made in retaliation, the fact that it held no damage afterwards was his sign just to run. Knowing he had enough left in the tank to run for the rest of the day and the night if needed, he could.


    As Norbert sat there, thinking about what would happen, would he be kicked out, adding more to his fee? Norbert did not know. Looking up, Norbert waited to see if Lily had anything else to say.


    "Now, if that were all, we would have just slapped you on the wrist, and you would already be back there. It gets a bit messier with what happened next." Lily said, standing up and turning around. "But for that, we will need to talk in a more secure location" Walking to the curtain, she opened it, reaching around and presenting his pack. "Get your clothes on post haste. I''ll be waiting out there," She said, pointing back outside again.


    Dropping the pack down, she left, closing the curtain behind her. With her leaving, Norbert felt the conversation around the medical wing pick up again. Norbert looked around, picking Obsius from his head and placing him beside the pillow before picking the blankets off.


    Feeling the cold air hit him, Norbert quickly went and changed. Seeing his scout clothes on top, he put them all on. He even did not damage the leathers, not knowing where he might need to go next.


    Once dressed, Norbert picked up Obsius again, placing him on his head, watching the room for hopefully the last time. Norbert confirmed that nothing important was left behind and exited the room, moving the curtain with his hand.


    Looking down, Norbert saw Lily look up at him; with a nod, she stepped away, not saying a word. Norbert followed, their steps echoing out of the floor, the nurses and staff around them stepping out of the way, all with grim faces.


    With dread rising, Norbert followed until the end of the hallway, stopping once more in front of the doors. Reaching, she pulled out a card and operated the machine, the swirling smoke again appearing as she stepped in. Norbert stepped through, feeling his body pull as it always does.


    Stepping out the other side, confirming that Obsius was still on his head, receiving a peck in disturbing him, Norbert looked to where they were.


    Seeing Lily up ahead, Norbert rushed after her; glancing to the side, Norbert saw more different types of people than he had ever seen. Their size was strange, limbs elongated on some, and others looked more animal than person.


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    Staring into all of them, Norbert just zoned them out, thinking only about the back in front of him and trying not to lose it in the crowd. Catching up, Norbert silently followed her; the crowd slowly died down as people went into doors on the side.


    Stopping suddenly, Norbert slightly bumped into her. Stepping back quickly, Norbert looked at the door. The door, being taller and broader than average and made of wooden slats, saw nails and metal strips connecting the door.


    Lily opened the door and stepped through; Norbert held the door open with his arm as she continued into the room. Turning around, Norbert quietly closed the door, his hand leaving the brass door handle with its extended and leafed edges, slightly caressing his hand as Norbert turned around to look in the room.


    Lily sat at a wooden desk with papers piled on her chair behind her desk. Looking around, Norbert saw a chair sitting next to it; unlike Lilys with some cushions and an armrest, the one now empty in front was just a plain, wooden chair with a standard backing.


    No furnishings or engravings on it, unlike the handle and the wooden desk with its flowing leaves and flowers around the edge. The four solid legs looked like trunks, their roots going into the wooden floor Norbert was standing on.


    Looking around, Norbert once more looked at the chair, with its light pine-looking colour compared to the deep mahogany of the room. Looking around, Norbert saw a chair similar to Lily''s in the back, just tucked away.


    Gulping, Norbert stepped towards the chair, took his backpack off and sat down. Bringing his chair closer to the table, hearing it squeak on the ground, Norbert cringed slightly, looking up to see what Lily would say.


    Looking back at him sat Lily, arms crossed in front of her face. With them now looking at each other, she unclenched her hands, resting one just above the desk. Watching the hand, Norbert saw circles appear of different colours.


    Moving his eyes away from Lily, Norbert looked at the screen. Seeing the dry ground caked in dust, a single person facing off against a scharve, taking the brunt force of the tail whip. Realising who he was looking at was himself, who knows how long ago.


    The recorded version whipped his hands on his pants before charging in, swiping at the beast''s side. Looking down, Norbert saw it rush past, the recorded version of him turning around and being once more confronted. With it jumping, he remembered sliding on the ground, and a phantom pain shot up his arm as the knife dug into the scharve again.


    Rubbing his shoulder, Norbert saw the beast continue, with him standing up and chasing after it. Seeing the wall appear, Lily moved her hand, the video stopping. "Now, this is where you should have run in the opposite direction. These types of moves have a long wind-up time and are mostly for defensive while they prepare and recover." She said, still looking straight at Norbert.


    Angling himself to look straight at her, he nodded in recognition. "If you had sprinted away, it would have given you enough head start to escape. Now let''s continue," she said as her hand moved, the recording playing again.


    He dove headfirst into the dirt, the perspective moving above the circular wall, showing Norbert mid-air jumping onto the creature''s head. With both legs secured around the head, Norbert saw his hand plunge into the head. Each strike causes dirt to spray out with the force of a garden hose. Each time it was about to stop, the dagger came down again, and another hole continued releasing. As Norbert was about to strike a third time, Norbert saw the scharves body change.


    Rising, it brought its entire weight on its head, smashing into the ground. After the impact not able to see anything from the dirt it caused to rush into the air. Once it cleared, the scharve stood up on its hind legs; Norbert could see his body a beaten and crumpled mess, still somehow holding on.


    Through the mist, as it cleared, Norbert saw his body, once more covered in purple veins, glowing brightly in the recording, making sunspots in some areas.


    Still holding the knife, Norbert stabbed his hand down again; just as it came back up, the scharve smashed its head against the ground, trying to smash Norbert so hard he would be dislodged. But somehow, Norbert''s body continued, the pattern repeating itself.


    As the two continued smashing into each other, the once dry ground was now wet with blood, Norbert knew it was his own. After an eternity, the beast stopped, slowly turning to dirt and dust again, the metal cube now on the ground, with the dirt circle around them dropped to the ground.


    With shaky steps, Norbert stood up, blood dribbling from the leather of his jacket and pants. Still holding the knife, Norbert started returning, picking up his discarded bag. Sometime within the fight, he started walking off into the distance.


    The camera moved with him; moving her hand, Norbert saw the recorded version of him sped up his walking, the movement erratic. Realising it was sped up, Norebrt watched as he continued walking, slowly leaving a less bloody trail behind him until it was just his steps.


    Without warning, his body dropped to the ground, resting and barely moving. The video disappeared before Lily moved her fingers and rested her hands on the armrests. "Thankfully, nobody saw how you looked afterwards and picked up and brought to the medical facilities you were shown. We gave you treatment which is how you are up and walking so quickly." Lily said, emphasising the word treatment. Judging by the tone, Norbert gulped, knowing he could have just repaired himself.


    "Do you have anything to say for yourself?" Lily asked Norbert, feeling the total weight of the question. Breathing out, Norbert weighed his options again to get out of there or continue and see where it took him.


    Reaching down into his backpack Norbert reached into the pocket, pulling out a coin from Earth. Presenting saying, "Heads, I walk out of here, not tell you anything, tails, and I will tell you all I can." Norbert said, once more placing his trust in a total stranger. Lily started to open her mouth, but before a sound could be uttered, Norbert flicked it into the air, watching it spin.


    As it came down again, Norbert caught it out of thin air, ideally once more, slapping it down on the back of his other hand. "This is what I do when faced with a difficult decision," Norbert said before removing his top hand and re-presenting the coin to the world.


    On top, for all of its glory, sat heads.


    "Well, stuff that for a joke, I''m going to tell you anyway," Norbert said, recounting his story.


    "It all started when I fell through the air, looking out on a forest before me ¡­."

 Chapter 37 Salutations

    So Norbert talked to Lily about his adventures in his new world. Norbert omitted some items and skipped over others linked with Earth, not knowing what would happen if that rabbit slipped out of the bag.


    Getting to the part about where he found the goblet, Lily asked for details about it, all that he could remember. Norbert told her all she could remember without skipping on any of the details. Knowing that if this all went bad, he could always hope to be whisked back to Earth.


    As he reached the part with the wolves, a realisation dawned on Lily''s face as she stared, nodding slightly as he told what he could remember of the chase until the night he fought them. Skipping over the details, as it was just flashes of memory before he was knocked out, he told her how he ended up in Flare-dew.


    Opening his mouth to continue, Lily held up her hand. "Ok, that''s enough." She continued, "And just making sure, you truly remember nothing about how you fell from the sky?"


    "No."


    "And what about the weird clothes you sometimes change into randomly?"


    Norbert looked at Lily, not knowing what to say but knowing what she was talking about. None of the clothes he had worn between his travels had been the same, and none were even remotely close to the fashion he had seen.


    The closest items are the sheets he woke up in today compared to high thread sheets that felt more like silk but made of cotton. Norbert hoped that the coat he would be able to shrug off and others would think that it was some exotic design; sadly, that did not seem to be the case.


    As Norbert looked on, not moving or uttering a word, knowing that some things would need to be kept secret, he continued looking at Lily without moving, clasping his hands together. The two stared silently, waiting for the other to make the first move.


    Several tense seconds passed for Norbert, knowing he could not say anything or be incriminated. "Well, it looks like you''re still keeping some secrets," Lily said, Norbert still staring back at her, giving no reaction.


    As Norbert looked around the room, waiting for whatever was to come, Norbert looked at the papers on her desk. Not understanding any of the words but seeing the pictures of some people in the top corner, Norbert realised they were profiles.


    As he looked at them, thoughts appeared in Norbert''s head that he was now deep within an army base, in a location he had no idea about and may need to escape depending on how hairy things became.


    Tensing his arms, Norbert looked around the room, looking at the mahogany wood everywhere, and the only exit he saw was the one door he entered. No bookshelves on any of the walls that may hide a secret tunnel, just plain wooden walls with some engravings and embossings with the same floral design as the desk.


    As Norbert looked around the room, not seeing any way to get out of the situation except charging ahead, Norbert looked back at Lily, staring into her eyes. "So, what now?" Norbert asked.


    "And now we wait," Lily responded, leaning back in her chair and closing her eyes.


    Norbert looked around, just thinking about what he would now do. As his mind drifted, so did his hand to the top of his head. Carefully picking up Obsius, Norbert placed him on his lap, started rhythmically petting the bird, and waited for the executioner to come.


    ***


    Sounds from outside of people walking washed over the once-silent office. Norbert, getting startled from his thoughts from the rush of sound, looked towards the door, his heart sinking with who he saw.


    The person who gave the first introduction speech on the stage and stepped through the door. Fear engulfed him as Norbert looked at her, knowing he was in serious trouble.


    Watching Norbert saw her go to the back of the room before returning to his line of sight. Looking at her place, the wooden chair with the upholstery beside the desk Lily was sitting.


    She placed a book down on the table from her hands before sliding it towards Norbert. Having a quick look down, Norbert saw the leather-bound book with a picture of a creature, with some writing he could not understand.


    Norbert looked back up at the two women, waiting to see who would make the first move between the two. As the new arrival sat down and wriggled a bit, getting comfortable again, Lily opened her eyes and stopped leaning on the chair.


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    Thunk


    The sound of the chair hitting the ground caused Norbert to jump slightly.


    "This is the commander of our section here, but you can just call her?" Lily said, waving her hand in the direction of the new arrival.


    "Sally, thanks Lily for the introduction and as I am sure you have already been told, you are in a peculiar situation." Commander Sally continued, "Officially, you were healing up in the medical ward for the past week. That is how long you have been unconscious" Norbert reeled at the news, not believing that a week had passed, thinking back on everything he would need to catch up on. About to open his mouth Norbert was interrupted as Sally continued speaking.


    "Now, as you have passed the primary lesson, in going further than was before, you will be graduating with the others with you. This means it is time for you to go out on the field" Sally patted the book she handed him. "You will continue your studies by following and understanding the beasts found within this book; it is designed for people who do not know the script; if you have any questions, you can ask the other members of your group."


    Leaning back in her chair, Sally gestured towards Lily. "Now, to the last topic of interest, do you have any further details about purple lights you want to add?"


    Norbert looked at her, seeing if there was some catch to be had. "No, just the basics, and I have no clue I even survived it. The only other detail is that I have no memory of waking up in the white bed after the first impact." Norbert replied, waiting to see if he would be further tested.


    "And you don''t have the goblet or anything for me to look at?" Sally asked, putting on a warm motherly smile. Norbert reached into his backpack, found his pants and pulled out the talisman with the purple insignia; looking down, Norbert saw it was still shining purple.


    Placing it on the desk, Norbert pushed it over to the other side, where Sally picked it up, giving it a quick look "Interesting choice of rune for this one. I at least see where the colour comes from now if your story is to be believed." She said, sliding the talisman back to Norbert, who placed it in his bag.


    Indicating to Norbert once more, Sally continued, "Your placement has already been updated; I see you have already packed your things; just head to the gates you entered here and show your card to the individuals there. They can assist you there and on the other side."


    Looking around, Norbert looked at the two of them, mouth slowly agape, not believing what had transpired or understanding why the commander would come here just for him.


    Before standing up, Norbert quickly blurted out, "I''m just curious why you came here personally to deliver this?" Norbert asked, pointing towards the leather-bound book. Instantly he tried to go into the chair, knowing that he may have just made a colossal mistake.


    Sally, only smiling at him, said, "Well, to see why Lily wavered the cost for someone staying in a bed for a week. Something must have caught her eye, so I visited her personally. And I will tell you this; I understand why she did what she did. Now that is all; you don''t want to be late for your first assignment," She concluded, waving her hand at him.


    Knowing he was being dismissed, Norbert quickly got up and left, careful not to slide the chair on the ground in the now silent room, or else he marked the floor and who knows what would happen.


    Obsius, landing on his shoulder once more, Norbert headed for the door, placing the book in his backpack and sliding it on his shoulder before opening the door to leave.


    As the door swung open, people bustling around invaded the once-quiet room. With a quick bow, Norbert made his way outside, carefully closing the door and made his way through the crowd.


    Sadly this time, it did not part for him like the red seas, so Norbert mindfully and slowly made his way forward, happy that most of the other people around him were also heading in the same direction.


    Norbert arrived at the gates once more; feeling around, he brought out his card, showing it to someone waiting as instructed. As they placed it into the device before handing it back, the smoke appeared once more; Norbert stepped through, feeling his body extend again.


    Closing his eyes, Norbert opened them again after feeling his body was normal. Patting his shoulder, Norbert confirmed Obsius was still there. Looking around, Norbert was taken aback by the amount of people streaming in and out. Reminding him of a train as people moved.


    Being shoved from behind, Norbert was forced into motion, spinning his head around like an owl. Norbert tried to locate an office desk.


    He was pushed out of the first room before he looked around again, seeing the use of stone now. Not believing his eyes, Norbert saw stone bricks up the side of walls, no more wood. Looking down from the walls, clear space and line forming, Norbert saw people sitting behind desks of some sort, with people walking up to them from the line. The same barrier protecting the armourer was here as well.


    Looking around, Norbert looked at the queue, knowing it would be some time, lifting his backpack again, making sure it was still there and patting everything on his belt that had not been misplaced. Norbert went to the back of the queue and waited.


    ***


    As the door closed on the office, Lily looked towards Sally, waiting for an explanation as well; Sally just turned towards her companion, smiling.


    "So why did you come here?" Lily asked, a look on her face that she did not believe the last words that came from Sally''s mouth, knowing that it was Sally who waved the cost off.


    "I wanted to see what the last batch of recruits have come from the event, and anyway, I came down here to let you know it''s no more recruitment hunting for you; it''s time for the both of us to go out on the field," Sally said, standing up and moving, placing the chair back on the opposite side of the desk she left the room.


    The door closed behind her; Lily looked around her office for a time. "FINALLY" she shouted, throwing her hands up in the air; she looked back at the paper before her, sighed again and returned to work.

 Chapter 38 Meet up

    Norbert was finally the first in the queue and looked towards the line of desks. Looking, Norbert saw himself being called, walking up and placing the card on the desk. "Thank you for arriving in Alasium; how may I be of assistance," the office clerk asked Norbert.


    Remembering what was said before, Norbert looked up at him, "I have been assigned a new placement and was instructed to go here, so here I am, I guess?" Norbert asked, ending off with a question.


    "Well, you''ve come to the right place; thank you for the card, and just give me a few moments," they said; Norbert just waited for them to finish. "Thanks for the wait. It looks like you''ll be leaving shortly, in fact, so I will have to make this quick." They said, talking faster and faster as they continued, "You''re looking for a man called Dousan, who will be the leader of your group for now. To go to the collection point for The Frontier, please head towards the room on your right. Thank you, and have a great day," He finished before calling next.


    Norbert looked around, barely able to hear the instructions went to the right-hand side as instructed and entered the room there.


    Once in, Norbert saw tables throughout it, looking more like a coffee shop or bar than the bustling place he came from. Standing at the entrance, Norbert looked around, seeing an odd fifty or so people sitting around and talking with each other.


    When he entered, it quieted down slightly before the sound picked back up, people returning to their conversations. Norbert scanned the crowd to see a face that looked like a "Dousan" in the crowd.


    "Norbert?" he turned to the call of his name, sounding more like a question. A man stood up around one of the tables, waving him over.


    Norbert went to the man looking at his gear, wearing the metal that he had seen the other users of The Frontier wear, no helmet to hide his short-cut black hair and dark brown eyes, matching his tanned skin. Norbert walked towards him, asking the question, "Dousan?"


    "The one and only looks like our little band is all together now and accounted for. It''s time to head off!" Dousan said, raising his voice towards the end so everyone in the room could hear. With the grinding and complaining of people, everyone stood up, making their way towards the entrance that Norbert came from.


    Not wanting to be left behind, Norbert moved Obsius to his other shoulder, securing his backpack correctly before following the crowd into the bustle. Securely within the group, Norbert followed the packs and people wearing the leather to know he was heading in the right direction. Entering the gate room, Norbert looked up, seeing the massive towering ceiling with its dome.


    It reminded Norbert of a church, with its painting depicting someone slaying a dragon-like beast at the top, with one of the gates behind him and a pack of houses behind the dragon burning down. Moving his head back down to not bump into anyone, Norbert followed again to a gate. This one looked different from the others as there was o console.


    A person branched off from the group, heading there before and touched his staff to it. Norbert looked and realised it was one of the gate people he had seen before, one that came him his translating pendant. Looking, Norbert could not discern anything specific between the one he met before and this one.


    That was other than the staff halfway through the portal; instead of being white like the previous one, this one was a deep brown, with wrappings going to the middle portion of the staff where he would hold.


    Placing it through the gate, the blue smoke once more appeared. Stepping through first, he was no longer there; a moment later, Norbert saw the staff once more stick through. With a wave from Dousan, the rest of the party surged forward; Norbert caught in it and went through one by one until Norbert was first in line. Knowing where he was going, Gulping about now, Norbert patted Obsius and stepped through.


    His body stretched once more when Norbert felt normal again. He opened his eyes, the light streaming into his eyes; Norbert squinted as he looked around at his new environment.


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    Walking forward so he would not be in anyone''s way, Norbert smiled at what he saw. Looking down from the hill he was on, Norbert saw a little town nestled around it, all wooden houses in a circle going out.


    Looking, Norbert saw people going about their day and smoke coming out of some chimneys. Hearing the sound of children laughing, Norbert looked up past the town, seeing the green hills rolling throughout the landscape.


    Seeing dots of colour throughout them, Norbert realised there were flowers of some kind spotting the hills. Turning to the left, Norbert looked at what was behind the gate. Craning his head up, Norbert saw a forest slowly coming out of the ground. The closest trees were the usual variety Norbert would see on Earth, spanning several meters into the air.


    But dwarfed from these stood massive trees, and rows upon rows of them, looking like pine trees that someone just put the slider on for way too thick, each one being ten, twenty meters, maybe more Norbert could no longer tell the height. The trunks of each were massive as well, looking more like five trees combined in one.


    As Norbert walked closer to it, trying to get a better view of the giant trees, Norbert realised these still weren''t the tallest trees he had seen, remembering the trees upon the plateau and the presence they filled the air with.


    CLAP, CLAP Norbert turned around, seeing Dousan, who had walked down the hill a bit towards town, getting everyone''s attention, saying, "Ok, everyone, thanks for coming as you can see, we have arrived in this quaint little village. On our left, the first hill you see will be where we camp for our time here." Dousan said while pointing towards one of the hills.


    "Scouts, go out and see what there is to find; any information, as usual, is needed. Meet back at the camp for sundown!" Dousan shouted before continuing, "Martitia, organise the areas for today within the scouts."


    "Right away, Dousan", A woman replied, wavering her hand in the air. She directed down the hill; Norbert saw she was wearing the same clothes as him and followed across. Feeling the rush of wind on his shoulders, Norbert looked up, seeing Obsius flying off towards the town to view whatever caught his interest.


    Making his way to Martitia, Norbert looked around at the people around her. "Ok, everyone, raise your hand if this is your first time, no need to feel embarrassed", she asked the crowd around her. Shooting up his arm Norbert felt eyes on him; Norbert looked around to see if anyone else had their hand raised. With relief, Norbert saw another hand raised; at least he wouldn''t be the only new person here.


    "Two recruits then, the rest of you form out into the forest behind your backs, fan out and prepare as usual. You two will be looking after the hills behind the camp. She said, pointing in the direction of the hills.


    Looking, Norbert waited for more directions; Martitia looked at the two of them and opened her mouth. "You are both responsible for the area, normally, it is divided in ease of use and what people''s specialties are, as you both knew you, sir", she said while pointing to Norbert. "Are in charge of the area to the right of the hill camp will be on. And the rest for you, miss." She said, pointing to the other person also standing with Norbert.


    "Look for any beasts that may be found and the amount. And don''t disturb anything or have anything chase you. This is only a first recon, and I do NOT want to see a horde of beasts chasing either of you. Now scram," She finished, waving her hands at the two of them.


    Looking around at the area he would be in charge of for the day, Norbert and his fellow newbie rushed off; as he made his way to the bottom of the hill, he heard behind him, "Make sure your back before dark!" Martitia shouted towards them.


    Norbert, raising his hand in response, hit the town, looking at the quiet streets for the day and the sun before it set. It was in a quarter risen, so he would have many hours of exploring. Jogging through the town on the stone paths where he could, Norbert could smell the smoke.


    Waving at people as he passed with a smile, few returned his greetings before continuing with their day. Norbert passed kids playing and laughing with what looked like some magical device, chasing one of them with giggles surrounding them. Norbert followed them and saw his marked location, the first green hill.


    Looking towards it, Norbert looked at the grass on the hill; slowing down, he brushed it with his fingers before stepping on it, confirming that it was just regular grass and not some weird amalgamation. He walked up the top of the rise, breathing slowly and waiting to see what the other side held.


    Reaching the top, Norbert bathed in the light for a moment, happy and looked out towards what he would need to look at.


    Seeing the hills rise and fall Norbert looked out for as far as he could, all looking the same throughout the landscape before it finally petered off into flat planes to his left. Looking to the right, Norbert saw the hills slowly decline, not knowing what was down there before it was lost due to the hills surrounding him.


    Reaching down, picking a flower, Norbert breathed it in, the purple-looking lily, though without the stems coming out of it. Sniffing it, Norbert breathed in the perfume and set off toward the incline, wanting to see what was out there.

 Chapter 39 Scouting

    Norbert breathed in once more as he climbed the hill, looking towards his destination, the flat planes angling downwards. As he breathed, he envisioned the air going to his legs. Norbert sprinted for all he was worth.


    Down the hills he ran, nearly falling with speed, pumping his legs as hard as he could, hearing the grass wiz by, only for him to reach the next hill, leaning forward as he climbed as fast as he could.


    Norbert ran like this, going up and down the hills, not going between them and always flat, for he was just a single-minded being. Run Forward. And run forward he did, until the hills started to get smaller and smaller, petering out until it was just flat angling down. The grass slowly turned into rocks and stones. Norbert looked at the area before him, coming to a stop.


    As he looked down, Norbert saw at the very bottom a river. Remembering his previous river experience with the wolves, Norbert stopped and scanned everywhere he could, as he did that on the hills¡­


    As Norbert slowly crawled down the rocks, his ears peeled for any disturbance he could find. Norbert looked out towards the sky, seeing how much time he had spent getting here. Looking up, the sun in the sky seemed to be in the same place, maybe a bit higher than before. Assuming he still had heaps of time, Norbert scanned the area again.


    After ensuring there was no big game out there in his vicinity, Norbert scrambled down the rocks, getting to the river. Sliding down, the other rocks he was on caused a mini avalanche of small stones to fall into the river, the sound of it clattering around him.


    Stopping and looking around, Norbert tried to see if anything was around, confirming that nothing was moving. Norbert just sat and waited, looking around. Norbert slowly scanned his head and looked behind himself. He was not wanting to cause panic and get in trouble on his first day, and deciding to take it slowly.


    After many minutes and no sound, Norbert carefully traversed the rocky area to the river below. Watching it, Norbert looked both ways along the river, not seeing anything that could be around there. Head moving forwards and back, Norbert decided on his path to continue following the river to the right of him.


    As he followed the river, occasionally looking, seeing fish inside, not anything massive or threatening, just some normal-looking ones, Norbert continued to scan the other bank. Looking further, the other bank was similar to this one, with it slightly rising before it was flat once more, any sign of grass gone, only bushes being seen before anything else was cut off from view.


    Scanning ahead of him, Norbert looked and saw no obstructions; with no sounds being made, Norbert continued ahead.


    Norbert continued for the rest of the day, sometimes making it up the slope he was currently on to ensure nothing was beyond his sight. Once looking, Norbert saw a herd of beasts. Ducking down, Norbert slowly crawled towards them, not wanting to be seen.


    As Norbert looked at them, relieved that they were not coming his way, Norbert was shocked at what he saw, for he was staring at a pack of ostriches, for that was what they looked like.


    As they grazed on the flowers several hills over, Norbert went to the other side to ensure he was still hidden and opened his backpack. Taking out the book, Norbert scanned the pages, looking for the one about this creature.


    Once finding it, Norbert looked further at the page, trying to gleam any sense out of it, but most of the writing and colour symbols were meant to be easy to know, and Norbert understood none of it. Going back to the rules that Lily said, Norbert climbed over the hill and started counting them.


    When he hit 20 with only a few more to go, Norbert stopped counting, trying to get a look at the closest one. Norbert did not see any particular colour that was standing out, which could indicate what type it was.


    Looking at them more, wanting to see in what direction they headed, Norbert sat on his hill and observed them. Seeing them go and pick up the flowers on the hill, only going for the similar purple ones he had picked up before, Norbert watched until, as one, they all moved off to his left.


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    Careening off the declined area, they ran across the water¡¯s surface of the river and went up the other bank before being taken away by the bushes on the other side. Watching them go, Norbert thought about chasing after them, scolding himself for his thoughts. Norbert stood up, brushed his pants once more and continued his trek.


    Finding nothing else and not wanting to go past the river until reporting back what he had seen. The flowers were the same area he had seen before dotting the hills. Norbert ran back to the town, keeping one eye on the river and the other to his left to ensure he did not miss his mark.


    As the sun began to set, Norbert saw the lights of the town moving off the river. Norbert ran across the hills, going between them now instead of over the top for the most part, only occasionally going above to ensure he was still heading in the right direction.


    As Norbert ran for the last time under the cover of twilight, Norbert stood on the last hill before reaching the camp on the next one over. Looking at it, Norbert saw a bonfire in the centre, with some big tents around it, looking Norbert saw no small tents for personnel, remembering the recent nights spent lying on the ground; would he need to do the same again?


    Norbert continued walking down the hill and back up the next one, hearing the voices of people talking as he arrived. Walking past the first big tent, Norbert could see it was housed for food to be stored; walking past it not to get in anybody¡¯s way, Norbert made his way to the campfire, looking for Martitia Norbert stopped at the campfire. Over it, Norbert could smell meat cooking, wafting into the air and surrounding the vicinity.


    Norbert saw the spit roast meat inside the fire as someone slowly spun it around, occasionally pouring some sauce on top of it. Each time they did this, causing smoke to come up, making the smell once more engulf the area.


    Norbert heard his stomach grumbling after a day, or possibly even a week, of not having anything to eat. Tearing his eyes off the meat, Norbert once more scanned the area looking for Martitia so as not to torture himself.


    He was finally finding her, sitting on the ground, sipping on some drink while looking at the fire some distance back; Norbert walked up to her.


    ¡°Here to report on the day''s findings,¡± Norbert said; Martitia looked up, raising an eyebrow and not saying anything. Norbert, swallowing, continued his explanation ¡°Mostly hills as can be seen; if you continue slightly in that direction¡±, Norbert said, pointing with his hand ¡°, you will come across a flat plane that is slowly going down made up mostly of rocks, at the bottom of the incline a river continues.¡±


    ¡°While going along the river, a group of about twenty of these things¡±, Norbert showed Martitia the book he had received on the page he found earlier. ¡°Who, after eating what I believe to be the flowers ran off to the other side of the river. Not following them as not wanting to get caught, I continued not finding anything important until I made my way back here.¡±


    Norbert finished closing the book with a slam, placing it back in his backpack and looked to Martitia, waiting for the next thing to do. Taking a sip of her cup, she looked back up towards Norbert, saying, ¡°Nearly all scouts have come back; for now, get some food in you by going to that tent there¡± She pointed next to the tent on the right ¡°also how many people are on that hill¡± she asked, pointing towards one of the hills over the fire.


    Norbert squinted, looking towards the hills, blocking the fire with his hand to stop the glare. Norbert looked. On one of the closer hills, Norbert could make out three figures standing next to each other; Norbert would judge about two meters or so apart. Thinking it was weird, Norbert opened his mouth.


    ¡°There are three ¡­¡± Norbert drifted into silence, looking even further than the hills, the rest of the world zoning away. Norbert looked three more hills behind it, able to see someone huddled down. Thinking it strange what they were doing, Norbert continued his sentence.


    ¡°There are three standing on the closest hill, but two or so hills behind the group is a lone person sitting down, or at least I think they are alone; it gets a bit blurry that far away¡±, Norbert replied, looking down at Martitia.


    ¡°They weren¡¯t kidding about you; your report was accurate. Good job; for your reward, you will also be doing the night shift scouting for the next couple of days, including your day scouting of the area given.¡± She said, standing up and giving Norbert an encouraging slap. ¡°At night, you will have the entire plains to look over. For now, don¡¯t go past the river; leave that for the day trips until you¡¯re comfortable.¡± Walking off, she turned around, addressing Norbert one last time. ¡°Also, you will be getting paid twice as much, so don¡¯t give me that look and let''s go get you some food.¡±


    Norbert looked, sure his face was one of disturbance, not knowing when he would even have time to sleep, let alone trying to study the tome in his backpack, feeling even heavier than before. Something landed on his shoulder; Norbert looked to see Obsius there; Norbert patted it out of instinct.


    ¡°What have we landed ourselves in now.¡±

 Chapter 40 Night Duty

    Norbert followed Martitia towards the tent she indicated before, opening it up and hearing the cacophony of sounds inside. As the two of them passed the rows of tables, most filled, they made their way to the back, finding buffet-style food all there. Picking up a plate from the pile, Norbert followed and looked at the food served.


    Some vegetable-looking items were there, as well as some meat of some kind, still attached to the bone. Further down the line, Norbert saw slices of bread and something he assumed was potatoes though he could not be entirely sure due to the slight green tinge to their colour.


    Looking and not knowing what to get, Norbert took a tiny bit of everything, making sure not to go too greedy on one item in case he hated it. Coming back with his small plate of food, the smells coming off it conflicting with one another, Norbert looked at the tables around.


    Most of them were within their own groups of job types, as indicated by the similar uniform each wore. They saw a rectangular table and still a couple of empty seats on one end; Norbert headed for it, seeing Martitia was also heading over there.


    "Ah, looks like the last one finally made it," someone said from the table''s other end. Norbert looked towards them, smiling and sitting down, looking at the plate of food before him and gulping and not knowing where to start.


    From his shoulder off jumped Obsius, landing on the table and digging his way through the food. The bird picked up a piece of meat and nibbled at it before eating some vegetables. Copying Obsius with the food choice, Norbert took a piece of the same meat, looking white; Norbert a bit in, his mouth awash with juices and the sauce filling his mouth.


    As Norbert chewed the meat, getting another fork full with some of the vegetables, Norbert also spooned into his mouth when he started listening to the conversation when a shout broke his concentration. "YES, no double duty for me then", Norbert looked up, seeing that one of them had exclaimed, thoughts sinking even more.


    "What''s so bad about double duty besides the assumed lack of sleep?" Norbert asked the group. All heads turned towards him.


    "The lucky one has spoken, it seems, Dobert; seems you woke him from his attention on the food," someone else said to the first person Norbert heard, assuming his name was Dobert.


    Dobert shook his head. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Now the bad thing about double duty is two things; the first, as you said, is the complete lack of sleep we receive; the second reason is the lack of free time," stopping as he placed a fork full of food in his mouth before swallowing. Others at the table are talking among themselves in a bubble of sound.


    "Depending on the timing and the place, you won''t have any time to go looking in the towns or cities that we stop in, so what''s the point of having all that extra coin," Dobert said before looking down and eating again.


    Norbert looked around the table. "So who is the other unlucky one then, and how are these people decided," Norbert asked, taking some of the potato stuff and putting it in his mouth; having the same texture as potato and breaking apart but having a bit of tang to it. He placed another one into his mouth, looking up at Dobert to continue.


    "You''re going to be with Nancy over there", Dobert pointed with his thumb to a female two spots to his left. Norbert looked, and Nancy waved her hand before continuing the conversation.


    "How well the elixirs have integrated into your system decides it. Naturally, like everything else, you don''t get a base improvement; we all need to work on our things. Some people get more juice in certain areas and nothing in others." He said, waving his hand around. "And as you can see, far enough in the dark and your endurance is enough that you need a small amount of sleep, then you choose to go running out there." He finished, pointing outside the tent flap.


    "You must have great compatibility in your perception if you can outlast me," Dobert said as he continued eating. Norbert just looked, waiting for a response; the first person talking to him on his right spoke up, "He''s just a little sour that his second perception elixir didn''t allow him to see through items. We all told him it was just someone getting rid of normal stock."


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    Nodding, Norbert continued to think, wondering how many elixirs he could get his hands on and how many different types there were. While eating again, Norbert looked at his hands, remembering Lily''s topic about buying some gloves.


    "Where can I buy clothes and the like from, and when do we get paid?" Norbert asked the table. Dobert spoke up as everyone else was quiet. "Most items we can access will be found in the town or village we are working in. You can ask the gatekeepers to buy one from a city for high-level items, though there is a fee for their service." Pointing up the table to Martitia, continuing, "We get coin every five days; normally, we have a day off to do our items, but that won''t be at the start of these expeditions as all scouts are needed."


    Nodding his approval and understanding, Norbert looked, having to wait another four more days before getting his thirty coppers to spend, thinking of the coins he already had and wanting to buy some gloves with them.


    Eating the meal in silence, Norbert listened to the people talking to each other, trying to remember the names of the people to their faces. With that, Norbert finished the meal, looking down and seeing Obsius sleeping on the table. Shaking his head, the bird must have had a busy day going out and about as Norbert placed him safely again in his backpack.


    Standing up with Nancy, Norbert followed her as Norbert heard the conversation from the table increase again. He walked over and whipped the plates before placing them in a bucket to wash and dry the dishes. Norbert, following suit, left the tent with her.


    Feeling the cool breeze blowing through the camp hit him, Norbert turned his attention to Nancy. A woman the same height as him with short-cut brown hair and freckles dotted her cheeks.


    "So, what now?" Norbert asked her.


    "Now, we do our job. Don''t go too far; look out for any creatures, especially anything in the air. Stories are told of scouts being picked up and never returning," she said before darting off into the direction of the town and the forest behind it.


    Swallowing the ominous warning, hoping that it would not be him, Norbert looked up at the sky, only able to see a few stars, mostly covered by clouds. Norbert looked out towards the land that was now his to look after.


    Breathing in deeply, Norbert started jogging off into the night, the light on his back fading. Stopping at each hill, he climbed on top of Norbert and looked around, ensuring nothing was around. Norbert carefully made his way across.


    Stopping on the next hill, Norbert fell flat, having seen movement on the edge. Norbert just sat still and looked, not wanting to startle anything that could be out there,


    Norbert saw a herd of deer creatures that he had once taken between two of the hills in the valley. Unable to determine if they had any unusual markings, Norbert just sat and waited, watching over the beasts grazing in the field.


    I did not understand why there would be herbivores out at night when predators were mostly around, especially when there was nothing during the day. Watching Norbert slowly follow the herd, going between the valleys heading left, out of his area of this morning.


    Norbert slinked along with them, not getting any closer. They needed to back off a few times as one turned their head towards him. After some time, they all went past. Norbert continued his patrol, trying to remember the location he saw them at first for the day.


    Looking around, Norbert headed towards the river he had seen, wondering if there was any difference in the night. As he made his way closer, Norbert could hear sounds coming from in front of him.


    Crawling up the last hill, looking down at the river, his eyes brightened up. What was just an ordinary river during the day was a light show at night. The fishes he had assumed were standard glowing brightly, all different colours. Looking around, Norbert saw creatures all lining up the side.


    Bears of small size and having rainbow fur like the fish they were eating. Looking further along, Norbert saw on the other side wolves lining the other bank.


    Gulping, Norbert thought grass and hill thoughts, trying to blend in with them. Seeing a group of about twenty lining the bank, just staring down at the bears on the same side as him, the bears looking to not care about the wolves and swiping the easy-to-pick fish.


    Norbert watched the two groups, wondering if anything else would appear. Crossing his fingers that he had not just jinxed himself, Norbert held his breath, but nothing else came. Spending the night near the side of the river, Norbert looked around.


    Going up the river this time, Norbert tried to see if there was anything else around or more groups of beasts. Only seeing the occasional wolf or bear here and there, Norbert carried on until, looking up at the sky for the last time, it started to brighten.


    Thankful for the night to be over and the ease of the day, Norbert opened his backpack, rousing Obsius from its slumber.


    The bird looked at Norbert angrily for having woken up, ruffling its feathers before taking off. Norbert breathed in deeply, the stress of the night finally catching up to him. Norbert headed and followed Obsius, heading back to camp to sleep the small amount of time he would need, or more accurately, get.

 Chapter 41 Insects

    Norbert entered camp again, looking in the food tent and seeing people eating inside. Moving his head about, Norbert looked for Martitia, wanting to get his report in soon before he slumped over from lack of sleep.


    Seeing her at the table, he went over, notifying her of the beasts he saw last night and asking why there were so many compared to the day. Nodding and not hearing the response, Norbert waved back to her before exiting the tent.


    Looking around, Norbert tried to find a place to get some shut-eye. Seeing no trees on the hill, Norbert went around to the side of a tent, at least stopping the sunlight from interrupting him and getting out of everyone''s way. Reaching into his backpack, Norbert removed his coat, covering it over his head. Norbert went to sleep as his coat landed on it.


    ***


    In the tent, everyone stared at Norbert as he left. Nancy spoke up. "Like I was tired, but I still came back when it was dark", She said, slowly going quiet at the end. Looking at her, Mathaos, next to Norbert from last night, piped up, "Are we gonna need someone to cover his shift?" looking towards Martitia.


    Still eating her food, she picked up her cup, draining it. With a sigh, she put it down before looking around. "He will be fine. Give him half a rotation, and he will be back up and out there, or at least that''s what the report says." The rest of the group looked at her in shock at what she had heard.


    That was going to the level of not even being human. Some of them doubted what was being said; word spread to the other tables of the zombie that had gone in and out. Going around, wagers started to be placed on how long until he was back here.


    ***


    While waking up with a yawn, Norbert looked around, seeing that the sun hadn''t moved. Not believing the time in this place was wack compared to back on Earth, Norbert looked around; seeing Obsius perching on the tent, Norbert went and placed his coat back into his backpack on the ground.


    Stretching as he stood up, breathing in a deep breath of air, Norbert brushed his pants, picked up his backpack and looked for everyone. Around the camp, Norbert looked, unable to see people still around. Walking, he heard the conversation from the food tent. Walking back in again, Norbert saw everyone in the same places as the last time he was there.


    Sheepishly walking up to Martitia again, Norbert looked down at her. The rest of the room is quiet. "Sorry, your going to need to repeat yourself; I''ve forgotten what you want me to do today?"


    Norbert looked around the room, everyone staring at him. Some people start to whisper again to each other, hearing the clinking of coins against each other. Not understanding why people would be changing hands, Norbert looked back to Martitia.


    "Is it payday today?" Norbert asked. Everyone looked at him in the tent before laughter engulfed it. Norbert, not understanding what was happening, just chuckled a bit.


    Martiita, holding her cup to her lips, waited for the sound to die again before responding, "You will do the same as you did yesterday; go over the river this time, but be careful. Dousan believes there is some creature hunting during the day, which is why there are so many beasts at night. Whatever is out there during the day is what we are after." She said, drinking from her cup. Clanking it on the table, she said, "And payday isn''t for a couple of days. Now if there isn''t anything else, get out there, scout."


    Norbert looked around, knowing he was being dismissed. Looking towards the food on the table, Norbert just left the need for food not at him yet. Not knowing how long he would be out, Norbert looked for food that could be eaten later. Seeing some fruits, Norbert took three, one of each type. An orange, an apple and a pear. Hoping they would taste similar, Norbert waved again and left the tent.


    Looking outside, Norbert first looked around the village, trying to remember the signs from Flare-dew Norbert looked until he found the one he was looking for. Pushing on the door, it slid inside, squeaking on its metal hinges as Norbert did so. Looking around, Norbert saw that he had found the right shop, for along the walls were animal hides and garments to be used.


    Looking through them for leather gloves that could fit, after not even finding any section for it, Norbert went up to the woman sitting at the counter, sewing pieces of leather together.


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    "Good morning; I was wondering if you had any leather gloves and how much they would be?" The woman looked up, her hands pausing momentarily before uttering, "Fifty copper, and for you they would need to be made."


    With a frown, Norbert replied, "I don''t have fifty copper on me. How about I give you twenty-five now and the rest when I come to pick it up?"


    The woman nodded in response, continuing to go back to her work. Norbert took out his coin pouch, counted his coins and placed them on the table. Making five neat piles of five coins, when the last coin was placed, the woman swiped all of them up, placing them into a draw.


    As Norbert was about to leave, he turned around, asking, "How long will they take?"


    "Only a few days," the woman said, nodding again. Norbert went and left, the door again squeaking when he opened it. With that done for the day, Norbert breathed in once more before turning around and heading outside the village, heading toward the river.


    Now familiar with the environment and having his trusty guide Obsiu,s Norbert quickly made his way to the river, not needing to climb any of the hills and just running around the base of them. Looking up, Norbert saw the clouds from the night before had abated, giving him a beautiful clear day. Still, occasionally Norbert checked in case something would come up from behind and scoop him up.


    Fortunately for Norbert, no such thing happened, and he was standing at the bank of the river looking out the other side. Looking around, Norbert tried to see a way across that would not entail a swim. Looking into the river, Norbert looked down to the bottom, seeing if he could walk over it without getting a minuscule amount wet. Seeing it not being an option, Norbert knew he would be getting wet, as there was no crossing over the side he was on.


    Looking up the hill he came from, Norbert slowly climbed while breathing deeply, feeling his body rejuvenated, his hands slightly purple. Norbert looked down and sprinted down the hill. Just as he was about to touch the water, Norbert jumped for all he could. With the wind across his face, Norbert felt like he had flown until he started falling. Arms windmilling Norbert tried to get balance but, being unable to, ended up smacking into the river after crossing most of it, just the shallows on this side.


    Feeling the cold water bite into his flesh Norbert quickly raised on shaky legs and walked out, looking down at himself. The water did not leave him, soaking into the cloth underneath the leather, feeling it stick to his legs.


    Walking up the hill to the other side, Norbert looked at the top, seeing Obsius sitting there completely dry, the bird flying over. Walking up to the top, Norbert dropped his backpack on the ground, looking inside and happy that it was still dry, the book not ruined. Norbert started removing his clothes to ring out as much water as possible.


    Wearing them again, only now feeling slightly damp but unable to do anything about it, Norbert looked across at the new land he would be investigating. The line of bushes Norbert saw previously was there, only about knee height. Looking at them, Norbert saw berries of some kind on them. Making a note of the little red balls, Norbert left them alone, not wanting to die from some strange magical poisonous plant.


    Looking ahead, Norbert finally saw animals of all sizes. The other side had nothing at all there. This site was teeming with life. With precisely one type of animal, he had not seen over here. Insects.


    Or what Norbert assumed to be insects; looking from his distance, he saw some that could fly, others that were walking across the land. Beetles with dragonfly wings, creatures rolling on the ground. As Norbert looked at them, he remembered his time in the trees, where he met Obsius. The size of these creatures was staggering. Some are as tall as elephants, and others are just regular size. Able to more easily identify the species as they were all vastly different, Norbert noticed that some ranged from the smallest to the biggest.


    Sitting on the ground, Norbert reached into his backpack, pulling out the book and one of the fruits; looking at it, seeing it was the apple, Norbert bit in, feeling the juices run down his cheeks. Happy in his decision that it did taste like an apple, Norbert took another bite before opening up the book of beasts and seeing what he could find.


    ***


    Closing the book, happy about what he found, Norbert looked and placed the book back in his bag, the apple''s core discarded long ago. Looking back, he could identify most of the insects he found; after his multiple looks, it was at least arranged in species types. In the book, Norbert saw an entire section for underwater creatures. Flicking through, he stopped quickly, most of them having scales for size being monstrous.


    Looking around at the insects moving with each other, Norbert walked along the ridge he was on, not wanting to get closer in case any followed him and not wanting to have hundreds of creatures on his tail. Walking along, Norbert saw some of them fighting with each other, allowing him to see their types; feeling the heat come at him, Norbert ducked underneath a fireball. Whipping his head around, Norbert looked, seeing that one of the insects was looking right at him.


    Taking off immediately, Norbert watched them from the corner of his eye; around the bank, he heard a chitter and the movement of his legs. Turning around, Norbert saw a rainbow wave approaching him from all angles. With stealth no longer an option and wanting to try and get them off his back, Norbert dived direct away from the river to get some information about this strange place.


    Obsius already taking to the sky, Norbert saw the bird flying back to the camp. Breathing in, he charged, jumping as the first insects approached him.

 Chapter 42 The Hunt

    Norbert jumped over the first insect, landing on its hard exoskeleton head and leapt forward to the next one. Focusing with all his effort to have the light bleed through his system Norbert rushed past the group. Having jumped out the other side, with only a few scratches on the task, Norbert ducked down to the ground as a fireball flew at his head. Scrambling on the ground, Norbert looked ahead to see a small crater formed, the grass around it black.


    Gulping, thoughts running through his head if that happened to him if he had been hit, becoming a smoking pair of legs Norbert pushed on, running in a zig-zag position. At every dodge to the side, Norbert heard an explosion behind him; no longer looking back, just forward, Norbert sprinted ahead. Looking up, panic surged within himself, for further ahead, Norbert saw a single hill, and out of the hill came a swarm of insects, all of a similar type that threw the fire, with dark brown skin, having six legs and the head of a spider. From its mouth, Norbert caught where the fireball came from.


    Jumping to the left, knowing he could no longer go any deeper into the territory, Norbert headed right, remembering the ostrich creatures from yesterday were able to cross at some point, hoping that it was outside of the territory of these insects. Looking ahead and seeing insects, Norbert clapped for a dagger before dismissing the thought. If he stopped for even a second to attack, he would be instantly swarmed and either ripped to pieces or become a shish kebab.


    Impacting them again, Norbert jumped more into the air and ran on top of the insects. Landing squarely in the centre of their bodies allowed Norbert to keep at the correct height. Looking ahead, Norbert needed another fifteen meters of running before being free and on solid ground again. Leaping for the next two, Norbert made a path to jump off the rest of the way.


    Stepping to the left, he pushed against the body, feeling it give out under his impact; Norbert looked down and slowly started to fall, seeing a mouth open to swallow him. Quickly pulling a dagger out, Norbert stabbed it downwards, feeling it crunch into the carapace; with it now down, Norbert jumped off the insect, leaving his dagger behind as the horde consumed the one he had just killed.


    Finally out and seeing only a few groups ahead, which Norbert could survive, sprinting forward, Norbert whooped into the air; having been given victory over this battle, Norbert looked back, feeling bile come up his throat at what he witnessed. The insect he had defeated was no more; Norbert saw a rain of blood covering some bugs around it, having ripped apart their fallen comrade. Looking carefully, Norbert saw some of them eating it as well. Shaking his head to remove the memories, Norbert sprinted forward, knowing that at this pace, he could keep it up for as long as needed.


    Continuing to sprint, not wanting to meet his maker, Norbert ran along the ridge, looking for a place to cross over. The sun slowly moved along the sky as Norbert ran during the day. Norbert ran on the mostly flat ground, careful of the rocks that occasionally checked around him. The horde that before was following him slowly quieted down to a group of fifty or so, still way too many for Norbert to tackle. Up in the sky, the clouds started to come in as Norbert checked to see if Obsius was around to guide him back to the town.


    Watching his eye on the river below him, Norbert looked to see whether it narrowed, hoping they weren''t on the other side yet and decimating everything there. As Norbert ran forward, the pack that was following him suddenly stopped. Norbert, not even looking or caring at what caused it dived down the slope to the river, knowing now was a good time as any. Taking his bag off and holding it above his head Norbert jumped into the river.


    The cold hit him, the water invading his clothes, blades of ice hitting his skin. Feeling the current take him further down the river, Norbert didn''t fight it, only focusing on reaching the other bank. With water going into his eyes, Norbert slowly made progress until his feet finally sunk into the bank. Squelching his boots through the rocky bank, Norbert slowly climbed up the river onto the closest hill.


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    Falling, dropping his backpack next to him, Norbert breathed in, relieved that he was still around. Norbert closed his eyes, letting his fear wash away with every breath. Counting the sheep jumping behind his eyes, Norbert just counted them, forgetting everything else he would know.


    ACHOO


    Norbert sneezed, shivering as the wind went over the hill. His clothes stuck to his skin. Norbert shivered, feeling the cold that engulfed him. Taking his clothes off, Norbert squeezed them out, forming a small puddle of water on the hill, watching as it slowly disappeared into the hill. With the clothes a bit drier than before, Norbert donned them again, looking around for the way back. Looking through his bag Norbert picked out the pear, eating into it again, happy for some familiarity with the strange occurrence he had just experienced. Feeling around with the pear in his mouth Norbert confirmed the book was still dry, happy it did not take a spill.


    Looking around, Norbert saw nothing to discern the border where the insects stopped. Not finding anything, Norbert ran back up the river to return to the camp and notify the others of what he had seen. Taking a breath in for the long run he would need to make, saying a quick prayer that he wouldn''t overshoot the camp, Norbert once more took off at a run, going up and down the hills.


    As the sun slowly descended, Norbert made his way back to the camp, always keeping an eye out on the other side of the river to ensure nothing reared its head. But for all his caution, nothing ever happened, the bushes once more obscuring the other side''s infestation.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, Norbert looked up, seeing a black object in the sky. Smiling and shouting at it, the bird descended before Norbert opening his arms, caught the bird. The incessant chirps and pecks on the head made Norbert more aware he was in trouble.


    Still laughing, Norbert scratched the bird''s head, asking, "So buddy, which way back to the camp?" The bird flapped up, landing on his shoulder and pointing his head in a direction slightly to the left. Having overshot the camp, it seemed Norbert nodded in confirmation before the bird took off again into the sky, Norbert following along with the pre-determined direction.


    Rising one of the final hills, Norbert could see the lights of civilisation, or so he hoped, and it wasn''t the fire-breathing insects that attacked the town. Walking back to the camp, Norbert looked around; the sun had finally set; Norbert made his way around the camp, looking at Martitia and hearing noises from the camp; Norbert remembered the orange he still had in his backpack.


    Pulling it out, he peeled it, tossing the peels on the ground outside the camp before eating the pieces within. As he only had a handful left, Norbert opened the tent flap to see if the person he was looking for was inside.


    Seeing the usual crowd around the table of scouts, Norbert thought, what did the rest of them do during the day if they left after him and returned before? Shaking his head, Norbert made his way to the table.


    "Well, what a day I had," Norbert said, sitting down at a space on the bench. Plopping the last piece of orange into his mouth before continuing, "Did you have any idea what was on the other side of the river?"


    The rest of the group just looked between Norbert and Martitia, not wanting to interrupt whatever was happening.


    "We believed there was something but had nothing specific. I guess from your reaction that you found out what that was?" she asked, leaning back slightly, waiting for Norbert to speak.


    "Found something I did; a whole nest of fire-breathing insects came after me", Norbert said while looking around in his backpack, pulling out the book, opening it up to the correct page and spinning it around.


    The rest of the group crowded around, and people from other tables became quiet, wanting to hear the latest news. Norbert looked and saw Dobert stand up from his table in the centre, making his way over to the table, leaning over to look at the book.


    "I have no clue how many there were; at first, there was a large variety of insects just milling about. I was sitting on a ridge, eating while identifying them. I started getting up and walking about the place to have a look. Suddenly they started fighting each other when a fireball came my way. I dodged to the side, and then, all the insects became interested in only me." Norbert said, babbling, remembering the site he saw of the hill bellowing out more of the beasts. "When I was running around, what I thought was a hill must have been a nest of sorts as they came streaming out in a constant flow."


    Gulping for air, Norbert continued, "After making my way out, I ran across the ridge, following the river for who knows how long. A decent amount, around fifty, kept on following me until, at some point, they all stopped at once. Not looking around, I went to the other side of the river, returning here." Norbert finished his story.


    Martitia looked up at Dousan, "Meeting time?" She asked, only receiving a nod in return.

 Chapter 43 Nesty Night

    Norbert watched as Dousan, Martitia and others from their respective tables all stood up and left the tent. All staring at their leave, Norbert looked around the rest of the room, everyone quiet, watching the exit. Norbert looked as well before his stomach grumbling caused eyes turned to the opposite direction, at the buffet table.


    Heading over, Norbert placed a small amount of food on his plate, not even looking at what was there, and headed back to the table. Slowly he started eating, not feeling hungry but unsure when the next time he may get to eat; Norbert mindlessly ate his meal. Casually looking down, Obsius was also having some of his, taking the pieces the bird wanted.


    Thinking about what could be said at the end, Norbert waited to see his fate. Would he be venturing forth again tonight or able to rest up?


    With a flurry interrupting his thoughts, the tent flap opened up; Dousan and everyone else came back inside, sitting at their original tables, leaving only Dousan standing.


    "Thanks to the help of the scouts, there are two known entrances, one in the forest and the other from their nest in the hills," Dousan said, allowing his voice to echo across the room. "Prepare to leave in the coming days; as usual, only a few will be left here for the town. The first party will go through the tunnels to wherever it leads them. The rest of us will head for the top nest."


    He looked around the room and looked at everyone''s eyes on him. "This may be the first time for some of you, but we all will look to the other side smiling. That is all, as always, prepare for the coming days." Walking to his seat Dousan entered the chair, the rest of the room taking up the noise Dousan left behind.


    Norbert looked to Martitia. "Where do you want me going out tonight?" Norbert asked as he finished the rest of the food on his plate.


    "Well, if you''re up for the challenge, you head out over the river again to investigate the flame-insectoid nest you saw. If you''re correct with the species, they will all be asleep at night, which does line up with why non-nocturnal animals are roaming around at night," she said.


    Nodding in confirmation, he scooped up his empty plate, Obsius hopping onto his head as he washed up and left the tent once more. Sprinting across the hills, wanting to get it over with as fast as possible, Norbert flew over the land. Thoughts about what he would do once over there, Norbert continued running.


    Coming to a halt on the last hill before it sloped down to the river, craning his head, trying to see the other side of what was there before continuing. Sadly Norbert still could not see anything on the other side. Sighing in resignation, Norbert once more went over the river, the cold of the night air making him shiver.


    Remembering next time to bring a change of clothes so he could be warm, Norbert climbed the other side up the rocky slope, making sure to be as quiet as possible, not wanting to wake the residents on this side.


    At the top, Norbert poked his head over the bushes, looking at what the land had on this side. Looking, Norbert was relieved to see that Martitia had been right. The fire-breathing insects were nowhere to be seen, the others grazing around, illuminating themselves at night.


    Able to see a clear path to explore more of this side between the insects, Norbert made his way across the field of slumbering death. Creeping, Norbert avoided the insects, ensuring there was always a wide berth between him and them.


    As he walked towards the hill he had seen before, Norbert looked around, seeing if there were any other nests he could see in the distance. Breathing out a sigh of relief, Norbert saw no more hills around him; only the single entrance he was near was the only one.


    Climbing up the hill, the dirt loose on his feet, Norbert climbed, each step sinking his feet into the dirt. As he made his way to the top, he looked around from the height he was now at, confirming his previous sighting that this was the only nest seen, for the plane around him was flat, with only the bushes providing any blocking from the earth.


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    At the top, Norbert looked down the hole he could see, the hole in the hill being five meters in diameter, he thought, wondering the number of guys or the size that would be able to flood out of there. Looking down, Norbert wondered if he should go inside; the only thing he could see was the darkness.


    Only a few tunnels that branched out lower Norbert could see; looking at the walls on the side, Norbert saw no handholds to climb back up if he went down there, and even if he did, he wouldn''t be able to see anything in the pitch blackness.


    Moving his head out from the entrance, Norbert looked out at the land, wondering what else he could scout out during the night. Norbert wanted to look at two things, explore this side by running away from the river, just continuing straight on and see when the insects came out of their nest.


    Taking off again, Obsius in his backpack again sleeping, he ran away from the nest, wanting to make sure there were no other nests in the area. Norbert looked around, only being guided by the light of the moon. Norbert gazed at the moon as he ran, something that was still a comfort but looked utterly wrong; the crater he was so used to seeing was no longer there.


    Smiling at the memories of home and the adventure he was now having, Norbert pressed on, running over the rocky planes. Glancing around, Norbert looked and was just met by open country, looking to see if there were any other animals this far out. Norbert was relieved not just to see the open planes, fearing that would mean another nest somewhere.


    Looking, Norbert saw the birds he saw before, the wolves running in packs, hearing birds in the sky looking around. Staying still and listening, Norbert heard the life around him, the rodents running between the rocks.


    Happy that he could hear life again and not the dreadful quiet near the nest of nothing moving, Norbert looked around, knowing it would soon be time to head back. Continuing, Norbert looked further across, seeing mountains rise out of the distance; Norbert just stared at them, seeing how flat it was, just the same over and over again, not seeing any sign of civilisation anywhere.


    A thought came to him: what would happen if he just ran off, not returning to the camp or The Frontier and living out in the wilderness until he was back on Earth, just planning and living out here? As Norbert had a wishful thought of having his little cabin out there on the mountains or in the forest on the other side of the river, Norbert looked behind him to the nest.


    If he did run off, others could also stop protecting these towns and cities from creatures always being pushed forward. If he ever returned to Flare-dew, finding the town in ruins because the group meant to protect it from the next wave disappeared, having just abandoned their post.


    Looking back towards the nest, and remembering being chased, a village with their kids being hunted down one after the other and being mercilessly devoured. Norbert looked back at the mountain, giving a salute to it. He would do the job requested for as long as he was in The Frontier.


    As Norbert confirmed this, he realised he was basically enlisted, like being part of the defence force for his country back on Earth. Shrugging his shoulders would allow him to simultaneously see this world and earn some coin. He would stay with The Frontier until he thought of a better plan; Norbert took off once more, heading right down the river again, seeing what else he could see before returning.


    With the nest on his back and far from the river''s edge, Norbert looked around at the other creatures there, seeing if there was anything strange about them. As he ran, Norbert was intrigued by the wonder, seeing light flashes in the darkness and hearing the bushes shudder with movement. The very earth Norbert was standing on felt alive.


    As Norbert continued to run, he did not find anything particularly interesting or noteworthy to remember. As he travelled around, Norbert looked behind himself, seeing these motes of light follow after him. Turning around and jogging backwards, Norbert slowed down, seeing them start dissipating from behind him until Norbert had stopped, and only one was left following him.


    Reaching out, Norbert tried to grasp for it, but as he was just about to touch it moved away from him as his hand pushed it away. Staring at this strange behaviour, Norbert took off jogging again.


    Regularly checking over his shoulder, Norbert saw the motes of light appear back in number again, from just the single one. Smiling at them, Norbert started running forward, seeing them follow after him, even more than before, looking to be riding the air.


    Breathing in and focusing on his body, Norbert sprinted as fast as he could; looking back occasionally, Norbert saw a river following him, wearing a cape picked from stars, blanketing the entire horizon. Twisting his head around, Norbert looked behind himself, seeing the sea of bright lights following him, lighting up the darkness.


    Stopping suddenly, Norbert turned around and ran into the motes of light, which were still going so fast that they could not change direction. Feeling them brush against his face, Norbert was consumed in light. He needed to close his eyes. It was so bright.


    Opening them, still seeing spots in front of his eyes, Norbert looked out from a window, only darkness being shown and his reflection in the glass.

 Chapter 44 Meet Your Maker

    Norbert just stared outside the window, not moving a single breath, the darkness staring back at him, thinking if there was something familiar about it. In the distance, he saw something move towards him. Stepping back nervous at whatever he saw; with a calming breath, Norbert moved back to the window, nothing to be seen, just the constant black. Shivering and unnerved turning around, Norbert saw the room he was in for the first time.


    All alone in a white marble room, two chairs and a coffee table sitting between them, on the side was a cart filled with drinks and nibblies, none of which Norbert could recognise. Looking around the room, Norbert saw the single, double doors, the only exit other than the window at his back. Walking to the double doors, the dark wood with the black metal joints holding the door together. The dark of the door clashed with the room''s white, making Norbert''s eye constantly drawn towards it.


    Pushing against it, Norbert tried to budge it open, the doors not moving an inch. Rolling his shoulders and swishing his hands to warm his body up, Norbert pushed as hard as he could against the door, nothing coming from the result.


    Feeling his muscles strain with the effort, resulting only in his feet sliding back from the door and the sound of the leather squeaking against the floor, Norbert stopped with a heave, turning around and resting his back on the door as he looked out at the room.


    Staring back at Norbert was the window. Not wanting to see whatever was lurking out the window Norbert moved his eyes to the walls around him. The lack of pattern on any of them shows nothing to be uncovered. Standing up with a groan Norbert started walking around the room''s perimeter, hand going over the wall. After walking to the first corner of the room, his hand was not moving at all, even though his eyes told him there should have been a crease or a crack where the two stones met, but he felt nothing only the smooth continuation of the wall. Shivering at the unnerving, Norbert walked around the rest of the room.


    Finding no hidden latch, secret entrance or trap door, Norbert moved back to the centre of the room with the table and chairs. Walking towards the chairs, they were just simple shapes, only straight pieces making up the frame; rapping one with his knuckles, Norbert heard a solid tang, feeling cold.


    The seat is woven of the same material; realising it was either metal painted white or white by nature, Norbert had no clue. Wanting to find out the answer Norbert brought out his knife, reversed it and started ramming the butt of the handle against the chair. After several attempts, no scuff or dent was seen on the chair. Bewildered Norbert sat down on one, Norbert looked from the perspective of the door; looking out, Norbert saw the room before him, no change about it from before.


    Sitting in the other chair, Norbert looked out and saw the window, still the same inky blackness as before, shivering at the feeling he was being watched by whatever was out there. Norbert sat in silence and waited.


    And waited


    And waited


    "AHHHHH! Just something has happened already!" Norbert shouted out, hearing the sound echo around the room. Standing up in frustration, Norbert looked around in his backpack, Obsius still sleeping inside.


    Being careful not to disturb the bird, Norbert looked over and pulled out the talisman and the book he was given. Fiddling with the talisman between his fingers, Norbert watched the purple pulse within it, still as strong as the day he received it.


    Flicking it with his fingers, making it spin, Norbert opened the book and started looking through the creatures in it. Knowing that he would spend an unknown amount of time here might as well be productive.


    At first, he was hunting for creatures he knew about, finding the normal animals he would typically expect to see on Earth, like bunnies, wolves and bears and others he had already seen, but also seeing some mythical ones like slime and the fabled dragon Lily had mentioned.


    Norbert continued to be in the chair, waiting for whatever was to happen or go to wherever he was waiting from.


    As Norbert turned the page, the sound was the only thing filling the room; the door silently opened behind Norbert. His back to the black door, Norbert continued reading his book, hearing the tapping of feet on the floor his mind registering something was happening but dismissing it as he continued to read through the book.


    The other person headed towards the cart, plucking two cups out and pouring a drink into both before placing it all on the table and sitting in the other chair. Norbert, still spinning the talisman between his fingers, flicking through the pages, not reacting to his guest.


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    As the other person sat down in the chair, Norbert looked up slightly, taking his eyes away from the book. Before him was someone he easily pass on the street¡ªa woman of smaller than normal height wearing a hoodie and jeans, hands engulfed within the hoodie. She was wearing no shoes on her feet, having them resting on the chair as well. Her hoodie a deep red, the blue of the jeans, and her blonde hair waved down her back, spilling off the sides of the chair.


    Staring at her eyes, Norbert felt a shiver go down his back, the ordinary fa?ade he had felt of the girl next door broken, for he was staring back at flames within her eyes. Feeling them draw himself in, Norbert could not move his eyes off them no matter what he tried. His consciousness slipped, falling into the abyss that were her eyes.


    "Oh, I''m sorry, Norbert; I guess I have that effect on some people." She said, moving her hand across her eyes; like a charm being broken, Norbert could move again; looking around and tapping his feet, Norbert confirmed his body was once his own again. Looking back to the woman opposite him, Norbert stared at her button nose, not wanting to fall into those eyes again.


    "How do you know my name?" Norbert asked, deadpan face with no emotion in his voice. The lady responded with a trilling laugh, "Oh dearie me, of course, I know who you are. I don''t pick anyone at random, though now that I think of it, sometimes I do." She said, tapping the side of her chin in thought as she finished.


    "But this isn''t about the great and wonderful me; it''s about you and being in the situation you are in." leaning forward in her chair, she took one of the cups off the table, touching it to her lips and took a sip, sighing in relief she continued "With the introductions for the play done, the audience now knows all of the cast it is time to start Act 1 Scene 1, and that''s were you come in," she said pointing to Norbert with her finger holding the cup.


    "The world you were taken off from will see changes; the powers that have held for so long are shaking, changing whether we like it or not, and at this usual time, it is up to us to make that change, that change being you."


    Standing up, she spun around until she was leaning over the back of her chair. "Plans have formed around you, and wagers have been placed; now all that needs to be determined is what you will do next."


    Norbert looked at her in confusion. "Im sorry, but who are you, and secondly WHAT?"


    The twittering laughter came back once more; raising a hand to her mouth to cover it, she said, "Oh, I''m sorry, I completely forgot, how rude of me. You may call me hmmm¡­. that''s it Luck", she finished, a beam on her face of how good she was.


    "Well, are you going to be such a rude guest? Go and take a sip of your drink." She waved her hand at the cup. Norbert, unsure of what to do, slowly and carefully reached down, and smelt it, a faint hint of raspberries coming from it. Tipping it to his lip, Norbert felt a drop hit his tongue, feeling the burst of flavours hit him, the memories of apple pies, lollies, toffee apples and cherry tomatoes.


    All of the flavours going down his mouth at once, Norbert gulped the rest of the cup, remembering the last time he tasted something like this was when he had an elixir. Looking up at her, Norbert is already putting his items into his backpack. He heard her say


    "That should give you enough strength for your journey. Well, that''s enough of an introduction for now; if you ever need me, just come to one of my temples, and I''m sure you could get an audience. With that toodaloo," She finished, waving at Norbert.


    Looking down, Norbert saw the circle appear once more; shoving his items into his backpack, Norbert opened his mouth, shouting, "Then what am I supposed to do?"


    Smiling, Luck whispered back, so quiet that Norbert doubted he heard her correctly. "Whatever you choose, my ¡­."


    The blinding flash consumed him once more; opening his eyes, Norbert looked around, rubbing the stars out of them. Finally, when his vision cleared, Norbert looked around, back on the planes he was running on, looking for something to find.


    Unable to hold it in anymore, Norbert threw up everything he had before; feeling his stomach gurgle, he felt it was coming up, splattering the ground with his puke. Finally finishing him, the need for sleep washed over him; he barely took a step to avoid sleeping in his mess even before Norbert hit the ground; he was fast asleep.


    ***


    Staring up at the night sky, Norbert saw the moon nearly finished, realising time had not stopped, and it was soon going to be dawn Norbert placed the backpack on and sprinted off towards the direction of the river, not wanting to be awake with the flame-insectoids again.


    Looking behind himself as he ran, Norbert saw no specks of light following after him; at least, that wouldn''t be a constant thing. As he ran, Norbert thought about the "conversation", if he could call it with Luck. Wondering what he should do with it.


    Thinking back on her words, Norbert realised it didn''t change anything, more of an announcement that something or someone was watching him than anything else. The only bit of information Norbert gleaned from it was that some changes would be happening soon; well, for Norbert, changes were already happening. Typically someone wouldn''t be going from one world to the next and back again, seeing magic and gaining superhuman powers.


    Shaking his head, Norbert stood before his arch nemesis, the river.


    Grumbling to himself, Norbert took Obsius out of his backpack, waking the bird up. Now able to move freely, he jumped into the river again, swimming to the other side.


    Not even bothering with drying off, Norbert returned to the camp, wanting the day to be over and able to sleep in his bed again.

 Chapter 45 Hungover Pt 3

    Having arrived at the camp, the sun rising from the horizon, Norbert looked around, seeing most people sleeping and getting up. Trotting into the mess tent, stomach grumbling for food, Norbert looked around; the tables were primarily empty. Heading towards the buffet, choosing things based by smell only, Norbert piled his plate high, sat at the scout table at the first seat, and started eating.


    Finishing one plate Norbert stood up again, filling his second plate with his usual amount of food. Sitting back down on the table, Obsius joining into the meal, Norbert looked at the people coming through the tent, looking like they had just woken up bleary-eyed and zombie heading to get some food. All are pouring cups of hot liquid into their cups; they shuffled to their respective tables and sat down, all eating silently.


    Looking around at the group, not having everyone looking completely wrecked, especially as most of these people didn''t have nightly duties, Norbert whispered to Dobert, "What happened to you all last night?"


    "As it''s one of the last days, we decided to do an unofficial celebration, and let''s say one thing led to another," Dobert replied before closing his and eating his meal silently. Looking and seeing everyone like that who had entered, Norbert couldn''t imagine what they had done the night before.


    Remembering the time he was at the village, the rounds being consumed, Norbert smiled at it and remembered the next day, when everyone was completely wasted and unable to walk properly. Looking at the people around him, Norbert was surprised to see them this active so early in the morning. As more people entered the tent, some worse for wear than others, Norbert looked at the last group to arrive, the tent now bustling with people.


    As Dousan, Martitia, and the others received their food and sat at their respective tables, Norbert looked over at her, just sitting down and eating. Hearing the people around him cringe at the sounds of utensils hitting plates, Norbert closed his mouth, took a sip of his drink, and stared at the wall opposite him, waiting in silence while he sat and thought about what happened last night.


    As Norbert sat there drinking, he remembered his own "celebration", the divine one. Norbert shuddered at the memory of what his body did after he ingested the liquid. As he thought about all the times he had, they seemed to be getting more manageable and more accessible, though the last one wasn''t a double dose and only a single one. He was thinking back on her words, trying to find a clue about what he had drunk. Remembering about having enough for the journey, Norbert wracked his brain, the memory being overcome by the drink.


    As Norbert sat there, in his world, not realising Martitia was standing over him, a hand on his shoulder, Norbert jumped in his seat, looking around at what had happened. Feeling the hand on his shoulder, Norbert slowly turned his head, looking up at Martitia standing behind him. Indicating to the tent''s exit, she walked off, Norbert climbing out of his seat, putting his backpack on and taking Obsius in his arms.


    Outside, Norbert headed towards Martitia, standing by herself with the sun shining through her hair, looking up at the sky. Standing beside her, Norbert also looked up, trying to spot what she saw; all he saw was an empty sky with nothing else.


    Turning his head Norbert looked down at Martitia, waiting for her to say something. Looking back, she smiled up at him. "At least someone is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and I even have a surprise for you, but first, report."


    Norbert swallowed, thinking if he should recount what he saw in that white room; deciding not to include it but everything else, Norbert began his tale, "Finding the nest, as you said, the area around it was empty from the fire breathing bugs, others were in the vicinity but none of them active. I looked down their nest entrance but did not go in due to being unable to see anything and get back out. After that, a bizarre thing occurred." Norbert said, breathing in before continuing, "I was running to the next place to see if anything else was awake when these motes of light followed me. After I touched one, the world went light before I fainted, waking up with it nearly being daytime and vomit somewhere." Norbert finished, looking down at her, waiting to hear her verdict.


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    Nodding in confirmation, "That was definitely strange, and good job confirming they aren''t active at night. Today is payday, and you also have the day off." Martitia said, reaching into her pouch and pulling out bronze coins. "Here are the thirty-nine bronze you have earned; good job." She said, Norbert, receiving them as they rattled into his coin pouch.


    "Now be off with you, have time to recuperate from last night. Tomorrow night is planned for when we strike; and yes, you will also be there. So relax while you can." She finished before walking away and heading back inside the tent. Norbert heard groans escape from it as the light from outside entered.


    Chuckling to himself, Norbert felt the weight of the coins in his pouch, remembering how light it was before. Moving to the town, Norbert remembered the gloves he had ordered before. Walking off with all the time in the world, Norbert headed towards the tailor.


    Opening the door and hearing the bell chime once again, Norbert headed to the same lady he had talked to before. Placing the remaining coins on the table, his once full pouch now felt empty again. With the five piles they made of five, the woman looked over it before swiping again. She went into the back room, where Norbert could not see her.


    Waiting, Norbert looked around the rest of the shop, seeing all the leather garments on display. As he looked closer, Norbert noticed its designs were not aesthetic. Seeing the colour of white dyes had markings within that Norbert could barely see. Moving it to his face, Norbert stared; only after examining it for several moments did Norbert realise what he was looking at, for they were magic circles.


    All of the markings blended together making the garment white in its pattern, all coming together to make an aesthetic choice of clothing. Norbert looked to the next one, now able to see that all the clothes had similar markings.


    Norbert heard a cough behind him, Wondering what gloves he would be getting, not knowing what these gloves could do. Spinning around, Norbert returned to the counter, the woman again staring at him.


    At the counter, Norbert looked down, seeing the gloves sitting there. Inspecting them closely, they were the same colour as his current leather gear, wondering how she could dye them so well. Looking deeper, Norbert saw no specific pattern like the others he had seen.


    Placing one glove over his hand and then the other, Norbert looked down, the gloves blending seamlessly with his jacket arms, completely covering his skin.


    Trying to make his hands glow, Norbert saw nothing, needing to confirm it by holding the glove slightly up, seeing the light shining in. Happy with the improvement, Norbert bowed towards the woman and said his thanks, leaving the store with the dinging of the bell.


    Happy that his purchase was met and hoping he wasn''t ripped off, Norbert looked around the town, wondering what else he could do with his day. Walking around, Norbert looked at the houses, like in Flare-dew, wondering if this was the standard.


    Norbert just followed his nose until he reached the hill again; looking upwards, Norbert saw the gate sitting there, not active at all. Norbert slowly climbed up the hill, standing as he had just walked out of the gate and looked down at the town.


    Even though something imminent was on their border, they still walked around without a care, just going about their days knowing someone would deal with it. Sitting on the hill, Norbert just looked at the town below, instinctively flexing his gloves, feeling them stretch over his fingers.


    As Norbert just sat and stared, a crowd formed around him; the kids he saw the other day playing had come on the hill, whispering to each other. Able to hear their comments about a stranger on their hill, Norbert just smiled, closing his eyes as he felt the wind on his face.


    After some time, the whispering died to nothing; Norbert only heard the rustling and crunching of grass underfoot. Cracking an eye open, Norbert saw a sea of kids around him, one almost about to touch him.


    He was looking right at the kid when their eyes locked; instantly, the kid hit him. "Your IT!" the kid shouted before they dispersed, running in all directions.


    Laughing, Norbert stood up, having time to test out what this new elixir could do and entertain some kids along the way. Who knows what doing a good deed would reward someone with?

 Chapter 46 Atop the Gate

    Norbert pushed off, feeling the wind whip through his hair as he scanned the area, thinking of who first he should get. Seeing the kids appear before him, Norbert rushed forward, tapping the first one he saw; with the anger of having been caught, the girl made her way up the hill with the gate and sat down.


    As he jumped forward to the next child, Norbert quickly caught the next five, as a group they all slowly made their way towards the gate on the hill. Scanning the area, Norbert saw no more targets in his vicinity; knowing they would now be hidden the true challenge had begun Norbert stalked the town.


    Under benches, within bushes on top of trees, Norbert looked around everywhere, making sure not to go into anyone''s houses, hoping the kids would do the same and he would not need to traverse the properties to find them.


    As Norbert began his journey on his own, looking at the sights around town, Norbert tried to look around, his view of the town was always being broken by the houses which made it up. Looking at the roofs ether if only he could get up there. Remembering the drink, Norbert squatted down, thinking about pushing with all his might with his legs, breathing in deeply. With the muscles engaged, Norbert jumped.


    As he saw the roof shoot past him Norbert finally started to fall with an extra meter in the air to land on the roof. Landing on the roof Norbert looked down at the ground, then back up at the sky. Not believing he could jump that high, he looked down, seeing he was about two meters in the air. He could now quickly become a basketball player with this insane vertical.


    Chuckling to himself at the thought of him throwing shots and doing slam dunks pushing through anyone there. Turning away from the drop, Norbert looked at the wooden roof, made of logs from the forest placed together and strapped and nailed together with cords. Jumping on it Norbert confirmed the construction. Thankful that it wasn''t a thatch that would give out under him.


    Walking carefully to the centre of the roof, Norbert looked around finding his next target. On the left, a flash appeared next to the houses; Norbert panned his face over, watching the area. Further up ahead, Norbert saw a kid running, grinning at having found another Norbert sprinted forward, feet hitting the roof. Norbert looked ahead, not hearing anything break or go through, seeing the next house he wanted to jump to.


    Pushing off with his foot on the ledge, Norbert hopped over, surprised at the ease as he landed on the next roof without breaking his stride; before going to the right, Norbert looked around, confirming his route forward. Jumping from roof to roof, with each leap getting more and more confident, Norbert tracked his prey.


    Finally, the kid stopped, Norbert standing on the roof above him, puffing as hard as he could and looking around and looking for Norbert. Looking down, Norbert realised the kid had started the game in the first place. Placing one foot over the edge, Norbert stepped off the roof, landing right next to the kid.


    In a puff of dust, the sound of his backpack landing on his back, the kid turned around, horror on his face. Norbert went and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Back to the hill for you," Norbert said. The kid looked freaked out and ran away toward the hill. Norbert laughed after him even after he was lost between the houses.


    Norbert looked around, ready for his next one to hunt down.


    ***


    After many hours and rounding all the kids Norbert could find. Norbert walked to the hill, seeing all the kids playing and talking to each other in groups. The silence fell over the group as Norbert hiked up the hill.


    As he walked towards the gate, the crowd of kids parting, Norbert jumped and landed on the top. Looking around the town from the vantage point, Norbert did one last scan of the area, trying to spot anyone else. Tilting his head down, Norbert asked the kids underneath him, "Is there anyone else I haven''t found yet?" only receiving a nod from some kids. Norbert nodded his head sagely as he looked towards the town again.


    Cupping his hands over his mouth, Norbert shouted as loud as he could, "WHOEVER''S LEFT YOU''VE WON!" dropping his hands, Norbert sat on top of the gate, hearing a cheer from the kids underneath. Knowing that he hadn''t gotten all of them, Norbert watched down the hill and waited, trying to see where they crawled out from.


    Over the next several minutes, Norbert saw five kids run up the hill, smiling and shouting to their friends. Unable to see where they came from, Norbert smiled at their tenacity to hide from him.


    When all the kids returned, they looked up at him, some with grim determination. Looking down, Norbert asked, "What''s with that look? Do you want to play another game?"


    The boy that started it all spoke up. "Now it''s our turn to tag you?" he questioned, hoping for a response.


    Norbert just looked down at them, "Ok, let''s play b-" Norbert was cut off by the screams and cheers of the children. Looking down, Norbert waited for them to die down before continuing. "But there are three rules. Rule number one I won''t run along roofs. Rule number two is no going inside people''s houses or stores." Hearing a sigh and whine in response, Norbert waited again for the rumbles to die down. "And finally, the third rule, whoever tags me gets to ride on my shoulders. Now let''s begin in three," Norbert took a step back " two," Norbert took another, now standing on the other side of the gate ", and one" at saying the word Norbert ran forward, leaping off the gate and over the crowd of kids.


    Landing on the ground, Norbert began running down the hill, untying his bag slightly to make a bit more sound as he ran. Instantly behind him, Norbert heard a cheer and feet following him. Once more, the game had begun, and the hunter had become the hunted.


    Sprinting forward, Norbert looked around, trying to find the first place to go. Knowing that the start would be easy, Norbert tried remembering what he had seen in the village when searching for the kids. In his mind''s eye, he crossed off the dead-end alleyways as he could not escape without breaking the rules.


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    Slowing down to a walk, Norbert spun to look behind him, walking backwards through the main street. Seeing the kids far away make it down the hill, Norbert knew he only had a bit of time before the streets were filled with them.


    Quickly running around the town, through the stalls and houses, over yards, Norbert looked for a path he could run around where the kids wouldn''t be able to jump out at him. Norbert made a town circuit by ducking under low-hanging clothes and leaping over fences. Not the best path that he could make, Norbert knew around the town, making his way back to the hill each time of the circuit to look out at the kids and see what they were doing before running back into town again.


    As Norbert did circuit after circuit, occasionally seeing kids jump out at him from behind houses or fences, one even getting close by jumping out of a bush, Norbert could scrape by without getting touched by ducking or swerving out of the way. Now confident in his route and knowing all the other alleys he would need, Norbert stood by the gate again, looking at the sun, seeing it was at its highest point in the sky. Not believing he was still going, Norbert headed into the village again.


    Down the main street, or what Norbert called it, he waited until he went past the seventh house, sliding on the ground in case somebody was waiting for him. Seeing a kid leap above him, Norbert knew he had made the right call; getting onto his feet again, Norbert took a hard left and burst through between the seventh and eighth house, looking up at the windows to ensure nobody would jump out of them.


    Running between the lines of houses, jumping over the fences of the yards when needed, Norbert saw the row of stalls before him. Ready to take a right immediately, seeing the people bustling, Norbert hoped there wasn''t a child within the crowd, for he would not be able to see them until the last moment. Getting to the riskiest part of the route, Norbert looked around first, not seeing anything in the way of the entrance to the street, just the people walking by about their day.


    Running through the street, making sure not to touch anyone, Norbert made his way to the outskirts of the town before making another hard left and running through the open fields with the forest to his right, knowing that there would be nobody there, Norbert sprinted as fast as he could go, with each step feeling like he was sinking into the ground before blasting off again.


    Seeing the houses once more ahead, Norbert made his way through the town again. Seeing the kids ahead of him, all teaming up, making a wall, with smiles on their faces, thinking the path was blocked.


    Continuing to run ahead, Norbert looked behind them, making sure the path was clear, when he jumped over them, tucking his feet up. Hence, they were quickly out of the kid''s reach as Norbert went and continued running afterwards, laughing in his delight and hearing the groan of the kids behind him.


    Cutting through between a few more houses, Norbert rounded the gate from behind and steadily made his way up the hill. Looking down at the town again, Norbert prepared to enter it again. Taking the first step, Norbert bent down, ready to run again.


    "Got you", came a call from behind him; Norbert slowly turned around, still in the half crouch. Norbert looked behind himself, seeing a little hand reaching out and clasping his backpack. Turning around, Norbert stood up, it breaking from his hand, looking down at the little girl, one of the youngest he had seen, not even up to his knee.


    "I don''t think", Interrupted as the girl came forward and hugged his legs, knowing he had been caught. Looking down at her face, scrunched up tight, trying to hold on as hard as she could, Norbert just looked down again before leaning and picking her up, placing her on his shoulders.


    Hearing a squeal of delight, Norbert again cupped his hands again, shouting, "I''VE BEEN CAUGHT, GAMES OVER FOR NOW!" across the town. Norbert watched as people stopped what they were doing, looking in his direction. Raising his hand in apology, Norbert looked down, seeing the sea of kids make their way back to the hill.


    "You should hold on tight", Norbert said to the girl on his shoulders, instantly two little hands clasped against his forehead. Jumping forward, Norbert ran down the hill, heading towards where he came from and most of the kids were.


    Seeing them ahead, Norbert jumped onto a roof, hearing a cry for joy from behind him. Running and jumping from roof to roof, Norbert called out to them from below; looking up in awe, they cheered again; Norbert continued to run again.


    Heading right, Norbert made his way to the hills, knowing the territory well enough that he would not get lost and that there wasn''t anything around. Out in the open, Norbert tried to run as hard as he could, looking down as he went down the hill after each step feeling weightless before the ground came up to him again, and he pushed off, feeling the ground fall beneath him before meeting it again. At the bottom of the hill, Norbert made his way up the next, running once more forward until reaching the top.


    Doing this several more times, Norbert made his way back to the town, still running as fast as he could, getting looks and shouts from the adults he disturbed, shouting his sorries to them as he passed.


    Making his way to the hill, Norbert found the kids gathered together. Reaching them, Norbert picked up the little girl and placed her down, running off and talking to her friends about what had happened. Craning his head to get a view, Norbert found Obsius in the centre, getting patted and praised by everyone.


    "Now, what are you doing here, hmm?" Everyone looked around, Obsius looking the worse, like he had been caught. Leaning down to the level of the bird, Norbert said, "Be good", before standing up and continuing ", Now, who else wants to have a go?" Hands flew up in the air, Norbert picking up the closest kid, looking at the age of ten from his size onto Norbert''s shoulders, feeling hands instantly on his forehead. Norbert took off again.


    Continuing this throughout the day until the last kid was picked up, only a few left as the sun dipped into the sky. "Now, this will be the last one; best go home before your parents get worried." Receiving nods in response, Norbert looked as they descended from the hill, Obsius flapping into the air and landing on the boy''s head on Norbert''s shoulders.


    Taking off through the town and out onto the hills, Obsius flew above and behind, unable to keep up with Norbert as he made his rounds. Making his way back into town, now walking as the street lamps one by one light up the place, Norbert received directions on which house to go to.


    Walking up to the door, Norbert knocked on it, opening up a worried-looking mother; when she first saw Norbert, a look of shock on her face until her eyes panned up, seeing the boy on his shoulders.


    "What are you doing up there, Flance? Get off his shoulders and get inside; you had me worried." The mother said to her son. Picking him up, Norbert lifted him off his shoulders and placed them down, feeling the next one wanted to sit on them.


    Patting Obsius, Norbert replied, "It''s all good, mam, just entertaining the kids, that''s all.".


    Receiving a look of criticism on her face asking "Is this what The Frontier does on duty? It''s good to see our resources going to good use." With a huff,? It''s called the child through the door.


    Not wanting a bad word getting out on his behalf, Norbert replied, "On no, today was my off day, like I said, just having a bit of fun with the kids." Instantly the woman spun on her heels, her demeanour changing.


    "Oh, what a nice young gentleman; they don''t make them anymore. If you head over to the Leaky Tapper about five blocks that way," She said, pointing to the left, further into the town centre. "Tell them that Cassie sent you" With a nod, she closed the door, wondering what this would lead to Norbert making his way and following the directions given.

 Chapter 47 The Leaky Tapper

    Norbert looked up to the wooden door. Peeping through the windows from the street, Norbert found himself once more at a pub, seeing people talking and moving about, hearing it escape through the cracks between the door and the frame. Clawing to be released into the night.


    Walking up each creaky wooden step at a time, Norbert went to the door and gently swung it open, instantly being bathed in sound. Squinting from the sudden light he stood at the entrance waiting for his eyes to adjust, Norbert looked around the wooden area; circular tables dotted the open space, generally with four chairs each, though some people had moved and brought some tables together.


    Doing a quick scan of the room, Norbert saw nobody from the scouts, though he did spot several people from The Frontier group dotted around. Walking up to the bar and finding the bartender, a young man wearing simple clothes with no hair on his head a thick handlebar moustache gleaming in the light, only a couple of years older than himself. Norbert sitting at the bar, watching as the man scrubbed a glass down before getting another.


    "What can I get for you?" The bartender asked. Norbert gulped, wanting to make sure he hadn''t got the wrong place.


    Norbert asked, "Is this the Leaky Tapper?" Only receiving a nod in return, Norbert continued, "Cassie sent me here, and so here I am."


    Norbert watched, waiting for a response; looking at the man, Norbert could not believe the change, a smile on his face as he beamed with joy. "Ah, you must be the crazy person running around." He said; Norbert nodded in response. The barman continued, "Well, as thanks for entertaining all of the kids for the day, word spread that you would at least have a warm meal and a roof above your head for the night, and so you''re here." Taking the cloth out of the glass, he poured what Norbert assumed was a beer before setting it in front of Norbert.


    Taking a sip, Norbert was greeted with his mouth tasting something feeling the bubbles cascade down his throat making him feel living again as the golden ichor washed into his gullet, realising that he had not eaten all day, wondering how those kids could have survived with no meal for so long. "So, what food you like us to have" Norbert held up his hand, sipping at the beer as the man stopped. "Whatever you think is good, I''ll eat it. As long as you tell me the name afterwards."


    Getting a strange look at the request but shrugging his shoulders, the bartender went off to the side and through a door swinging on its hinges, only half covering the entrance like in a saloon; Norbert looked and saw the kitchen there, as he saw several people rushing around inside.


    Placing his backpack on the ground by his feet, Norbert took his drink in hand and spun around on the bar stool, looking at where he would stay the night.


    Hearing the voices around him, Norbert looked at the bar, the light wooden floorboards, meeting with the same benches, and people all happy around him. Scanning more to the left, Norbert watched the room continue in the same manner, able to see the chairs though heavily worn with time, still loved.


    Noticing the little marks on the legs, some scratches on the tables, signs of recent sanding and about to have oil put over the top. Norbert smiled, taking a sip of the beer. Holding it in his mouth, Norbert tasted a rich deep flavour, feeling the bubbles in his mouth as he took a gulp, sighing in satisfaction.


    Going back to inspecting the room, Norbert looked around, seeing the stairs on the back, the wooden railing meeting with the others, and a corridor up there with doors closed, which Norbert assumed were doors. He realised he was in a tavern and would be able to sleep on an actual bed for once, actually, get some good sleep rather than the short naps he recently was having.


    Taking another sip of the beer, Norbert turned, finally seeing the workers bustling around the place, now realising how lively it was. Another element added to it is getting drinks from shelves and taps, constantly pouring and talking to each other.


    Now looking to the other patrons at the bar, Norbert saw none of the seats was filled, except for a seat to the right, looking Norbert saw the gate hopper sitting there in his black cloak, wholly covered with his hood over even on the inside with a beer in front of him.


    Next to his glass was Obsius, chirping away at the person. Norbert just watched, stunned, not knowing when Obsius left his shoulder but not believing that they were communing together like that. Never had Norbert seen Obsius act in this manner; the suspicions of this man now increased manifold at the convening together.


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    Now sitting forward again, Norbert pulled his pendant out, confirming it still had enough light. Knowing that after the day he had, it must have taken quite a hit, and staying within this busy environment was likely not helping.


    Playing around with the pendant in his fingers, Norbert thought about nothing, just hearing the voices around him and sipping on his drink, tilting his head to the side now and then, seeing the two of them continue conversing.


    As Norbert looked at them, one of the servers came around, placing a plate of food and cutlery in front of him. Feeling the steam engulf him, Norbert looked down, mouth salivating at what he was looking at. It was a steak and potatoes substitute they had here. Looking at it, Norbert saw the juice on the plate.


    Mouth-watering, Norbert picked up his cutlery, feeling the fork enter the meat. Norbert slightly held the knife across the meat, feeling it smoothly glide through the side. As Norbert cut through the steak, picking the meat up and looking at it, the juice leaking out of it, steam coming off. Norbert nodded at its medium rare, the pink within showing it.


    Taking a bite, Norbert felt a tear escape his eyes. Remembering the steaks he had at home with his family, hitting him that it''s been too long since he left for home, not even including the time he had been over there. Wanting to go home and hug her and thank her for what she had done, as Norbert did not know when he would be able to make the time or if he would ever just get trapped here.


    From the side, Norbert felt a tap on his shoulder. Opening his eyes, Norbert looked to the right, seeing a staff look at him. "Are you okay? Is the meal any good?"


    Smiling and whipping the tear away with his sleeve Norbert just nodded, replying, "It''s the best". The staff happily walked off.


    As Norbert went and cut another piece placing it into his mouth, Norbert felt a peck at his hand. Looking down, Norbert saw Obsius staring at him. Norbert just looked down, raised an eyebrow at the bird and continued to chew. Receiving another peck in reply, Norbert just laughed at the bird. "So now you don''t want to hang around your new friend, hmm? There''s now bigger, better things on offer?" Norbert asked the bird


    Only receiving another peck and chirping in reply, Norbert just nodded. "Okay, okay, I''ll cut you some pieces up, patience little one", Norbert said, and began cutting up small pieces of the steak off and placed them on the side of the plate. Obsius goes and eats the pieces and has some of the mashed potatoes.


    Not for the first time, Norbert wondered what this bird''s stomach was like to be able to eat so much. Shaking his head, Norbert continued to eat in silence, finishing the meal and drink. With his plate cleared, the waitress came around, clearing it off before another drink appeared.


    Choosing the woman, Norbert took a sip, a different flavour sweeter and lighter than before but still just as good Norbert just looked towards Obsius, sitting on the bench. "So, did you chat well with your new friend?" Norbert asked Obsius, receiving chirps and squarks in reply. Norbert just nodded.


    "Oh, so you do like your friend then. Do you want to start following him now? Going to abandon little old me?" Norbert asked, feigning offended, clasping his hand to his heart, the other to his head as he leaned backwards.


    Cracking his eye open, Norbert looked down, seeing the bird stare at him and judge him for the spectacle he was making. Laughing, Norbert leaned forward, having another sip of his beer. Happy that he was around, Norbert looked to the side, asking the person beside him.


    "So, are you going to come with us out tomorrow?" Norbert asked; as he looked, the person slowly turned towards him, receiving a shake of his head before looking forward again. Even when Norbert looked right at him, he could not see their face; there must have been some magic hiding it from us.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert looked towards Obsius again, having another sip of beer. "Well, at least it''s good your making friends now that you''re out of your forest," Norbert said, not receiving a reply in response.


    Throughout the night, as people came in and out, Norbert just sat in silence, the rest of the people avoiding the three of them as they just sat there. Slowly people started moving out of the building, the sound getting quieter and quieter until it was silence, only the murmuring of the staff talking to each other.


    As Norbert drained the drink, looking around and seeing nobody else around, being the last one in the room, Norbert wondered how long he had been sitting there. He did not realise the time that had elapsed for him.


    Placing the drink down, a staff came out with a key saying, "Here you go, your in room three, just up the stairs and the second on the right." She placed the key on the table and walked off, Norbert not even getting a good look at her.


    Nodding and saying thanks to the mystery woman Norbert picked up his things, moving up the stairs and counting the room. Finding the second one as instructed, Norbert put the key in, able to unlock the door. As Norbert walked in, the floorboards squeaking under him, Norbert looked, finding a simple room with a bed big enough for two people.


    Closing the door behind him, the room now engulfed in darkness; placing his bag down, Norbert removed his leathers and changed into his other clothes that were slightly cleaner than his current ones. Looking around and feeling, Norbert felt the magic circle for the light, knowing he could not make it any brighter or more accessible for him to look around. Norbert unthinkingly went until he reached the bed.


    Lying down in the bed and looking at the roof, the wooden rafters above him, Norbert wondered what tomorrow would bring him and if they needed more.


    As Norbert closed his eyes, his body was on the mattress that once would have been hard but was as soft as a marshmallow compared to the earth. Norbert went to sleep.

 Chapter 48 Day of Rest

    Norbert woke up under covers looking up, Norbert saw the wooden rafters above staring at the underside of a roof he was sure he had run on top of the day before. Finally able to properly see the room he slept in at night, snuggling and curling within the blankets, Norbert slowly untangled himself, getting out of bed and began getting dressed for the day.


    Once dressed, Norbert looked out the window, seeing people walking around in the morning; looking around, Norbert saw the sun above the horizon, realising he was late for his day shift. Norbert went and picked up his bag. Walking out the door and opening it, Norbert looked down. There looking up at him was a note; trying to read it, Norbert could not understand a word it said, being in the everyday language here.


    Picking it up with trepidation and fear rolling in his stomach at what it could utter, Norbert confirmed that everything had been picked up as he closed the door behind himself. Holding the key and Obsius on his shoulder, Norbert walked down the stairs, placing his bag at the bar again.


    The bartender from the other night was gone, now a woman standing in his place, smiling and walking towards her Norbert asked, "Can you read this to me?" holding the piece of paper out, she took it, scanning it over before stating, "Says the operation begins tonight, you have an extra day to sleep and unwind. Meet up before sunset."


    Finishing it off, she placed the paper back on the table, happy that he wasn''t late. Norbert nodded his thanks and began to head off. "Wait!" the woman exclaimed.


    Turning around at the door, Norbert looked at the empty pub, so different from the night before. Opening her mouth, she said, "Your breakfast is coming."


    Norbert smiled at the woman as she bumbled away off to the side. Sitting back down, Norbert remembered his key needed to return, placing it on the table and waiting. After several minutes, Norbert whistled to himself, and a plate was placed in front of him.


    Looking down, Norbert saw nothing familiar from his previous meals in the town. What he assumed were eggs and something else sitting there. Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert ate silently, wondering what he would do for the rest of the day.


    Finishing his meal, Norbert left with his backpack, Obsius sitting on his head as Norbert scanned around, wondering what he would do for the rest of the day. Walking around the town, Norbert waved at the kids he saw around the place, waving them off when they wanted to play, saying he was tired from the other day.


    Walking around, Norbert found himself once more at the gate. Taking his backpack off, Obsius flew into the air and out of sight; Norbert just sat down on the hill, resting his back on the gate and closed his eyes, waiting for the time to pass.


    ***


    Feeling something land on his head Norbert opened his eyes, looking around himself. Seeing the once bright sky now had a red hue, Norbert stood up and looked around the gate, seeing the sun begin to set.


    Picking up his pack, Norbert thanked Obsius before taking off towards the camp; knowing his way there even in the half-dark, Norbert sprinted across, Obsius already flying ahead of him, having taken off once Norbert was moving.


    At the camp, Norbert looked around, people inspecting their weapons and armour, going over their bags one more time. Norbert looked around, knowing what was already within his as he looked for the other scouts.


    Finding them in a group off to the side, Norbert waited with them, not partaking in the idle chatter as his stomach twisted from nerves. Not ready for what would happen tonight. As Norbert waited, the sun just touching the horizon, Norbert heard Dousan shout, "Ok, everyone, looks like we are all here. Now is crunch time. The general plan is for a quarter of the people to go through the tunnel found within the forest. Half of us will be going into the tunnel nest entrance found across the river." He said all other sounds stopped as they looked towards him. "The rest of you will divide into three groups, one at the town and the other two at both entrances, to ensure nothing comes out."


    Standing forward and pointing to the tent Norbert saw had supplies, Dousan continued, "You will all grab the same supplies; the excursion will last three days; after that time, it is expected for us all to regroup and have a new strategy if it has not been cleared out by then. Your leaders will organise into each group. Everyone, I will see you all on the other side for a round on me" Receiving cheers from everyone, he stepped off to the side, talking to the group he usually was with.


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    Looking around the group, Norbert turned to Martitia, who said, "The three main groups will be for the tunnel. I ¡­" Norbert only focused on his name being called out, not paying attention to the others and the groans he heard. "For the main entrance will be Norbert ¡­" Norbert jolted his head up; after hearing his name, he started walking off to the side, trying to memorise the faces with the names altogether. Whispering to himself, Norbert looked around at the names "Flanch with the long hair, Nessie the smallest, and Dobert, who is Dobert." Norbert looked around at the team he was with, seeing the once ten scouts now branched off between them.


    Uncertain of his future, Norbert headed off with the rest of them in silence towards the tent of supplies. Looking around and being given his, Norbert took the bundle, stepping to the side before inspecting what he was given.


    In his hands was some food; opening the packaging up, Norbert saw there was bread and biscuits inside; judging by the size they texture, these were not for taste, only to allow the hunger to be decreased for some time, the water skin holding liquid, Norbert assumed water. Putting it in his backpack, Norbert ensured it wouldn''t rustle around. Looking further at his pile, Norbert saw some trusty rope. Thankful for it being there, Norbert went through his head the knots he had memorised weeks ago.


    Testing the knots and confirming he could still do them, he placed it to the side, wanting to organise it better. Looking further, Norbert saw some sticks with magic symbols on them. Not recognising what they were, Norbert just stuffed them in his backpack immediately, knowing he could not use them at all.


    Looking around, Norbert saw that everyone else had similar items, hoping they might have something for the light within it or given them. Norbert looked around as everyone packed their things.


    With a call to move out, everyone headed in their appropriate directions. Norbert took off in a jog to the side, down the first hill knowing the path he would need to take. One after another, Norbert looked behind himself, an entourage appearing, knowing they all followed him.


    The gossip that he found the nest must have spread across the group some time as Norbert just continued up ahead. Occasionally looking behind himself to make sure the twenty or so people could catch up.


    Slower than average, Norbert made it to the slope, looking down at the river; the sun now had gone below the horizon, and night had come to the world. Standing on the last hill, Norbert looked at the river, not wanting to get wet again.


    As the rest of the group made their way towards him, all fanning out and looking at the river, Dousan called for someone called Range, sure it was the class to come out. Walking forwards, Norbert saw someone in light blue robes, not wearing the leather as usual, and a coat made of the same fabric going down to their legs.


    In their hand was a wooden plane staff, looking like a tree branch. Walking forward, Norbert saw them go to the river bed just as the water touched their feet. Saying some words, Norbert saw the light appear on top of the river, another circle of sorts. As the spell continued, Norbert saw the river suddenly freeze over; with it finishing, Norbert saw it was solid ice, able to take the party across.


    The group made their way forward and, one by one, across the river, Norbert happy that he wouldn''t get wet at least this time. Following was also the group to watch over the entrance afterwards; the last to leave the shore was the mage, lightly stepping over; with each step, Norbert saw a spell form beneath themselves, creating icy patches for them to jump across.


    Now on the other side, Norbert slowly crawled up, knowing that he would be one with perception enhanced, not knowing if the non-scouts had a similar one but doubted. The other scouts follow, all looking together at the other side. Norbert poked his head up, confirming it was the same as the last time he looked.


    The colourful bugs once more teamed around in small groups; if their current group split up, they should be able to make theirs to the nest entrance with no issues. Dobert waved for the others to follow Norbert made his way across, everyone now silent as they made their way to the nest.


    Able to avoid confrontation, they climbed up until Norbert looked down the hole again, only seeing black after the first few meters down. Looking around, Norbert saw some people take their ropes out and begin tying them together, as well as a stick.


    Holding it, Norbert saw the end light up; holding it over the edge, Norbert could now finally see the bottom with it being held directly above.


    Looking down, Norbert saw the earth below, looking like a five-meter drop, the walls like a hole having a sheer drop. Norbert looked down, seeing it open up below them after that, seeing no movement.


    Pulling his head back up, Norbert saw the ropes being combined and placed on solid earth, tied around a rock now jutting out. Throwing it over, Norbert looked around as Dousan stepped forward, placing a hand on his back.


    "As you found it, you get to go down first." With a smile, Norbert looked horrified before taking a gulp and nodding.


    Reaching into his pack and pulling out a light stick, "Can you light this one up and drop it down when I land?"


    "Of course, mate, I''m not a dullard", Dousan whispered. With nothing else to do, Norbert grabbed the rope, twisting it around his foot to slow him down as he dropped himself into the nest.

 Chapter 49 Underground

    Shimmying down the rope, Norbert stopped as his feet reached the bottom. Tugging twice on the rope to notify those above him that he was off, Norbert looked up, seeing a torch dropped from above. Catching it in his arms, stopping it from clattering to the ground, Norbert took a step away from the rope, wondering what the place they would be spending the next several days would look like.


    Holding the torch as high as he could, Norbert saw out of the corner of his eye as the rope wiggled in the air, waiting in tense silence as Norbert scanned the cave before him. Looking around, Norbert saw he was inside a dome, with the floor meeting up to its highest point where he was.


    Covering the walls was holes throughout, small ones that Norbert could not fit through, nor could he see any of the insects fit through them either. Looking farther across, Norbert only saw darkness; scanning his eyes around, Norbert realised it was a massive tunnel, at least four meters in diameter, a circle coming out of the ground. Norbert gulped, knowing that this would be an extreme amount. Looking around, Norbert confirmed there was no life within the chamber they currently resided in.


    Turning back to the party, Norbert saw another scout, the mage and Dousan down with them. Pointing out to the group the tunnel that led further in, receiving a further nod from the group as they went down the hill they were on. Being careful on the path taken not to disturb any of the soil they were standing on.


    At the bottom, Norbert looked around the dome, not believing the depth that he was at, now deep within the earth and looking at the path ahead, seeing that it was even further. Walking up to the tunnel, Norbert held his torch outside the wall to avoid leaking any light.


    Poking his head around the corner, he looked forward, seeing that once again it was empty, the tunnel just going down and having a slight right bend. Standing up, Norbert placed the torch in the entrance, trying to see as far down as he could.


    The others coming down, Norbert looked behind him, a small trail of lights heading in his direction. Norbert saw the last person already down and making their way to his location. Standing and looking forward, Norbert took his first step inside the tunnel.


    The others still stayed behind him; Norbert looking, assuming he was now taking the lead, or at least the first scout for all of this, not knowing what caused him to have such luck, made his way down the tunnel. Happy that Optimus wasn''t down here, not knowing what could be around any corner.


    Following right around the corner, going deeper, Norbert slowly walked so as not to disturb anything; ears peeled for any sound or disturbance coming his way. Hearing each step crunch on the ground, Norbert looked around, seeing the shadows flicker ahead of him. Looking like an army of dead men wading towards them.


    Rounding the edge, the group went lower and lower into the ground, now well and truly underneath the earth. As Norbert continued walking at the edge of the light, Norbert saw a drop. Stopping, Norbert looked forward, craning his eyes in the dark to see what was ahead. Not seeing anything, Norbert heard the group behind him stop, remembering him having the best night vision out of the scouts. Norbert continued walking again.


    Feet on the edge, Norbert looked down, not believing what he saw. A cavern was open as they had entered before, but this one was much larger. Staring down at them, Norbert opened his eyes wide.


    He instantly threw a hand up to stop anyone else from coming fearing what the light would bring. When Norbert looked down, he did not see the ground, only the planetoids he had seen before. Norbert just saw a sea before him, slightly wriggling as Norbert assumed they slept.


    Walking backwards, not taking his eye from the sight until the edge took it, Norbert moved over to Dousan, grabbing his shoulder and moving him forward. Showing a hand for nobody else to come.


    Together the two walked to the edge as Norbert pointed down, the only one holding a torch. Norbert examined Dousan''s face, seeing the expecting eye bulge at the surprise at what was shown underneath. Returning, he walked past the group and around the bend, the rest following in silence, knowing that whatever they had seen had shocked their leader.


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    Around the bend, they went until Dousan felt it was far enough away in a whisper, saying, "We now have a change of plans. There are way more than anticipated, and if this is just the first chamber, there will be many more left." He looked around, judging the faces of everyone there, all gulping as well.


    "It will change from an obliterate to a stealth; we will all go to find their queen and end it. After the noise we make, the others will also be on the move; that''s when we will run for all our worth. Our timeframe isn''t what it was before; if this nest wakes up with us still inside, we are all gonners."


    Receiving nods in reply, the atmosphere so thick you could cut it with a butter knife, Dousan asked, "Any questions?" receiving no response, he stood up again and headed off, the group packing up and going with him.


    The group now all looked together again, seeing the expanse below them. Norbert looked to the other side, seeing where the tunnel continued. Someone else is also pointing it out to him. Dousan gave some hand signals, and five individuals, wearing the same robes as the mage from before, came forward.


    Norbert saw five magic circles appear at the five points, lines joining them to make a pentagon. Norbert felt rumblings underneath his feet; suddenly, a vine burst from the ground where they were from, and then several more followed.


    Norbert saw with his own eyes as a bridge formed over the passage. Rubbing his eyes to make sure he didn''t see things, only to confirm it. As the vines continued to grow, Norbert not understanding how they didn''t just fall, after a minute or so, the vines stopped moving further, having struck the other side.


    Everyone looked towards him to take the lead; Norbert tested it with a foot, taking a hesitant step. Both feet left the solid earth. Now fully supported by the vine bridge Norbert turned back and jumped. When landing, not feeling any tremors, Norbert walked across the bridge, careful not to fall.


    On the other side, Norbert looked, the tunnel continuing further down, this one just straight without any bends. Squinting, Norbert tried to see the end but could not do so.


    Walking again, Norbert took the lead, going further into the nest. The same holes appeared less and less in the wall; for other parts, Norbert was still curious where they went or what their purpose was. Through several more chambers, varying in size, some of them empty, others only mostly full, only needing to create a bridge to the other side a couple of times.


    After the last bridge was crossed and they were securely in the tunnel, another curve one where they could not see the next chamber. Everyone went for their packs and retrieved their water. Norbert just stood without moving and waited.


    Whispers came around the group as they looked at each other. Ask about what they are doing there, where they come from and how many more. Norbert looked around, seeing the other scouts only taking a small sip and holding their water skins. Walking forward and taking part, Norbert took out his water skin.


    Pressing it to his lips, Norbert let it dribble down, not entirely thirsty at all, just not wanting to seem out of the group. Standing beside Dobert, whispering not to wake any residents, "Are these the issues you normally see?"


    Dobert looked back at him, having a scrunched face like he was telling a bad joke before nodding in understanding. "This is not normal at all. A normal-size one would have a maximum of about two or three chambers. Not whatever this is." He ends with his arms waved up in the air.


    Norbert nodded before looking guilty, asking, "Are we going to make it out of here?" Norbert looked at Dobert, trying to judge his reaction. Dobert smiled in response, "Of course we are; just trust in Dousan and trust in each other, and we will all make it out."


    Norbert nodded in response as the conversation continued around them. When Norbert was getting comfortable, the break was called to an end, so they continued to march.


    Norbert taking the lead, went around the tunnel only to see it curving more to the left. Walking further, Norbert realised they were in a spiral going down. Down and down they went, Norbert seeing other paths going out, not the small ones of before but something the group would still be able to fit easily inside.


    Not getting distracted and wanting to see where it went, Norbert continued following, hearing the sound of scuttling around them. Norbert stopped, and the rest of the group did as well. Tilting his head around, Norbert tried to get the best angle and locate where the sound was coming from. His fears were answered as he approached the tunnel''s other end.


    Holding the torch, Norbert quietly continued down; further and further, the group went, spinning around and around and around until Norbert saw some light up ahead. Shielding his torch within his jacket, thankful there was no heat in case he needed to hide the torch within his coat, Norbert looked at what they would deal with.

 Chapter 50 Split Apart

    Norbert looked towards the cavern. Seeing the path open ahead, he did not believe what his eyes showed him. Norbert saw what was making the noise in the most extensive cavern yet. A massive sack was in the centre, taking up half the height; Norbert scanned the sack to see what it was.


    At the top appendages came out were such large-looking parts of the cave; Norbert just stared at the size of the queen before him. Reminding Norbert of ant queens, he had seen back on Earth but this one was on steroids and some growth hormone.


    Norbert looked down, white cocoons coming out of the base of the sack before workers came and moved them to the side. Norbert looked down at the ground, seeing the floor was filled with these cocoons. Norbert saw that on the outer ones, they started to shake before a crack appeared.


    With horror, Norbert looked and saw the creature be birthed at the full adult size of one of the workers. Around the queen, Norbert saw what he assumed were soldiers, twice the size of the workers he had currently seen, their carapace having protrusion-like spikes all around, so it would just have to hit you to turn into a pin cushion.


    Moving his eyes back up to the queen, Norbert finally saw what had caused the buzzing he heard. In the air, constantly hovering around the chamber, were flying insects. If the soldiers had bulk and size, these were all for aerodynamics. Thin and elongated, twice as long as the worker ones but thin, their wings taking up most of their body, Norbert looked as they flew and darted around.


    Norbert once saw them charge after something; Norbert could not even see what it was before it was swarmed; whatever it was, Norbert never knew. Looking at where it was, Norbert saw another passage out of the room, the only central tunnel path they had encountered in their underground journey. Gulping, he returned to the group, indicating quiet for Dousan to follow him, showing him what he had found. He only showed signs of a knowing nod as he looked at what Norbert pointed out before moving back to the group, out of sight of the cavern.


    Retreating further back, they continued several times around the bend until they were hopeful their voices wouldn¡¯t echo to the queen. ¡°Ok, in twenty rotations, we will head in. I want Flanch and Nessie to go top side, back the way we came and notify the other teams through the surface. Head up now, as if it goes by the norm when we attack, they will all wake up.¡±


    Receiving nods in reply, the two of them bolted up the opposite way, back up the spiral path quickly out of sight, only the steps they made as they ran the only sign they were once there, which were growing quieter quickly.


    The rest turned towards Dousan again. ¡°We will be attacking in the usual formation; prepare, and can someone keep track of the time?¡± A hand shot up in the air, confirming the time as people departed and moved around, mentally preparing for the assault and discussing tactics to be used against them.


    Dousan came towards Norbert, signalling for one of the armoured wielding a spear to follow him. The two of them approaching Norbert, he knew he did not like what would happen next. ¡°Norbert¡±, Dousan stated, ¡°Your job is to ram these stakes into the ground, with the final one into the queen.¡± Five half-a-meter stakes made of solid metal were revealed from the spearman who had opened his backpack inside. Norbert gulped and just stared out at them.


    Taking one from the spearman¡¯s hand, Norbert investigated it; holding the torch next to it, Norbert saw the same markings indicating magic. Meeting Doosan¡¯s eyes, Norbert stated, ¡°Don¡¯t know how much help I can be, not like I can activate these for whatever they need to do?¡± Norbert said, tossing the stake to Dousan.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to activate them; just place them in the ground at a rough equal distance and the last one in the queen. The mages here will use it as a tether to attack the queen directly.¡± Dousan said, tossing the stake back to Norbert.


    Catching it, Norbert replied immediately, ¡°And what makes you think I can even get to the queen. Wouldn¡¯t someone else from the scouts or you be better?¡± tossing the stake back to Dousan.


    Dousan grabbed the steak out of the air in one hand, he chucked it back to Norbert, saying, ¡°The others need to stay here, and don¡¯t think I haven¡¯t read your report. Though you have the gloves now, don¡¯t your superiors know?¡± Breathing in, his hand on Norbert¡¯s shoulder, he whispered in his ear, ¡°And don¡¯t think we don¡¯t know you had a strength elixir.¡±


    Norbert instantly opened his mouth, trying to refute him, only receiving a hand in return. ¡°I¡¯ve seen it with my own eyes; your footprints in the ground around the hills the other day are ample proof of this. And my final reason, do you believe in me?¡±


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    Norbert thought about what he was saying; already, his secret was out just when he figured he only had suspicions about what he was given. He moved his eyes around the group, all tense and looking towards the discussion. Norbert just wanted to be part of them, able to laugh afterwards and drink. Looking into the eyes around them, all solid in their belief, remembering when the other scouts split off immediately without even giving it a proper thought.


    Norbert opened his mouth to speak ¡°I don¡¯t trust you, but I trust those here¡± Norbert pointed to the group around them ¡°and if you¡¯ve earned their trust. Guess I need to believe in them.¡±


    Norbert looked back at him, staring into Dousan¡¯s eyes cracking a smile Dousan replied ¡°Well, then, believe in me that believes in you. Ok,¡± Finishing with his hands spread open. Norbert just nodded and took the other spikes.


    ¡°Excellent, and after going in there, I want you to go out the other tunnel and find the other group down here. We will need all the hope to come out of this place in one piece.¡± Norbert nodded in response, holding his breath as he juggled the five stakes.


    Jogging around the place, Norbert tried to carry them in a way to allow easy access. After several minutes and being unable to do so, Norbert bundled four under his left arm while having the fifth in his right hand. Pacing around the group, Norbert waited for the time to go off, focusing on breathing.


    Hoping that it would be activated this time with no issues, Norbert believed in the power he received from the ancient temple. Both too soon and not long enough, the time was called. Feeling the back of his skin crawl, hairs on end, Norbert walked with the group once more walking down the winding tunnel.


    Around the bend, they went until they once more saw the light at the end, hearing the buzzing and movement that the chamber ahead held. Norbert stopped in his tracks, closing his eyes as he focused only on breathing, in and out; slowly, Norbert felt his heart slow down from the racing that it was before. Norbert opened his eyes, accepting his fate to make it to the other side. Spinning around on his heels and smiling at the group, waving his right hand, still holding the spike, Norbert said, ¡°I¡¯ll see you all in a jiffy¡±, hoping to hide his nerves from the others.


    Facing the exit, Norbert sprinted off, hearing his steps boom in the tunnel, the cracks on the stone as they broke through, and he wrenched them free again. In several steps, Norbert cleared the twenty meter until it opened, leaping. Norbert flew through the air, seeing the earth flash before his feet.


    In the middle of the air, time seemed to stop for Norbert; still in the future and not dropping, Norbert examined the world around him, not believing what he was doing. That stuff he had must have made him a bit wacky to allow him even to be here.


    The immensity showed as he looked around the room; the hundreds to thousands of eggs almost seemed to open up beneath him. In the air, tens of flyers now still, the soldiers on the ground swarming and moving about the queen, and the workers everywhere remembering the difficulty from before of just escaping. Now he was head first in the deepest part.


    Time began to speed up again as Norbert felt himself falling, crashing into the ground, pulverising an egg, instantly coated in sticky goo. Norbert threw down the spike in his right hand before taking another and sprinting off.


    The change was immediate; the noise vibrated everywhere, forcing Norbert to stop his sprint or fall. After the impact wore off, Norbert sprinted forward, whipping his head around to gauge what he would be dealing with. In the air, Norbert saw a group of flyers come for him; the workers were already swarmed, and several soldiers were within their group.


    Leaping forward, Norbert smashed through the first two, it is becoming jelly underneath him. Finally believing what Dousan said about the elixir Luck had given him, Norbert continued to bulldoze his way through.


    Ahead seeing a break as no more workers came after him, Norbert jumped, landing precariously on top of a soldier, making sure not to hit any of the spikes. Norbert took the steak in his hand and smashed it through the insect with a crunch breaking through its body and placing it into the ground.


    Kicking it further into the ground, Norbert leapt into the air, where the flyers ambushed him¡ªimmediately in the air, one of them breathed fire at him while another body slammed in the opposite direction.


    Unable to avoid it, Norbert took the hits, the wind coming out of him as his body sang. Falling to the earth, Norbert crashed into the earth. Leaping out of the crater he formed before being swarmed, Norbert knew not to jump too high, or the repeat could happen.


    Slamming another spike in, Norbert dashed through, and now the worker ants started throwing fireballs at him. No longer caring about the eggs around him, they just wanted the pest out of their nest. Sadly for them, Norbert was not complying.


    Running forward, Norbert tried to smash through as many eggs as possible, knowing that the more he had on him, the easier it would be for his group to clean up after him.


    Slamming his fourth stake into the ground, Norbert looked up at the sack now engulfing his vision. Swallowing, Norbert sprinted forward, closing the hundred-meter gap in seconds before leaping into the air, trying to get as high as possible on the queen to find its head.


    Running up, feeling his feet squish into the sack, Norbert climbed to the top, until finally reaching the top of its head. Looking at the sheer size of its head, the armour plating all over, Norbert held the spike and shoved it into its head. Only hearing it glance off the side with a spark.


    Seeing its mouth open, trying to point right at Norbert, he felt the temperature rise; deep within its throat, a ball of fire formed. With no time to spare, Norbert shoved it on the inside, not catching anything but falling past the flaming ball.


    Jumping off, Norbert fell to the ground, now ten or so meters up, waiting for the impact that was to happen.


    As he was about to land on the ground, a flash of light burst from behind him; Norbert waited for whatever the queen was cooking to be unleashed upon him.

 Chapter 51 And Away we go

    Norbert felt the heat rise on his back, waiting for the blast to come; as Norbert crashed into the ground, the earth shook, for he did not feel anything else. A blast of light erupted beside him, throwing him into the air.


    Smoking, Norbert landed on the ground; still feeling intact, he climbed to a stand and looked at the queen, seeing scorch marks across the queen''s head. As Norbert looked behind himself, he saw his group charge forward, flames flying at them as they yelled at the top of his lungs.


    Crashing into the first wave they continued to go through, Norbert could make out Dousan at the front of the charge, sword in hand, armour and sword having a light around it. Whenever it contacted an enemy, lightning would shoot out of it, paralysing the nearby foes and allowing them to be executed quickly.


    Whipping his head to the exit Norbert needed to make, he started to run; the workers started engulfing him again. Taking out his dagger gave him some confidence though he doubted he would use it, remembering the last one he used getting caught within the carapace, but maybe this time it would be different. No more thought being used on it, Norbert continued to rush forward.


    The flame-insectoids in front of him engulfed him. Norbert looked around, spotting the exit to the other tunnel out of the chamber. Above hearing the flyers after him, their wings vibrating. Any idea of holding back on the insectoids part was removed, all going as hard as possible. Fireballs flying in all directions, Norbert needed to move not to become barbequing constantly.


    Making his way across the path, Norbert rammed through the workers, grabbing one of the bodies he shoved through; it was killed instantly. Norbert used it as a shield to stop the other fireballs from hitting him. With each ball he covered with his shield, Norbert could feel the gooey insides turn to steam around him, smelling it in the air and making him want to throw up what little he needed to have in his stomach.


    Feeling his hand start to get hot, Norbert chucked it at one of the flyers after him; Norbert quickly glanced behind himself, seeing that it was ineffective as it could duck down beneath it, making the attempt void. Ramming through another, Norbert continued with his strategy, seeing the opening coming before himself.


    Seeing a soldier ahead, Norbert threw the carapace onto it as Norbert broke his rule of dealing with these creatures and leapt into the air, following the flying body he just threw. Together they landed on top of the soldier, Norbert not needing to worry about the spikes as he landed on the bodies, feeling the worker being impaled on them. Looking up at the tunnel, Norbert jumped, not caring about the flyers on his tail.


    Arms windmilling for support, still holding onto his dagger Norbert landed on the ground, feet giving way underneath; rolling on the ground to compensate, Norbert held the blade close to his body, hoping not to impale himself on it accidentally. After finally stopping, Norbert looked up at the ceiling, seeing the dirt and rock above, the same holes in this one that was in the other.


    Hearing and feeling the rumblings in the chamber he escaped from, Norbert rolled over onto his stomach, getting up to his knees as he looked at the damage to the queen. The rumbling of the earth being bent to the whims of man, lights flashing constantly, an echoing reverberating around the caver.


    Norbert watched his group slowly make their way towards the queen, looking at the beast, preparing salvo after salvo of strikes on the party, trying to eliminate them. Every other shot could not be used as light erupted from within the beast.


    Norbert looked towards the path of destruction he created, running away, seeing the crater from his fall, the once uniform earth now pock marketed with holes, and scorch marks everywhere within the cave. Looking, Norbert could barely even see a single egg still intact.


    As Norbert looked out, mindlessly bringing his torch out, Norbert heard a noise behind him. Feeling the earth shake uniformly, Norbert stared, looking at the reinforcements come. Around the curve, Norbert saw the army of soldiers coming towards him, thankful there were no flyers.


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    Imagining what was on the other side of the cavern, their entire expedition was now caught between a rock and a hard place. Called into action, Norbert pushed off, sprinting towards the oncoming rush. Torch held in front of him, trying to catch any minor disturbance that could catch him.


    Facing the mass of bodies before him, Norbert knew he would get crushed like an ant underfoot. Looking to the side, Norbert saw the pockmarked walls; seeing that there would be enough space on him to avoid the worst of the brunt, he headed at an angle.


    Sprinting, Norbert slowly went up the wall, the body still facing upright. Felt the bugs rush underneath him, the air clawing at Norbert as he continued to run on the wall. Using the holes as foot holds, Norbert steadily wound up the tunnel.


    Occasionally one of the insects would try scuttling towards him, wanting to knock him off. Norbert just barrelled past them when he could; when he couldn''t, he would smash right into them, putting an extra bit of force underneath the step, forcing them to be brushed off the wall, flying limply into the rushing insects, instantly trampled.


    Arm in front casting light everywhere, Norbert saw the rush of insects slow down slightly, still at a dangerous level, but not so that the entire tunnel was packed to the brim. Running, Norbert looked, the tunnel no longer circling ahead but going straight, still rising. Norbert climbed up as high as he could up the wall.


    It opened up nearly on the tunnel''s ceiling; Norbert looked into the next chamber. Holding onto the rock on top of him with one hand, Norbert looked up at the chamber, this one having no eggs he could see. Continuing to look forward, Norbert spotted the entrance to the next tunnel.


    Norbert now could see what was causing the slowdown of insectoids. After the initial rush of the bugs within each chamber to get in and out of the next one slowed them down slightly. After the multiple chambers, they would need to travel from the top; their numbers would slow down dramatically. Coupled with the distance, the noise of the queen''s cry would need to get to the top stopped the expedition from being completely swarmed instantly.


    As Norbert hung on the ceiling of his tunnel, looking for an easy way to the other side, Norbert saw none, only to persevere as he was doing. Sighing in resignation, Norbert started swinging himself forward and back to gain distance.


    As he swung, each time causing him to go further each time. When he could feel the ceiling hitting his legs, knowing he could no longer get more force at the apex of the swing, Norbert let go, feeling himself rush through the air.


    As Norbert rose into the air, the ground slowly grew into darkness before it came back to him, the torch able to light the path. Screaming out as loud as he could, Norbert prepared for impact. He was finally meeting the earth, already travelling a quarter of the chamber.


    With the dust around him, Norbert burst forward, seeing the fireballs dotting all around him. Watching Norbert saw the path he needed to take. Running up the first one, Norbert leapt across them again, allowing himself not to get so easily crushed under the weight of the bugs.


    Needing to be constantly jumping forward, the air around him constantly hot, causing Norbert to sweat, needing to wipe his forehead to stop it from dripping into his eyes every time, nearly getting taken out by either a worker or a fireball they threw towards him.


    The popping and crackling of those around him were hit in his stead as they were swarmed with fireballs. Across the chamber, Norbert quickly made his way, though each step seemed slower than it should be to Norbert.


    Looking up, Norbert saw the walls encroach around him, not realising he was already at the next tunnel. Still fighting the wave, Norbert looked towards the walls, seeing the straight tunnel and a way to navigate like before.


    Leaping to the side, Norbert scrambled up the wall, kicking back anything that tried to follow him up. Once secured, Norbert began the treacherous trek along the wall; unable to use the curve to his advantage Norbert slowly climbed the steps.


    Reaching the top once more of the tunnel, Norbert saw lights up ahead, flashing and popping in all directions. The tunnel that was once only using his torch to light the area was now bathed in constant shadows.


    Hearing the shouts reverberating down the tunnel, Norbert pushed forward, the tide coming towards him slowing down, allowing him to run normally.


    Bursting out of the last wave of insects, Norbert saw a sorry sight for sore eyes; there was the rest of the group, seeing Martitia and Nancy''s slinging spells at whatever moved, bodies lit up with some spell being used; Norbert smiled.


    As he scanned his eyes, Norbert saw one in the blue robe flick their hand towards him, a bolt of electricity already forming and shooting towards Norbert. The mage looked at Norbert, horror on his face as Norbert dropped out of the air, his body spasming on its own.

 Chapter 52 Meet up

    Norbert felt the electricity course through his body, the smell of burnt hair invading his nostrils with every breath he took. Dropping to the ground, Norbert tried to control his body as it twisted and spasmed under him, betraying his intentions.


    Fighting to stay conscious, his body finally stopped jerking around; Norbert just lay on the ground¡ªthe tiredness of what he had done clouding his mind. As Norbert drifted off, fighting to stay conscious, the expedition group covered him, protecting him from the surge of flame insectoids barraging the group.


    The members took half glances to see what happened to him. All watching, a member in green robes came forward and crouched beside Norbert, holding their hands out over his body. A chant whispered, a magic circle formed between the green robed persons hands; the circle having green hue as motes of green light fell onto Norbert''s body.


    With a final spasm, Norbert slowly returned to consciousness, feeling himself being carried on a cloud until opening his eyes, looking at half a dozen people staring back at him, the earth above his head. Bolting upright, Norbert looked around, his first thoughts being where his bed is, what room is he in, and what all these strangers around him are.


    As the sounds of battle continued around him, Norbert remembered that he was in the other world, running through the tunnel and getting hit by LIGHTNING! Instinctually, Norbert''s limbs locked where they were¡ªwaiting for the electricity and pain to continue.


    After several moments of his brain catching up with his body, Norbert realised it had passed, and he was feeling fine. Standing up, Norbert stretched his arms around himself, feeling like he had the best sleep ever. Norbert looked and bowed down to the group, hoping that whoever was the result would understand his message.


    As he scanned the group, looking for Martitia or anyone, the green-robed individual came up to Norbert, shouting, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!" the sounds of battle nearly drowning out the sound.


    Staring at the man, the green robes covering his body, some green cloth underneath it. The robes had a hood that hid part of his face, but with the ever changing light coming from all directions, it was useless and looked only to provide some protection. The robes have an intricate pattern going up and down the outside, and the man is leaning on his wooden staff with leaves poking out of the top.


    Norbert leaned forward towards him, looking at his youthful face showing not a mark of stress on it. A grin of youth plastered on his face. Speaking in the man''s ear, trying to get between the hood, Norbert shouted, "Dousan sent me here to meet up with the queen to feel it, and then get out of this death trap!"


    Norbert leaned back, looking to gauge the man''s reaction. He only received a nod in return and positioned his hand to the way Norbert came before slamming his staff down into the ground; a pattern appeared in the air.


    Norbert looked around, and those meeting his eyes nodded before nudging the others to look, taking up their part of the battle against the never-ending tide of insectoids.


    As they started down the tunnel, Norbert ran at the front, constantly looking behind to ensure nobody was being left behind. While looking behind, Norbert saw the occasional spell slung behind the party. Explosions in the air made the tunnel shake around them, and dirt started to fall from the ceiling.


    Norbert looked around, hoping that the entire system wouldn''t collapse around them. Norbert continued following the tunnel leading downwards, thankful there was nothing ahead but knowing it would not last forever as he saw the next chamber ahead.


    "AHHHHH!"


    Norbert spun around, taking several steps backwards as he tried to locate the scream he just heard. At the back of the group, Norbert saw someone nearly getting consumed by the stampede, surrounded by light, the only thing stopping them from being crushed.


    The others wielded looked back and started to slow down, hands held by their sides or on staffs, ready to chargeback. As Norbert looked at this, sheathing his dagger, he didn''t realise he was still holding. Jumping into the air and grabbing the holes in the tunnel roof for grip before sling-shotting himself towards the person, Norbert shouted, "COVER ME!" before he too was consumed in the insectoids.


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    Focusing on his breathing, Norbert jumped forward, feeling like he was making no distance towards the light. Each step nearly knocked him over as the torrent tried to push against him. As his foot left the ground, Norbert felt himself tip backwards. Energy flooded within him.


    His veins burned with power like he would explode if he didn''t move in that instant and move he did. Leaping forward, Norbert attention only in a single direction towards the person he was trying to save. The insectoids almost seemed to part by themselves; Norbert tackled them, trying to stop in time while cradling their body.


    Instantly the light around them shattered, and the pressure around Norbert grew to staggering heights, but luckily it was no longer needed. With his prize in hand, Norbert leapt into the air, trusting the others in the group to stop any fireballs that may come his way.


    Unable to reach the ceiling, Norbert slung the person over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes. Feeling them squirm under his grip, Norbert ran forward, trying to overtake the horde trying to catch him. Finally, he saw the exit, the party holding going slower than before, trying to make their way forwards towards Norbert and his companion.


    Once seeing him, they all turned around and began running for the tunnel exit again, only occasionally throwing spells behind them; Norbert was able to see the devastation as some of the insects just melted when they were touched, spreading slightly to those next to them as those behind them trampled them¡ªseeing the juices come out, as sadly ran through them, at least closing his mouth to stop it from going down his throat.


    Norbert could see the tunnel end, leaping into the air, flying above his group. They all exited the tunnel at once, Norbert tipping to the side due to the weight on his shoulder.


    A second after they escaped, the insectoids behind them burst from the tunnel; like water coming out of a tap, they turned all the way. Instantly flooding into the chamber they were in.


    Norbert, not even stopping, charged forward and continued his warpath. Forging ahead, he ran forward, picking a path to avoid most of the workers. As the party arrived closer and closer to the next tunnel, more soldiers appeared.


    Turning around, they became unavoidable, which the group instantly sorted out. Constantly moving forward like a machine, when one person was exposed from an over swing of a sword, another was at his back, either a shield popping up to protect him or a blast of some magic dealing with the foe.


    Like this, they crossed the cave; the closer they went to the tunnel, the worse the group became, each minute slower than the last. Norbert, still carrying around the person, started running around.


    Screaming at the top of his lungs, Norbert jumped from one to the other, any fireballs about to hit him protected by his cargo''s shield. With a distraction, his group could make their way to the tunnel entrance.


    Unlike the previous one, which was just a mad rush, this was filled with insectoids. As the group climbed up until all were inside and making their way down the next tunnel, the pack ahead turned around and started shooting fireballs.


    Neither group ahead or behind the party held back, not caring for any casualties that may happen as most of them were unable to hit the party.


    With shadows constantly flickering and heat coming up and down randomly from all directions, Norbert looked around, seeing a barrier around their group. A shimmering mass of electric fence followed the group. Any fireball that hit the field dimmed in size until the field absorbed it. The spots where they touched grew brighter for a moment, causing Norbert to look away, creating bright flashes constantly, stars now in his vision.


    Together they walked through the swarm down the tunnel after tunnel. Norbert just walked and watched, waiting to see if the shield ever fell and if action on his part would be needed. But that never happened.


    As they entered the second chamber, the shield was dropped immediately in a shockwave outwards, blasting any insectoids in front and behind them out of the way. As a group, they charged forward; Norbert, once more in the lead, pointed toward the next tunnel, smashing through any insect he could, being mindful of the person he was carrying.


    Once within, a whirlwind of knives went around the group, the fireballs dying down in intensity from the tunnel. As they moved, fewer shields and magic was being thrown from the others in Norbert''s group; the only constant was a green aura in the air following the mage in green robes that assisted Norbert earlier.


    As they entered the tunnel ahead, the numbers were less. They focused on the shield behind them, only the group killing those ahead as he made their way towards the final chamber. Throughout the tunnel, Norbert heard another roar from the queen, echoing up the tunnel. Everything held their breath for a moment before action happened everywhere.


    Norbert''s group sprinted forward, not caring about defences, only wanting to progress and assist the rest of the expedition. The fireballs from the fire-insectoids also ceased, the rumbling behind the group causing Norbert''s teeth to chatter in his mouth.


    As they crested the last turn of the tunnel, Norbert looked out at the chamber, bathed in light. Placing the person he was carrying on the ground beside him, allowing him to run, Norbert sprinted forward, the hairs on the back of his neck standing up. Knowing if they weren''t quick enough, something terrible would happen.

 Chapter 53 Fire of Battle

    Norbert, ahead of the pack, entered the chamber first, eyes wide in surprise at what lay before him¡ªshocked by how the chamber once looked compared to what lay before his eyes. Everything was now in complete disarray in what was once an orderly and pristine chamber.


    Norbert quickly scanned the floor, hoping not to find any bodies, breathing a sigh of relief that it hadn''t gone as bad as he thought it would. Waiting near the tunnel entrance, not wanting to get lost or trapped in the swarm of insectoids, Norbert looked towards the queen''s last known position. Its squishy sac used to release its eggs, once white and unmarked, now left to the side, jagged holes, scorched black with tears throughout, now looking like a tired, worn-out boot.


    The egg sac had no queen attached; Norbert quickly scanned the room, following the trail of lights from the mages and hearing the battle cries echoing. Finally, his group joined him together making their way towards the main expedition, spells flying everywhere.


    Whenever a fire-insectoid came towards him, Norbert would punch the creature, most of the time just cracking the carapace, killing it instantly stopping any fireballs it could create. Other times his punch glanced, the insectoid would fly through the air, getting lost in the crowd around them. Inspecting his hand throughout the fight, expecting to find his gloves in tatters, but every time surprised that the gloves had held up, not even getting a single scratch or cut on them.


    Whispering thanks to the crafter for making them so durable, Norbert continued. After what felt like a lifetime, the worry in Norbert''s stomach only grew as he neared the rest of the expedition. Looking towards the queen, now so far away, Norbert tried once more to squash his fears. The queen now backed into a corner, barely able to move; the ferocious beast he had seen when he first entered attacking with everything was now gone.


    Norbert stayed with the group of mages, seeing the other fighters rush off towards the queen, trying to stop it as quickly as possible. As time passed Norbert assisted the mages and transported people to the healers whenever needed. Norbert started to run around the chamber, trying to find out what he was missing, as he knew something wasn¡¯t adding up.


    As he looked towards the chamber ceiling, now seeing it clearly, Norbert tilted his head, noticing the peculiar pattern, having undulations slowly getting brighter and brighter. Norbert looked towards the tunnels, seeing the once-dark passages start to brighten.


    Gulping, Norbert looked towards the rest of the expedition, seeing others also point it out as the shadows, once flashing and constantly moving from the multiple spells, started to lessen, a spotlight engulfing them. Norbert looked towards the queen.


    Moving she made her way towards the chamber''s centre, going once more towards her sac. As Norbert looked in horror, her once weak, slow movements getting stronger with every step, scuttling its way standing upon the sac. Stopping, it bathed in the light; the fighters that had pinned it to the corner rushed towards the queen.


    Norbert looked around, rooted in his spot, not knowing where to go or what to do. Just staring at the queen, his body moving on instinct to hit anything heading his way, Norbert watched in horror, mouth agape at what he witnessed.


    Standing on its hind legs, the queen opened its mouth, the screech once more coming out. Norbert braced himself on the ground, covering his ears from the impact. With the screech, a wave appeared from the queen''s body, fire rolling away from the insectoid.


    It spread throughout the chamber, and everything it touched burst into flame; Norbert looked around, seeing spells going up all over the place to protect the people from the inferno. Now all alone, Norbert sprinted towards the mage group, hoping he would make it in time.


    Norbert saw others with the same idea, all sprinting towards safety in whichever form they deemed applicable. As Norbert jumped forward, the once slow-moving barrier expanding rapidly; when Norbert was impacted, his body was sent flying to the wall of the chamber, the shock wave feeling like the warm sun on him, his head impacting the wall as his body twisted around his backpack, happy that it had taken the brunt of the force.


    Flopping onto the ground, Norbert smelt barbeque around him, his stomach grumbling at wanting some ribs, able to tear off one piece at a time; as Norbert tried to smell it further, his arm hit his face. Cracking open a single eye, Norbert looked around.


    Lying on the floor, happy that nothing had touched him, Norbert slowly craned his head towards the centre, hearing anguish and screams throughout, bright spots of light dashing in and out as Norbert saw beams come back, laughing to himself that the boss fight had now entered its second phase.


    As he slowly stood up, the entire front of his body feeling crisp, unknown liquid covering his legs, Norbert stumbled across to the group of mages, occasionally looking up to ensure he wasn''t going in the wrong direction. Staring at the ground in front of his feet, just focusing on going one step after another.


    "WE FOUND HIM!" Norbert tried to look up, unable to as his head was seized in place from the scabbing, too painful to move any further only moving his eyes to see who was talking. Suddenly Norbert felt himself being picked up, his feet no longer touching the ground, cringing in pain as the wind swept over his burnt face and his weight was on his burnt arms.


    Stopping finally, Norbert felt warmth around him, lulling him into sleep. Norbert''s body tensed up, waiting for the barrier that ripped through his body before coming again. Staring at the ceiling, seeing multiple heads look down at him, a green light filtering through as Norbert felt his skin slowly crawl back together, the pain dissipating from his body. Closing his eyes, happy that he was being healed and hoping soon he would be as right as rain.


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    Norbert waited patiently, focusing only on his breathing and trying to wash out the sounds of battle around him, knowing he would not be able to do anything other than wait. As the lights dimmed above him, Norbert opened his eyes, the pain now gone instead of wracking his body whenever he tried to breathe or move his head.


    Standing on wobbly feet, Norbert looked around; one of the healers came up to him saying, "You¡¯ve healed up quite nicely, but expect to crash soon." Norbert just nodded in response, only half hearing the mage as he looked out towards the queen, the fire in her belly as she absorbed the sunlight entering her tomb.


    As Norbert looked towards them, once more having cuts over her, looking worse for wear but still not stopping, Norbert walked forward. Dousan glowed, each thrust of his sword a stream of light escaping, smashing into the queen¡¯s body. As he looked in awe as each person was able to carve out a piece of the queen, suddenly it dropped to the floor.


    Dousan climbed on top of it and rested the sword on its head; its once intact head shattered into a thousand pieces as his sword struck into it each piece falling towards the ground slick with blood.


    As the cheers went around the chamber, everyone exhausted after the battle; they all came together into the centre surrounding the still queen. Barriers surrounded the group, stopping any workers from interrupting their celebrations and reprieve.


    As everyone rested, Norbert saw Dousan and the other leaders walk around the group, giving pats on the back and words of appreciation. As Norbert watched the other scouts dotted around, Norbert just watched the barrier, waiting for it to be his turn, wondering if he would ever get a turn.


    As Norbert started to inspect his clothes, seeing the leather was still intact, but the edges of his shirt had somehow gotten burnt and clicking his tongue in annoyance at needing to get a new shirt from somewhere, a shadow formed next to him. Looking to the side Martitia stood there and just looking out towards the workers swarming around.


    Norbert returned to looking at the small number of workers and soldiers still in the chamber, most slowly making their way through the tunnels to who knows where. As Norbert looked at the closer workers, trying their hardest to break through but unable to, Martitia finally spoke, "You''ve done well today, especially for your first time."


    Norbert looked at her and nodded in response, not wanting to interrupt her as she continued speaking, "The usage of the elixirs you have received is outstanding, and your toughness from whatever", she indicated in the direction of his entire body "that does is remarkable."


    Once more, nodding in response, Norbert looked slightly down to Martitia, waiting for her to continue. "I''ve noticed your apprehension to using your blades, relying more on your fists than anything, any reason why?"


    Norbert opened his mouth, "The", hearing himself croak out, feeling dryness in his mouth. Norbert opened his backpack, removing his water skin and wetting his mouth. Placing it back in his bag, Norbert saw the damage to the outside, hoping that nothing within was similarly damaged. Placing the backpack on the ground, his shoulders happy not to have the extra weight on them.


    Opening his mouth to speak, "Sorry about that; the reason why I don''t use the blades", Norbert indicated to his daggers and knife ", is that I have no experience using them." Norbert looked down towards Martitia, seeing the smile form on her face, the first time he had seen her smile, uncertain at what his future may hold.


    "That''s perfect then", Martitia replied, clasping her hand together and rubbing them against each other, her lips now turning into a grin. "It''s been decided to see you as an investment; for the foreseeable future, you will not be doing patrols during the day with the others, and neither will you go out at night."


    Norbert opened his mouth to rebut, not wanting to lose his job; opening his mouth to reply, he was cut off by Martitia''s hand raised towards him saying, "Instead, you will be training under the tutelage of this merry band." Turning around, she waved her hand out to the people before her.


    Norbert looked, seeing the smiles and laughs echoing around everyone, showing wounds they received and moving to each other. Others just resting on the ground, eyes closed and completely relaxed. Even the mages in their blue robes, holding up the barrier, were conversing in the centre, not caring about what they just went through or witnessed.


    "Also, in the coming days, you will be given a gift; Let''s just say it''s another form of investment to show our seriousness in you. Do us all proud, and together we shall fly" She finished her speech, holding her hand in the air.


    Norbert looked at her hand, pointing towards the ceiling with her index finger, her other fingers closed into a fist. Behind the index finger, her thumb was placed, preventing it from forming a fist. As Norbert spotted others making the same motion, he joined in as everyone raised their hand in the air, copying the position.


    Dousan lowered his hand, the others following him until they all stared at him. "Ok, everyone, time to head back to the town; anything we find along the way needs to be put down; we leave in a rotation."


    The group now moving to action. People lounged and rose to their feet, checking things and stretching. As Norbert looked around, staring at the tunnel leading towards the forest, the amount in the chamber even less than before Norbert saw, thinking they hurried off before they could be decimated like their queen.


    As the barriers went down, a wash of spells shot out, stopping any fire insectoids in their tracks and sending them either burning to a crisp, flying backwards or melting into puddles of goo.


    Norbert noted not to get hit by any of the green spells, as they seemed to turn things into goo. Together the forty-odd people made their way through the tunnels and chambers, jogging through and quickly exterminating everything in their path.


    As they wound their way through the tunnels, more workers being apparent and clearing them out of the chambers, Norbert looked around at the destruction they had caused; what was once brimming with life in the dark was now smashed and broken under the sunlight passing through.


    Making their way through, finally reaching the end, Norbert saw the rope dangling down. As they entered the chamber, hearing shouts from up above as the small number of fire-insectoids left tried to climb out; before falling back into a smoking mess, the group slowly climbed up the rope.


    When it was Norbert''s turn, he climbed up, at the last bit, reaching out and a hand coming down, clasping together and being dragged out. Norbert looked towards the forest, the size of the trees much thicker than any he had seen on Earth, though dwarfed compared to the plateaus.


    Looking towards the tree, Norbert spotted his black-speckled friend; gliding off the branch, Obsius landed on Norbert''s shoulder. Turning his head to the side to look at him, Norbert asked, "And where have you been all this time?"

 Chapter 54 Over the River, Again

    Jogging towards town, the expedition finally over; everyone cheered together, merry about everyone up on the surface again. The group went through the town, the townspeople staring at their new arrivals traipsing through it, walking towards their camp, picking up the people stationed around the town along the way.


    Throughout the forest boundary and close to the town, Norbert spotted some fire-insectoids; having fled from their nest. Norbert ready to fight looked again, seeing that they were currently still. Either the townspeople or the frontiers stationed in the town dealing with them. Looking Norbert found a few villagers dragging one of the insects to the town, everyday tools in hand.


    Looking around, mostly fine, only a few smouldering spots throughout the landscape. As Norbert made his way to their tents, looking and seeing that nothing had changed with them, the mess tent was still the same as before, Norbert sat down on the hill and inspected his backpack.


    Looking on the outside, seeing it was still black on one side, even though Norbert tried to clean it off by banging the bag, shrugging his shoulders, seeing that there was no hole, hopefully, his items were still in one piece.


    Pulling out hid water skin and having a sip, Norbert looked and saw the magic torches in there, needing to remember to give it back sometime soon. Digging further, Norbert pulled out the monster book; some pages turning slightly yellow from the heat. Flicking through the book, confirming that it was still readable, or Norbert assumed as much.


    Hopefully, Sally wouldn''t mind the damage too much. Norbert added it to the pile as he took out his coat from the wolf''s pelt, not a single blemish on it. Looking towards the bottom, Norbert inspected the items there, only fishing out rags. Norbert saw his clothes from Earth in tatters, burn holes covering the garments and all the clothing singed or tearing at the edges. Norbert placed them in their own pile, knowing he or anyone else would never wear them again.


    Re-packing his bag but leaving out the ruined clothes, Norbert placed his backpack on his shoulder. Looking towards the open sky, able to breathe in the fresh air, feeling it fill his lungs Norbert just rested, happy that they all made it out of the fight.


    ***


    "Hey Norbert, get up. We must go to the others at the nest entrance and tell them the good news."


    Norbert sat up looking towards the voice calling for him. Norbert saw Dobert walk towards him. Smiling at the man coming his way, Norbert raised his hand. Dobert pulling Norbert off the ground, the two men standing face to face.


    "Thanks for that, and anyway, why do we both have to go?" Norbert asked as he brushed his pants off.


    "Bosses orders stop complaining and let''s go," Dobert said, already taking off down the hill. Norbert looked towards Obsius, the bird tilting its head in response as the two of them followed after him.


    Norbert was quickly able to catch up with Dobert. They ran together, talking about their journey, Norbert telling about his experience in the caverns bellow.


    As they crested the last hill before the river, Norbert looked down at the rocky slope leading to the river.


    Obsius flew over and resting on the other side, Norbert looked down, not wanting to get wet this time. As Norbert focused and breathed in, holding as much air as possible, he sprinted down, bursting with speed, half sliding down towards the riverbank, rocks flying everywhere.


    Hitting the riverbank, Norbert sprinted even harder, hearing the rocks fly under his foot with every leap, the force sending them flying behind him. Norbert leapt into the air as he heard the first splash of water underfoot. The wind against his face pushing him further across. Norbert landed, foot splashing against the water; the next step hit the dry land, and still having his momentum, Norbert slowed down before stopping.


    Shooting his hands up in the air and yelling in triumph, Norbert cheered for his success. Finally, he would no longer need to get wet as he once again forgot a change of clothes. As he turned around, seeing Dobert smiling and waving, shooing for him to continue, Norbert stared at him, realising why he was taken across.


    Dobert didn''t want to get wet.


    As the thought flashed through his mind Norbert just sighed, he may as well continue and tell the others the ¡°good news¡±. As he climbed the hill and made it through the bushes, Norbert picked up Obsius, placing the bird on his shoulder as he jogged towards the nest entrance.


    Looking at the field and avoiding the bugs'' corpses, Norbert wondered what happened. Happening upon the nest entrance and seeing it was worse here than elsewhere. Around sat the four people, just chatting with each other.


    As Norbert neared, he called out, notifying them about the good news, and they could return. The group made their way towards the river, just walking without rushing anymore. At the river, the mage stepped forward, holding out his staff; once again, a section of the river surface froze over; together, they made their way across, seeing Dobert standing there and smiling at them.


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    On the other side, one of them asked, "Ah, now it all makes sense", Receiving knowing nods from the group at seeing Dobert perfectly dry.


    Norbert turned around, wanting to confirm his thoughts. "You just didn''t want to get wet; that''s why you wanted me to come?" Norbert said, accusing Dobert of his nefarious deeds.


    Norbert just stared at Dobert, waiting for a response. "Well, that is one of the many reasons why I did ask you to come", Dobert confirmed.


    Anger flooded him; of all the times Norbert was wet from the river, Norbert charged forward, grabbing Dobert. The two fought in a struggle, the two of them wrestling each other. As hard as Norbert tried, he was constantly overwhelmed, unable to get the proper hold.


    Panting on the ground in a hold, unable to move anymore, Norbert just tapped Dobert''s body, feeling the pressure his body was under release.


    Lying on the ground, Norbert looked up at the sky, not believing that he was bested so easily. Turning his head and looking towards Dobert, also lying there, Norbert asked, "Did you have any strength elixirs?"


    The group laughed, Dobert just shaking his head in response. "Strength elixirs are some of the most expensive, only vitality ones topping even those out. Simple scouts like us will take a long time to have something of that grade." Dobert slowly got up, Norbert following him and the two men looking eye to eye.


    "The way I bested you right now, even when you could have gotten stronger, is just practice. Something I''ve heard you will be getting lots soon." Dobert said, clasping Norbert on the shoulder.


    Norbert nodded in response, clasping Dobert in return before picking the man up and chucking him over his shoulder.


    As Norbert looked at Dobert sprawling on the ground, Norbert stalked towards Dobert before he could even move, grabbed him by the foot and dragged him towards the water.


    Hearing the protests from Dobert but not caring, Norbert skidded him across the water, finally dropping him into the water. Dobert climbing to his feet, wholly soaked even though the water was only up to his knee. Staring at Norbert, who was completely dry, he charged towards Norbert.


    Laughing at him, Norbert sprinted off up the hill, running away from Dobert, both of them laughing as he continued to be chased. The group slowly made their way up the rocky bank to the hills.


    ***


    As the group slowly made their way back to camp, not rushing at all, Norbert went and conversed, just happy to be alive with them.


    Seeing the final hills, the tents and torches around with the town hidden behind. Norbert looked at the camp, seeing how it differed from the other times he had seen it.


    As he walked closer with the group, Norbert realised what it was. The ordinarily empty camp was now teeming with life; everybody he saw from the expedition was arranging something grand and noticing some of the townspeople also there.


    Off to the side part of the group of kids he played with the other day, hearing cheers from them as he waved. Running forward through the crowd, he was engulfed by each asking him a question.


    As Norbert waded through the kids, multiple scrambled on each of his limbs, trying to hold off their questions. "One at a time, I''ll answer all your questions. Now first, you," Norbert pointed to a child randomly, feeling them all get off his body as they crowded around.


    "How many were there?" the child he pointed to asked; Norbert pretended to be thinking and tapped his chin before replying, "More than I could ever count on my fingers" Norbert wiggled his ten fingers to the group all the kids laughing.


    The list continued as Norbert continued answering the kid''s questions, from whether he was scared to how long he was gone to what it was like there.


    Finally, Norbert looked around, hearing Dousan call out to those around him. Norbert stood up and left for the table. Hearing the pitter-patter of feet behind him, Norbert saw the kids disperse and head to their parents, telling about all he said.


    Norbert looked around the single table on the hill, food already plated, torches positioned in the air giving a warm fire-like growth. Dobert called out to him as Norbert looked to where he would sit. Heading in his direction, Norbert saw an empty spot on the bench, a plate already there with cutlery.


    Saying his thanks, Norbert looked towards Dousan as he spoke to the group, "Thanks to all for making it out here today, and thanks to the townspeople for preparing this feast for all of us" Dousan raised his cup in thanks, receiving gestures from the many villagers likewise dotted around the table.


    "For the next few days, we will take it easy in celebration of our splendid victory" Norbert and the rest cheered in response, taking a while for them to die down, allowing Dousan to continue. "Now for the rewards before you can all dig in. As discussed throughout the party, one member has gone above and beyond what was required of them."


    "For their commendable efforts and recent strength found" Hearing this, Norbert suddenly got nervous, remembering what Martitia said about receiving a gift, was this it, and if it was, then what could they have gotten him before his mind could wander any further Dousan reached under the table.


    "And here is the prize for their effort" The crowd clapped in response; Norbert just stared at the sword, more than half of Dousan''s height, the blade shining in the light, the guard and handle simple pieces with nothing extraordinary in it¡ªa simple straight metal cross guard with a leather grip ending in a simple round pommel.


    As Norbert looked at the sword, a beast of a weapon with what looked like a ridiculous sword thickness came out of a cartoon or a movie. Norbert was left from his thoughts as Dousan continued, "Now, the lucky individual, I would like them to come up as the newest member in our little group. May I have a round of applause for Norbert now come up here, lad."


    A cheer escaped around everyone, Dobert clapping his back as Norbert shimmied out of the bench, the claps never stopping as he made his way to Dousan. Arriving at Dousan, who held out the sword to Norbert, bowing in thanks, Obsius, also bowing on his shoulder, once righted Norbert and took the sword out of Dousan¡¯s hand, almost dropping it as it fell into his arms.


    Able to catch it before it hit the floor, laughs came around as Norbert stated, "Heavier than I thought; what is it made out of?"


    Dousan joined in the laughter, only replying, "Out of good metal, now be off with you, so we can all begin eating."


    Norbert just waved off as well, making his way to the table. Placing his new sword leaning on the bench beside him, Norbert started putting food on his plate.


    Obsius jumped off Norbert''s shoulder and picked at the food before Norbert could even put a piece in his mouth. Seeing his cup full of liquid already, Norbert drank it, seeing others also doing it. As the first piece entered his mouth, the meat cooked splendidly and so soft, not needing to chew. Norbert knew this would be an exciting night.

 Chapter 55 Training

    Norbert felt a peck on his head; he opened his eyes and saw the sun streaming down on him. Tilting his head slightly, Norbert saw Obsius standing over him. Placing his hands on the table and pushing himself to an upright position, Norbert looked around the hill.


    The once picturesque table a feast orderly placed looked more like a battlefield. Nothing was where it was before; the food was all but devoured like a swarm of locusts had just gone through and had a field day.


    As Norbert looked out towards the table, seeing some people sluggish around the place, Norbert looked at them, a smile on his face knowing that he wouldn''t have any hangover; unlike these people, Norbert could hear groaning all around him.


    Standing up, extracting himself from the bench, Norbert walked away, seeing if anyone else was up and about. Hearing a chirp from behind him, Norbert saw Obsius standing on the pommel of his new sword. Hitting his forehead for forgetting his latest gift, Norbert quickly hurried over, patting Obsius on the head and thanking him for remembering the sword. Norbert took off, wondering what his day would be.


    Norbert continued looking around, trying to find someone to point him in the right direction, hearing voices from behind one of the tents. Walking around, Norbert saw Dousan talking to one of the other warriors, a tall man, one of the tallest Norbert had seen, wearing no armour and just the cloth. The only piece of weaponry on the man was a sword strapped to their waist. As Norbert waved, hearing his name but not understanding the words.


    Standing between them Norbert looked at the new person, their hawkish features standing aghast with the innocent sparkle that could be seen in his eyes. The skin was tanned and tough with many hours faced under the harsh sun.


    Norbert looked at the two of them, a peculiar look on his face asking, "What language are you talking in now? The pendant isn''t picking it up?"


    The two of them just looked at him, smiling before words were said to him. Norbert looking confused, noticed they were pointing to his chest. Fishing out the pendant from underneath his clothes, Norbert saw there was now no light from within.


    Taking the necklace off, Norbert held it up, hoping one of them would be able to give it some life. Dousan shook his head before grasping it, closing his eyes, and letting the pendant go. Norbert could see that it was once more shining brightly again.


    Donning it on himself and tucking it underneath his shirt Norbert spoke again, "Thanks for that, Dousan. Didn''t realise it ran out of juice."


    Dousan just nodded in response. "Yes well, we all came to that conclusion last night, talking about last night. I''m surprised to see you standing."


    Norbert just nodded, remembering the last time he had too much to drink, though he did not remember the conversations around him making no sense; shrugging his shoulders, Norbert replied, "It''s a gift, I suppose."


    Just receiving a nod in return, Norbert looked at the two of them, holding his sword in his hand. "So¡­ you said something about training?"


    Dousan just nodded before pointing to the person next to him. "That''s what I was just going over with Mark over here; to get you used to using that blade you have just been given. And with that, I shall leave the two of you together. Have fun; you don''t need to go easy on him."


    With that, Dousan just left, making his way across the path; following his eyes, Norbert looked and could not believe what he had witnessed; once again being left alone, Norbert looked towards Mark, seeing the sword on his side not being so large as Norbert own he held in his hand.


    Expectantly Norbert looked at Mark, waiting for something to happen. Mark just stared at Norbert, shaking his head before momentarily tilting his head towards the sky. Mark smiles at Norbert, saying, "I can see you''ve at least brought your sword. Please place your pack on the side; it will just get in the way."


    Norbert nodded enthusiastically before going off to the side and placing his backpack off to the side, Obsius hopping off his shoulder and resting on the backpack, looking at Mark as Norbert walked back to him.


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    Standing beside him, Norbert looked, waiting for the next thing to do. Mark just stared at Norbert before speaking. "First, you can''t be carrying your sword in your hand at all times, it will just get in the way, and you could drop things so¡­" Mark finished, slightly moving his hand to the side.


    Norbert looked down at his waist, seeing the dagger sheath and money pouch on his left hip. Laying his sword on the ground, Norbert moved his items to the other side of the belt, having his two daggers, the knife and the money pouch all there, the belt feeling lopsided on him.


    Holding the sword out, Norbert looked down, trying to see how the two pieces could come together, looking there were some straps around his belt, but whenever he tried to place it on, it was always in an awkward position, the handle be too much one way or another. The sword at the angle either pointed towards his outer side or way out further, if he ever wanted to draw the sword nearly impossible.


    Defeated, Norbert raised his head to Mark, hoping he would be able to give some words of wisdom. Mark walked towards Norbert fiddling with the sheath until it fit on Norbert''s waist; looking down, Norbert tried to see how the two were attached. For all he could work out, it looked to be wrapped around the belt; when he tried to adjust, it moved freely.


    Mark standing back, Norbert spun around a bit, confirming that somehow it would move only when he wanted to and stays plastered to his side. Norbert looked at the knot again, trying to see how it was done. Wrapping it around, Norbert twisted the blade around the knot and loosened it up, allowing it to be removed from his belt.


    Smiling in satisfaction, Norbert asked Mark, "How do you make this knot again?" with a sheepish look on his face. Mark forced a smile back, looked towards Norbert and undid his sword. Norbert looked and copied Mark''s hand positioning, which was much easier due to his more miniature sword size.


    Once Norbert did it again, testing and ensuring it was moveable when needed but still stayed there when left alone. Happy with his effort, Norbert undid it again, not even looking up to see Mark''s reaction.


    Wrapping the leather attached to the sheath around the belt, going over here and under there, finally, with a satisfied smile, Norbert could move the belt again. Happy for his earlier dive into rope tying he made when trying to navigate the great trees of the plateau.


    As Norbert looked towards Mark, receiving a nod in return, Norbert waited for the next thing to come out of the man''s mouth. Mark stared at Norbert before opening his mouth, saying, "Now that you can secure the blade properly, it is time to learn to draw and place it back. Continue to do so until it becomes second nature."


    Norbert just looked shocked about what second nature would be. Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert gripped the handle of the sword in his right hand, holding the sheath with his left as Norbert tried to pull the sword out.


    Sliding easily at first, it stopped momentarily, seeming not to let go of the sheath. Norbert looked down at the blade, trying to see what he had done wrong; the blade had slightly tilted in his sheath, making it harder to come out; as Norbert once more corrected, he slowly and carefully pulled the sword out.


    Finally, when only the tip was in the sheath, Norbert presented it properly to the world, feeling the total weight in his over-extended right hand, the tip falling towards the ground, Norbert sliding his left foot out of the way before it was impaled.


    Breathing out, Norbert stared carefully at the sword, seeing the pattern etched within the grey metal, where the pattern shimmered purple like the veins of the sword itself, the weapon itself being alive. Norbert twisted the sword, holding it above himself before twisting it around his body, trying to get slightly used to the weapon''s weight.


    Feeling the heft behind it was more like swinging a barbell than a light sword like he heard they usually were back home. Resting it once more pointed up in the air Norbert held it again with only his right hand, left on the blade, as he guided it towards the sheath. Successfully placing the tip back in the sheath, Norbert carried through with the rest of the sword, slowly and carefully, so it would not bite into anything not intended.


    Finally, with the sword once more secured inside its sheath, Norbert took his hand off the handle and removed his glove. Wiping his exposed hand on the grass beneath his feet, the accumulated sweat marked the grass.


    Placing his glove back on his hand, Norbert took his hand on the sword again, pulling it out from the sheath once more, this time without it scraping or getting stuck. Feeling it drop slightly, Norbert once more positioned it straight up before swinging it around himself, being careful not to let go, and the blade flew somewhere before placing it back in his sheath.


    ***


    Mark watched Norbert take out and place the sword back in, time after time. Standing next to Norbert''s bag, Obsius still sitting, Mark shook his head as Mark sat down next to the bag. Continuing to see Norbert spin the blade around. "I have no clue how he can still move that sword." Looking towards Obsius, Mark asked, "Do you?"


    Obsius twittered a response to Mark, who nodded, unable to understand what the bird was trying to tell him. As Mark continued to sit and watch Norbert pull the blade out and put it back in time after time, each one became a bit faster, more fluid than the one before.

 Chapter 56 To Swing a Sword

    Whipping the blade around, Norbert twisted with the blade, feeling something come up behind him. Still holding the blade up spinning around, Mark appearing behind him, his blade also drawn. The two blades crashed, the clang of metal filling the air.


    Norbert breathed heavily, the sword slanting in his hand as he placed it in his sheath without taking his eyes off Mark. Nodding in response before stepping back and sheathing his sword.


    "You have now begun the journey of the swordsman; you won''t look like a complete fool the first moment you need it," Mark said, holding his hands behind his back and continuing "Do you know how to care for a blade?"


    Norbert gave a shrug replying, "Only slightly; I know how to care for blades like these" Norbert pulled the knife from his belt showing it to Mark. "But nothing to that degree", Norbert finished tapping the sword blade.


    Mark nodded in response. "That''s good enough for me; the blade you have there can only be sharpened by particular craftsmen; usual methods won''t work. That also means it takes longer to get blunt."


    Drawing his sword and stepping back, "Now that you can draw the blade, it''s time to swing it without losing balance. Please follow me."


    Norbert nodded in response, shaking his hands to remove some of his nerves before unsheathing the sword, holding it out, pointed towards the ground with two hands on the blade as he looked towards Mark.


    Lifting the blade above his head in one hand, Mark slashed downwards, stopping the blade at Norbert''s eye level, pointing at the bridge of his nose. Lifting the sword back up, Mark lowered the blade again, speaking as he slashed downwards again, stopping it in the same place. "The need for control is imperative for swordsman; you need to know exactly how the blade moves through the air and how your body moves in tandem to the blade."


    Lifting it, he swung again before resting the blade point down and gesturing his left hand to Norbert, indicating for him to start. Taking a deep breath in and out, Norbert raised the sword above his head; when it was behind Norbert moved it forward, going in a slashing motion.


    Trying to stop the blade as Mark had done, Norbert willed the blade to stop, and the weight in motion not responding as it came plummeting to the ground. Norbert''s body bent at the hip, sticking his butt out as he tried not to lose his grip on the sword.


    Bent at an awkward angle, forming a triangle with his feet and the sword touching the ground. Shuffling forward, Norbert slowly stood up straight until the sword was next to his hip.


    Stepping backwards, Norbert raised the blade above his head before swinging down again, unable to completely stop the sword once in motion. The blade nearly cut into his legs. Shaking his arms again to get the nervous jitters out, Norbert raised the sword above his head once more.


    Just before swinging, Norbert heard Mark speak the single word "Slowly."


    Pausing the blade above his head, Norbert continued the swing, this time doing it slowly and with control.


    As he moved the blade steadily until it rested, he pointed at Mark''s head, the point moving about and not as steady as the instructor. Arms now shaking, Norbert rested the sword, pointing up before bringing it above his head again, repeating the action.


    As Norbert continued to repeat the motion, each one with more confidence and becoming more steady than the last, still unable to hold it steady. Placing the sword tip to the ground, Norbert looked down at the blade, still not understanding how it could weigh so much.


    Breathing in, Norbert picked up the blade again before resting it. Thinking of the insane weight of the blade as he continued to breathe in deeply, without thinking, he imagined his arms recovering with the newfound air in his body. Instantaneously, Norbert''s arms no longer felt the previous tension and soreness.


    Norbert thought about what the endurance elixir did to his body, allowing his muscles replenished instantaneously, allowing him to continue working for longer, just like with the sword practice. Thinking of adapting the idea, but instead of the air recovering the cells allowing each muscle fibre instead of being rejuvenated, their performance and the amount of weight every single one could take that now is enhanced by the elixir.


    Knowing that his muscles had already been from the size of his jumps, Norbert now concentrated on that feeling again, but instead of forcing the ground down through his legs, he would control the blade between his hands through the air, against gravity itself.


    Moving the sword behind his head, focusing on the muscles in his arms and shoulders, allowing it all to interconnect and form a single system rooting his body in place on the ground, Norbert once more slowly swung forward and stopped the blade at the desired point between Mark''s eyes. As Norbert looked down at the blade, it stayed perfectly still in the air like it was resting in a case.


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    Snapping Norbert out of his concentration as Mark clapped his hands. The blade once more fell to the ground; Norbert could stop it again before it banged into the ground, once more righting it properly as he looked up.


    "Perfect, you really can take some abuse. Now although that is normally a two-handed sword like you have been wielding for you. So please repeat but with only a single hand on the blade."


    Norbert closed his eyes, breathing deeply before lifting his left hand from the sword and continuing the operation. Now focusing on enhancing his muscles from the start, Norbert continued the exercise. Up and down the blade went, each time getting slowly steadier.


    After the last several attempts, able to hold the sword perfectly still in front of him. Bringing the sword up again, Norbert struck down, this time a bit faster. Overshooting the stopping point but stopping himself from toppling over, Norbert lifted and lowered the sword again.


    The subsequent attempts still failed him; Norbert just closed his eyes, focusing only on the blade, raising it above his head. Norbert stepped back with his left foot, left arm going behind him as he twisted his body to the side. His weight was on the back foot as Norbert swung the blade in front of himself, his balance shifting to his right foot.


    Stopping the blade where he imagined Mark''s face would be, Norbert opened his eyes to look at the blade tip. It had stopped precisely where he wanted it to, resting completely still in the air. He feels his body now balanced, his arm and leg acting as a counterbalance to the sword in his extended arm.


    Nodding in satisfaction, Norbert stood up straight again, remembering how his body moved instinctually. Lifting the sword above his head again, Norbert brought it down, this time faster than before, moving his body to support the blade.


    With more force than before, Norbert could stop it at the appropriate position, seeing that now it did not continue past it. As Norbert lifted the sword again, trying to see how hard he could swing the blade down, Norbert tried with effort.


    CLANG


    The sword jumped from his hands at the impact, crashing towards the ground before Norbert could catch it. Watching as it spun hitting the ground. Looking up, Norbert saw Mark, blade out in the way of Norbert''s sword strike, stopping it before it rested at the appropriate position.


    "Now that you can somewhat control the blade, it is time for you to get used to the jump of a sword and teach you properly now."


    Norbert bent over, picking up the sword and resting it on his shoulder, asking, "What do you mean now? What have we been doing this entire time?"


    With no expression, Mark replied, "Respecting the blade and confirmation you can wield it. Now I will ask you to hold the blade in a certain position and swipe the way indicated, where I will block you. And this time, please try and hold onto the blade."


    Looking up at the sky in frustration, seeing that the sun was now only at its highest point, Norbert looked at Mark, thinking that at least now he would be doing something correctly. Nodding in return, Norbert bumped the blade off his shoulder before positioning it above his head.


    "Down straight", Mark replied, Norbert making the sword now be in motion, balancing himself on his feet, the sword swinging downwards, the clang of metal reverberating up his arm as Norbert focused on keeping his grip on the sword, not dropping it this time Norbert felt Mark push against the blade, allowing it to move back up in the starting position above his head.


    "Down left" Norbert moved his blade slightly to the right, instead of being in the centre of his head and once more slashed downwards, as what happened last time Norbert saw Mark''s sword come up in position before the two blades intercepted each other, now on Norbert''s left.


    Once more, feeling the resistance, Norbert felt his blade return to the resting position.


    ***


    Like this, the two continued to go through the rest of the day when the sun was nearly touching the horizon. Mark, when the two blades hit, now with much more force than before, his arm, tired from the constant impacts, did not push Norbert''s sword back up but let them drop towards the grass.


    Norbert looked at Mark, not understanding what was happening, as Mark walked over to Norbert''s pack, sitting beside it. Norbert followed, seeing that Obsius was still sitting on the backpack.


    Mark asked Norbert, "Can you retrieve your whetstone; I want to confirm your sharpening skills and show you how to sharpen a blade of this size."


    Norbert nodded in response, picking up Obsius, who flapped its wings in irritation before its eyes landed on Norbert. Flapping its wings, it flew on Norbert''s head before resting again.


    Reaching into his backpack and pulling out the whetstone, strop and water skin, Norbert retrieved the knife from his belt, wetting the stone down slightly before sliding the knife against it on an angle.


    Once happy with it, Norbert flipped the stone over, wetting the other side before continuing; finally happy with it, Norbert took out the leather strop, sliding the blade against the leather and removing the burs.


    Finally, with the sharp edge again, Norbert presented the blade to Mark to inspect. Taking the blade from Norbert, Mark examined the piece of equipment. After several tense moments for Norbert before receiving a nod in return.


    Norbert continued sharpening his daggers in the same manner; when he finished with the first side was stopped by a hand from Mark before flipping it over as he explained that it was much needed for a dagger like that before the blade became too delicate and the edge would splinter too easily.


    Nodding in return, Mark reached out for the sharpening tools before demonstrating how to sharpen a sword similarly but moving the user''s body more to keep the angle correct throughout. With it finally sharpened, Mark stood up, placing the sword back in its sheath, saying, "And now my time is over; it''s time for you to begin your next lesson."


    Seeing the sun finally set and everyone else returning for dinner before he could even stand up, Norbert heard a voice call out, "Stand up and follow me ¡­ please."

 Chapter 57 A New System

    Norbert twisted his body around, trying to see the speaker; all Norbert saw was a small blue robe walking towards one of the tents; without even turning around, a voice came out, "Come on."


    Standing up, getting his limbs in place, Obsius resting on his head, Norbert picked up his backpack before following the mysterious person, adjusting his sword to ensure it didn''t impede his movements.


    Catching up, Norbert followed the mage, trying to see their destination. Opening the flap of the smallest tent, one Norbert had not yet seen inside. Stepping through the flap, Norbert was greeted with simple seats occupying a large round wooden table. Seeing the grass inside had been trampled everywhere, only showing mud and dust Norbert wondered how many people had been through here.


    Around the legs of the table, Norbert saw ruts within the ground, the sections that had sunken in the most, earth piling up on either side of the legs. The rest of the tent was empty, the mage sitting at an empty seat; Norbert just stared, thinking about what he should do next.


    The mage, now seeing her face a female sitting next to him, her red curly hair clashing with the blue of her robe, stared into her eyes; Norbert was lost in their seas of green. Clearing her throat, the mage indicated to the chair next to her. Woken from his stupor, Norbert quickly hurried around, placing his backpack on the ground, extracting his sword from his belt, leaning it against the wooden table, making sure it wouldn''t fall over.


    Finally, concentrating on the mage, he looked towards her, feeling Obsius on his head sliding around. Picking him up from his head and placing the bird on the table, he turned and looked towards the mage, waiting for something to happen.


    The mage flicked her hood down, reaching onto the table covered with papers and organising them into piles before placing a stack in front of Norbert. Looking towards it, Norbert saw similar squiggles and shapes he had seen, looking and seeing a wooden stick on top of the pile of papers, one a metal point was attached to it.


    The mage said, "I have been asked and chosen to instruct you in the use of language and numeracy, as well as any other subjects you may find of interest." Tapping her finger on the pile of papers, she continued, "Before starting, do you have any knowledge in these areas?"


    Norbert just stared at her, wondering what to say; remembering he would be holding no bars, he uttered: "Yes, I do know some language and numeracy. However, I don''t know the language I''m speaking now, and the symbols used by the person that taught me are different to this." Waving his hand over the paper in front of him.


    Nodding, she moved her finger towards the top of the page, his eyes following as he looked at the images. "Here is the number system being used. We have 1, 2, 3" Norbert looked ahead, seeing the system. The first number she pointed to going straight down the page, the next digit had a straight down the line, and at the bottom, it went diagonally up and to the right. The next digit repeated the other followed the same pattern as the previous one, only going to the left.


    This system continued building up from the last one until Norbert looked at the last digit in the pattern. Having the line going down, then up and to the right at an angle, continuing left until hitting the starting position. The line goes up to the right again at an angle before reaching a point in the centre where it reaches the start point of the second line. Going vertically up once again, the sixth line stopped in the air; the seventh line went left again until the eighth line went vertically down, hitting the starting position; the ninth line went horizontally down in the left position, the tenth and final line going vertically up, stopping on the second lines starting position.


    Zoning out his teacher Norbert looked at the progression of the numbers, seeing how they formed from one symbol to the next without ever needing to leave the page, seeming similar to the Japanese system of always building on the last digit.


    Nodding his head at seeing the pattern, now focusing on the words around him, "Did you pay attention to any of that?"


    Norbert was startled, as that was such a strange way of starting a sentence, having lost track of what was being said. "Only slightly; what I assume is that this is a decimal system, with the previous ones going ahead; for example, if someone wanted to have twelve of something, it would be like this", Norbert drew with his finger, not knowing how the wooden apparatus worked.


    His finger first goes down before moving to the left and gown once more before moving diagonally up to the right. Receiving a nod in return, Norbert was at least happy he received some congratulations from above for doing something good.


    "That¡¯s correct; I guess you were taught at least the basics, so please solve the equations below" Norbert looked, picking up the stick with the metal point. Spinning it around in his hand, Norbert rested the metal point on the pater, feeling it scratch over.


    To his amazement, it flowed out like a regular pen, the "ink" or whatever was marking the paper effortlessly gliding across it, not even feeling as if it scratched. Writing down the numbers, Norbert looked across, asking questions about the symbols between the numbers and what the denominations and such meant.


    Breaking through the first paper, only being simple addition without it going higher than single digits, Norbert looked at the next page, with addition and a new element. Once more, asking Norbert was notified it was a subtraction.


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    Done with this page, Norbert continued to the next. Page after page, Norbert went through, slowly and steadily getting more complicated. Norbert never saw anything other than the same equations again and again. Finally, through the pile, Norbert stared down at the wooden desk, waiting for the next page to fill out.


    After not receiving the following paper, Norbert looked to the side, tapping the pen against the table as he waited. Off to the side, the mage looked over the last page he had done, receiving a nod before moving over to the next pile.


    Staring at the paper, Norbert saw no numbers on this one, seeing only the strange symbols on his card. Raising his head, Norbert asked, "Do we need to learn how to read this?"


    The mage stared down at him, not believing the words he had just uttered. "Well, it was doubly cemented after your previous night''s activities. Took way too long to get you under control."


    Norbert just stared at her, wondering what he could have said, gulping, not wanting to get into any further trouble nodding along and looking at what she was saying. Going through the next couple of pages, Norbert tried to read the page. Constantly put his pendant off and on again to understand the teacher''s explanations but then needed to know how the words sounded.


    In this manner, the pair continued through the rest of the pages, finally reaching the bottom. With it finished, Norbert leaned back in his chair, slowly rocking on it, hearing the words and the symbols flashing before his eyes as he looked up at the pitched tent roof.


    Hearing the ground crunch next to him, Norbert saw the mage scoot her chair back, walk around the table and head out of the tent. As the flap opened, Norbert saw the night outside, unable to see the moon or judge what time of night and how much time had elapsed. Leaning his head on the table, Norbert closed his eyes, head resting on the papers, feeling it crush into his cheek as Norbert waited for the mage to come back.


    Light surrounded Norbert, wondering what could be happening; too late did he realise he was being sent back again; caught entirely unaware, Norbert bolted upright, looking around to see if he should bring anything. Paper stuck on his face, Norbert instinctively reached for his bag, wanting to take it with him.


    Before he could reach it, he was looking toward darkness. Pulling the single page stuck to his face, Norbert slowly turned around again in the white marble room. The two chairs sat in the middle, with the coffee table in the centre and the drink cart on the side.


    The doors swung open Luck entered the room, stopping as the doors closed behind her. Before they shut, Norbert could look out, seeing a corridor of the same white marble in the room, and someone was walking behind the doors before they closed on them.


    Norbert walked to the seat he was in before, taking the piece of paper off his face as he sat in the seat he was in before. Hearing steps behind him, Luck appeared from his peripheral vision, making her way to the drink cart, rattling the bottles around before picking up a kettle and two tea cups.


    "Tea?" Luck asked, turning around to see Norbert''s reaction.


    Norbert looked back at the woman, wearing the clothes he last saw her wear. Asking the question, "Is this just normal tea?" Receiving a nod in return, Norbert said with open arms, "Then, of course, I would love some tea, whatever you have."


    Luck smiled as she looked back to the cart, putting something in the kettle. Placing two cups on their saucer first on the table, she sat on her chair; Norbert could see steam rising out of the kettle, the smell of tea slowly coming into the air.


    Turning his eyes to Luck, she opened her mouth before Norbert could speak, asking, "So Norbert, did you like your gift?"


    Placing the paper on the table, leaning back into his chair and relaxing, Norbert closed his eyes briefly, gathering his thoughts before saying, "It was a nice gift, bit out of the blue, matter of fact. But everything seems to be like that now, so ehh," Norbert finished shrugging his shoulders.


    Luck nodded her head in approval. "So, what do you think of it," Luck said, waving her hands around the room. Norbert twisted himself around in the chair, ensuring he hadn''t missed anything before returning to look at Luck.


    "Well, it''s white; the decorations are non-existent. The placement of the window with the door, centring on the tables, is a nice touch. I would have a bit more colour. Though it makes what you¡¯re wearing stand out even more than it would otherwise in a place that''s normally coloured. Now onto the good parts; the construction baffles my mind, how the marble is separate, but no joints felt. And so far, your drinks have been superb. Though your visitors are a bit weird."


    Norbert finally finished, panting slightly, Luck scrunching her nose up, asking, "Visitors, whose come to visit you?"


    Norbert shivered, thinking back to the something he found venturing out the windows, quickly glancing. Norbert was relieved, not able to see anything there. Nodding in the direction of the window, "Whatever was out there, in the emptiness" Tearing his eyes away, he looked to the kettle, wondering how long he would need to wait to have something to drink, to distract himself.


    The tinkling of laughter turned Norbert''s head to look at Luck; whipping a tear, she stood up, walked towards the cart, took the kettle and poured the now green-tinted liquid into the two cups. Placing the kettle back on the cart, Luck nudged one of the cups towards Norbert before picking up the other and taking it with her to sit down.


    Bringing it to her lips, she breathed in; Norbert could see the steam swirl around her nose, and sighing, she brought it to her lips, taking a sip. She lit up when it touched her tongue, a smile on her face as she blushed slightly.


    Norbert reached forward, took the saucer, and lifted the cup to his mouth. Breathing in smelling pine, clearing his sinuses, Norbert blew on it and rested his lip, confirming he wouldn''t burn himself. Precautions made Norbert sip the drink, tasting it on his tongue.


    The pine was strong on the tongue, clearing him out and refreshing him; taking another sip, Norbert drank in deeply, feeling the liquid warm up his body. Sighing in pleasure, he rested the cup and saucer on his knee.


    "That is some good tea." Luck just nodded in return and sipped on some herself. The pair of them continued in this manner, the silence only being broken by the sounds of sipping. Finished, Norbert placed the cup and saucer on the table, looking at the page given and examining it.


    Luck also placed her drink down, stood up, picked both cups and saucers and placed them back on the cart, shaking her legs. "Well, that was a nice break, time to send you along your way. Also, getting me a souvenir from Earth would be much appreciated. Maybe you could even get another gift?"


    Raising an eyebrow, Norbert saw the light engulf him again, waving his hand. The flash of white subsided, only darkness for a second before he landed on his bed, looking up at the ceiling.


    He was seeing the time; Norbert fiddled with his phone, happy to see it once more and started browsing the web, once more shopping.

 Chapter 58 The Usual Grind

    Norbert was lying on his stomach, the piece of paper with the symbols next to him, scrolling through his phone. Re-adjusting to tasks that needed to do over here, parents needed to say hi to, friends to get in touch with, and training.


    Thinking back to Luck''s last words about wanting a souvenir from Earth, Norbert thought of possible gifts. Something that could be unique that could only be brought from this side.


    Thinking about what he could use, Norbert got out of bed, getting ready for another day. His wardrobe about to pick something out before disregarding the choice, just going with the flow of his clothes. Folding the piece of paper, Norbert put it in his pockets, not feeling any in the pants he had been given.


    Instinctively Norbert placed the folded paper into his coin pouch, knowing he would retrieve it sometime later, but first, food. Walking to the kitchen, careful not to wake Jack, Norbert opened the pantry, looking for something to eat.


    Taking out a bowl, pouring his cornflakes first, and opening the fridge, Norbert felt the cool air wash against his skin, light streaming out of the device, the pearly gates of heaven opening up for people. Pulling out the milk, the door closing by itself with a satisfying thud, Norbert poured it over the cereal.


    From the bench, a teaspoon of sugar sprinkling it over the cereal. Norbert opened the drawer and, pulling out a spoon, making his way to the table. Shovelling spoonful after spoonful, tasting the sugar in his mouth and the crunch, slurping up the milk from each spoon, happy to be back.


    Finishing his meal, Norbert made his way to the sink, washing up while whistling to himself, happy that he could do it properly now. As he dried them off, Norbert looked around the small apartment he had been calling home. The much-used and loved couch and TV, the glass door going to the outside; as Norbert finished drying up and putting them away, opening the door and stepping outside.


    Out over their little balcony, the asphalt road out before him, no more dirt paths or anything along those lines, no dangerous beasts with forests the size of cities dwarfing anything in view. A tear wetted Norbert''s cheek, looking up at the sky, whispering to himself, "It''s a terrible day for rain."


    Walking inside, Norbert headed to his room, seeing that he would have time today before class. Packing his bag, Norbert quickly found a jacket to stuff the daggers inside, not wanting to be thrown out of somewhere for carrying a weapon on him, but knowing he could not just leave them in the apartment, for whenever he was called back over.


    Packing his things, Norbert headed out for the day; seeing eight in the morning, Norbert walked up to Jack''s door, banging on it.


    BANG


    BANG


    BANG


    "Wake up, man, you''re gonna be late for class."


    Norbert just heard groaning from the other side, banging once more on the door, now at least hearing words coming out from the person it was hiding from the world. Norbert entered the kitchen, took out the toaster and put two pieces of bread inside.


    Setting the toaster for four, so the toast would come out slightly crispy, Norbert walked out of the apartment, locking it behind him. Twirling the key around his finger, Norbert exited the apartment complex.


    He opened the doors and went down the steps and walked onto the road, feeling the cool air on him. Norbert thought of what kind of souvenir he could give Luck. Half smile to himself if he gave her a two-sided coin, a device with no luck within it if anything has the opposite of luck.


    He walked along the footpaths leisurely, making his way across, avoiding the small number of cars on the road this early in the morning. A toy car could be interesting to take over, or a motorbike to play with. Or maybe a puzzle of some kind or a child''s toy.


    A Rubix cube could work, with all its colourful sides giving a pop of something in the room. Bubble wrap could also work, knowing that the other world and the entertainment it could bring would not have anything like it. With the soft popping it would allow, Norbert thought about what he could get.


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    Lost in thought, Norbert found himself at the uni grounds, now wholly empty compared to the usual hustle and bustle of students going to class. Sitting down at a bench, looking out at the grounds, a lake and a fountain in the centre of the park area. Hearing the water rushing into the air as it distilled around, smiling at where he found himself.


    Taking out his knife, Norbert started to spin it between his fingers as his thoughts wandered to what to get. Seeing the fountain propelling the water into the air, the trees and birds wondered if there was a way for Luck to see all of this.


    Still spinning the knife, Norbert took out his phone and looked through coffee table books about geography and the planet. Wanting to try and encapsulate everything about Earth in a single book, and at least it would brighten up the room, he always found himself with her.


    Going through the books, dismissing some and selecting others for consideration, Norbert saved two books that could be interesting for her. One of the books chosen was a geographic one, showing plants, animals and scenery that they are in. The other book chosen was one of the inventions, showing the 3-D view and internals of how they tick.


    Selecting those two and having them express shipment to his apartment should be able to get them by tomorrow; hoping he wouldn''t be whisked away before then. Still having plenty of time left before class began, the park became busier; Norbert pulled the folded paper from his money pouch.


    Norbert took a picture with his phone, not wanting to get it ruined anymore with daily use, knowing each time he looked, the stranger it would be. Examining the paper on his phone, not completely satisfied, Norbert stood up and started walking to the library, wanting it to have a copy that he could fold and ruin without caring.


    Stepping through the automatic door, heater blasting within the room, Norbert headed to the librarian sitting at her desk, looking up as Norbert stopped before her.


    Pulling the paper, "Can I make a copy of this?"


    The woman looked at the piece of paper in hand before taking it and pushing back on her chair, rolling towards the copier behind her.


    Flipping around, placing it into the machine, pressing the "How many copies."


    Norbert thought for a moment, "Five, please" the librarian pressed the button and started, the machine whirring to life as pieces of paper came out of it. Picking up all of the pieces, Norbert brought them together, looking at the copies and the original, happy with it as the librarian stared at her computer screen again. Norbert sat at an empty table.


    Looking at the copies in his hand, Norbert examined them to the original, confirming that none of the creases made the writing ineligible. Happy with them, Norbert put the original back in the coin pouch, putting the copies except one into his backpack. Placing it next to him, he wouldn''t need to wear two backpacks for gear and such this time.


    Staring at the sheet, Norbert read over it repeatedly, writing down the letters they made on a spare piece of paper, tracing them out and committing it to memory. Doing this enough times should allow him to remember most of it so he wouldn''t forget it for his teacher.


    ***


    As this, Norbert continued as more and more people came into the library, people whispering and pointing to Norbert once again, knowing that this would happen with his new attire but better to be prepared for the inevitable to happen.


    His phone buzzing, the timer Norbert had set finally going off, packing up his things, happy that he had not forgotten much from the previous hour''s study session. Walking out of the library, the doors again opening and looking out at the park, people lounging about in the sun now peeking its head from atop the trees.


    Spinning around on his heels, walking in the correct direction to his first class, building on either side of casting shadows over the ground. Walking along the bricks, weeds spouting up from the sides now and then, the battle of nature trying to reclaim what humanity has taken, and humanity always trying to take more.


    Entering the building, Norbert went up the stairs, taking two at a time as he stopped at the appropriate floor, the fluorescent lights from above giving the cream corridors a clinical feel. Windows on the side allowed light to come through. Norbert walked, counting the rooms, hearing people talk from inside from ajar doors and open windows.


    Finally reaching the fitting room, Norbert walked inside, seeing people already there. Heading to his seat Norbert sat down, taking out his textbook and laptop, also taking out his reading material and scanning it over, reading it over and over.


    Hearing a chair squeak next to him, Norbert pulled his eyes away from the writing; seeing Jack puffing with red cheeks and banging his things on the desk, Norbert looked back to his paper, scanning it again.


    "Good thing I woke you up when I did."


    Jack replied instantly, "Why thank you, great leader, for blessing me with your presence to wake me up. But honestly, thanks, and for the toast as well, allowed me to have something for breakfast today."


    Norbert nodded thanks, grinning at Jack, hoping he would never change. Out of the corner of his eye, Norbert also saw Jack grin. Opening his mouth to say something, he never could as the lecturer came in, silence engulfing the room.

 Chapter 59 Chocky Milk

    The class finally finished, thankful that the trees in this building stopped most of the sun shining through. Packing up, happy that the lecture was over, Norbert walked with Jack to the food area, knowing that Jack would want something to eat.


    Walking out of the class and into the hallway, following the same path he came in, now the halls bustling with people. Norbert walked in silence, waiting to be out in the open to answer the questions Norbert knew Jack was burning to ask.


    Once outside, Norbert spun around, walking backwards while looking at Jack. "Well, are you going to spit it out already? I know you''ve been holding it in."


    Jack opened his mouth, responding, "Yeah, it has been bugging me; what''s with the strange getup? Going to a fantasy convention after class?"


    Norbert huffed, spinning around again and walking along the bricks. "You''re just jealous you don''t have something cool like this" he puffed out his jacket as he did so.


    "Nah, don''t think green suits me too well. Now if it was in black, then another question. Hmm, maybe I should get a leather coat and pants" Jack rubbed his chin, continuing to walk as ideas popped up in his head of walking around in full leather.


    Spotting Norbert''s shoes, Jack spoke "The clothes might be weird, but those boots are fantastic; where did you get them? I want a pair for myself" As he finished, he bent forward, getting a better view of the boots.


    "From a second-hand store out of town. I''ll look around for a pair the next time I''m out there, but no promises."


    Jack just nodded in response, about to open his mouth when his stomach grumbled, interrupting his train of thought. "Let''s quickly get some lunch; the toast was better than nothing; I''m still a growing boy."


    "Yeah, yeah, yeah, let''s get the little boy some food", Norbert responded, steering the two of them to the cafeteria.


    ***


    Standing in line, the cafeteria packed, all the seats taken, Norbert looked around, hoping to find somewhere to sit. Slowly stepping up in line, the two chatted about nonsense, finally reaching the front. Jack stepped up first. "Can I have the chips, schnitzel with gravy on top? Oh, and a coke as well."


    The older man behind the register nodded his head, a white apron covered in grease, as he punched the order into the cash register. Jack held his card out and over the scanner, receiving a beep of confirmation.


    Norbert quickly scanned the food, nothing catching his eye. Looking at the fridge, Norbert spotted a mouth-watering chocolate milk. Norbert pointed towards the fridge. "And can I have chocolate milk?"


    The punching into the register, Norbert tapping across, hearing the ding of confirmation while the older man opened the fridge, took out the chocolate milk and placed it on the counter. Picking it up, Norbert stood beside Jack, waiting for his food.


    Sipping his coke, Jack looked at Norbert "Another chocky milk?"


    "Of course, it''s the best."


    Jack shook his head, lifting the Coke bottle. "I would have to disagree with you, champ. This great black liquid is by far the best. The perfect combination of taste, sugar and caffeine, allowing someone to continue drinking it and keep you awake to finish an assignment the day before it''s due."


    Norbert tipped his head, admitting his defeat. "Well, I don''t have an assignment to do." Looking to the side, Norbert saw a group of people leave a table; walking away, Norbert shouted to Jack, "I''ll grab that table over there; come over with the food."


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    Jack just waved Norbert off, standing where he was. Stalking his way to the table, he quickly slid into the seat, looking around, making sure there was nobody around to try and take his claim.


    Nobody made a move towards him, happy with his successful conquest. Norbert placed the bottle on the table, took his backpack off, and pulled out the piece of paper, rereading it and tracing his finger over the harsh lines that made up the script. Studying it idly, Norbert sipped his chocolate milk, tracing the shapes of the writing on the table as Jack came up with his cardboard box and plastic cutlery sitting into the seat, opening up the box and letting the steam come off.


    Presented within the box, the chicken schnitzel crumbed, already cut into thick pieces and sitting above the chips. Thick-cut deep, fried with a light dusting of chicken salt, highlighting its yellow look. The gravy covered the entire thing, pooling at the box''s corners. A thick brown colour as Norbert looked across at the entire thing.


    Jack opened up the cutlery pouch; pulling out the fork, he speared a piece of chicken covered in gravy, darting his head forward as he placed it in his mouth, making sure none of the gravy spilled anywhere. A smile crept on Jack''s face as he reached out for the Coke bottle.


    Spinning the cap open, a faint hiss of carbonation escaped the drink. Jack placed it to his lips swallowing several gulps of the liquid. Sighing in joy, he looked placed the bottle down again, picked up the fork again and began shovelling down food. With a mouth full of food, Jack asked, "Whatcha got there?"


    Norbert looked at Jack, his eyes no longer wondering aimlessly, "Oh, this?" Norbert asked, tapping his finger on the page. "Just some light study, trying to get this language down, pat."


    Jack scratched his face as he looked towards Norbert. "Extra study, when have you ever done extra study, Norbert?"


    "Hey man, times change for everyone. So what if I want to do extracurricular study, it ain''t hurting anyone." Norbert replied.


    Jack placed a fork full of chips in his mouth, tapping the fork on his lip in thought. Swallowing before opening his mouth to speak, "So, what''s her name?"


    Norbert''s face went slack, head tilting to the side as he rimmed the milk bottle; placing his hand on the side, Norbert said, "No girl, just picking up some extra hobbies, that''s all."


    Grinning through his full mouth, Jack nodded, saying, "Yeah, cause your change of clothes, weird behaviour and studying weird symbols, it''s totally normal."


    Popping another piece of chicken in his mouth, not hearing a reply from Norbert, Jack spoke up again, "All right then, keep your secrets."


    Norbert just shook his head, knowing this was not a discussion he would win. And it would be a more straightforward explanation when he started doing sword practice, at least for the gloves. Remembering his sword practice before, Norbert undid a glove, forgetting he even had them on and focused on the power, confirming his veins still glowed purple.


    Happy with it, Norbert changed the subject to what Jack was doing the night before: he needed to bang so hard on the door to wake him up this morning.


    "Just playing a game is all; lost track of time."


    "Oh yeah," Norbert replied, grinning, seeing a stab he could take. "So, what''s her name?" At the question, Jack choked on the food in his mouth, covering his mouth with his hand, swallowing the mess he coughed up before replying, "What are you talking about?"


    "Oh, don''t give me that crap, Jack, not after a reaction like that, so spill. You''re not getting it out of it that quickly." Norbert pressed on Jack, not allowing him to squirm any more.


    "Fine, I''ll tell you, but not here and only if you tell me what''s up with you. And properly this time."


    Norbert just nodded, bringing out his hand to shake Jack''s. The agreement made Jack eat silently as thoughts swam through Norbert''s head. What could he say about it, not wanting to tell the truth and possibly be thrown into a lab to study and be dissected? Norbert just shivered in response.


    He was trying to see a way to string it all together, some way that could connect all the strange dots of his new and random activities. Thoughts drawing to the books he bought to be delivered to the apartment, knowing he would need something good to tie it all together.


    As Norbert thought about what he could do to take the heat off his back, Norbert thought about something; he could say that there was a girl. He looked around the cafeteria, hoping to find someone that fits the bill but could not do so. He would not be able to pull off something like that out of the blue, his game not being that strong.


    As well as thinking about it, he could tell the truth, or as most of the truth as he could get, for who was moving him from place to place, Norbert assumed, but nobody other than Luck, and he already was getting the gift for her, so two birds with one stone.


    Nodding his head in his plan and Jack had finished his meal, the two moved out of the seats, walking about before their next class. Norbert looked behind, laughing and pointing to Jack that their seats had already been taken, finding humour as he was doing the same thing.

 Chapter 60 Confrontation?

    Norbert and Jack slowly stretched together, finally finishing with the day''s classes. The two of them, in unison, began packing their things into their bags. Finally happy that they would be to leave and head home.


    Stuck at the door, with everyone else simultaneously streaming out of the room, Norbert looked to Jack. "So, what are we gonna have for dinner?"


    Jack stopped and turned his head to Jack, not believing the words uttered from his mouth, "We have leftovers from last night."


    "Ah yes, the leftovers; how could I have forgotten," Norbert replied, smiling hiding his embarrassment. Having forgotten his meal the night before, other things had taken over his mind in the past few weeks; he wasn''t here.


    Finally, out of the classroom and waking outside, the sun dipping below the horizon. On the pavement, feet drumming together as the two friends didn''t utter a single word, just preparing for their next conversation.


    Looking up at the sky, Norbert could see the moon visible, shining with its crater. The same thing he had seen in the sky before was a comfort as even in the sun just going over the horizon, he could see stars in the sky.


    Wiping his eyes to confirm he didn''t see things, Norbert looked up once more and confirmed, somehow, he could make them out, even with the amount of light pollution in the air. Coming up to the apartment building, the pair turned off and went through the doors.


    Turning at the corridor and making their way to the door numbered seventeen, Jake placed the key in the door, the click reverberating around the corridor, the door opening silently as Norbert looked into the empty apartment.


    Norbert followed Jake closing the door behind him as Jake walked to the couch, dropping his bag on the floor as he landed on it, slowly sinking. Reaching for the remote and flicking to a random channel, Norbert sat at the kitchen table, looking past Jack on the couch and through the glass doors to the outside.


    Norbert thought about how to start it, hoping that having the first foot forward would allow fewer questions to be asked. Swallowing his nerves, Norbert opened his mouth to speak. "Well, you were right about it being a girl" Jack, not moving at all, continued to stare at the TV, not wanting to interrupt Norbert.


    "But not as a girlfriend or anything like that. More so someone that showed me a different perspective on life. Trying to live in a different lane." Norbert finished. Jack tore his eyes away from the screen, staring at Norbert, waiting for him to continue.


    With no more words, Jack broke the silence by asking, "And what''s her name?"


    Norbert swallowing again, hoping the fish would bite, just whispered, "Luck."


    Jack flicked the TV off, now proper silence going between the room. "So you''re telling me this, making sure I have the facts straight? This girl you know as Luck has shown you something, and now you''ve fallen head first into whatever she says?"


    Norbert thought, staring at the ceiling, thinking about everything that had happened since falling in the sky. Being transported and shown a different world with fantastic beasts and monsters, stretched throughout, of mystical and wacky sights to be seen around every corner. He was nodding his head in response in confirmation.


    Jack nodded, asking, "Have you met her?" As Jack asked the pinnacle question, Norbert nodded again, "So, is she hot?"


    Norbert thought about the woman named Luck and what she had known about, grinning and nodding.


    "You know what they say about crazy", Jack quoted; Norbert just nodded in response, replying "Well, we haven''t gotten that far yet, and anyway, what about you?"


    Jack froze, knowing that his time on the chopping block had come. Swallowing in the term, Jack responded, "Well, her name is Sarah; just been online for the moment, have a meet-up agreed soonish, not confirmed the date yet."


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    Norbert just nodded in response, looking out towards the ceiling, leaning back and slowly starting to rock on it, thinking of the following question about her. "So, you stayed up late texting a girl you found online ¡­ and you nearly choked over that?"


    Jack looked sheepishly at Norbert. "Well, when you put it that way, I guess that was stupid of me. Not as crazy as you thought."


    Norbert nodded, confirming that he was doing quite stupid stuff, jumping around, facing fire-breathing insects and using swords and different languages. "So, why didn''t you tell me then, or look like you just got caught stealing the crown jewels?"


    Jack tossed his head from side to side. "Well, I think I have a shot with her. Ok, didn''t want to tell the world and have the expectation that it would all work out."


    Norbert nodded, understanding where he was going with the train of thought. "So if you fail, only you will know about it, lessening the impact."


    Jack nodded in response, flicking the TV back on, the news starting again. Norbert stayed still, hearing about some significant event or something blaring out. Shrugging and feeling a bit peckish, Norbert took his phone out and examined the time; seeing that it was a bit early for dinner but not too early, leaning forward, the chair banging on the floor, Norbert stood up, saying, "Well, I don''t know about you, but I''m hungry, want me to warm yours up as well?"


    Jack whipped his head around. "Yes, please", before looking back at the TV, surfing the channels to find something to watch. Norbert walked over, opened the fridge and took out the steaks, separating them on their plates before pulling out the rest of the food.


    With each plate done, and taking out the glad wrap, wrapped them both up and placed one in the microwave, set it for three minutes and closed the door, hearing the whirl of the machine, the light coming off it.


    Walking to the light switch, Norbert flicked it on, allowing some proper light to come in and not just be from the TV. Outside the kitchen, Norbert brought out the cutlery and cups, filling them with water and placing them on the table. As the first beeped, checking the temperature and nodding in satisfaction, Norbert placed it on the table, getting the next one in there and setting the timer again.


    As that one also finished, Norbert checked the heat, knowing it would be fine, and placed it on the table in front of his seat. Norbert whipped off the plastic wrap on both, allowing steam to billow into the air. "Dinners ready!" Norbert called out across the room.


    As Jack moved, the couch squeaked in response. The two friends ate in silence, Norbert just happy to be filling his stomach with food he was used to, knowing and expecting what it would taste like.


    The chews filled the room as the two of them ate in silence. Once finished, Jack picked up the dishes, washing them off in the sink. Looking towards the TV, Norbert saw that it was playing the news again, someone having gone missing in the area, and strange sights having been seen, shrugging his shoulders that it wasn''t going to concern him, Norbert walked over to the couch, looking at the TV guide for something to watch.


    "Any movie recommendations for tonight?" Norbert asked Jack, still flicking through the channels and seeing nothing that caught his eye.


    "Think channel ninety-one has something good on for the next show", Jack responded, the water splashing into the sink as he scrubbed the dishes.


    "Oh yeah, guess you''re in a mood for Harry Potter then" Norbert saw that the goblet of fire was playing; having not seen the movie in a while, Norbert stayed on the channel, waiting for Jack to finish and the movie to start.


    The movie starts just after the credits of the previous roll and the commercial break. Jack runs around the room, jumps into the air and lands on the couch, the air coming out of it in response just as the Warner Bros logo appears on the screen.


    The two sat and watched the movie, idly talking to each other about what was happening in the movie, both having seen it before countless times, the last time also on this very couch.


    Halfway through the movie, Jack''s phone begins to buzz in his pocket during a commercial break. Norbert just stared at the screen, seeing the words Sarah appears before Jack turned it to himself, standing up to walk away.


    Norbert looked away from the commercial. "That her?"


    Jack just nodded and hurried away, closing the door to his room.


    "You get her tiger!" Norbert shouted through the door, Jack closing the door in response, his muffled words escaping through the cracks around the door. Looking at the empty seat, Norbert relaxed, stretching his arms over the seat rest, happy to relax and have some normalcy.


    With the movie finished and Jack still not returning from his room, Norbert picked up his bag and headed for his own, checking his bank account and seeing it was lower than he would like. Closing the door, Norbert turned on his computer, looking for a place to learn swordsmanship. As he looked through the first few locations, Norbert stopped his search.


    Thinking of the sword he was given and remembering something he was told before, the weapons of a world with monsters would be different from comparing them to how to take down men. Thinking back on the weapons used, looking mostly normal in shape but believing they could be enhanced somehow, his sword wasn''t the only weapon he knew wasn''t.


    Knowing it would not benefit him as he could not use magic. Changing his research topic to swords, Norbert started his research. After some time, he found the closest match to the one he had been given, a claymore size but a much thicker blade. Happy with his research so far, Norbert started looking at tutorials about claymores, wanting to know everything about the large swords.

 Chapter 61 Back to Work

    The sun was coming in through the window; Norbert surprised as his phone alarm rang; looking at the ground, Norbert could see sunlight streaming in from the window. He stayed up the entire night looking from one thing to the next, seeing on his screen a video about deep sea fish, not wanting to know the leaps he made to get here.


    Getting up, Norbert put on his work clothes, took his backpack, stuffing The Frontier uniform inside, including the boots poking through. Skipping breakfast, just having some water to wet his mouth Norbert texted Jack, notifying him about the package that should be arriving today and to keep an eye out for it.


    Leaving for the day, Norbert walked along the street, across roads, making way for cars and past the pizza shop. Before he realised it, it was standing in front of the building for his work. Taking the elevator up, Norbert looked around, finding himself among one of the first in the building.


    Walking towards his desk, plopping his bag on the ground, firing up his computer, warming his hands, and cracking them, trying to remember everything he needed. On auto-pilot, starting up all the steps, Norbert moved his mouse around, confirming options and entering passwords.


    As the first phone call came through the headset, Norbert started his day at the office.


    ***


    Sitting in the lunch room, just sipping on a coke, having brought nothing in to eat, Henry came around the corner, looking around Norbert, trying to spot something. Norbert continued to sip his drink, not believing how easy it was to get back into the swing of things for work.


    Henry looked around the room, not seeing his target. Finally, opening his mouth. "So, what happened with your little pal?"


    Norbert moved the can away from his lips, placing it on the table; clasping his hands together, Norbert rested them on his chin before opening his mouth, a whisper coming out, "The birds gone on an adventure ¡­ far away."


    Henry sat down at the chair, all seriousness on his face. "So, it''s not coming back?"


    Norbert just smiled in response, unclasping his hands and taking a swig of coke, "Nah, it''s coming back. It just wanted to fly around outside for a bit. I don''t know when he will come back. But when he does, I''ll bring him in again."


    Henry clasped his hand to his chest, leaning back in his chair. "Oh, how you had my heart racing; you shouldn''t do that to a man, or you could kill him."


    Norbert just nodded, finishing the can off. Scrunching it in his hand, he twisted to see the bin before going for it. The can, flying from his hand, shot towards the bin, landing cleanly inside. Norbert saw the bin slightly skid on the ground from his through, forgetting to hold it in but happy that nothing significant had happened.


    "Kobe", Norbert said, receiving a fist bump from Jack at the shot. Both have done it many times before, but they still celebrate it.


    The two idly chatted about what was happening at work and things coming up that the other would want to know about or remind them of. Having finished his break, Norbert returned to his desk and Henry followed him the pair continuing to chat.


    "Hey, Norbert, can you come in for a quick minute?"


    Norbert stopped walking, seeing Agatha leaning around the door. Norbert looked over to Henry, seeing him continue to walk back to his desk, giving him a salute as he did so.


    Norbert entered the office. "Close the door, please", Agatha requested. Turning around properly, Norbert went and shut the door, and sounds to the outside were cut off; he had now, well, and, indeed, was in the lion''s den.


    Sitting at the chair on the other side of the desk, Norbert waited patiently, knowing there would be some reason for this.


    Agatha scooted her chair closer to the table, clasped hands resting on the table as she said, "Did you bring the bird today?"


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    Norbert just shook his head, not uttering a word.


    "Damn, thought I could get a picture with the little guy," Agatha said.


    Norbert stared in shock, happy he wasn''t brought in for another reason. Norbert opened his mouth, speaking, "I''ll remember that for next time; anything else you would like, or can I?" Norbert indicated with his thumb to the door.


    "Yeah, you can go, and please close the door when you leave."


    Norbert just nodded, hurrying out of the strange situation where two people had approached him about the bird. Shaking his head, Norbert headed to his desk, placed his headset on and started working again.


    ***


    After finishing the day, getting a text from Jack saying that he had received the package this morning, Norbert went into a cubicle, changing into his Frontier clothes since most people had already left. Feeling his hands once more covered in leather, Norbert flexed, confirming it moved smoothly.


    Stuffing his other clothes in the backpack, Norbert looked at the elevator, walking past and heading for the stairs. Looking at the flights, seeing only several, Norbert wanted to see how quickly he could get down there.


    Placing the bag on his back, Norbert vaulted over the railing leading down. Letting go of the handrail, he caught the step he was just on, moving his body around and landing on the stairs directly below where he started.


    Looking down at his hand, not believing he could do it, shaking his hands next to him, Norbert leapt over the railing again, dropping by once more and catching his hand on the step before his body moved around.


    Twisting his body around mid-air, gripping the railing and sliding underneath, Norbert shot out, covering nearly two flights in just as many seconds. Looking around, Norbert walked down the final flight, opening the emergency exit steps and walking out next to the elevator again.


    Outside, Norbert saw the darkness creeping in, the shadows extending. Skipping along the way to his apartment block, Norbert whistled a tune, not caring what anyone else would think of him on his stroll.


    Making a detour to go to the convenience store, wanting to wrap the gift for Luck, he entered the shop, browsing their wares. Making his way towards the wrapping paper, Norbert looked through the rolls. He was finally finishing on a pink one with clouds and bunnies.


    Walking out of the store with his prize, Norbert made his final way to the apartment.


    ***


    Opening the door, Norbert saw his delivery sitting on the kitchen table. Picking it up, Norbert felt its weight as he shook it around, satisfied that it was a good choice. Taking out the wrapping paper and unfurling it, Norbert placed the box on top and wrapped it up, proud of the work that it didn''t look too bad, only like a half-blind person had wrapped it.


    Looking around at what to make for dinner, Norbert looked back at the gift, wondering how he could take that around with him for as long as needed. Opening up a drawer, Norbert pulled out a roll of trash bags. Ripping one off, Norbert placed the gift inside, able to sling it over his shoulder when he needed to move around.


    Nodding in satisfaction at having solved the problem, Norbert looked around to see if there was something to eat. Opening up the fridge, Norbert saw a loaf of bread inside. Taking out a piece, Norbert bit into it, holding it with his mouth as he brought out another and sat at the table.


    Scrolling through his history from the other day, Norbert looked, amazed at the algo and the connections it was making. Going from claymores to sword-wielding to shows about sword-wielding, to cooking shows, to sushi, then to crab catching and finally to the deep.


    Amazed at the connections it was making, Norbert was mystified. Pulling the paper out, Norbert read through it as he finished his bread. Writing with his finger the lines of text, copying it over.


    After finishing dinner, Norbert could not hear Jack anywhere still. Looking for a piece of paper and a pen in his room. Returning after a successful hunt, Norbert began to write down the again and again, the lines over and over.


    Finishing the first page, Norbert flipped it around, writing on the back as well; after the first was filled, Norbert looked at his work, happy. Practising the number system, he was shown Norbert filed the next page with the numbers, doing the slashes in the necessary places.


    After finishing all ten pages that he had brought over, going over them multiple times until the result was a mess of squiggles on a page, the writing obvious when pointed out as the longer he wrote, the smaller it became.


    His phone flashed with light; looking at the text, Norbert saw it was from Jack saying that he wouldn''t be returning for the night. He picked up the phone and texted to stay safe, and he had class tomorrow.


    Just receiving a thumbs up in reply, Norbert took his papers and gift up, heading for his bedroom, the all-nighter he pulled the night before only now catching up to him.


    Falling onto his bed, still clothed, Norbert smelt himself, the stench off him now wafting up. Having forgotten the last time he had a shower, Norbert quickly got off the bed, raced and unchanged to the shower.


    Having showered, Norbert quickly attacked his face with his shaver, cutting off loose and scraggly hair and making a mental note to learn to shave with a razor blade. Happy with a plan in place, Norbert went and picked up his pile of clothes; not wanting to wear them, he also put them in the garbage bag with the present. Tie it to his wrist so if he was sleeping when he was transported. Hopefully, it would come with him.


    Sleep coming over him, Norbert closed his eyes, seeing a flash of something just before his eyes closed.

 Chapter 62 Binge

    Norbert looked around; trying to move his arm, but restricted by something, a black object tied around it. Norbert remembered falling asleep with the plastic bag attached so he would have everything he needed if he were transported during the night. Turning around and getting ready for the day, Norbert dressed in the clothes inside the bag, needing to wash the undergarments at some point.


    Fully dressed, Norbert went to his dresser seeing his phone. Unlocking it, Norbert saw a blast of notifications filling the screen. Unlocking his phone, Norbert looked at the missed calls, seeing two and a voice message that was left.


    Clicking open the voice message, Norbert heard Jack speak. "Hey dude, just wondering if you could bring my stuff for class tomorrow; seemed to have forgotten it at the apartment. Yeah, I''ll be right back in a second; yeah, give me a minute. Sorry about that, Norbert; thanks for bringing it, and see you there."


    Norbert just looked at the screen in his hand, not believing the gall of the person who left the message. Shaking his head as Norbert flipped his phone in his hand Norbert packed his bag, preparing everything he would need.


    With a backpack on one shoulder and a trash bag slung over his other, Norbert looked around the central area for Jack''s bag. Not by the door or the couch, Norbert crossed into the hall again opening the door to Jack''s room.


    Searching in the half-light, Norbert saw the lights of Jack''s computer flashing on his desk, illuminated by the screen his bag sitting on the chair. Norbert walked forward, dodging the items of clothing thrown about the floor before reaching the bag. Looking inside, confirming the essential contents, the laptop. Slinging it over his shoulder and placing the plastic bag on top of it, laden with items Norbert headed out of the room.


    Closing the room door behind him, he filled a drink bottle with water before stowing it in his bag. Packed and ready for the day, Norbert headed outside, locking the apartment behind him.


    Whistling as he walked, Norbert saw the others around him, most as usual, staring at him. Not caring for the looks he received, dismissing them and the whispers behind his back. At the classroom, Norbert entered, happy that his seat wasn''t occupied even though the room was mostly filled in.


    Sitting down and placing his bags on the seat beside him, Norbert brought his supplies out of his bag, preparing for the class. As the lecturer came in, Jack still missing.


    "Reminder that your assignment is due on Friday, as next week will be the last of the term. Now the network ¡­." The lecturer said to the class Norbert was drowning out the rest of it, remembering he had all his subject assignments to finish for the term.


    Clicking around his laptop Norbert looked at his calendar, seeing how much he needed to get done in the next two weeks. Clacketing on his laptop, Norbert looked at the schedule he had created, five assignments to hand in before the term ended, two this week and three the next.


    Flipping through his files, Norbert remembered he was halfway through each one, the one due tomorrow nearly finished.


    Panic rising in his chest Norbert wondered how he could get it done at the appropriate time. He would not have enough hours in the day to even sleep. The thought played in Norbert''s head of whether he needed sleep now or could go on nothing for the next week and get it all done.


    A plan formed in his mind. Norbert plugged some earbuds in, not wanting to be distracted by the class, as he opened the document he had previously started and began plugging away.


    ***


    People moved around him; Norbert looked around, having formulated a plan for the essay he needed to write. The lecturer was no longer in the room, people streaming out with him.


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    Picking up his items to get to the next room, Norbert packed away, seeing the chair beside him, having his trash bag and Jack''s bag. Whipping his phone out, Norbert texted Jack, asking where he was.


    Heading to his next class Norbert sat down again, opening his laptop blitzing through the assignment.


    ***


    The last class for the day over, and Norbert still carried Jack''s bags around. He was nervously playing with his phone, still not seeing any response from Jack. Norbert looked outside; starting to get dark. Heading to the pizza shop, not wanting to break the tradition that they did, hoping to see Jack appear there.


    Opening the door, Norbert heard the bell ring above him. Waiting in line, Norbert slowly made his way to the counter.


    "Hey Bob, can I just get the usual"


    Bob just nodded in response, punching the order into the register. "Wondering where your buddy is today?"


    Norbert sighed, pulling out his phone and texting Jack that he was picking up the pizza. "Don''t know where he''s gone. Said he went out last night and hasn''t returned since."


    Bob nodded, tearing the receipt and stabbing it on the spike; countless receipts were already there. "He isn''t one to miss pizza. Anyway, if I see him, I''ll tell him you''ve come by."


    "Thanks for that, Bob", Norbert said, stepping to the side. Bob just nodded and shouted next as the line moved one step forward.


    Lost in thought, the pizza sliding across the counter interrupted his thought. Picking it up and having to juggle his belonging until everything was stable. Taking the pizza and doing a half wave Norbert made his way out of the store heading back to their apartment.


    ***


    Entering the too-quiet apartment, Norbert sat down, no sound coming from the TV. Placing the pizza on the table, Norbert returned the rest of the bags to their respective rooms.


    Taking his laptop with him, Norbert sat down, taking half the slices of the pizza and placing them on a plate. Finishing the first slice, Norbert pushed the plate with the rest to the side, putting the other three slices back in the box and closing the lid, waiting for Jack to return to eat it together and tell the wild ride he had to have been on.


    Opening his laptop, Norbert plugged in the charger, only wanting to be interrupted when Jack returned. The necessary document was already open; Norbert cracked his fingers and began typing.


    ***


    After finishing and submitting the first assignment, Norbert started on the second assignment, due this week, reading the report''s material.


    ***


    As the sun came up, Norbert, having found all the sources needed and begun writing it again, his mind caught up with what he was thinking before. The only sound in the apartment, that is, until the click of the door unlocks.


    Norbert, still typing, not wanting to know he had been found out as Jack crept into the apartment. Jack came around the corner as the door closed behind him, only hearing the typing from the keyboard.


    "So, why didn''t you respond to any of my texts," Norbert asked, not even turning around.


    Jack entered the room correctly, sitting in the seat opposite Norbert. "Phone died, wasn''t able to charge it up."


    Norbert just nodded as Jack opened the pizza box, looking inside at the slices. Digging one out and biting into it, Norbert spoke, still typing away on the laptop, "You do know that we have an assignment due today."


    Jack just stopped eating, mouth open. Swallowing, Jack quickly ran to his room, still eating it. Coming back with his laptop Jack opened it up and sat opposite him; quickly clicking on his keys, he began writing his report.


    ***


    Around mid-day, Norbert and Jack closed their laptop lids. Opening the pizza box, Norbert pulled out his three pieces and put them on the plate. Both ate their next slice, happy it tasted so good the next day.


    "So, where have you been," Norbert said, taking another slice.


    "Been on a date with Sarah," Jack replied, taking a bite of pizza.


    "For over a day? Where did you go to Timbuktu?" Norbert exclaimed


    "Well, that isn''t as far as you think. But just went around the place, staying at hers for a bit, seeing the sights and showing her around the town."


    Norbert just smiled, happy that Jack had something. "My man," Norbert said, clasping hands with Jack. "But you will need to give me all the juicy details."


    "Yeah, will do, man. Just got to finish these assignments" Jack replied. Norbert tipped the last slice of pizza at Jack, also cheering with his own the pair went back to work.


    ***


    A week later, finally finishing his assignments, Norbert looked at his room, quickly packing the things into a suitcase to take home for the two-week break.


    Carrying his stuff and holding the garbage bag with Luck''s presents, Norbert waved off to Jack, who was also heading out for the break, assuming he was going with Sarah.


    Hailing down a bus, Norbert tapped on, heading to the train station.

 Chapter 63 Home Sweet Home

    Norbert looked at his phone as the train rattled by. Seeing his stop next, Norbert texted his Mum, notifying her he was almost there. The sun streamed through the window behind him as the trees passed him.


    Hearing his station called out, Norbert stood up, patting himself down ensuring he had everything he needed. Phone, wallet, keys, bags and Luck''s gift check, check, check, check and check. With everything accounted for. Norbert stood by the doors, waiting for them to open up. Moving to the side as the train stopped, doors opening. The wind blew through his hair, cooling him as he left the stuffy carriage.


    Walking on the grey concrete of the train station, taking the steps one at a time, suddenly nervous that his parents would find out about him or shun him. Landing on the first flight, Norbert looked around, seeing the trees standing on the sides of the tracks Norbert feeling like he was a monkey among the trees. Continuing to walk with his head down, focusing on taking the next step, Norbert made his way up the flights of stairs.


    At the last step, Norbert headed to the turnstiles, tapping his card; the red dividers opened, allowing him to pass. Quickly making his way through with the baggage, not wanting to be, he tore his eyes away from the red bricks on the ground, hearing the clattering of his bag as he rolled it. Finally moving his eyes off the ground, Norbert saw a woman smiling and waving at him. Smiling and waving in return, Norbert walked quickly to her, seeing the familiar yellow beetle she was leaning on.


    Dropping his bags by his side, hugging his mother, happy to see her after so long. The months at uni and away all hitting him at once. Holding her, he just smiled and swayed from side to side, only separating when she pushed him away, smiling and taking a look at her boy.


    "So the great techie has returned to grace us with his presence."


    "Yes, yes, and with my presence, all your tech issues will be magically solved." Norbert jested in return.


    "It''s good to have you back, Norbert", his Mum said, walking towards the car popping opening the boot.


    "It''s good to be back", Norbert said, picking up his bags and placing them inside the trunk of the boot. Closing the boot with a resounding thunk, Norbert entered the passenger seat, the engine slowly coming to life with a putter. Travelling along the long windy roads, seeing the sights he had seen for so long while growing up. The local grocery store looked as run down as it always had the memories of riding there on bikes after school, getting cold chocolate milk from the fridge and drinking it with Jack, Tom and the rest of the crew.


    "So, any reason for the return to your roots?" his Mum asked.


    Norbert drummed his fingers on his leg. "No reason specifically, just felt like I haven''t been home in a while, and it would be good to see the family."


    "Well, it''s good for you to be back anyway. Studies are going well?" his Mum asked, indicating and making a right turn.


    "Yeah, studies are going well, and Jack is also progressing nicely," Norbert replied, looking out the window at the fields of green outside, the rolling hills of grass with cattle slowly moving in herds and grazing on it and thinking it not that different from the town of Flare-dew.


    "Oh, where is Jack? He normally returns with him; his mother surprised you were coming back this time as he isn''t."


    "Nah, think he''s preoccupied with Sarah; he was out for a couple of nights before," Norbert said half to himself, not paying his full attention to the conversation.


    "Oh, and who is this Sarah I have heard nothing about?"


    "And you will have heard nothing more from me. I''m surprised you didn''t hear it from Connie," Norbert replied.


    "That''s Mrs Hall for you." Norbert''s Mum, with a raised tone admonishing Norbert''s slip of the tongue, "And I haven''t heard anything from Mrs Hall either. But enough about him, do you have any developments you would like to tell your sweet old mamma?"


    Norbert looked to the other side of the car, staring at his mother as she looked towards him, waiting for a response "No developments in that regard" Norbert finished crossing his arms in front of his chest.


    "Oh, and that gift in the plastic bag wasn''t for or from anyone special?" his Mum''s questioned poking him.


    "That''s just for a friend I need to give her; I just don''t know when she''s going to show up," Norbert grumbled.


    "Oh, so there is a girl in your life after all."


    "Mum", Norbert replied, the conversation changing to events around the town. The fields passed by, Norbert sticking his hand out to people as he waved at them, tilling them. Agreements were made to meet up with one another when Norbert was over.


    ***


    The car slowed down as Norbert saw the familiar gravel road. Hearing the crunch underneath the tires, the car slowly rolled forward. Parking Norbert opened the door, exiting the car as he moved to the back, taking his stuff out. His Mum closed the boot as his eyes fell upon the house he grew up in.


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    Wooden house of pine logs making up the walls. Norbert looked up at the two story building, seeing the windows cut into the front. Smiling and remembering looking down, Norbert stepped onto the porch that circled the house. Norbert walked forward, going up each step at a time until he looked out the wooden door. Looking through the glass, Norbert saw the stairs going up on the right-hand side to the second floor.


    Craning his neck to the side, Norbert could see up the steps, past the wooden balusters and see his room looking the same as he left.


    Using his elbow, Norbert opened the door and stepped inside, feet drumming along the wooden floorboards, hanging on the wall to the side pictures of the family, all in frames. At the centre, over the fireplace the entire family of six. Stepping past, Norbert saw Jessica sitting at the kitchen table, watching something on her phone.


    Only looking slightly more grown up, her blonde hair curled and in a ponytail, her finger twirling the hair around. "Hey, squirt, missed me?" Norbert said, dumping his bags by the wall.


    Jessica looked up from her phone, still twirling her hair. "Nope", she said before jumping off the chair and heading upstairs. Hearing her steps as she clambered up the stairs, Norbert followed where she would be as he heard a door close upstairs and someone landing on a mattress.


    Looking back around, Norbert sat down at the table, pulling out a copy of the letters he needed to know, thumbing with it as he looked over the sheet again, asking his Mum as she entered the kitchen, the tap going, "Dad still out?"


    "Yeah, he is still out, though he should be coming back soon. He will be happy to see you." She said, placing the glass of water in front of him. Taking the cup, Norbert put it to his lips; as the first trickle of water came through, not realising how thirsty he was, Norbert downed the cup.


    Finished and placed the cup on the table with a satisfied sigh, "Anyone else planning on showing up?"


    His Mum picked up the glass and returned to the sink, washing it up before sitting at the table. "Zoe is still around here, probably running off with her friends around Old Thompsons'' farm. And possibly Cassandra, but later in the week."


    Norbert whistled in response, "So the full gang will be back together then?"


    His Mum nodded in response. "Yeah, it will be nice to see everyone back again." Slowly going quiet as Norbert looked out at the field in the backyard, the rolling acres of grass and a small patch of pine trees in one corner of the property. He remembered running through there as a kid, pretending to be chased by an army and needing to hide, or hunting a big cat through the jungles in India.


    The two talked about topics about what happened and changed around the house. Just two people are happy to share their company. As the sun slowly set in the sky, now streaming into the house, Norbert''s Mum stood up, wooden chair scraping against the floor.


    "I better get dinner prepared," she said, walking towards the kitchen


    "Yeah, would be a good thing; I also need to unpack all of this", Norbert said, waving his hand around the bags he still left. She received a nod as she began humming to herself, getting pots and pans out, and delving into the pantry, saying, "I''ll call you when dinner''s ready."


    "Thanks, Mum," Norbert said, getting up off the table. Picking his bags up, Norbert went upstairs, following it as he saw his bedroom in front of him. Down the side of the corridor seeing his sister''s room door closed and music blaring loudly.


    Entering his room and closing the door behind him, Norbert looked at the bed; the green dinosaur sheets he had even as a kid still fitted on them, no matter how much he insisted his mother never give in and continue to use them. Putting his things in a pile, Norbert opened the wardrobe, placing the clothes in there.


    Having all his stuff for the other world in the garbage bag Norbert had it near the door. Hoping he would at least be able to have dinner in peace.


    Looking further around the room, Norbert found his desk looking weird, with no computer or monitors. Reaching into his backpack, Norbert pulled out his laptop, placed it on the desk, took the charging cord out, and plugged it in, hearing the satisfying ding of the device charging.


    Pulling out his phone, Norbert sent a quick text to Jack, saying that he arrived home and the word was out about his girlfriend. With that over, Norbert lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering how long he could keep it up with his parents.


    His thoughts stopped; Norbert sat up, reaching into the trash bag and pulling out his knife, twirling it between his fingers, feeling the cool metal between them. His phone vibrating, Norbert sat up, looking at it, only seeing an angry facial reaction from Jack. Laughing and flinging his phone onto his bed, Norbert smiled, waiting for dinner to come.


    "Hey Norbert, dinner''s ready can you get Jessica down here and get Zoe from outside!" his Mum called from upstairs.


    Sheathing the knife and placing it in the bag, Norbert opened the door shouting down the stairs, "Will do, mum!"


    Walking towards his sister''s door, Norbert banged on it. "WHAT!" Jessica shouted from inside; the music turned off.


    "Dinners ready, come on down. And do you know where Zoe is?" Norbert asked, the door opening; Norbert caught a glimpse of the bunk bed as Jessica pushed through the door and closed it behind her.


    "I don''t know, she''s not in there, at least", Jessica replied, huffing as she descended the stairs.


    Norbert followed after he looked out the back, not seeing anyone there. "Just gonna go out the front to see if Zoe is there", Norbert said to his Mum. Seeing her head appear around the side of the wall, she gave thumbs up in response before heading back inside the kitchen, hearing the scraping of metal cutlery on plates.


    Heading outside, Norbert slowly jogged down the gravel driveway, not seeing anyone come. Heading to the road, Norbert looked in both directions; turning around, Norbert saw a red Ford ute come barrelling on the road. Waving out, Norbert saw the driver slow down and wave as well.


    Stopping in front of him, the window rolled down; Norbert saw his father at the steering wheel, Zoe sitting on his lap.


    "Found this one on the way home", His dad said, ruffling Zoe''s hair as he said this, hearing giggles in response. "Thought mum would want to have her back as it''s dinner time."


    "Yeah, your right; as usual, I was just coming to bring her back for dinner," Norbert said, opening the door and hopping inside. The Ute rumbled and crunched its way along the gravel. Stopping next to the beetle, everyone hopped out of the car, headed to the door and talked with each other.


    Entering, Norbert looked, seeing the entire table cutlery out. Seeing Jessica with the last drinks, everyone sat around the table. Sitting in their usual seats, the two parents at each head of the table, Norbert by himself near his father and Jessica and Zoe sitting on the other side. The only spot is missing where Cassandra would typically sit.


    Saying a quick thank you for the food, Norbert looked at the food sitting on his plate. Biting into it, happy to have the home cooking meal, something in his heart finally complete and reaching peace.


    "Hey, Norbert, can you help me around the place tomorrow"


    Norbert nodded in response, only half listening to the conversation around him, happy that he was finally home.

 Chapter 64 Into Town

    "Hey, Norbert, can you come here for a sec!" Norbert''s Dad shouted across the yard


    "Yeah, coming Dad; just give me a minute to clean up over here" Norbert shouted back, picking up the grass clippings and putting them in the green bin. Walking over to the bushes on the side, bringing the bin with him, Norbert collected the cuttings his Dad made into the bin.


    A week had passed since he returned home; catching up with the family and seeing them come and go. Saying hi to old friends, the change that happens slowly over time, but thinking back to what it was like when he was just a child, he can see the difference starkly.


    The two, in silence, cleaned up the yard; Norbert could tell his Dad was happy to have another man in the house and stop being surrounded by women. The garden was neatly trimmed again, perfectly manicured. Taking the bin to the back of the property, beside the pine trees, Norbert tipped it onto the pile already forming.


    Waiting for the offcuts to dry to be turned into mulch and spread around the garden was needed. Stirring up the pile, making sure it wasn''t rotting; Norbert took the bin back to its spot, his Dad already heading inside.


    Heading inside, the sweat glistened on Norbert''s skin as he walked to the kitchen, a drink already sitting out for him. Gulping it down, Norbert placed it in the sink, washing up, drying and putting it away.


    Hearing voices coming from the main room, Norbert went over to investigate. The closer he went, the more heated the discussion became. Turning around the corner, Norbert saw a game of Monopoly in progress and an argument between his two sisters.


    "No, you cheated. It would be best if you had moved here", Zoe said, pointing to one of the squares with houses on it.


    "Nah uh, I started here, and this is where I''m supposed to go," Jessica said in response, pointing to the square with the little car piece sitting on it, avoiding the other properties with houses on them.


    "Mum", They whined together; Norbert saw his mother sitting on the couch, looking at the chaos before her. Standing up without saying a word, she walked over to it, picked up the car piece and placed it on the square Zoe was pointing to.


    The game continued with one sister in despair and the other satisfied. Just chuckling, knowing that was not the first of many arguments between the two players. The dice clattered on the board again as Zoe passed go. Her mother gave her the required $200 for passing go. Adding it to her growing pile Norbert looked out the front door, hearing something coming along the road.


    She opened it and walked outside, seeing a white swift rolling off the road and onto the driveway. "Cassandra''s here", Norbert said to the family, walking out the door and heading next to the other two parked cars.


    Swift stopping, Norbert walked around to the back, the boot opening up as Norbert grabbed some of the bags inside, making his way inside with the others already standing up and making their way through the door.


    The door of the car opened. "Hey, little bro, thanks for taking the stuff in," Cassandra said, stepping out and closing the door behind her before locking it, handbag over her shoulder, wearing regular jeans and a jumper, her hair in a mess.


    "All good, have a good sleep on the way here?" Norbert asked, walking through the door and taking the bags up the stairs. They heard greetings from those behind him, one high-pitched and the other of adoration for the big sister finally returning home.


    Placing her bags in her old room, still looking the same as ever, placing the bags on the floor, he returned downstairs.


    "Didn''t expect to see you here today?" His Dad told her.


    Cassandra replied, "Some things came up, and others dropped off; I had to make time as I heard Norbert finally came home."


    Entering the room, Norbert said in an accusing tone, "Hey, don''t blame it on me; you''ve had plenty of chances to return before now."


    "Yeah, but now we are back as one big happy family" Everyone came together and hugged each other, Norbert not wanting it to end.


    ***


    Heading into town, wanting to exercise with nobody around. Testing himself if he could run as fast on Earth as over there. Flicking through the messages, Norbert could see Jack was having a grand old time. Showing off the bike he had ridden on, the places, sites and people he had seen.


    Norbert reciprocated the feelings, happy that his friend was having a good time. When asked what he was doing just took a snap of the road ahead of him, its straight line, and almost could see the town on the horizon.


    Putting his phone back in his pocket Norbert started to jog, instinctually looking up to see if Obsius was following him, only for there to be nothing in the sky. Shaking his head, Norbert continued forward, feeling his body warm up.


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    Turning around and confirming no cars were coming from either direction, Norbert started to sprint as fast as he could. The force he was putting into the ground would generally shatter the earth and create holes; thankfully, it could take much more of the grunt on a good road.


    Feeling more grip than ever, Norbert shot off forward, blasting past and going as fast as possible. Focusing his body on what he had learnt in sword practice, maximising his strength almost tipped over with the amount of force he produced. Leaning forward, Norbert flew, touching the ground every several meters, each step feeling himself go faster and faster.


    Objects in his peripheral vision started to blur, keeping his head and eyes straight ahead of him, needing to squint to be able to see anything. Seeing the common signs that he was nearing town, Norbert slowed down, nearly tripping over his feet when he did, unsure of the speed he was experiencing.


    Once in town, Norbert walked to the little grocery store. The window having painted the same sign of "Frankies" in what was once bold red, but now faded to a light pink. Walking in, pushing against the old wooden door, the hinges creaking at his welcoming. Norbert waved back headed to the side, past the fruit and veg sitting in cardboard boxes.


    At the fridges, pulling out chocolate milk, saying hi to Frank was always there, and giving him the required amount in coins. Sitting on the steps under the shade Norbert cracked it open, feeling the excellent milk go down his throat.


    Remembering the many times he was here before with Jack at his side after a day of school, Norbert whipped out his phone, took a picture and sent it to Jack. Reminding him what he was missing at home.


    Without even looking, Norbert threw it into the bin, hearing the satisfying thunk of it hitting the side and plopping inside. Wiping his mouth on his arm Norbert stood up, waving to Frank as he walked around town.


    After being here a week, everyone in town knew he was there. Friendly faces are smiling everywhere. With his trip around town accomplished, Norbert returned, seeing Zoe come in on her push bike.


    Waving at her, Zoe red-faced after going as hard as she could. "How fast are you? I couldn''t even catch up with you at all. Wanted to go to town together."


    Norbert walked up, rustling her hair as she cringed in response, knowing she hated when he did it. "Sorry about that; just trying to get a bit of practice for you. How about this? I''ll get you whatever you want from Frank''s?"


    Zoe, not even responding, jumped off the bike, pushing it towards Norbert as she ran forward and into the store. Bringing the bike along, Norbert leaned it against the side of the store, walking in and waving to Frank again.


    "Coming for seconds Norbert?" Frank asked him. The grizzled older man putting down his newspaper with crooked yellow teeth stared back at Norbert with a jolly smile and care in his eyes.


    "Not for me; I left Zoe behind, so this is recompense," Norbert said.


    Frank just nodded in return before turning to the side. Zoe appeared from behind, carrying a bottle of Sprite and part of a chocolate bar. The other part was already broken off and in her mouth as she ate it, making a mess all over her face.


    Scanning both, Norbert presented his card, paying for it and hearing the confirming beep.


    "See you next time, Frank", Norbert said as he waved and walked out of the store.


    "Come around whenever you want, Norbert; you are always welcome here", Frank said. Norbert knew he wasn''t just talking about the store. Nodding in return, the pair left, sitting once more on the steps next to the bike.


    "Anything cool has happened lately?" Norbert asked Zoe.


    "Nah, just same old same old. Miss Staple is leaving as she''s having a baby, so it''s an easy breeze for me. Anything about you?"


    Norbert thought about what had happened. "Nah, nothing much, apart from Jack getting a girlfriend. My world is about the same as it always was."


    Zoe looked back at him expectantly. "And there is nothing else for me to say; now come on, eat up and don''t make so much of a mess. Mum is going to get both of us in trouble."


    "Yes", she said, chocolate fingers marking the Sprite bottle as she gulped it down. When finished, the two of them make their way back. Norbert rode the bike, Zoe hanging onto his back, and the two of them steadily peddled back home.


    ***


    Rumbling into town again, Norbert looked outside, the darkness obscuring most of the area. The lights ahead flashed by as his Dad drove the two of them into town. As they neared, seeing other cars also parked around. Getting out, the two of them walked into the establishment.


    The triangular wooden roof had a sign with two beers, frothing with head saying "Pub Bup" Windows all along the side allowing anyone to see inside. The tables mostly filled with people, everyone cheersing drinks and sculling them. Hearing a roar as the TVs were blasting around the establishment, Norbert able to hear them from outside.


    His Dad walks in first, hearing the sound and voices around him. Norbert stepped inside, looking around the pub, the game on the screen and everyone laughing and smiling.


    People broke into pairs as his Dad approached the barman, ordering two beers. Walking forward, Norbert looked at the beer, taking it in. As he swung the first one, Norbert heard his name being cheered around the bar and shouting, "Yes, yes. The great me is back again. Now whose winning the game!" Norbert finished, pointing his tankard to the screen.


    A resounding voice from everyone came around, "WE ARE!" with everyone taking a drink as well. Norbert looked around, happy that it still hadn''t changed since the last time Norbert saw Tom and his friends sitting around a table.


    Walking forward, Norbert grabbed a chair, spun it around and sat in it, dropping the tankard on the table, some sloshing onto his hand. "So, how''s it going, fellas?"


    Tom looked at him, smiling from next to him; looking down, he saw his shoes. "I was going to say you haven''t changed, but look at those boots. Someone''s is feeling fly."


    Norbert just chuckled in response. Knowing the night would be nice to have.


    ***


    Rumbling down, Norbert drove his Dad back home as he slept in the passenger seat. Taking him inside, Norbert placed him on the couch, getting a cup of water and a bucket in case he needed it. Only feeling a slight buzz, Norbert crept upstairs, not wanting to disturb anyone sleeping. Going into his room, holding his shoes in his hand Norbert closed the door, about to turn the light on when light surrounded him.


    Instinctually, Norbert, still holding onto his shoes, leapt for the garbage bag, feeling it in his hands as he sprawled on the ground.

 Chapter 65 Gift Giver

    Norbert clasped the bag in his hand, looking at the marble under his face. Happy that he could bring it along, Norbert slowly stood up. Dropping his shoes on the ground, Norbert looked around, happy that Luck had not shown up yet to witness himself sprawled on the ground.


    Opening the bag, Norbert looked inside, confirming his clothes and the present. Taking the present out and dumping the clothes on the floor, Norbert did another quick look that nobody was around before quickly getting changed.


    Wearing the clean garments from the bag, Norbert placed the gift on the table. Taking out the piece of paper, the original, from the belt, Norbert unfolded it and held it open so he could look through it.


    Thinking back lucky that he could make it back home before he was whisked away; if that had happened at the bar, trying to explain it afterwards. Shaking his head, Norbert began reading the script on the page, now memorising it, not needing to look at the page but in the habit of doing so.


    The doors opened behind him. Norbert heard a conversation cut muffled as they closed. Norbert stayed where he was, waiting for Luck to make her way towards him. In the same clothes as before, she padded towards her chair. Stopping at the table, she looked at the box.


    Wrapped up and a little sticker on it, she pointed towards it, asking, "For me?"


    Norbert placed the paper on the table, leaning back in the chair, saying, "You did ask for a souvenir, didn''t you? This isn''t a typical souvenir, but I think you would appreciate it." Norbert said.


    Luck giggled and opened the package, uncovering the cardboard shipping box. Seeing the company logos, it stuck together for a moment before tearing into that as well. Norbert leaned forward slightly, trying to look into the box. All he could see was the bubble wrapping covering the books.


    Luck picked up the entire package, bubble wrap and all, before placing it on the table and looking up at Norbert confused. Norbert, who could no longer keep it in, explained, "That''s bubble wrap, intended to protect packages as they travel from one place to another. It''s inside. Also, it''s a lot of fun to pop."


    Without indicating that she heard, she tore it open, the plastic unable to hold in as a POP echoed around the room. Laughing in response, Luck slowly unwrapped it, popping the bubble wrap as she went.


    The pile of bubble wrap sat inside the box, and the two big books were on the table. Norbert sees Luck looking at the two of them, admiring the covers. The geographic one had a picture of the Grand Canyon; the technology book had a mobile phone from the 80s split apart and seeing the parts.


    Picking up the book about nature, Luck went over to her seat, placing it on her lap as she started flicking through the pages. Norbert could see half of it as she turned it over, pictures of pine forests, snow, deserts with winding lines the in the sand with camels riding along the apex of these hills. Birds are filtering through the sky and pods of whales. Seeing also bustling cities and slums, Tokyo,


    "Thought it would give you an idea of Earth, what it looks like, and how the people are. The other book is meant to show you the different technologies."


    Luck looked up, closing the book after only flicking through it, placing it back on the table, and asking, "Why are they so big and unwieldy?"


    "These are called coffee-table books. Mostly used as a piece of aesthetic meant to be left on a table. Though you can pick it up and read through it as well." Norbert added.


    Luck placed the book on the table, looking at the next one. Picking it up and walking towards Norbert, she sat on his lap, book on her lap. Pointing at the cover, she asked Norbert, "What''s this?"


    Norbert moved his head around Luck''s side, seeing her pointing to the phone at the cover being taken apart. Norbert explained, "That''s an old phone used to talk with people over long distances. The phones had a number with them, and putting in the right number allows you to talk with them. Their voices come out of here, and you talk there," Norbert pointed towards the speaker and the mouthpiece.


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    Luck asked, "Do you have one?"


    Norbert leaned forward, picking up the plastic bag and taking his phone from the pants pocket. Passing the phone to her with its frozen lock screen, "This is a common type of phone seen now." Norbert said. Seeing Luck pressing it and opening her mouth, Norbert responded, "It currently doesn''t function. All I know is that it doesn''t. It''s a touch screen with a display so that the buttons would appear where you need them. The speakers are here and here, with the microphone just here." Norbert pointed to each item when he explained it.


    Turning the phone over, Luck saw the camera on the back, just pointing without asking. Norbert explained, "And that is a camera used to take pictures of things you want to be viewed later. Like in that book," Norbert said, pointing to the book sitting on the table.


    Opening the book, Norbert began to read the contents out to her. Explaining what was being shown and how each device was operated. Passing through the first ten pages, Luck closed the book, placing it back on the table, explaining she wanted to look through it later. Hopping off Norbert, she stood at the cart, tingling around the drinks again. Picking one up, Norbert saw her pour an orange liquid into a goblet before handing it to Norbert.


    Norbert gulped down the concoction, sniffing it and remembering citrus on cakes, warm bread coming out of the oven, and the sun warming him up on a cold day. Feeling it tickled, it confirmed to Norbert that it was once again an elixir. Spreading in his stomach, Norbert asked Luck, "Can I leave some of my things here to pick up again when I return?"


    Luck smiled back. "Sure, but only for you."


    Norbert just smiled, taking his things from the bag and putting them on him. Dropping his phone back in the garbage bag, Norbert patted himself down, ensuring he had everything. Picking up the paper, Norbert waved goodbye, holding himself back from coughing.


    Remembering what he said to Jack, coughing up black sludge while doing so, Norbert asked, "Can you come back to Earth with me next time as a reason for the sudden change to my housemate."


    Before Luck could respond, light surrounded Norbert before brief darkness surrounded him, and then he fell onto the ground in the tent. Placing the paper on the table, Norbert tried to stand up, his head swaying as a coughing fit racked his body. Covering his mouth, Norbert took his hand away, slowly calming down, seeing the same black sludge there as before.


    In the end, his hand covered in it, Norbert took his glove off, trying to keep it contained as he looked for a way to clean it off, and happy it had not spread anywhere else. Holding the glove, Norbert looked in his bag, took out his water skin and went outside the tent. When washing it out as it was inverted, Norbert made a sludgy mess before turning it inside out, wearing it, and washing it while whipping it on the grass.


    Periodically looking at it and sniffing, the smell got less and less until it looked clean again. Seeing it too wet to wear with any writing he might be doing. Heading inside, Norbert placed the two gloves on the table, putting the paper next. Norbert grasped the sword, confirming that he could still remember how to attach it to his belt. He took it off again, lying on the table like before; Norbert rocked on the chair, waiting for his teacher to return.


    ***


    With no one coming and Norbert just waiting, he picked up the sheet he had before. Looking across the table and seeing other pages similar to the one Norbert had for the past few weeks, he placed them in a pile and started looking through them. Using the first page as a reference, Norbert looked through the letters, seeing the combination they would make. Spelling out the words and combinations, Norbert slowly and steadily read through the pages.


    Continuing this, Norbert sat there, staring at the pages and speaking out loud to himself, the pendant shining on the table, wanting to hear the sounds he was supposed to be making. Like this, Norbert continued with the sun lightening the outskirts of the tent. The flap opened, and Norbert craned his neck to the side, seeing who had opened it.


    There standing looking the same as he last saw her was the red hair blue mage. Standing, she held two cups in her hands. Walking forward, she placed one in front of Norbert, looking in and seeing that it was not water; tasting a bit and feeling the warmth, Norbert went and sipped it.


    Spinning a page to face her, Norbert said its contents to her, wincing a bit when he stumbled over a word. The mage opened her mouth and began speaking. Holding his hand up, Norbert put on the pendant. "Sorry, I don''t yet know the words, just the sounds I think they should make." Norbert finished.


    "I''m amazed that you came this far. But I came to let you know that Mark''s after you. Time to swing that sword around some more."


    Nodding, Norbert got up, placing his bag on his bag and taking his sword. Obsius waking up in the bustle coming out of the bag and flying off, Norbert assumed the little guy was getting food.


    Walking out the door, Norbert turned around, asking the mage as she bundled the pages together, "Was wondering, what is your name?"


    Looking up, the sun streaming in and seeing her face correctly with the hood down. Her eyes drew him in again, almost missing her whisper, "Azalea."


    Norbert nodded, leaving the tent on his way to find Mark.

 Chapter 66 Departure

    Norbert walked around the camp, seeing Mark standing in the same area the day before. Eating a chunk of bread, as he looked up and spotted Norbert, splitting his chunk in half and throwing it towards Norbert. Catching it out of the air, Norbert bit into it, his teeth sinking into the softness. Walking forward, Norbert quickly scoffed the food down, sipping his drink and confirming it wasn''t too hot before downing the rest.


    Placing his backpack on the side with the cup on top, Norbert stood before Mark. "So, what are we going to do today?"


    "The same thing we did yesterday to ensure you haven''t forgotten overnight."


    Norbert nodded his head in defeat. Drawing the sword and feeling it bite slightly, he was instantly embarrassed by his previous bravado. Focusing on the task at hand, Norbert pulled out the sword and put it back in; over and over again, Norbert continued, getting it quicker than before and not after too much time; he could sheath the sword without looking down at the entry point.


    Continuing this, Mark shouted, "Next!" Norbert kept the sword out, raising it above his head, swung it, stopping it and pointing at Mark. Swipe after swipe came, slowly getting used to the feel of wielding the blade again. Focusing on his strength, Norbert dropped one hand down to his side, wielding the blade in only a single hand.


    Feeling his muscles pulse with energy, Norbert swung the sword, the first time able to keep it still pointing at Mark. Again and again, Norbert continued, hearing the sound of the sword cutting the air and increasing in pitch. Sounds Norbert commonly heard from a fly swatter, not a hulking piece of metal.


    In mid-swing, Mark raised his blade again to block the sword. Seeing it coming this time and not wanting to drop it, Norbert prepared his hand, bringing it down even faster.


    CLANG


    The two swords echoed against each other, neither sword dropping to the ground. Wiping the sweat from his forehead Norbert disengaged his sword, holding it in position. "Left" The command came from Mark, Norbert swinging the sword down to the left, the clang of metal ringing out.


    Feeling the resistance, Norbert brought his sword back up again. "Left," Mark said again, the two blades meeting. The pattern repeated itself repeatedly, the two blades meeting each other.


    After breaking apart, Norbert looked up at the sky, seeing that half the day had already been spent on this. Mark moved his sword from the side to in front of him, resting in the air and pointing at Norbert.


    "And now we spar", Mark whispered to himself.


    "What did you say?" Norbert asked as Mark''s sword came hurtling towards his face. With a shriek, Norbert brought the sword down in time. The sword reverberated in his hand as Mark brought the sword down, slashing towards the top of Norbert''s leg.


    Trying to bring it back in time but unable to, Norbert felt the impact on his leg, not the sharp pain of something slicing his skin. Looking down at his leg Norbert saw no cut in his pants, happy that he wouldn''t need to be healed and that his pants were still acceptable.


    Mark stepped back again. Norbert prepared his sword in front of him, copying Mark''s placement. Mark stepped forward again, swinging his sword at Norbert''s head in a wide arch. Norbert twisted to the side, catching the blade with his own. Mark instantly brought his sword back to him, the two swords sliding against each other as he continued, the blade sliding past him and Norbert needing to move his sword in the same direction. The two swords skidded together in front of Norbert''s face.


    Mark''s sword slid past, Norbert having to overextend and lose his balance as he felt Mark''s sword slap into his back. Sprawled on the ground, Norbert just breathed out. Getting up with the sword in hand, Norbert faced Mark once more. He was feeling a bruise forming on his back from the last strike.


    ***


    Like this, they continued for the rest of the day. When the sun finally dipped down, Norbert felt worse for wear. Sure, his body would be covered in bruises in a couple of hours and unable to move correctly tomorrow.


    Limping his way towards the tent, Norbert found Azalea sitting at the table. Walking forward, taking his backpack off his back, and leaning the sword up against the table, Norbert dived into the words.


    Keeping the pendant on his clothes so he could have easy access when he wanted to take it off to hear the words properly come out of his mouth. During the night, Norbert''s vocabulary slowly increased, looking at the words coming and going before his eyes.


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    Page after page of writing, Norbert took read through, trying to cram all of the information into his head. By the time he had the pendant on, he was started to be less and less, still needing it to understand Azalea''s property but now able to properly listen to basic and simple instructions.


    They continued through the night, Azalea leaving Norbert sometime during it. Norbert just continued to read through, memorising the words he had written that he understood, highlighting the punctuation and how the words formed together.


    ***


    Norbert spent the next several days fighting during the sun up and reading when the sun went down; the sun streamed down as Norbert lifted his head, hair sticking up at all weird angles. Azalea came in as usual and handed him a cup. Blowing on it and saying his thanks, Norbert sipped on the drink.


    Azalea did the same; between sips, she said, "We will be heading off today."


    Norbert, stunned slightly, only nodded in response, not moving from his current position. As he finished his drink, Norbert could see people walking to and fro in front of the tent flap. Having finished, Norbert knew he could no longer hide away. Tying his sword back to his belt, Norbert picked up his backpack, placing the paper he had been using inside, keeping it within the bestiary so it would not get crushed.


    Stepping outside, Norbert made his way to the mess tent, returning the cup once clean with all of its other companions. Looking around at what to do next, Norbert looked for someone familiar.


    Seeing Mathaos walk into the tent, Norbert went over to him. "Anything I can do to help out?" Norbert asked.


    Mathaos just looked at Norbert, startled for a moment. "Man, I haven''t seen you in here for ages. I hope you had fun training; I know I couldn''t stand it if I were you. And there''s no need to help; we have nearly gotten most of it packed away."


    In response, Norbert just raised an eyebrow, waving his hands about the tent with all its contents still mostly where they stayed during his trip. Mathaos just shook his head. "You''ll see", he said in response.


    Norbert, just shrugging, made his way out of the tent, standing on the hill facing where the river would be. Feeling something land on his head Norbert reached up, patting Obsius as he settled down.


    "So, what have you been doing for the past few days?" Norbert asked the bird. Receiving chirps in response, Norbert just nodded along, knowing if he didn''t play with the bird''s speech, it would result in him getting pecked constantly and buffeted by the bird''s wings for the rest of the day.


    Norbert just watched, unable to see the river and what was past it from his vantage. Remembering running out the first time, making sure he wouldn''t get lost, and spotting the wild animals about the place rarely.


    Now he looked upon the hills, seeing life breathed into them. The creatures he would expect now bound around, the small rabbits with their sharp teeth, the massive deer, and the wolves slowly making their way between the hills. It was all there.


    Looking out, satisfied with a work well done, Norbert placed his hands on his hips, admiring the scenery untouched by man. Well, mostly untouched, as Norbert could make out the craters he had made the other day. Chuckling, thinking he could hide these, Norbert heard the tents flapping behind him.


    Seeing the mages stand around the tent, a circle between them, they chanted together. The wind seemed to pick up within their target. Suddenly the tent shrunk, stopping with it big enough to fit in his palm. Walking forward, one of the mages delicately picked it up and placed it in a bottle, the tent floating in the middle.


    Heading to the next one, the task was repeated until all three tents were carefully stowed away. Norbert looked out at the hill he had called home for the last several days, seeing all evidence of their stay there slowly being stripped away.


    Standing up, Norbert walked with the group heading towards the town. Seeing the kids rush up, they all want to hug and give them all something. Norbert has an enormous flock in the group and is being waded down by little trinkets and exciting rocks. All of them insist he returns, Norbert promising he would.


    The procession concluded, Dousan at the lead to the gate on the hill. Norbert looked and saw the robed man already there; Dousan nodded. The robed man placed his staff through, the portal whisking to life.


    Stepping through, Norbert waited for a tense breath; as the staff appeared again, the party started to make their way through.


    Norbert, one of the last, waved to the kids, all of them waving back in return. As Norbert stepped through, he felt his body stretch until he reached the other side. Out the other side, Norbert stepped forward, seeing he was back in the Alasium.


    The group headed through the crowd, Norbert able to pick the faces of the party with ease now. Going through an entryway, Norbert recognised as the point they met to leave from before.


    Everyone sat at the bar, breaking out into their respective groups; Dousan, still standing, said, "Thanks, everyone, for the quick pack up. We have the next couple of days free. Have fun in the city but not too much, and remember to check back in here every day to know when we need to depart for the next place. With that, enjoy your time here."


    Dousan began to sit down before an outcry came from all around. Dousan just laughed, standing up again, saying, "Thought you would forget, of course, it''s also payday, so go to your head and get your coins."


    The room instantly bustled, Norbert, standing still, not knowing what to do. Dobert stepped behind him, holding him with both hands. "Want to hang out with us for the next few days?" Dobert asked.


    Looking at the table, Norbert saw the other scouts all hanging around. Nodding, Norbert remembered, "Sure, but unless I need to continue training, then sadly not", Norbert added, feeling slightly down about potentially needing to miss out.


    Receiving a slap on his back in return, Dobert shouted to Dousan across the room, "Hey Dousan, does Norbert need to continue his training while here?"


    Dousan just looked towards the group. "NO!" he shouted back over the bustle of the room.


    "See, I told you", Dobert said, the heat rising to Norbert''s cheeks, excited for what he would see in the big city.

 Chapter 67 First Looks

    Norbert smiled, looking around the little group that he had formed up with. Seeing Dobert, Mathaeos, Nancy and Flanch all sitting around the table. As others began to stream out of the room, Norbert still sat there, wondering what the table was waiting for. Norbert saw coins begin exchanging hands between people. Spotting Martitia talking with other people, Norbert found what the group was waiting for.


    Everyone still silent; Norbert saw the rest leave as Martitia approached the table. Taking a chair from one of the other tables sitting down. Signalling to the bartender, who started pouring alcohol from the tap, Norbert saw glass after glass filled. The bartender came over with the tray brimming with drinks and placed them on the table. All those around went and grabbed one each. The last one remaining, Norbert, reached out, taking a sip. Feeling the bubbles in his mouth Norbert held the liquid there, trying to taste all of it.


    Confirming that it was a beer of a light kind, Norbert sipped again, enjoying the taste as he waited for something to happen.


    The group continued to sip their beers in silence, one by one finishing them until Norbert was the last one left. Seeing that everyone else had drunk it, Norbert continued to sip it a bit faster than before. Swirling around the bottom, Norbert drank the rest, the last good mouthful as he sighed in delight. Placing it back on the tray for the table, Martitia did it as a sign to start, "Thank you all for waiting. With the addition of a new member, and this one being an especially country boy, it is time to show him the wonders of the big city."


    With that, Martitia headed off, the rest following suit. Norbert quickly scrambled out of his chair, returning the glasses to the counter before following the group. Going through the archway, Norbert was hit with the bustle; turning his head, Norbert found Dobert walking towards the exit. Pushing past people to catch up, hand on his sword to make sure it didn''t get loose, Norbert followed. Slowly catching up.


    Exiting out of the common room, Norbert felt the sun enter his eyes. Squinting and holding his hand up to cover, Norbert found the group standing to the side of the steps leading down, looking at Norbert. Walking down the grey stone steps, weathered with extreme use, Norbert understood why, as a river of people seemed to be going in both directions. Heading to the left side, Norbert skipped the steps at an angle, going through the crowd. Meeting up and the sun finally out of his eyes, Norbert looked at each of them. All just staring at him, waiting for something.


    Between the heads, Norbert was able to see the buildings. Each one goes up several stories, with garden plots marked out at the front of each one. They were looking around and seeing the lamps on the street, glass and metal keeping, painted in black. People were coming and going on the street, some people riding vehicles, some of four, and others of two. Seeing the hustle and bustle going around, Norbert looked up into the sky, seeing airships making their way to a tower high.


    Looking back at his group, everyone still staring at him, Norbert had to ask, "What?"


    Martitia opened her mouth. "Well, what do you think of Alasium" She finished, waving her arm to the people and buildings around them.


    Norbert looked again, trying to see the city objectively. Looking at what he could see, Norbert looked at what he could see; the building was nothing extraordinary, a bit busier than what he usually saw around the uni but nothing too extreme. Remembering times, he went to Tokyo, with the thousands of lights and the people everywhere, the constant noise coming from the cars and people walking. Now that was a city.


    But compared to this, it almost seemed quiet compared to the hecticness he had witnessed before. Thinking there must be more, Norbert brought his eyes back to the group. "Can someone please catch me?" he said. The group was confused about his request. Norbert squatted down, not heeding them any mind, closing his eyes and focusing on feeding energy into his muscles. Pushing down, Norbert jumped into the air, finally able to see genuinely above the buildings and get a good grasp of the city. Quickly scanning around, Norbert looked, seeing he was on a main street; winding slowly down, Norbert realised the city was on a hill.


    The city went multiple blocks down, having similar grey roofs and walls on them. The gardens and flower pots dotting the windows give the place a touch of colour, making it seem like a colour war was constantly occurring between the two factions. The houses are further away, more minor, like cabins and one-story shops. Looking down the hill, Norbert saw other streets going opposite, these colourful pieces of fabric covering stalls at the front. Squinting, Norbert confirmed they were selling items down there, unsure what they could be. As he felt himself begin to fall, Norbert quickly whipped his head to the right, looking at the tower.


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    Or what he first thought was a tower. Able to correctly see the base, Norbert saw roots undulating around it, a touch of green on the other side. As he began falling, Norbert craned his head up, now seeing his error. He was looking at not a building made by man but one of nature. The massive tree stood, reminding him of the ones on the plateau. This one, however stark white, looked like it was bleached from the many days it would be out of the sun.


    Picking up speed, Norbert looked down, seeing Dobert and Mathaeos holding each other''s hands with their arms out. Positioning himself to land between them, Norbert impacted the two of them. Unable to hold him up, Norbert hit the stairs, tumbling down several before stopping. Getting on his feet, Norbert rubbed his backside and walked up the steps to meet with the group. All of them stared at him as he made his way forward.


    "Well, it''s a nice cozy place; it looks great to find some interesting things. But that," Norbert pointed to the tree, "I had never seen something like that before", Norbert finished. Martitia walked up, slapping him across the back of the head. Rubbing his head about to respond, Norbert realised why that happened. With the commotion he caused, everyone around them stopped to see what he had done.


    "Guess that isn''t a normal thing to see", Norbert finished.


    "Not that it isn''t normal, but that it''s not allowed; too many people could get hurt if the wrong person didn¡¯t hold back." Martitia finished. Looking around, she said, "Let''s head to the accommodations."


    Norbert nodded in response, following the group as they made their way down the street, away from the tree.


    ***


    Norbert looked at the steps he found himself on; after escaping into the crowd, the party made their way down the street, Norbert hearing snippets of conversation at went. This continued, the others in his group talking with each other and relaxing increasingly as they continued going down. With the Frontier building completely obscured, only using the tree as a reference point of how far they walked, Norbert found himself upon some steps.


    Looking up, it was a wooden pub, now quiet during the day. Norbert followed up the steps, seeing care to the building that was not seen commonly. The wood shining back at him had freshly been varnished, the dark varnish making the white wood stand out as the entire grain was not painted, creating a waving effect of the timber all around.


    Walking through the door, the group of ten went inside. Looking around was just a simple bar, wooden circular tables filled the central area, and a fireplace in the area; seeing something was simmering on top, filling the entire place with vegetables cooking.


    As everyone went in, Norbert walked past Martitia as she locked the door, putting a piece of wood over it and resting on the two metal latches inside. Everyone sat around, taking pieces off and relaxing. Norbert also did so, Obsius jumping on the table and looking around the room, staring at the chandelier of lights resting above the room.


    Flapping its wings, it shot up, sitting on the chandelier, causing it to wobble slightly with its disturbance. The group looked up as the bird moved around and stared back at the group.


    Martitia stood up in the centre. "We depart in ten rotations, whoever wants to come." The group dispersed, heading up the wooden stairs and splitting into rooms, Norbert losing track of who was going into which room, doors creaking and banging closed as people prepared for the possible outing or just relaxed in private.


    Norbert looked to Martitia, who was still standing there, watching her spin on her heels walking over to the bar. Bending over, she pulled out two glasses and a bottle of something. Walking backwards, she navigated herself back to Norbert, placing a cup in front of Norbert and herself before pouring each some and sitting down.


    "Now, first, about your previous actions. Hopefully, we won''t get any heat but listen up. In cities like this, you''ll be in trouble if you''re caught acting like a fool, blowing stuff up, breaking walls or doing anything extraordinary."


    Pouring both of them a drink, Norbert looked at the amber liquid coming out; having finished, Norbert picked up the drink, clinking it against Martitia¡¯s before taking a sip, tasting as the whisky went down his throat.


    "That just means you don''t get caught if you do that. And don''t go running around in clothes of The Frontier." Martitia finished, taking a sip of her drink.


    Norbert shocked about her response, just nodded his head.


    "Second thing, we have this place for the next couple of days, a meeting point for the scouts of this group. Treat it like a second home. Sadly, we will be sharing a room due to the lack of rooms," She finished with a grin.


    Norbert gulped, looking into the eyes of a predator like he was just a piece of meat. Martitia laughed, rocking back on the chair and wiping a tear from her eye. "Just joking, you will stay down here; if you want to hold some of your stuff, my room is open."


    Norbert looked at her, thinking back to his many nights staying up, a couple more not feeling that bad. At least he had a soft bed to sleep and recuperate on for the last few weeks.


    "And thirdly, how lucky do you feel?"


    Norbert replied instantly, "Well, I''m still alive and kicking, so I''d say pretty lucky."


    "Good answer," Martitia replied. "As .the scout''s funds aren''t the best for the first day, we go and hit the casino; try and win big, you see." Taking another sip, Norbert thought he knew where this was going.


    "Normally, only me, Dobert and anyone else who wants to watch comes out, trying to test their luck on the money they have. This time you will also be coming. So change your jacket and limber; we have money to win."


    Norbert swallowed, reaching into his bag without thinking, removing his jacket and replacing it with the other. Standing up as he positioned his belt, Norbert asked, "Should I take my sword?"


    Martitia, finishing her drink, and placing the cup on the table again, looked up at him. "Nah, shouldn''t get that messy."

 Chapter 68 Winning Big

    Norbert looked up at the building, massive glass windows going all the way to the floor, allowing someone to see the three floors and the people inside in constant motion. Winding through each floor was a staircase, one placed on each of the four corners of the rectangular complex. The stairs themselves seeming almost invisible as they to, where made from glass. Throughout the glass blue lights seemed to dance around inside.


    His group of Norbert, Martitia, Dobert and Flanch made their way forwards. Entering the doors, Norbert followed Martitia to the centre on his way seeing tables of people playing games around him. Chips exchanging hands and being placed, cries of joy and despair bounced around the room. Staff going this way and that with holding drinks and other peculiar items Norbert was unable to recognise.


    Standing at the centre of the room a sectioned off kiosk desk stood one of the staff sitting spaced evenly a magic barrier seen previously in the armoury once more up, a barrier between the staff behind and the guests. To the side, Norbert saw coins go under and chips be returned; few people at this time exchanged them back for coins.


    Martitia standing at the front, placed a pouch of coins on the counter, hearing them clink together. ¡°Exchange for a hundred and thirty-two coppers, please¡±, she added, the clerk nodding their head as they swiped the bag, placing it on a piece of metal. Norbert craned his neck around the others and saw the number on the metal in blue light, reflecting the amounts given.


    The clerk nods their head, asking, ¡°And what divisions would you like this as?¡±


    Martitia replied, ¡°Ten, ten, the rest ones, please¡± The clerk nodded, reaching under the desk; Norbert heard the jingling of something coming together. The staff returned with the chips and saw the round chips with different colours, each glowing slightly with a sigil.


    Martitia scooping them up went off, heading to the closest table. Norbert followed as she sat down at an empty seat at the table. Placing the chips on the table, Dobert came forward, taking half of them and heading away, Flanch following him, already somehow having a drink in his hand.


    Norbert just watched Martitia, trying to understand the rules of the game. Seeing the pot in centre go to someone, another leaving taking the chips he had with them, Norbert watched, seeing the dealer place the cards in front of each person. Flipping three in the centre, Norbert realised he was looking at poker, just with different cards.


    With the understanding of wondering how poker made its way over here, distracted Norbert looked back to the game, seeing more cards revealed.


    ***


    As the game went on, Norbert stayed with Martitia at the table, their size of chips not slightly more significant than when they started; Martitia began getting up, pooling the chips together and looking for the next table to play at. Norbert followed, seeing her go to a roulette table. Martitia walked up, placing the chips on the table, Norbert standing behind her.


    Martitia stepped back; placing a hand on Norbert¡¯s back, pushing him forward. Standing up at the front, Martitia explained the rules ¡°The point of the game is to guess which one it lands on. Guess the specific number gives you a higher payout, thirty-five times what you put in, guess on colours, evens, or odds, and it only doubles.¡±


    Norbert nodded in response, familiar with the system. ¡°Which section is for odds, evens, and colours?¡± Norbert asked, unsure of the writing shining on the mat. Martitia pointed them out, Norbert nodding in return.


    Looking at the roulette wheel as it stopped spinning; Norbert saw four blank zones, pure white, on the colourful wheel. ¡°What happens if it lands in the blank?¡± Norbert asked, knowing the answer.


    ¡°No win for everyone,¡± Martitia said in response.


    As the game runner began calling out, others around him placing them on the places, Norbert whipped out his coin. ¡°Can you give me a second?¡± he asked, the staff about to spin. Sighing in annoyance, he replied, ¡°Only this once, greenery, normally when it¡¯s called, its spinning.¡±


    Norbert just nodded, flicking the coin into the air. ¡°Heads blue, tails purple¡±, Norbert whispered under his breath. Catching the coin in his hand, he placed it on the other. Blowing on it, he showed the tails up to the world.


    Gulping, unsure if he should do what he was about to do, Norbert placed all eighty coins worth of chips on purple.


    Everyone around him looked towards him, the insanity of placing a gamble on chance on chance, feeling Martitia¡¯s fingers dig into his arm. Reaching forward to take some chips away, she stopped, hearing the ball start rolling around, and the loudest thing to Norbert other than his heart.


    Staring at the ball, willing it to work with the payout, Norbert willed and hoped it to land correctly, that he had not just made a fool of himself. Watching it as it spun, rattling around on top before sinking.


    The ball slowly spun until the wheel finally stopped, presenting the winnings. Seeing it land on the winning purple, not caring what number it showed, Norbert took the chips given to him and the extra from his winnings.


    Martitia released her grip on his arm as Norbert counted the chips, seeing twice as much as before, not believing he had won. Looking around the table, Norbert saw others not so lucky, some walking away at that significant move. As he looked up at the winnings, now seeing the worth of a hundred and sixty, not believing this was the most money he had made since coming him, it would take him two weeks of running double shifts to make nearly the same amount as he did in barely a minute.


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    Picking the coin up again, feeling a hand on his. Looking down and seeing Martitia¡¯s hand over his looking up at him, unsure. Leaning down and whispering in her ear, ¡°Well, you asked if I was lucky.¡±


    Her arm limped around his as she bit her lip, knowing what would happen soon. Norbert flicked it into the air, same options as before. Catching it and placing it on the outside of his other hand, Norbert once more presented it, seeing tails again showing up.


    Placing all the chips he received onto purple once more, Norbert saw the ball spinning around the wheel. The sounds of before and conversations dialled down, Norbert only focusing on the ball as it spun around.


    Around and around it went; where it stopped, nobody would know. Hearing the rattling stop, Norbert gazed again at the ball as the wheel stopped spinning, nodding in return, and saw it on purple again.


    Taking his three hundred and twenty winnings, Norbert split it into two piles, holding one back while he prepared the coin again. Turning around, Norbert asked Martitia, ¡°How much do we need to get to?¡±


    Martitia just looked, gulping as she knew this madness would continue. ¡°A thousand would be nice.¡±


    Norbert nodded, flicking the coin into the air, catching it and seeing it on heads. Norbert placed one of the piles on blue, the roulette ball rolling around again.


    ¡°Just wondering, what is the conversation between copper and silver?¡± Norbert asked


    Martitia just shook her head. ¡°You are a country bumpkin. The conversion is a hundred coppers to one silver.¡±


    Norbert just nodded, the next question coming to mind remembering what Dobert once said about gold. ¡°And what about other coins above silver?¡±


    Martitia, realising she was now in for a long trip, responded, ¡°Then there is gold; it¡¯s a hundred silver for one gold, and the ratio continues for the gap between gold and platinum.¡± Norbert whistled in response, hearing the roulette wheel quiet once more, looking, seeing it was blue.


    Nodding in approval, Norbert took his winnings, forming them into one pile before splitting it off again into two piles worth two hundred and forty bronze. Picking up the coin and flicking it, watching as he caught it, flipped the coin onto his other palm, it landing on tails Norbert once more placed on purple.


    Turning around, not even looking at the wheel anymore, trusting that his luck would hold, Norbert had to ask the question, hoping his gut was right. ¡°And is there anything higher than platinum?¡±


    Martitia laughed at his response. ¡°You sound like a kid, wanting to believe in the magic coins. A single magic copper coin worth a hundred platinum allows you to buy a kingdom they say. Don¡¯t become a tomb raider on me searching for the prized magic platinum coin.¡±


    Norbert just shook his head, ¡°No, I don¡¯t think I¡¯d go tomb raiding; to stuffy for me down there¡± he did the calculations of their worth. Remembering the handful of coppers used for a drink and scaling up with the conversion of a beer being roughly $15 on Earth, a copper would be worth $3, a silver $300, a gold $30,000, a platinum $3 million. Going up higher, the magic coins for copper were $300 million, $30 billion for the magic gold, and the fabled magic platinum was $3 trillion; no wonder it was so fabled.


    Shaking his head, Norbert brought back Norbert saw him getting his winnings again, seeing the pile doubled once more. With his worth of seven hundred and twenty copper, Norbert picked up the coin again, fumbling the throw. Norbert placed it back down, letting the others go without him.


    As the ball spun around, Norbert saw it land on a blank tile, everyone losing something except him. With luck well and truly on his side Norbert flipped the coin again, landing on heads; moving 360 of copper in chips onto blue, Norbert saw it spin again.


    ***


    As the sun went down, blue lights came on in the building Norbert not knowing were exactly the light sources were from. It just seemed lighter in the room than before. Norbert had a pile of chips in front of him. They had sent Martitia multiple times to cash in the thousand copper chips worth and now had bags tied around her as it was converted to silver for keeping. A crowd around him, and a table to himself, all others being kicked off from using it, or else they could as well copy him.


    Though he was lucky, sadly, he wasn¡¯t infallible; sometimes losing a couple in a row, but his winning streak always went on stronger. People around him drank and talked, celebrating his achievement each time. Just nodding his head, repeating the pattern, Norbert threw it into the air, seeing it land again on tails.


    Moving to the purple, Norbert placed the cut pile of a thousand copper chips worth, all ten chips standing next to each other. As the ball rattled around the wheel, Norbert saw it land on purple once more; with the winning of his last thousand copper chips worth, Norbert grabbed it, heading towards the kiosk again.


    The crowd parted around him as Norbert stepped up to the kiosk, the teller on the other side already hearing the word and preparing the coins in advance.


    Having it all together, Norbert placed all of it on the table, the chips rattling off. The number showing the two thousand four hundred he had made in the end sectioned off into their silver and copper pieces. Norbert gave the last thousand copper to Martitia.


    Bagging the rest, Norbert left the establishment, feeling the eyes on the back of his head as he left. Going down the steps, Norbert looked both ways, waiting for the others to get down with him.


    Breathing in the cold night air Norbert shivered, the nerves building up each time he came through. ¡°Surprised we made it out of there with this much coin,¡± Norbert said to the group as they returned to the pub.


    ¡°You made it out just in time. You would have been escorted out with only the clothes on your back any longer.¡± Dobert said, scanning everything as they walked, knowing the amount of coin they had on them.


    Norbert spun around, walking backwards. ¡°Oh yeah, and how do you know that?¡±


    ¡°Too many people, too many staff just standing there, waiting to pounce if needed. Be happy we made it out with this much.¡±


    Flanch punched Dobert in the arm. ¡°Stop being such a downer; we shouldn¡¯t just be happy but ecstatic. That¡¯s the biggest haul we have ever gotten.¡±


    The group chuckled at that, possibly remembering times spent together trying to win more. As they walked, Norbert, now with more coin than ever, wondered about elixirs and their cost. Having drunk many more than usual, he assumed. ¡°Hey, Dobert, how much does an elixir normally cost?¡±


    Dobert looked at him, laughing. ¡°You still don¡¯t have enough for a proper one. I need a couple of gold for an average. A dodge you could get for half a gold in silver. And the upper limit, who knows? Some of them have been said to be legendary.¡±


    As they walked back, Norbert calculated that he had already drunk a handful of gold, which converted over an eye-watering amount.


    As they entered, everyone headed upstairs for the night; Norbert sat, watching the flames as a plan formed in his mind. As Dobert descended the stairs, Norbert called, ¡°Is there a side effect of having elixirs?¡±


    Everyone stopped and turned as they looked at Martitia; giving in, she waved the other two forward, walking back down and sitting at the table by the fire next to Norbert.

 Chapter 69 Winning Bigger

    Martitia looked into the fire, the creaking from upstairs slowly getting less and less loud until it stopped; Norbert heard the door close. Still looking into the fire, she stared at Norbert. ¡°Elixirs are no fun and games. No easy shortcut with all upside and no downside." She said.


    Norbert gulped all fun and games, the playfulness Norbert saw in her earlier today now all stripped away, the seriousness of their first encounters again fresh in his mind. "Elixir junkies are people that have gone too far, past their bodies can handle. The effects change depending on the last one you have. If it''s mental, you most likely go insane, which differs from person to person. Shouting and screaming, not being able to interact with the world, becoming a baby again or a toddler. Sad to see it happen."


    Staring at Norbert, she continued, "And for physical, massive growths on the body until the person collapses under their weight, unable to breathe and suffocate with death." She said, slowly going quiet.


    Closing her eyes, she looked back to the fire, not waiting for it. Norbert shivered, already having had at least four different elixirs, not knowing what his max could be before he became something he wasn''t.


    "And what''s the usual amount people have," Norbert asked.


    Broken from her concentration, she leaned back in her chair, milling over her words, "Most people can have four and still make it out fine. Any more, and it starts getting riskier. The side effects after each one get worse and worse each time. There are horror stories of people just becoming black sludge, as their entire body wastes away."


    Norbert remembered what he had seen in the tomb within the plateau. How he had the purple drink, finding himself in a puddle of sludge, even getting onto his bed. Now realising that could have been the end for him, Norbert shivered. The realisation that he was so close to death.


    Thinking about the other times Norbert had elixirs, each time having less effect than the last, the question burned within him about himself. "What happens if someone has less of a reaction each time?"


    Martitia just stared at him, the time passing as the fire crackled in the heath. Standing up and moving the chair back, saying, "If someone did that, then I guess they could go on forever, their body constantly adapting to the changes put before them, allowing them to grow that way indefinitely."


    Walking away, she went up the stairs she turned around. "But there is always more than one way to gain power. Remember that, Norbert, and good night." Continuing up the stairs as they creaked behind her. Norbert followed her as she disappeared behind her door.


    Alone again, Norbert walked to the window, seeing the moon still high in the sky and thinking about what he had heard previously, hoping that he could continue. Remembering the luck he had, he would need to continue.


    Walking to his bag Norbert rumbled within, seeing if there was anything else he could use as a disguise, wanting to head out again to the casino and possibly win big. Rumbling through his bag, spotting the same clothes as before, Norbert removed his leather pants, just staying with the fabric ones.


    Looking around the rest of the ground floor, Norbert finished his disguise; changing his clothes again, he donned a bright cloak with patchwork. Keeping his pants as they were, Norbert attached his belt, leaving the two daggers back and moving the money pouch to the other.


    Taking a sack with him, Norbert also picked up the finishing touch, a hat. He was wearing the wide-brim hat made from straw, looking like a farmer''s hat and hoping the shadows would obscure his face from recognition.


    Looking around, Norbert climbed out through a window. Leaving half of his prize money here, in case it went belly up. Obsius followed him before Norbert could close the window, staying on his shoulder.


    Navigating the streets, the lamps are now well and truly on. Most people are no longer walking; those hurrying past him and not looking down. Nobody wants to get in trouble. As Norbert made his way to the casino again, the building lights were getting brighter and brighter, sounds being heard all around.


    Walking through the doors, the two staff stopped him, checking his bags and patting him down. One of them lifted off his hat and confirmed his identity. Looking at Obsius, the man said, "If it makes a mess, it will need to go outside."


    Norbert nodded, looking to Obsius, saying, "Hear that, Obsius, you need to be on your best behaviour." The bird just nodded in return. Hearing a grunt in reply, Norbert went to the kiosk again in the centre, watching people walk up the stairs in the room''s four corners.


    Reaching the front, he asked the clerk, "What''s upstairs?"


    Surprised for a second, the clerk thought before replying, "That is for the bigger currencies. This is the copper floor, the next is the silver, and the top is the gold. Higher floors, bigger gambles, more money to be placed down and won."


    Norbert just nodded in response, not wanting to get the attention of those in the establishment, already raking them dry once and trying to get even more out of them, to at least have another elixir under his belt or buy things he might need not knowing when he could get the next opportunity.


    Placing the bag of coins in front of the clerk, the jangling of coins inside. Her eyes went slightly wide as she looked at the number that appeared.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "Um, excuse me, sir, but would you like to go to the floor above?" Norbert looked around, seeing the stairs in the four corners, looking for ways out if he needed to quickly.


    Going against his previous thought and just with the flow, Norbert responded, "I would love to. Is there anything I need to do so?"


    The clerk returned the bag to him, fiddling around and papers flying everywhere. "To go upstairs, I need to see your identification card." Norbert thought about the linking of identity tracking him back to his platoon. The plan for any emergency escape dwindling before his eyes.


    "I changed my mind; I think this floor is the right level for me. Don''t think I''m ready for the big fish yet."


    The clerk just looked back at him, organising the papers again and filing them away; placing them above, she checked the numbers. "How would you like these?"


    "Twenty chips of fifty, please, the rest in ones" The clerk nodded in return, fumbling around with the coins, dumping them behind her before bringing them back, and presenting them to Norbert.


    Quickly looking through, Norbert confirmed their colours with what he remembered before. Nodding his thanks, Norbert picked up his sack, scooping them up and putting them in the sack. Norbert headed off. He looked around to see if anything had changed in the staff''s demeanour.


    Having confirmed and received a peck from Obsius, Norbert relaxed. Fearing he was out. Looking at the tables again, he looked at what his first target would be, wanting to move around a bit more this time and not just hog a table to himself.


    Walking around trying to find his first target Norbert stopped at a table, piquing his interest. Seeing three dice placed in a box, Norbert leaned closer, seeing people place chips on squares marked. Remembering the even and odd and not recognising any other blue markings shining light on the board.


    The box is shaken before opening up, seeing the dice be a three, four and one. People were winning and losing, others happy and some not. Norbert looked as the money changed hands, trying to work out his position in the game.


    Watching a few more games played, Norbert eyed out the two squares he would use. Norbert went for in two groups, not knowing the words but assuming they divided the numbers. Flicking his coin in the air, thinking heads on left, tails on right.


    Catching it again, Norbert looked down, seeing it show him heads. Moving half of his pile onto the left, Norbert waited for the dice to be shown. The staff ran the game, splitting it up and adding chips to his pile. Happy that he still had it, Norbert cut his pile in half again.


    ***


    After every time he thought he had enough, Norbert would return to the kiosk and redeem part of his winnings, always returning to the original thousand coppers. Knowing that he could have pushed it further but forced greed not to consume him, Norbert ordered drink after drink, having everyone else drink as well. Hoping that would stop the house from coming after him.


    Jumping from table to table, not returning to the same one as before, seeing more games of chance than he thought possible, staying away from anything he couldn''t see a clear way of making a fifty-fifty decision, he steered well clear. His coin is ineffective with them, and he does not want to ruin his streak.


    Looking around, Norbert found himself at the roulette table again. Even guests stared at him, a convoy around him with each clinking of his step. People are laughing, drinking, wanting to see the spectacle, and seeing more and more food being ordered by the moment.


    Flicking his coin in the air, Norbert could see money being changed behind him after a while, realising the people were betting on him if he got it right or not. He was shaking his head in disbelief; Obsius enjoyed the attention and snacks he constantly received. The duo is a constant source of attention.


    He stayed at the table, knowing this would be the last one of the night before departing; the time had gone on long enough, and the weight of the coins was now heavy on him. He did not want to go up any further than he was, trapped in this limbo.


    His winnings increased as he continued to play; at one point, Norbert noticed the chip signet changing. Calling a waiter, Norbert ordered a light, bubbly drink, asking, "What''s with the chip change."


    The waiter looked towards where he was pointing and the chips, only to see his chips had changed over. The waiter explained, "Those are the chips usually used on the upper floor."


    Norbert nodded and thanked the waiter, knowing his plan to go unnoticed had gone out the window. Seeing how much that would account for, Norbert steeled himself; now was the time to go big or go home.


    Norbert felt the cage crawl around him, not knowing how he would get out of it but trusting there would be a way out. More accurately, he was already in deep trouble anyway, and trying to flee would cause more issues. Better to at least finish his drink.


    As he looked at the board, his plan summed up. Norbert flipped the coin again, seeing it land on heads. Placing it on the blue section Norbert waited, seeing it roll around.


    Seeing him win again, Norbert continued to do so, betting repeatedly. His drink arrived; he looked down, seeing a card beside him. Looking at it and not understanding what it had written, Norbert slipped it away before sipping his drink. Playing the crowd up as much as possible, having them hang on his every word. Making sure the servers were called over as much as possible.


    With the last of his drink finished, Norbert now stood up from his seat, seeing them changed over and not understanding the worth of how much he could have potentially made. Turning to the crowd, Norbert exclaimed, "And that folk is all out for me. Obsius is feeling a bit tired, so we shall leave." Obsius stopped his eating and looked at Norbert, beak open. "Yes, that means you, Obsius, you sleepy bird, you''re going to be cranky tomorrow, and I don''t want to deal with it."


    Obsius jumped around before flying to Norbert''s shoulder and pecking at his ear¡ªthe crowd around him laughed at his antics. Norbert gave a quick bow to the people before turning and giving a bow to the staff running the game.


    As Norbert waded through the crowd dispersing around him, Norbert made his way to the kiosk.


    "I would like to cash out now, please," Norbert said to the man sitting behind it, placing his bag of chips on the counter. Nodding in return, the clerk moved forward, grabbing the bag and placing it over his eyes, widening with it.


    Scampering away, he went over, holding a device to his ear as he turned around, talking into it. Norbert, not paying attention, knowing this would be coming, flicked the card he was given previously between his fingers.


    The man came back after several minutes, carrying the amount. "Here are your winnings, nine gold, thirty-seven silver and fifty-nine copper coins."


    "Perfect, just the amount I was looking for", Norbert said, not understanding if that was the proper amount. "By the way, what is this card for?"


    Presenting the card to the man, he cleared his throat before saying, "The establishment owner would like to talk to you. At your discretion, either now or later."


    Norbert thought about it and the amount of coin on him, knowing he could quickly get jumped somewhere on his way back by accident. If they wanted their coin back, they should be polite.


    Norbert nodded, replying, "Now would be great, thanks."


    The man nodded, "Give me a moment, sir", He added before moving back to the device and talking into it.


    After some quick words, he placed the device down. "Follow me, please".

 Chapter 70 The Problem with Winning Big

    Norbert followed the man, walking up the winding staircase, careful with his feet not to miss a step, freaking out that he could see through it. Happy it wasn¡¯t clear or else he wouldn¡¯t know what to do, likely needing to feel it out.


    Finally on solid ground again, Norbert found himself looking at the fabled second floor. The tables were spread out more, the people less, and the crowds dispersed. As he looked around, Norbert noticed cages in sections of the room, animals fighting inside them. Not looking any further and happy that he hadn¡¯t come here to play before, Norbert followed the man up the next staircase to the top floor.


    Finally, at the top of the staircase, Norbert looked around; the area here was empty compared to the other rooms. Unlike the lowest floor with hundreds, only about twenty to thirty people were around.


    This one screamed luxury, no simple chairs to sit on, everything had gold in it or around it. Startled momentarily, Norbert not expecting to see the amount of wealth displayed. A cage sat in the middle, hearing the sounds from inside. Tearing his eyes away on one of the walls sat an aquarium; Norbert mesmerised by the glowing fish inside, but mostly not wanting to know what was in the cage.


    Hearing steps click towards him, Norbert looked at the woman approaching; wearing the same uniform as everyone else, but the air around her was different it was holding its breath for her to pass before relaxing again. Stopping before him, saying, ¡°Thank you for coming at such short notice. The owner would like to talk with you about your dealing here.¡±


    Norbert gulped in return, eyeing the staircase near him. Curiosity getting the better, Norbert just nodded and followed the woman. Making their way past the cage, Norbert found two chairs and a table in front of the aquarium.


    Nobody was sitting in either chair; Norbert took the closest one with his back to the glass windows, the lady taking the other. Nodding his head, not surprised at the turn of events and happy for not running, Norbert clasped his hands before himself, confirming his money pouch still at his waist, the sack he used to carry the empty chips but now filled with coins on his lap.


    Sitting silently, the lady stared at the tank, not saying a word. Not wanting to interrupt, Norbert just sat back, waiting for whatever was meant to happen. Finally, after what felt like forever, Norbert checked the rear window multiple times, making sure the sun had not come up yet, for fear of him being discovered here by his group.


    ¡°You know people are still in a frenzy after your show downstairs. Even some people up here heard and started getting a bit ¡­ inspired.¡± The woman spoke.


    Norbert brought his eyes to her, olive skin, broad nose, dark eyes and hair cut just above her shoulders. Norbert saw a woman of seriousness, a weapon ready to be used immediately, either in business or battle. Norbert couldn¡¯t decide which or if both.


    ¡°For that reason, you are getting away with it this time. Do this trick again, and we will stop you long before now.¡± Norbert just nodded, not wanting to return here any time soon.


    ¡°Now, for my curiosity, how did you do it?¡±


    Norbert nodded, remembering the coin Norbert took it out, flicking it into the air. ¡°Just lucky is all, " he said, as the coin landed in his palm. Flicking it again, Norbert caught the coin presenting the heads around. Flicking it up, Norbert caught it, letting it spin.


    The woman next to him just stared. ¡°Bull shit¡±, she said, ¡°There is no way someone gets the streak you had with nothing. No cheats were used; we looked multiple times. Even rigged it against you, and you somehow made it.¡±


    Ruffling her hair through it, she continued talking to herself, ¡°And it¡¯s not like you''re blessed by a god or anything like that, no church or priest, nothing on you. It¡¯s just magic. Hmm, unless¡­¡±


    Norbert thought about what he said, remembering all his time with Luck. Wondering if something happened to him was rubbing off on him. Keeping a note to talk to her later about it, Norbert focused back on the conversation as the owner continued talking, no longer spinning her wheels in her head.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°Do you have anything else to add?¡±


    Norbert shook his head. ¡°Nope, it was just luck, like I said before. And anyway what do you mean rigged against me?¡± Norbert finished. Looking around at the room, one of the staff came forward, resting a cup in front of the two of them, seeing steam coming off. The woman came forward, picking it up and sipping it not even registering the question that he had asked.


    Norbert leaned forward, about to pick it up, when something bristled his neck. Looking and seeing Obsius point outside, Norbert nodded, standing up.


    ¡°Well, it''s been a pleasure meeting you, and I hope you have a wonderful night,¡± Norbert said, bowing towards her. Spinning around, Norbert saw staff staying by the steps, just milling around.


    Turning back to the woman, Norbert asked, ¡°Are we doing this?¡±


    She brought the cup away from her lips. ¡°I do have to keep face.¡±


    Norbert just sighed, looking up at the ceiling, thinking, why him? Flexing his gloved hands, happy that he kept them on from before, not thinking he would need to hide his ability so soon, Norbert brushed Obsius on his shoulder.


    Taking his hat off and loosening up his hair, Norbert placed it back on, ensuring it wouldn¡¯t come off.


    Smiling, Norbert turned his head back. ¡°Well, I¡¯m off.¡±


    Bending into a runner''s sprint, Norbert blasted off, putting everything into it. Running forward, Norbert not stopping as he ran past the steps, leaping off to jump through the glass.


    A blue wall came up, stopping Norbert from crashing through and landing on the ground in a crouch, somehow able to land on his feet without making a fool. Looking towards the stairs, Norbert jumped forward, leaping over the railing. Norbert made his way down, sliding down the railing and landing on the next floor.


    Looking around for a place to hide in the small crowd, Norbert was shocked, seeing only staff once more on this floor.


    Spinning around and descending the next flight of stairs, Norbert made his way to the bottom. Once more, it was entirely empty except for the staff; gone were the usual uniform of black and white Norbert saw armour on these.


    The jingling of metal as they drew swords, lights shining on them. Looking around, Norbert dashed, running for the entrance, hoping he could make it through. Banging on the door, the armed guards coming closer and closer towards him. Norbert looked around the frame.


    Reaching his hand back, Norbert punched, forcing everything into it; the first one hit, a light shining all around. Hearing the steps behind him getting louder and louder, Norbert punched again. Feeling the bones break in his hand, blood staying contained within his glove.


    Finally, upon him, Norbert spun around, facing the five soldiers. The first one moving their sword, protecting their body with a shield. All black Norbert did not want to get hit. As the blade moved, the air buzzing around it, Norbert ducked down, feeling it whisk above.


    Cornered, Norbert did not know what to do. Reaching down, he took out his knife with his left hand; looking down quickly at the blade, Norbert jumped up, avoiding the rushing soldier from the other side. Standing beside him, Norbert brought the knife down to the door, smashing it.


    Feeling the point touch, a crack was heard. Norbert looked, seeing that it could reach through without even thinking; Norbert stabbed behind him again, hearing the glass shatter. Having leaned on the door, Norbert fell back, sprawling on the ground.


    Jumping on his feet, Norbert turned around, sprinting off, hoping to avoid those he knew would be chasing him. Holding onto Obsius, Norbert ran down the street and headed to the pub. Once he hit the street, a bolt of light shot towards him, Norbert zigging to the side after seeing the shadow he created¡ªa blast echoed behind him as it rattled his ears.


    Scrambling on the ground, Norbert looked behind himself, seeing a line of mages, lights cast by spells quickly getting brighter. Norbert realised that they wanted to bring him in no matter what, even if he was a smoking husk. Not wanting to show his hand completely, Norbert ran forward, ducking off the main street and down a side one as quickly as possible.


    Going around corners, Norbert could evade them in the city, happy they had no way to track him down. Occasionally seeing someone fly through the sky, or a bolt of light shoots somewhere.


    Not daring to go back or else being discovered, Norbert waited out the night, constantly in motion ducking from cover to cover and slowly making his way further and further away from the casino.


    ***


    As the light of the day shone through the city, people started walking the streets again. Norbert stepped forward and onto the street. Looking where he was not seeing any streets familiar, he looked towards the tree, now far out.


    Using it as a reference point, Norbert casually walked along the streets, stopping now and then to say hello and wave, just trying to relax. With his slow meandering pace, the sun¡¯s presence was well-established in the sky when he returned to the pub. Looking at the window, Norbert could push on it, stepping inside.


    As he entered, Norbert saw Martitia standing behind the bar, giving the stink eye at him. Knowing he would be in trouble, Norbert walked in, sitting before her. Before Norbert could even say anything, one word escaped Martitia¡¯s mouth ¡°Talk.¡±

 Chapter 71 Dog Box?

    Norbert spilled the beans on his nightly activities, removing the clothes he used as his disguise to gain entry. Norbert explained his dastardly plan of making money as quickly as possible when he explained the card arriving and him keeping the guests entertained as long as possible, sharing the drinks around.


    Martitia interrupted his explanation asking, "And what makes you think that getting a massive crowd around you and doing the same thing you nearly got kicked out for doing before would result in anything different?"


    Norbert stared back at her, explaining his reasoning. "Well, since I''m making all this coin from the house, they aren''t going to be happy about it, and it will result in me getting forcibly removed," Norbert said, fiddling with a straw on the hat. "If everyone else spends enough money on drinks and food, joining in on other games and losing, then that would offset their cost of me raking them dry."


    Martitia just groaned at his response. "That''s the most stupid thing I''ve ever heard. Purposefully getting attention." She finished shaking her head.


    "What? They even started betting on me, money was changing hands and flying around faster than I could keep track of. And anyway, I haven''t told you about what happens next."


    Martitia just stared at him. "Next, there''s a next?"


    Norbert smirked and continued his story about going to the desk, getting his chips out and going upstairs to see the owner. Being interrupted again, Martitia quickly ended the story. "And it resulted in you fleeing the establishment, being chased around the city in a manhunt for the entire night until you made it back here."


    Norbert just nodded in response, feeling the wrath that would soon enter


    "Now-"


    "Hey, Norbert", Dobert shouted from above interrupting what Martitia would have said. Norbert looked around, seeing Dobert standing on the steps before he continued, "Was it worth it?"


    Norbert just chuckled. "Depends on how deep I''ve dug myself. If this blows over, then most definitely. In the last checkout, that was nine gold coins. And that doesn''t include any other times I checked out before."


    Dobert and Martitia just looked at him, gobsmacked about the amount of coin he had. "What, why do you think I have this sack with me" Norbert explained to them, hearing Dobert barrel down the stairs, the other people in the force also rushing out of their rooms, crowding around the sack.


    Norbert realised they all must have been listening to the conversation crowding around. Norbert stuck his hand into the sack, everyone hearing the chinkling of coins. Pulling out a fist full, Norbert showed it to those around, seeing a handful of silver coins and gold caught in his grip.


    Everyone silent, as one they all scrambled upstairs. Norbert sat still as everyone returned downstairs, fully geared and started going outside. The room now empty again except for the three, Norbert, Martitia and Obsius, who was sitting on the chandelier again.


    Norbert watched as Norbert spotted someone milling around from the group outside on the other side of the street.


    Norbert just waited for Martitia to say something. Hours passed, and Norbert started feeling exhausted from his constant rush. One by one, they all returned, all telling the same news about the heat is lower than before; word on the street of what happened was only a brawl between two people got out of hand, with no mention of the casino. The door at the front was already repaired, and looking like nothing happened.


    Martitia looked at Norbert, asking, "Did you talk with this owner?"


    Norbert nodded and explained what she said, explaining his insistence on cheating and the lull in the conversation and ending how they had to do this for her to keep face.


    Martitia just shook her head. "That owner is a strange one", she said to herself.


    "How so?" Norbert asked


    "Came in a while ago, set up the casino you see there, brought in all new games, odds, everything new. Some people made it big there, and word spread. Ever since it became popular and has thrived ever since." She explained, reaching forward and getting a drink of water. Quenching her throat, she continued.


    "Other stories like you have circulated if you know where to ask, and like this, they always seem to disappear. I don''t know why she does what she does in the first place. And since the first one in other cities the others have become similar, all as successful."


    Norbert just nodded, seeing Earth''s strangeness and odd similarities. Wondering if his questions ever would be answered, Martitia interrupted his thoughts.


    "But that does mean one thing; you got away with all that coin. Now you need to spend it." Everyone came running down the stairs smiling as they prepared to leave, changing clothes into the more casual kind again. They looked around, waiting around the door, sitting impatiently.


    "Oh, you can go on out first; this one here will need a guide anyway with all he''s carrying." The others raised their hand in the salute, fingers clasped, and the thumb behind the pointer raised in the air.


    Norbert and Martitia joined in as they also left. Finally, the three of them, well and indeed Norbert, saw Martitia relax; leaning forward, she rested her head on the bar. Norbert hopped off the bar stool, placing all the items he had taken for the night in their rightful place.


    Returning to the common area, Norbert saw Martitia had also changed, now wearing a black jacket and pants with a cream top. Norbert looked at her change. "It''s time to spend some of that coin you have; any idea what you want to get?"


    Norbert smiled in response, "Well, what this was about the entire time, elixirs." Norbert said, before looking at Martitia and her clothes and Norbert wearing the Frontier gear "And probably some clothes."


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    ***


    After walking in the city, getting closer and closer to the tree, Norbert passed it, following Martitia as she walked forward, finally stopping at a store. Norbert looked, it being a one-story building, unlike the others around it. The wooden sign at the front with a potion bottle, Norbert not able to read the words.


    Entering, the bell rang as a wave of drugs smells overwhelmed him. Surprised to smell the same smell of capsules after opening a box and that pharmacies sometimes had. Looking around, Norbert found glass cabinets lining the walls and the centre, seeing the same blue lines slowly moving through it.


    All evenly spaced the rows were, on the ebony wooden floors his boots thudding against. Examining the tops of the bottles around Norbert saw them in all different sizes. Some small, others tall and narrow, and some was circular with a little top as it sat in a cradle. The only thing they all had in common was a silver dragon acting as a stopper Norbert assumed, all cradling around the spout of the bottles.


    Seeing it again, Norbert realised it was reinforcing the glass hiding away what he assumed was the elixirs. He saw some recognised colours: red, green, and yellow, but he did not know what they did. The blues, and even a brown.


    As he followed Martitia closer to the desk, a man sat down and stared at them as they neared. Norbert looked and saw ones of different kinds, no longer the straight colour but something else swirling within. Making spirals stopping and leaning closer to one, careful not to touch the glass, Norbert realised what it was.


    Within the main concoction, this one being green, swirls of orange were seen. Wondering what that could mean, Norbert followed the rows, watching as they grew odder and odder the closer and closer to the front he went until he stood before the clerk. Wearing a suit, the old man moved his glasses off his nose, his wrinkled face looking back at him.


    Not detecting any age but one of profound knowledge, Norbert knew he was in front of a master of his craft. He looked at his fingers, although wrinkled as they tingled with an object, turning it around and moving it this way.


    The old man coughed into his hand, clearing his throat. "Anything you like?"


    Norbert stared back at the man''s face, white hair on the side as it clashed with his black suit, looking more like Dracula than anything else, just missing the fangs. "Would like an elixir", Norbert responded.


    "Well, you''ve come to the right place then." The old man said, not moving off his seat. Norbert looked back to Martitia, who just waved her hand in a gesture to continue talking. Nodding his head in response, Norbert said, "Well, I''m after an elixir for ten gold" Norbert said.


    The man placed the metal object; Norbert assumed a puzzle of some kind; looking back at Norbert, he moved his glasses up his nose, getting a look at Norbert.


    "Well, that''s not something you see every day. Have it here?" he asked


    Norbert just nodded, bringing out the nine gold coins and ten piles of ten silver, all on his desk. The man nodded in response, knowing he would have a field day.


    "Well, I would suggest one of these," he said as he slowly creaked to a standing position and walked around the shop. Walking back to the front, Norbert followed, Martitia trailing the group as she was silent. The man stopped at one of the front ones. "For a scout, strength is the best bet, assuming you already have the perception and endurance. If that isn''t your style, vitality is also recommended." He finished, pointing to a red one and then to a pink one. Norbert just nodded his head, having had those already.


    "And what if someone already has had them?" Norbert asked.


    The man raised an eyebrow before saying, "Well, care to tell me what this individual has consumed then?"


    Norbert looked back at Martitia, knowing more questions were coming from her after this; looking back at the store owner, Norbert responded, "Well, if you''ve had green, yellow, red, pink and orange, what would be the next one you would recommend?"


    The man just looked back at him. "I would recommend nothing; the next one could tip you over the edge." He explained, Norbert, seeing him become standoffish.


    "Yeah, yeah yeah, but what if? What would be the next best thing?" Norbert pushed, wanting to get an answer out of him.


    Thinking for a moment, the man responded, "Then over here, to either increase your magic capacity or strength" He finished pointing to a dark blue one and a light blue one, respectively.


    Norbert shook his head, knowing that it would be useless to him. "Nah, that won''t do; what about that brown one? What does that do?"


    The man looked to where Norbert was pointing. "I see you have a good eye; that would be my next recommendation resistance. It makes it harder to get hit and has slight bonuses in others like poison and whatnot, though there are specific ones for those as well." He finished


    Norbert remembered what happened to his arm the other night, how it shattered under his force, the bone-cracking under pressure. Not wanting that to happen again, Norbert just nodded. "And how much for the resistance, then?"


    "You can have many brown ones for gold you brought. If you are after that, I would recommend an augmented elixir." The man said, walking back to his counter. Stopping at the section with swirls, he pointed to many brown ones, each a different swirling colour inside. Norbert looked around, seeing some with multiple colours within them.


    Norbert looked around, asking, "What''s the most expensive one I can get," he asked, wanting to get rid of the coins as fast as possible in case someone came after him, not comfortable walking around with that much on him.


    "Then this one would be best," he said, saying a spell; his hand passed through the glass like it wasn''t there, picking up a bottle with gold inlays around it. The round base with a short spout on top, the gold in the form of a dragon, its jaw open, protecting the opening from anyone.


    "This is a resistance with strength and vitality mixed in, giving you a nice base to push off from if you want to become more specific in the future." He said.


    Norbert just nodded. "Then that would be perfect, and what do you mean by specific?"


    "The more you have, the less effective they become, only adding the extra and not multiplying. To get the same amount of kick, they specialise in what they want, extra bone resistance, quicker reflexes in their hands, perception in the dark increased." He continued taking the bottle and walking over to the counter.


    Bagging the coins, he placed it down, taking off the silver dragon from the top, as Norbert saw it crawl to the side of the desk, where the man opened a drawer with the dragon hopping inside, lost from sight.


    Norbert was bewildered by what he saw, not knowing if he had tried to pick it up. Norbert looked to the man, gesturing to the elixir if he could take it. The older man just nodded. Norbert picked it up, uncorking it and smelling it.


    A hint of chocolate wafted in his nose, placing it to his lips; both Martitia and the older man tried to stop him, but Norbert had already downed the drink. Remember chocolate strawberries and roast meat with cherry sauce on top. As it rested in his stomach, Norbert felt it spread out once more, a familiar feeling.


    Martitia held him as the man ushered him further into the back of the shop, not understanding why until he was on a tiled floor; entering the room, Norbert looked around, seeing tiles everywhere and a drain. Neither Martitia nor the older man entered but closed the door.


    As he stood there wondering, Norbert had the urge to sneeze; unable to fight it, he sneezed, unable to cover it with his hand as black snot covered the walls. Needing to sneeze again, Norbert did so, a clump of something coming out.


    On the final sneeze, nothing more came out that Norbert could see. Something was coming off his nose. Norbert wiped it, just some typical snot. Norbert turned around, banging on the door to be opened.


    Finally, they did, the two of them looking at what Norbert had done. He stared at the mess, saying, "A tissue would have been nice."

 Chapter 72 Meetings of a Strange Kind

    After their day out Norbert returned to their residence with Martitia, his coin pouch lighter after his shopping trip. Going inside placing them on a table, Norbert had another look at them. Going with a black aesthetic, Norbert picked up some boots, a spare top, pants and gloves.


    Picking up some leather clothes, Norbert was assured by Martitia that they would offer the same protection as before, but raising her eye in suspicion with the colour choice he went with being the whole black aesthetic. Around the shop, Norbert saw enchanted items but was quickly told by Martitia not to select them due to his magic deficiency and them needing to be charged up constantly by the user.


    Any dreams of being able to fly with armour, strengthening his body or whisking into the shadows evaporated, only getting items that had natural sturdiness and would move the force over a wider area, allowing Norbert not to get pulverised so hard.


    Confirming all the items, Norbert presented the last one, a mask that could hug his face and obscure his identity. The mask itself just a constant black, hiding all his features, only his eyes showing. The beauty of it, and the reason why Norbert picked it, was the voice changer. Having it set to make it into a monotone, taking all hints of emotion out of his voice, in case he ever wanted to go out somewhere and not be recognised, remembering his little soiree last night.


    Placing some of it in his backpack, not halfway filled, Norbert went upstairs for the first time, being shown by Martitia into her room. Going down the back of the hallway, passing doors on either side, Norbert saw the last door at the end, a window allowing light to come in next to it.


    Opening the door, Norbert looked inside, seeing the bed to the side. A chest next to the other wall, seeing a wardrobe as well, one of the doors open and filled with clothes of all sorts and several blades and weapons that he could see.


    Martitia pointed to a smaller chest by the door. Opening it up and seeing it empty, Norbert placed his extra clothes inside and the extra coin he wouldn''t need. Closing the lid, Norbert, a flash of light came off it. Norbert tried to open it and was able to; closing it again, the light flashed on the chest.


    Turning around, Norbert heard Martitia say, "That''s for security; the person that closes the lid is the only one that can open it. Though, as usual, someone can always force their way in if you are persistent enough. Just adds an extra peace of mind."


    Norbert nodded in response and stood up. "Thanks for showing me around the city today and stopping me from getting completely swindled by prices."


    Walking towards the door, Martitia laughed. "Just part of the job. And anyway, I want to show you a couple more places."


    Norbert followed, walking out the door and down the stairs. He did not take his backpack, but Martitia indicated to take his sword. Wondering where he could be going, Norbert just put it on; better to have it than not. Walking out of the place, Norbert followed Martitia as she walked across the main street, going along the lines.


    Seeing the people go about them on their day, Norbert gets lost in the tight turns and alleyways. "Did you grow up here?" Norbert asked, thinking that was the only way someone could easily navigate this place, as well as wanting to show it off to a stranger.


    "Yeah, I grew up in the house we are staying at. Keep this place for me, and it''s busy enough that I always return on the off days. It also helps to have the rest of the leaders stationed here. No disagreement for spending the time here or other cities."


    Norbert just nodded; if they had the portal network but still used airships and other means to travel around; it wasn''t widely used or was a private system. Shaking his head, Norbert continued asking questions, trying to find the best place to get food, places to stay away from, and just having idle conversations about things.


    Passing through, Martitia took a left turn. Norbert sees no more buildings packed tightly ahead, spaces out in the open.


    Walking forward, Norbert saw people closing their eyes, kneeling or bowing, and others walking by and tossing coins. Robed people walked around talking to people, praising them; others talked to large crowds spouting about their god.


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    Norbert turned, looking to Martitia. "What''s all this about?"


    "Well, this is the gods¡¯ quarter of the city. Thought you would want to have a look, maybe pray to the one you follow; hard to do it out in the wilderness."


    Norbert just stared at her, thinking about what she said. As he turned to the crowd, Norbert saw someone approaching one of the priests. Saying words she placed her hands on the person, saying words to her. Suddenly a light came up and filled her hands; the person in front of her bowed forward before exiting the area.


    Norbert looked, seeing magic once more being performed, but no circle had formed, just blam; something happened. Shaking his head Norbert continued forward, walking through the area. Passing one statue, Norbert looked up, seeing a man in full armour, carrying a sword, mouth open in a war cry, sword pointed out at an enemy.


    Staring up at the statue, Norbert looked; a presence formed behind him the hairs on the back of his neck prickling up everyone instantly fell to their knees around him. Norbert slowly turned around on his heels, seeing the same man in armour behind him. Leaning forward, the man whispered in his ear, "Have fun", before disappearing in a flash of red light, Norbert faintly hearing the sounds of battle in the air as the man disappeared.


    Slowly everyone came to their feet, whispering about what happened. Before he could get his bearings straight, a priest came up to him, wearing a robe made of red, a piece of metal hanging around his neck in the shape of a sword attached to a chain.


    Walking forward, he asked Norbert, "May you please tell me the words of Arstech?"


    Norbert looked around, back at the statue and saw the same symbols on the base as what the priest was wearing, wondering if he just spoke to a god and not his first; Norbert leaned forward, saying, "Have fun."


    A hushed silence filled the place; what was once a busy area was now deathly quiet as people stared at him. The priest in front just nodded as if understanding the words. "Thank you, you will always be welcome in the house of Arstech."


    Norbert just nodded and began walking away; people once more began moving. Norbert just made his way away from the statue, looking around more. Seeing people around, Martitia went up to him, "Lucky, getting the audience from a god your first time." She said.


    Norbert looked around, asking if the gods represented something. Martitia nodded in return. "Everyone follows at least one, a calling out to them. The one you talked to, Arstech, the god of battles and war. Him saying to have fun ¡­ what he calls fun others might not classify."


    Trailing off, she pointed to another one. "That one there is Martura, goddess of fertility and new life." She said. Norbert looked to where she was pointing, seeing a woman statue, this one with green veins showing, vines wrapped around her, and a baby sucking on each breast.


    Norbert looked to the priests. "And what about the robed people, the priests, I assume?"


    "You are out in the boonies. A god has blessed the priest and receives a portion of their power. In return, they spread the word and beliefs of the god to others. This is another pathway to gaining power in this world that some people partake on for one reason or another." She said.


    Norbert nodded, seeing that not everybody would want to go on an elixir binge and risk killing themselves before becoming truly strong. Remembering the bird he saw in the forest, seeing how long it would take him to take on something like that. He was shivering at the thought of what the superpowers of this world could do.


    Walking further along, Norbert saw the rooms off the side of the statues, building with priests coming in and out. Assuming that was where they lived for a bit, Norbert continued walking forward; the further away from the entrance, the less busy it became. Out the back, Norbert just saw statues, cleaned, but no priests among them, just people stopping briefly before returning.


    Looking at them, Martita responded, "These are the lesser-known gods, more specific than the previous, like getting marks in a test, picking the right clothes tomorrow, weird things like that."


    Norbert just nodded, walking forward; off to the side, Norbert spotted a fountain with a statue in the middle, holding a jar open. Assuming water would usually be coming out, nothing was shown. Small puddles at the bottom were formed, some silt being seen in the corners. Looking, Norbert spotted a couple of copper coins at the bottom.


    "What''s this for?" Norbert asked.


    "That is the goddess of luck. She is known to be extremely erratic in her dealings; most people avoid her. Better to make their path or follow someone else, for if you rely on it too much just when you need it most its gone." Martitia replied, staring up at the statue.


    Norbert followed her gaze, staring at it. Something in the back of his head, seeing it as familiar. Standing on the fountain''s rim, Norbert leaned forward, one hand on the statue, the dirt and filth making his hand slightly slick, cleaning up the statue as best he could, at least making the person he was intruding on for all this time slightly better from his presence. Staring at it eye to eye, Norbert realised who he was looking at. Lady Luck is fickle, able to go with the flow once, but immediately turn her back on you.


    Norbert sat down, looking up at the statue. "What have I gotten myself into now," Norbert asked the statue. Looking, a mote of light came down from the sky; slowly floating down, Norbert caught it, cupping it in his hand as people slowly passed around him.

 Chapter 73 The Candy Shop

    Martitia departed after some time, leaving Norbert sitting staring at the statue in the fountain. Norbert just waved away as Obsius played with the light in his hand. Looking up at the statue, Norbert remembered their conversations playing back in his mind. What would that mean for him if people were so hesitant to follow her? Would he soon be caught in a bind, and unable to get out?


    Shaking his head, Norbert remembered last night that he could make enough money to buy everything he had and made it out without any injury. Not to mention the multiple times Norbert received elixirs from her.


    Remembering the freedom that he was following the path he was on, not chained to any whims. Pulling out his coin, Norbert looked at it, examining it from both sides. The golden of the coin shone in the wind, and knowing it wasn''t worth the same as gold here, I did not even try to trade it for anything else.


    He looked at the heads on one side, looking out to the queen''s side, staring regally forward. On the other, the word dollar is written on it. Norbert held it between his fingers, flicking it, causing it to rotate between them.


    Norbert exclaimed to the statue, "Heads I continue, tails I stop." Norbert flicked the coin into the air as high as it could. Losing sight of it, Norbert just held his palm before him. "Well, what''s it gonna be?" He said to the statue.


    Feeling the coin land in his hand, he covered it and palmed it over to the top of his other. "And the result is", Norbert shouted, other people starting to look at him. "Heads!" he shouted, jumping into the air.


    Obsius flapped his wings and landed on the statue''s head, giving the stink eye at Norbert. Excusing himself to the bird and those around him, Norbert said to the statue, "Well, it looks like we''ll be in it for the long run then."


    Standing up, Norbert turned around, waving to the statue. As he left, a droplet of water came from the jug she held, falling out and landing inside the fountain. Obsius are flying off and away, cawing out. Norbert waved at the bird as it flew off into the city trusting the bird to return when needed.


    Walking down the winding path, the cobblestone under his feet, Norbert followed his nose. Still having enough time left in the day before he would need to return, Norbert looked around, following his nose, not knowing where to go.


    Further and further down, Norbert went, finding pieces and trinkets catching his eye. Through the markets Norbert went, finding store owners presenting their wares¡ªnecklaces, rings, armour, weapons and food. The scents and smells overwhelmed Norbert as he looked from one place to another.


    Looking out further, Norbert saw down the hill; the city spread out before him. Going down, it went out, Norbert seeing fields of rolling hills and trees dotting the landscape. A road leads out, winding between the buildings, going past the gate and between the hills.


    Norbert stood there, looking out and seeing the world, wondering what else could be there. Just over the horizon and out there, already seeing some of it, what else could he only dream of?


    Slowly walking down the hill, Norbert whistled to himself, staring off at the hills in the distance, calling him to run as fast as he could, the wide streets and building undulating roofs begging out to him. Shaking his head, Norbert''s view was cut off by the wall. Looking up, Norbert could see it being many meters tall, finding a gate with an average thickness of a couple of meters. As Norbert just stared at the construction, the stones must be shipped one at a time and set in place due to their immense size.


    An airship horn blasted above his head; at least it would be easy to move items out here, Norbert thought. Walking along the base of the wall, Norbert trailed his hand. His gloved fingers picked up the grooves on them. Etched in each stone, Norbert stepped back, seeing it make a wave going from one brick to another.


    Not recognising it at all but assuming it was something to fortify the walls against such beasts he had seen in the forest. And remembering great beasts the mention of a T-Rex, still not having found anything like it so far.


    As Norbert turned around, walking along the road to Martitia''s residence. Stopping, Norbert went and bought a meat skewer from the stall owner. Giving him an extra copper, may as well be generous. Biting into the skewer, juice dribbled down his cheek as Norbert tasted its salt.


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    His tastebuds activated from one stall; Norbert looked at the next place to eat. The smell of candy wafted out of a shop as the door opened. Stopping again Norbert in his path, he looked out the window.


    Pink writing scrawled on the front, Norbert wishing he could read it now. The outside stone of the building was also pink, the mortar in between the bricks used was a darker pink, making the entire place stand out compared to the normal grey colouring found by their neighbours Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert headed inside, the bell tinkling above his head. As he stepped in, Norbert smelt the sugar in the air.


    Remembering the shop that Nassan took him to before Norbert looked around, recognising the candies there. Poking around, Norbert saw ones of all different colours, recognising the ones that changed the colour of your tongue.


    Hard candies that needed to be chewed were soft, jelly-like, long, and trim. Norbert just looked, not knowing which one to start with. So making the wise decision, Norbert walked up to the counter. The wood around Norbert was dyed pink to match the same as the sign outside. Tiny shelves waist high stood, creating aisles in the centre of the room and around the edges. Looking inside the shelves, Norbert saw more lollies for him to look at.


    Rubbing his hands, Norbert went to the counter; a girl far younger than he was sitting there. "Anything tickles your fancy?" she asked Norbert.


    She looked at her noticing her pink hair and the pink dress she wore¡ªpolka dots on the dress of white created a pink effect on her and noticing the blush on her cheeks also gave the girl a warm and open look. Leaning on the counter, saying, "Well, what happens if I want to try all of them first?" he asked.


    The girl''s smile went even more comprehensive than before. "Mum", she called out into the back room. A woman wearing pink as well but with blonde hair appears behind the door frame. "He said he wants to try them all. Do we do that?" she asked her mother.


    The mother entered the room, looking at Norbert and his black clothes. "That would be fifty coppers, depending on how many bags you would like to have" she questioned Norbert.


    Nodding his head in acceptance, Norbert pulled his coin pouch off, took a silver coin out and placed it on the counter. The girl''s eyes widened, and Norbert said, "This should cover it, I would also like to take some back so my party can have a taste."


    The woman stepped forward, swiping the coins into her pouch. "Gloria, please show ¡­" she asked, looking at Norbert.


    "Norbert", he provided for her.


    "Thank you, Norbert. Around the store, let him have the full experience. And yes, you can try some too." She said to her daughter. Gloria instantly got off the chair and came around to the front, dragging Norbert to the front of the shop. Going along with it, Norbert began to have a rundown of all the candies in the shop.


    ***


    Leaving the store, having had more sugar in one time than ever, hoping his teeth would be fine as Norbert brought a sack around. They showed how some of the candies were made, but sadly, they could not use any of the appliances needed. Norbert wondered once more what people with no magic did in this world, how they would even function.


    Popping a candy to suck on in his mouth, knowing his tongue would be multi-coloured from his experience today. Steadily walking around the sun going down, Norbert no longer idly walking around but trying to get back as soon as possible cut through the streets.


    Recognising the buildings now, Norbert positioned himself in the right direction. And there before him was the house. Walking up the steps, Norbert opened the door, the doors swinging open as Norbert looked around.


    Finding everyone else there just sitting around, one playing a song on a string instrument, Norbert was not sure the exact type as the music filled the air. Several of the people joined in singing to each other.


    As the door closed behind Norbert, everyone looked at him. Staring at the bag he had, Norbert walked to a table and dumped the contents, allowing the candies to roll around it. Everyone stared at him as he walked over to the bar and sat on a stool.


    "Well, that''s for everyone, so dig in," Norbert said. A round of cheers escaped the room. The music stopped as even he went forward and took a handful. As the first person had one, they exclaimed, "It''s the Pink Pair''s store."


    A hiss of yesses came from others as they all joined in. Martitia also stepped forward, selecting several and putting them in her hand as she sat beside Norbert. "Already told these guys, so just let them have their candy. It''s a good way to end our stay here." She said


    Norbert just looked at her, hearing the candy click in his mouth as he said, "What do you mean, end our stay?"


    Martitia smiled. "Tomorrow, we''re heading out again to a new town to stop a herd of wild raptors destroying a village." Popping one into her mouth and just looking.


    Norbert nodded, excitement growing in his belly at finally seeing a dinosaur. Thinking about the T-Rex again, Norbert had to ask, "Speaking of raptors I¡¯m curious about T-Rex¡¯s, were are they located?" Norbert hoped the translation would work well.


    Martitia responded, "They are further out to the east, where the desert tribes and their underground cities. Far away from where we are now."


    Norbert just nodded, still excited that he might see a raptor tomorrow.

 Chapter 74 Raptors in the Village

    Norbert woke up the next day, the fire still roaring before him. Rubbing his hands together, Norbert saw Obsius tapping on the window. Opening it, the bird flew inside, sitting in front of the fire and keeping its wings open, warming them up.


    Norbert looked through his bag, ensuring everything he could need was there. What he took with him there, as well as some of his coins, holding several silver inside in their bag and attached to the lining so they wouldn''t jumble around.


    Confirming that everything was there, Norbert, now fully dressed in his gear, made sure his mask was also there, putting it on and talking, still happy with the purchase. Waiting, the others slowly began to make their way down, one by one following through.


    As Dobert, the last to come down, appeared, everyone wearing their gear, any of their extra weapons already strapped onto themselves. Norbert noticed that many of their purses were bigger than normal. In single file, they stood Martitia inspecting their gear, ensuring nothing was missed.


    All were saluting each other before leaving and knocking on the door; Norbert followed suit as they talked in a group making their way towards the gates.


    ***


    Looking at the building, Norbert was surprised to see the steady stream of people going in and out, even at this time of day. Not the complete chaos he had previously seen, but still busy enough. Looking at the people coming and going, Norbert realised they were all in uniform.


    Staring at the airship above him, Norbert realised that these gates were private, used only for The Frontier to move about and with that secret uncovered, Norbert followed the group inside. He knew where to go as he evaded the people around him.


    Once more in the waiting room, Norbert waited, talking with the others in the group. As more and more came in, Norbert waved to Mark and Azalea as they came through, asking what they did. Hearing that, both of them just relaxed around the place when the conversation came to him, and he mentioned the casino both told him to be quiet.


    Norbert wondered what happened and why he couldn''t say around here. As Dousan arrived, shouting to everyone, "We need to move now; people follow me" Everyone instantly stood up, jogging towards the gates.


    Dousan positioned them towards a gate already formed staff, pointing out he barrelled through. Norbert wondered what could be going on as everyone else followed through. Obsius ducked into his jacket as Norbert also stepped through.


    Outside, Norbert heard a screech; continuing forward, Obsius flew off into the air. Norbert looked around the town, hearing the screams of people and beasts pierce his ears. Norbert followed the first cry by rushing forward, not wanting to get in anybody''s way.


    Found two kids curled in the corner of the house, a dinosaur, a real dinosaur of the raptor variety, green speckles over it and covered in feathers, slight patches of scales Norbert could see. Coming to the size of Norbert''s shoulders, it ran on two legs, having small arms with three claws.


    Remembering the colour green being associated with poison, Norbert didn''t want to get touched by any of them and become poisoned. Taking out his sword, the reptile moved its head away from the kids, attracted to the noise.


    Norbert took a stance, holding the blade above his head and trying to control his breath and remember his skills from before. The two faced each other off, neither moving.


    RAWWWRR


    The raptor screamed, leaping forward. Norbert ducked down and charged forward as well; holding the blade pointed forward, Norbert felt it pierce the beast, the weight instantly bringing the sword down to the ground.


    Wrestling with it, Norbert pushed the blade in as deep as possible seeing the tip stick out the other side. Finally, it stopped moving. Norbert held it down with his boot and pulled the sword out, covered in blood.


    Looking at the two kids, Norbert grabbed both of them in one hand, getting out of the house. Quickly running to the gate, Norbert saw other village residents also there. Placing the two kids down, they ran to an adult, and the woman knelt clutching both of them as tears came down her cheek.


    Rushing off again, Norbert listened for the next scream; another raptor appeared before him, looking similar to the previous one. Norbert swiped through with all his might, the reptile providing little resistance as its head was slashed in two.


    Spinning around, Norbert could steady himself from his unbalance at swinging the blade. Seeing three down in the street, Norbert charged forward, screaming at the top of his lungs. The three looked towards Norbert before charging in his direction. One in the centre leading and the others on each side following slightly behind, creating a wedge shape.


    Breathing in, Norbert focused on his legs, leaping forward, feeling the stone crack under his foot. Catching the three reptiles by surprise, Norbert tackled the first, sending them tumbling backwards. Sword knocked out of his hand, and Norbert clamped down on the jaw, stopping it from opening its mouth.


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    The claws on its feet and hands tried to scratch him, but Norbert didn''t let it for long; raising a fist, he smashed it down towards the head. The first hit made the reptile woozy; on the second, Norbert heard a crack from somewhere; and on the third, Norbert''s fist went into the creature''s head. The reptile instantly still.


    Rolling forward, removing his hand from the corpse, Norbert looked for his sword, not confident in taking on two without the extra reach. Scanning his eyes around, Norbert saw it to the right. Diving towards it, Norbert clattered next to it. Reaching for it, he twisted around, holding the blade along his body as a shield to protect it.


    As he did so, one of the raptors jumped on top of him, mouth trying to get at his neck; instead, it bit into the sword, Norbert catching it with his body. Holding back the entire weight, Norbert lifted his legs under him and kicked them forward, sending them into the raptor.


    Tumbling away, Norbert rolled onto his feet, not wanting to be caught unprepared again. Feeling something behind him, Norbert swung his sword around, biting into another raptor but not going through. Taking out a dagger, Norbert held his sword in one hand, reciprocating his other with the dagger repeatedly into its body like a machine.


    Slowly the beast began to tire, slouching onto Norbert. Stepping back, he let its body fall to the ground. Norbert looked over, wondering where the third one was. Seeing it off to his left, Norbert looked at it, seeing it trying to move its body but unable to, only its head moving.


    Norbert thought it must have landed on its back, damaging its spine and now likely disabled. Norbert struck at its wriggling neck quickly, putting it out of its misery as quickly as possible. Looking around at the chaos they had caused, saddened that his first experience with dinosaurs to be one of death and destruction.


    Obsius landed on the raptor''s head and began pecking at its eye. Norbert just walked away, looking for anyone else in the area to save. Shouting out, "Coast is clear. Can you come out? The three have been killed, so I can take you to the gate!"


    His voice echoed around the town, bouncing off the buildings. Seeing movement to the side, Norbert looked, only to see someone else from his group come forward. Wearing some metal in their armour and carrying a sword and shield, they stepped towards Norbert.


    The two looked eye to eye, and the stranger looked around. "Surprised you could take these", she said, pointing to the three raptors with her sword. Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert peeled his ears, listening for something moving, hoping it would be a villager that he could move.


    "Not the hardest things I''ve seen", Norbert said, looking at the buildings.


    BANG BANG


    Norbert panned to the sound, seeing a destroyed house two down. Walking towards it, Norbert saw there was rubble everywhere. Hearing the banging continue, Norbert started moving the debris around. Whipping his fingers, Norbert heard coughing from below his feet. Looking, Norbert saw a large stone covering something wooden. Hoping it to be a trap door, Norbert quickly cleared the area around it, throwing the smaller stones onto the road.


    The other warrior also joined in, quickly moving all the loose stones. Together they carefully bent down, picking the large stone up and moving it to the side, steady about the placement, not wanting to cause a landside into the trap door.


    When the rock was moved off, the door opened, and a man''s head appeared, beard caked in dust. Norbert held his hand down as he looked around before the head disappeared. Norbert looked down into the cellar, seeing so many people. The kids came up first; Norbert reached down, picking them out of there before passing them along, Norbert seeing them being placed on the street.


    More and more came out, about ten kids in the end, all of varying sizes, then the grownups climbed up the ladder, the warrior standing with the kids, looking out and making sure nothing came. Norbert assisted with his hand on the last step. After five grownups, two men and three women came up, the man Norbert saw first the last to appear.


    Together they met, crying in the street. Norbert gave a worried look to the warrior, not wanting to be left out in the open like this. Seeing her relaxed demeanour calmed Norbert down slightly. Directing them towards the gate, Norbert walked with the bearded man asking, "How did this happen?"


    Mostly talking to himself, Norbert was surprised when the man responded, "They''ve been coming for the past week now; slowly, they went closer and closer, becoming more daring than before. And today, I don''t know. A peaceful day at home suddenly turned nasty; the alarm bells sounded off, and I ducked straight into the cellar below. The neighbours also knew, so they came scrambling down as well. And then ¡­."


    Norbert just nodded, patting the man''s back. "It''s fine now; the worst is over" he just nodded and continued walking silently. Norbert constantly scanned around, checking if there was anything following them. As they continued, finally seeing the gate, the villagers rushed forward, passing those of Norbert''s party as they made their way to Dousan.


    As Norbert walked closer, one of the healers came forward. "Have you been hurt anywhere?"


    Norbert just shook his head, then, remembering the scratches looked down at his clothes. Confirming that nothing pierced through, Norbert replied, "Nah, not a scratch on me, at least not from the raptors."


    The healer just nodded. "Better being safe than sorry", he said, holding out his hands in front of Norbert as he whispered something and a green circle appeared. Norbert felt the ache in his back just starting to form and be washed away.


    The healer dropped his hands. Norbert thanked him and continued walking towards the warrior, repeating the same as before. As Norbert walked towards Martitia, she pointed to Dousan. "He''s after you, going to go outside the walls and see what''s happening."


    Norbert just nodded and stepped in front of Dousan. Turning around, he exclaimed, "Ah, just the man I was looking for. Norbert, you will be going off where the sun rises; we''ve been told that is the direction they appear."


    Dousan looked behind him as a villager nodded. Dousan looked towards Norbert again, saying, "The rest are already making their way out of the gate that way. Said I would send the last one along the way."


    Norbert nodded and started jogging towards the gate Dousan indicated.


    ***


    Dousan stared at him as Norbert departed, shaking his head as he remembered times when he was young, just following orders and living life. Oh, how things change for people. Turning around, Dousan started organising people to search for other villagers, bringing those able to help with them, wanting everyone together and people watching in case anything else happened.


    Having the massive nest and now this stampede of raptors much earlier than expected, something didn''t sit right in Dousan''s stomach. Not caring for any postulating, he looked around, nodding that some order had been restored to the town.

 Chapter 75 Along the Plains

    Once out of the gate, Norbert ran forward, seeing several people running away in the same direction. Sprinting as fast as he could, not caring about any raptors chasing him, confident in his ability to escape them. As he continued running, the people ahead quickly came into view; slowing down as he came closer, Norbert shouted and waved across the plains; as they looked back, they waved to Norbert, coming to a stop.


    Meeting up, Norbert looked to those with him, recognising most. "And now the group of five is together," Mark said. Norbert nodded in response, seeing Mark, another warrior, Nessie and Azalea standing around.


    Looking at the mystery woman in armour, Norbert waved his hand, inviting her to speak, "Rachel, but she doesn''t like talking"; Mark answered. The woman Rachel nodded in response. Norbert looked at her chestnut hair cut short, seeing a scar on her cheek. Not wanting to stare, Norbert looked away, sure it was a point of embarrassment for the woman.


    Mark rummaged inside his backpack, pulling out some food and a water skin. He handed it over to Norbert, who placed it in his bag and needed to rustle some of the items around to fit. Everyone packed again the group started jogging again at the pace before. Norbert can easily keep up, not even feeling like he is trying.


    Over the grass, they went off the plains, the tall green grass going up to their knees, the group crushing it as they went by. Travelling together, Mark at the front, Norbert and Nessie on either side, Azalea at the centre, and Rachel taking the rear.


    Like this, Norbert looked out, trying to spot something from his right side. Looking at Mark, Norbert shouted over the wind, "Why are we all going together?"


    Mark didn''t say anything without even turning his head; Norbert could hear he was focusing on his breathing. Nessie from the other side said, "Because these hunt in packs. Before you know it, they will jump out of the grass, surround you finish you off."


    Norbert looked to the grass, quickly seeing them. "They aren''t that easy to stop, and what makes them so hard to spot?"


    Nessie exclaimed, "Cause they use magic to blend in, this is heightened by them being the same colour as the grass. Sightings have seen them shake on the spot and able to go through the grass without touching anything."


    Norbert just shook in response, not knowing how he could find a pack of creatures that seemed to be able to blend in and surprise at a moment''s notice completely.


    Thinking, Norbert asked, "And how many are normally in a pack?"


    Nessie replied, "Normally, there are at least twenty; what ransacked the village before was about two packs coming together."


    Norbert whistled in response, knowing why so many people had come, unsure if he could escape with twenty of those raptors appearing out of thin air. And thinking about their colour and what the healer said about poison, he would not want to be alone.


    Continuing to run through the flat plains, only broken up by an occasional tree, the only marker they were moving. Occasionally looking behind themselves, Norbert could see the village they went to save go out of sight slowly. Seeing another tree come up, Mark slowed down, the entire group followed suit.


    As the non-scouts in the group lay down on the ground panting heavily, Norbert just looked back at Nessie. She just walked to the other side of the tree, sitting down and looking outside. Seeing the others, Norbert assumed they had no endurance elixirs, as they could not keep up with the leisurely pace.


    Looking up at the stout tree, its bark a deep black, with branches reaching far out, providing a large shade from the sun. As the others sat up, Norbert thought they would leave, instead taking their water out and having a bite of food.


    Looking up at the branches again, Norbert could nearly touch the lowest ones. Jumping up, reaching out, grabbing hold of the branch, and climbed atop it. Standing up, balancing, Norbert could see a little more. Up above, Norbert saw another branch; reaching out, he jumped for it again.


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    Like this, Norbert climbed up the tree until the branches became too small to support his weight; up in the air, Norbert could now see far and wide. Above seeing the plains, just completely flat for as far as he could see up there. No trees, forests or gullies anywhere. To the side, Norbert saw a road going away from him in a straight line; following it, Norbert could see it came from the village.


    Hearing the jingle of metal hitting metal, Norbert looked down, seeing the others starting to get up. Seeing no branches in his way to the ground, Norbert just jumped down, landing on the ground, a dust cloud coming up around him. As one, they set off again, jogging across the plains.


    Stopping occasionally, Norbert could see another tree, the sun going down after a day of moving, hearing the others panting, their faces red from tiredness but scrunched up in determination as Mark moved them to the tree.


    At the base of the tree, the others sat down, Azalea allowing light to stay floating in the air with magic, allowing the others to at least see around them. Norbert watched the others take out their food and scoff it down. Looking at his own and noticing the vast difference in quantity, shrugging his shoulders, happy that he didn''t need to carry any extra weight.


    Waiting for the others to eat, Norbert sipped on his water, lying against the ground and looking up at the stars in the sky. Trying to find patterns in the sky but not knowing how to make constellations, Norbert stared up at the sky, looking at the twinkly lights.


    "How many more days of travel will this take?" Norbert asked the group.


    Mark cleared his throat and replied, "Id assume another day, but who knows? Max will be three more days heading out as supposedly there is a ravine cutting through the plains."


    Norbert nodded in response, remembering his teachers were with him now. "Training?" Norbert asked the question in general.


    Moving his head to the side, Norbert saw Mark wave his hand. "Not while we are out here; I don''t want the sound attracting anything nasty."


    "Can''t blame you there," Norbert said, looking towards Azalea.


    Looking back at Norbert, she exclaimed, "Fine, did you bring your bestiary?"


    Norbert nodded, sitting up and reaching into his bag. Taking the mask out to find the book, Nessie Azalea said, "Why do you have that?"


    Taking out the book, Norbert looked at what she was pointing at; seeing the mask, Norbert flicked it into his palm before putting it on and speaking out. "Cause it''s cool", he said, voice now monotone.


    Azalea shook her head, saying, "The red light clashes with the green, though."


    Norbert took off the mask, looking at it and seeing it black. Thinking his leg was being pulled, Norbert asked, "Red light, isn''t it solid black?"


    Azalea just reached out, Norbert passing the mask to her as she put it on. When she spoke, a line curling underneath and around her eyes and along her jaw breathed red light in the rhythm of her talking, "See, red light doesn''t sit well with your other clothes." Taking the mask off and handing it over.


    "Then what''s it used for?" Norbert asked.


    Azalea just breathed out, "The exact reason you bought it for a cool piece kids like to play with, those with enough money to buy them. But that''s enough of that; time to start going through this."


    Norbert nodded, taking off his pendant as he was shown the words.


    ***


    After some time, not as long as usual, Azalea shut the book saying, "Enough others sleep."


    Norbert nodded in return, replying, "Ok."


    Norbert just stared back at her as she smiled, patting him as she handed the book over. Norbert looked down to the book in one hand and the pendant in the other.


    He


    Was


    LEARNING


    Whipping his arms into the air, Norbert exclaimed, "Yes, progress" Smiling, he fell back, looking up at the stars. From the corner of his eye, Norbert saw Rachel move her head slightly in his direction, dismissing the girl. Norbert just smiled.


    A tap on his shoulder brought his attention back to reality. "Obsius?" he asked.


    Seeing who was tapping his shoulder was not the bird, but a person. Norbert looked up, seeing Nessie there. "Your shift for the night watch. You can either do the rest or tag someone else in."


    Norbert sat up and nodded as he climbed up the tree, staring into the distance.


    ***


    Galamamon sat at the table, tapping his foot on the ground. Looking around the circular table, waiting impatiently as the others just sat in silence, sipping their drinks or being distracted by morals.


    They would all have the desired entertainment if they just hurried this along.


    The double doors opened, and seeing the leading cause of this wait, Lady Luck walked in. She was gliding around, giggling to herself as she took her seat.


    "What has your mood so chipper, Luck?" Galamamon asked.


    "Oh, knowing I made you this grumpy is all I need", Luck responded.


    Galamamon infuriated, looked around the table. "Can this begin already?"


    Martura just raised a hand. "Soon, the time must be ripe for the picking."


    Galamamon looked around and strode out of the room, the doors closing behind him. Martura looked towards Luck. "That may be the last time I can slow it down."


    Luck just nodded. "And that will be all the time I need." As her thoughts went out to Norbert, hoping she was right.

 Chapter 76 An Extra Passenger

    As the sky lit up, others around him moving at the start of the day. Norbert looked towards Azalea as she began reading through a book first thing in the morning. As the others began stretching and greetings to each other, she continued to read.


    Norbert continued looking out of the corner of his eye until Mark said it was time to head out. Suddenly she did a mad scramble to have something to eat and depart on time. As they began to jog again in what he assumed was the same direction, Norbert asked Azalea, "Whatcha reading earlier?"


    Azalea looked up, already red in the face "Magic", she replied curtly


    Norbert just nodded, "But can''t you already do magic?"


    Azalea just shook her head and looking to the front. "Talk on the next stop," she said.


    Norbert nodded, returning to silence, not wanting to annoy someone too severely and seeing she was probably sore from running everywhere yesterday.


    The other members did not break the silence; Norbert just looked ahead, seeing how they could get to their destination faster, the ravine. After running for an entire day and not seeing a living thing, Norbert started to doubt the thoughts of the raptors even existing out here in the first place; after all, not a single path was shown in the grass where they would have needed to cross.


    The rest slowed down as they passed another tree. Norbert sat down facing Azalea, waiting for his explanation like a dog before its owner, wanting to get a treat or a pat for being good.


    Azalea paid Norbert no mind, getting out her things and looking down at her book. Norbert looked at it upside down, unable to read any of it, not understanding how the words formed together while looking at it upside down. On the other side of the page was a magic circle with lines going out at it and seeing the letters next to it.


    Turning back to the first page, Norbert saw the guide, highlighting particular points that Norbert assumed were necessary for the product. Azalea flipped the page, going to the next one with the same style.


    Examining the magic circle, Norbert saw it had grown from the previous one, getting slightly more complicated. Throughout the break, Norbert saw it slowly morph from one form to the following, line after line being added, explaining what each part did as it read.


    Azalea closed the book with a thud, making Norbert jump where he was. Staring at him, Azalea began, "This is a book for magic. Used to study new spells and grasp an understanding of ones already learnt."


    Norbert just nodded in response, waiting for more. As Azalea turned around, placing the book in her bag, standing up, Norbert looked, seeing that everyone else was already out of the shade of the tree. Norbert got to his feet, catching up with Azalea in several strides.


    "You said I would get an explanation", Norbert insisted on her.


    "Is that a tone you take with someone teaching you?" She accused him. Norbert stared at her as they met with the group before saying, "And we needed to leave; we just didn''t get the time."


    Norbert looked forward, hearing the excuse in it. "But shouldn''t a student ask for insight from their teacher, and a teacher, in return, should tell them?" Norbert asked.


    Seeing her smile, he wondered what mind games she was playing. "Move your backpack to the front."


    Norbert just nodded in response, wondering why he would want to do it but not wanting to annoy Azalea too much. Dipping behind, she went out of Norbert''s sight. A weight hit him on his back as two arms wrapped around his neck.


    Regaining from the stumble due to the weight change, Norbert returned to the group, them getting slightly ahead. Twisting his head around, Norbert saw Azalea smile out of the corner of her eye.


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    "I''m on him!" She shouted out. Norbert turned to the front, seeing the other three heads turned towards him, the others nodding in response as Mark shouted out, "Looks like we can speed up now", going from the jog to a run.


    The others also increased their clip, Norbert matching as his passenger repositioned herself so both were comfortable. Feeling her fingers tap against his chest, her breath tickling his ear, feeling them turn bright red as she began.


    "What would you like to know?" She asked.


    Norbert thought about what he wanted to ask, answering his first question, "How do you do magic."


    "Quite the philosophical one, are we? That question has been asked around since the dawn of time: how can one bend reason until what is unreasonable or impossible becomes the norm, and then both, in turn, are constantly pushed forward."


    Norbert said, "You know what I mean; how does someone learn magic."


    Azalea replied, "By studying books, understanding the structures of spells, and through repetitive release as it gets ingrained in a person, and the entire act of memorising it becomes instinct. This is normally done through reading books, though some people learn by listening to others speak about the appropriate subjects."


    Norbert did not respond, just focused ahead, hearing Azalea accuse, "Hey, my answers are completely justifiable; don''t get all antsy with me because you''re asking bad questions."


    Norbert thought about what he wanted to be answered, thinking back to Olga''s showing and the spark leaving him. Norbert stated, "I just want to be able to do magic. Before joining, someone showed me magic; when I tried to reach it, it slipped away from me, unable to even turn a tap on." Norbert explained, frustration seeping into his voice.


    "I tried to accept it, but looking at the hive and everything happening, all the lights and sounds escaping, and just wanting to be part." Norbert focused on what he learned before, trying to reach inside with the light. Bringing it forward, Norbert tried to get it past his outstretched hand; once again, just on the tip of his fingers about to breach, it snapped back inside, becoming a taught ball unable to be moved.


    "See, whatever happens, it can''t be coaxed out," Norbert said, throwing his arms up. Nearly losing balance, Norbert looked, seeing he had dropped back again in his ramblings. Pushing forward, Norbert quickly caught up with them, Azalea cheering as the wind blew her hair behind her.


    "Sorry to damper your mood even more, but you will likely never be able to use magic normally." She explained; Norbert continued staring ahead, feeling one hand unwrap around him before it patted his head.


    "There there, it''s not all bad. For you still do magic, it''s just been tied up already, and you have none to spare," she responded; Norbert, not understanding what she meant at all, turned his face around, confusion etched on his face.


    Azalea explained, "Whatever supply you originally had is currently tied up in whatever augmentation you have done to yourself."


    Norbert looked at her, the confusion still on his face "Augmentation?" He asked


    "Yes, augmentation, what makes your veins turn purple like the great trees found in the Hinterlands." She explained.


    "And what does that mean?" Norbert asked


    "Don''t know the specifics, but augmentations, in general, need something to grasp onto, something for it to take, normally and in your case, it is your internal magic supply as fuel, constantly tapping into it as it is generated, keeping all of it in reserve for itself."


    Norbert interrupts, "Would a magic capacity elixir allow me to use magic then?"


    Hearing laughter in response, "That is one way of doing it, but you need bags of money for that. No, the most common way of increasing it is through repeated use of magic, exercising it like any other muscle. But for a big jump, an elixir would work, though not recommended and not confirmed to allow you to use magic."


    Norbert opened his mouth before a hand clasped over it, covering it up and only allowing muffle. "Stop interrupting me while I am explaining things; it''s a nasty habit you''ve picked up." Clearing her throat, Azalea said to herself, "Now, where was I? Oh yes, the reason is that some augmentations will grow with the user, wanting to take up even more of the pool, so if you have something like that, you are out of luck."


    Norbert just looked forward, not wanting to say anything or erk Azalea any more. Thinking of something, Norbert opened his mouth, waiting and feeling Azaleas come off his mouth before asking, "So, I either have a chance of being able to use magic or whatever the purple stuff does becomes even stronger, more potent?" Norbert asked, receiving a confirming nod in return.


    Norbert was lost in thought as he ran on instinct, the silence enveloping the group and his thoughts. Before realising it, they stopped again, the sun setting on the sky, having only stopped once that day.


    About to ask if they could continue, Norbert saw the faces of both Mark and Rachel, red-faced and sweat dripping off them. Norbert keeps the question of asking to continue from going out in the open, feeling Azalea hop off his back.


    "Well, that was a splendid trip; I don''t know about you guys." She said as she sat down, taking out her book and rereading the same page as before.


    Norbert sat beside her, taking out his bestiary as he flipped through the pages, trying to find the raptors again. Finding it, Norbert started to go through the page as best he could. Hearing the book close next to him, Azalea took the bestiary off him and began telling him about the creatures found inside.

 Chapter 77 The Ravine

    Once more, the sun''s light shone on the horizon. Norbert closed his book and watched as the others prepared, taking a bite of his food, seeing that half of it was gone now. Mark stood up, saying, "Today will be the last day before we should hit the ravine, after that it¡¯s a return trip."


    Receiving nods from all around, Norbert prepared himself again, looking towards the direction they had been heading in the entire time. Picking up again, they made past the tree, Azalea riding on Norbert''s back again, the group wanting to return quickly as possible.


    The sun high in the sky, Norbert wiped his sword on the ground, seeing the raptors sprawled on the ground, in varying stages on their destination towards the afterlife. He looked around the plains, confirming nothing else out there.


    After leaving the shade of the tree, this had been the third group they had encountered; everyone was tense, reading the air and weapons drawn. Without carrying Azalea and everyone taking their original positions, the group carefully headed off, waiting to see this ravine that would end their journey.


    The grass cut; Norbert whips his head around, hearing the wind blow through the blades; cutting his sword down, Norbert feels resistance. One of the raptors appeared before him, circling with its head looking up at him from the ground.


    The group moves into action instantly, having their back to one another with Azalea in the centre, waiting for the rest of the raptors group to come out of hiding. Tense seconds later, the group visibly relaxed.


    The raptors seeing their chance, dived out of the grass together, seven of them taking one of the four positions on the outside. Having done this tactic many times before, Norbert met the claws with his blade, thrusting it forward and through the reptile''s chest.


    Spinning around, blade by his side, ready to dash towards anyone needing assistance, Norbert saw that the others had also been dispatched. Coming to the centre again and in their positions, the group once more continued, Norbert looking back and seeing the path of destruction they had made.


    The once flat plains were now pockmarked with grass being pushed down, from some of the bodies holding it down. Shaking his head that it couldn''t have been an easy time as more raptors were slayed, Norbert continued walking, hoping the ravine was close.


    Stomachs on the ground, Norbert looked across, finally seeing their prize. Pushing his head out through the grass, hoping not to be seen by the raptors swarming bellow, the group looked to the other side and at the bottom of the ravine.


    The raptors swarmed at the bottom, all punishing each other, a sea of green moving this way and that, Norbert unable to see the ground the raptors tread upon because they were so tightly packed. Scanning up his eyes, he saw the countless eggs pock marketing the side of the ravines, seeing the little inlets holding a single egg. Each egg looking the size of someone¡¯s head, dark green with lines of white spreading out like cracks in shattered glass. Scanning to the left and right, as far as he could see before the ravine bent around a corner, eggs were on its side.


    Seeing that they were only two meters up, not to the top, Norbert was relieved, knowing that they would not be spotted by one of the raptors coming to inspect an egg.


    Norbert felt a pat on his arm; turning his head to the side, Azalea pointed behind them with her thumb. Norbert nodding in return, slowly crawled backwards, gazing one last time over the edge, trying to get a last detail that could point to the large amount congregating at one location.


    Away from the ravine, the group went to a crouch, making sure their heads didn''t poke above the grass; like this, they travelled Norbert, not knowing how long, but hearing rustling from above, Mark having stood up and jogging away.


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    The rest following Mark looked back, confirming they weren''t being followed by a wave of raptors turning to Azalea and Norbert. "We''re going to run for the rest of the time; no breaks until we return. Up for the challenge of carrying some of us, Norbert?" he asked.


    Norbert just nodded, going in front of Azalea as he twisted his backpack again to the front. Feeling her climb on once secured, he picked up his pace, all of them heading away. Feeling Azalea tap on his shoulder, Norbert looked in the direction she was pointing, nodding and heading to the centre of the group light appeared underneath Norbert''s head.


    Catching a glimpse in his peripheral vision, Norbert saw a blue circle form between her fingers; suddenly, it expanded, covering the entire group. Instantly Norbert felt the difference, each step somehow easier than the last, the wind pushing him forward.


    The grass in front blew down, so it would not be whipping at their legs, coming back up again on the other side as it had never been moved in the first place. With their new pace, the group began to eat away the miles.


    With night coming and not seeing anything passing multiple trees, nobody even asked if they could stop. Azalea used her magic on and off throughout the day, making great timing, but she would still need to travel for another day.


    Mark indicated for the group to stop, and they all slowed down. "As I said previously, we won''t stop for the night. The first one being carried will be Rachel, followed by myself and Nessie. No complaints; Azalea will be on top of whoever Norbert is carrying. Try and get as much sleep as possible. If we can keep the same pace as today, we should return to town by mid-day tomorrow."


    With that, Mark headed off again into the night, Azalea hopping onto her feet as Rachel climbed aboard Norbert; Azalea climbed on top of her. Norbert feeling a slight strain due to the weight but dismissing it by focusing on the energy inside himself, knowing his veins slightly turning purple with the effort.


    With everyone secured, Norbert took off, making his steps uniform to allow his passengers to get as much sleep as possible.


    ***


    Changing multiple times throughout the night, nobody stopped as they continued to move during the day. Not encountering anything on their travels, if the raptors could even catch up with them at their pace, Norbert hoped they couldn¡¯t.


    The sun setting once more on the horizon, Norbert saw a dot coming out of the ground in the direction the group was heading. Minutes later, Norbert confirmed it was their destination, the town once more.


    Coming up the same way they came, needing to angle slightly to hit the town, Azalea on his back gave them all a final burst of speed. Confirming the town, Norbert waved to someone handling the walls. Seeing a wave in reply before the person ducked behind the wall, running off to tell someone about the group''s return.


    Thundering through the village, not stopping as people came out of houses to see the disturbance, making it to the centre where the gate could be seen. Azalea climbed off Norbert''s back as they entered the tent, Dousan, Martitia and the others already there.


    Mark walks forward with Azalea, leaving Norbert, Rachel and Nessie standing near the tent wall. Dousan already has a map of the town; Norbert sees some figurines on top of it, lines drawn with string formations.


    On the other side of the tent, against the wall, Norbert saw the gate operator standing silently, Obsius sitting on his shoulder. The two of them locked eyes; the bird flapped its wings once and beckoned its head towards Norbert to come closer. Wondering what the bird was up to, Norbert walked around the tent, standing beside the cloaked figure.


    Mark walked forward. "Same as last time, a way bigger issue than normal", Mark said, all eyes turning to him. "All of the raptors have congregated in the ravine for nesting, filling the sides with their eggs, for when they hatch, all hell will break loose."


    Dousan just nodded. "The worst has come then. We''re not the only ones to report strange behaviour patterns with their targets. The world is holding its breath, and when it releases." Dousan trailed off, just shaking his head.


    "Anything else you would like to add," Dousan said, looking to everyone from the returning group; nobody said anything.


    He nodded in approval, stating, "Then you are dismissed; go and get some warm food in you and sleep on something soft; I''m sure one of the villagers will easily help you find the latter."


    The others saluted, Norbert adding it in as well. All went off, heading straight for the food tent. As he entered, his stomach grumbled in response to the food he could smell wafting around the tent.


    Piling the food on his platter, Norbert sat with the others, not saying a word to each other, focusing on the food on his plate. Walking around, now feeling the days and night running catching up to him, Norbert walked until he found someone, asking for a bed before being led and placed onto something. Norbert fell asleep before he even hit the mattress.

 Chapter 78 A Night with Company

    The wind howled in the night as Norbert stared at the ceiling above him, or what Norbert could call a ceiling, if there wasn¡¯t a gaping hole in it, Norbert ceiling cracks on the side, hoping it was still stable. A stream of moonlight coming in and shining on his face and trying to move but unable to, something pinning his arm down. Norbert looked to the side, seeing red locks falling around the pillow as Norbert stared at the woman by his side.


    Slowly, being careful not to disturb them, Norbert looked down his body, breathing a sigh of relief that he still had his clothes on. Nothing disastrous had happened between now and his meal that he might come to regret.


    Looking again at the woman, Norbert lifted his head slightly, looking down and seeing the blue robe. Sure it was Azalea, but not wanting to disturb her or whoever else it might be, Norbert moved his eyes to the top, looking out towards the sky and waiting for her to move.


    As the sky lightened, a new day came. Norbert felt a rustling on the bed. Turning his head, Norbert saw an eye flutter open, looking straight at him again, enraptured by the ocean moving in her irises, his previous thought confirmed that it was Azalea he was with. Hearing a cleared throat, Norbert focused once more on her; she moved her head slightly, looking down at the arm she used as a pillow.


    Looking back at him, she raised an eyebrow, lifting her head enough to allow Norbert to slip his hand out from under her. Staring up at the ceiling, avoiding looking at her, Norbert asked, "Do you remember what happened last night?"


    Hearing rustling, Norbert looked, seeing her stand up and walking towards the door frame, staring out at the town as the sun opened. "You can relax; not enough beds, and we stumbled into one together."


    Norbert nodded his eyes, watching as her hair turned fire red; looking back at him, "Well, we''ve got a busy couple of days ahead of us" Norbert flipped his legs around, nodding as he stood up, combing his hair with his fingers as he prepared for the day.


    Walking through the town and back to the gate, Norbert found a crowd already forming around the gate, waiting for the announcement, whispers filling the crowd of the Frontiers and the villagers.


    The gate took on its smoke impression as Dousan appeared, looking at the crowd already forming. He nodded satisfactorily, saying, "Thank you all for arriving here. We will prepare to meet the raptors and exterminate them before they spread any further. The villagers will stay in their homes; supplies are being organised to repair and fortify them."


    Norbert heard sighs of relief fill the crowd, happy that the villagers were being looked after. Norbert focused on, "As of now, sharpen your swords. The scouts and some mages will go out into the field, laying traps and confirming the extent of their spread. Go to your commanders who know your pairings."


    Murmurs of dealings and what this meant having the two teams paired up, who out of the mages would be the unlucky ones on the front lines. Dousan''s voice cutting through the scramble, shouted, "Together, like all other times, we shall succeed, and only with our brothers and sisters supporting us will we succeed!" Dousan raised his hand for the salute, all the people doing the same.


    Dispersing, Norbert made a beeline for the other scouts, all congregating around Martitia. Able to spot Dobert out of the crowd, Norbert also approached them.


    "¡­ Dobert will be in group four to assist the mages in placing traps, and where is Norbert?" she asked. Raising his hand, Norbert shot it above the crowd.


    "There you are, you''re going to be in group five; that''s it for all of you. Take the supplies needed; it''s expected you will be out there for a week while the rest of us make our way over," Martitia grumbled at the end.


    Dobert asked, "What''s with that sour face? Normally wouldn''t we all be going together?"


    Marietta sighed, "Just some internal issues, nothing you need to be wary of. Now go out there and meet up with your mages. And play nice, all of you."


    As one, everyone responded, "Yes, Mum", resulting in everyone giggling as they headed to the mess tent. Norbert heading off, saw Martitia signal him out of the corner of his eye. Branching out of the group, the two of them leaning against the wall of a building.


    "You recovered?" She asked him.


    Norbert looked at her, wondering what she could be talking about, seeing her point to his hands and the gloves covering them. Norbert nodded, having recovered from his use and staying up for the past two days.


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    "Good, you''re going to be going for much longer. Had Dousan pull in some favours for this, so don''t expect any more unless you share your winnings at a casino again," she finished, pulling out a little glass bottle with a dark blue liquid slushing inside.


    Norbert stared at it, his hand somehow already out, feeling the weight in his hand. Looking down, Norbert raised his eyes, whispering, "Are you sure?"


    Just receiving a nod in response, Norbert turned to the wall, opening the lid and sculling the contents down. The taste of blueberries and cloud lollies went down his throat, feeling it pool around his head and heart. Passing the bottle over, Norbert doubled over, feeling his heart beating rapidly. Focusing on breathing, Norbert closed his eyes, hoping it would pass without any black liquids coming out.


    After a minute and his heart rate slowing down, Norbert stood up, instantly walking into the building, Martitia following him. On the search for the kitchen, Norbert passed the first room, looking primarily intact. Walking into the second, Norbert found the kitchen and his prize ahead.


    Walking over, each stride with a purpose to the sink, Norbert placed his palm against the position the circle should be in. Closing his eyes, Norbert focused on his chest, trying to feel the ball that should be there.


    Feeling the energy inside twisting constantly, Norbert made it move, taking a thread out and moving it towards his hand. At the fingers, Norbert forced it out of his body; when it touched the magic circle, the backlash again happened worse than last time.


    It rocked back into the ball, the line rolling itself up. Once it was at the centre, Norbert felts spin even faster, each spin making his head split in half. Groaning, Norbert moved both his hands to the edge of the sink, holding himself up as he waited for his head to stop spinning.


    Hearing water gurgle and splash into the sink, then hearing it fill up a cup before it stopped, Norbert felt a nudge on his hand. Opening one eye, he saw a cup held before him. Moving one hand off, he brought it to his lips, sipping it.


    As the minutes wore on and the cup drained, Norbert felt like the anvil in his head had slowed, allowing him to move somewhat around. Opening his eyes, he turned around, seeing Martitia with a worried expression and a sad smile as she saw him look.


    "Could be worse?" She said, trying to raise Norbert''s spirits.


    "Could be better", Norbert replied. Walking outside and back to the house''s side, watching everyone else move about. Norbert turned around, grateful for an elixir that she had given him.


    "Honestly, thank you for it, it might not have gone the way I desired, but the gift is still appreciated," Norbert said, raising his hand in salute.


    Martitia just nodded. "And you''re going to need it, as you now have the most elixirs out of all the other scouts; you''re the fastest over the longest distances. Group five will be going past the raptors and trying to find something that could be the cause of their congregation."


    Norbert just nodded. "Anything else I should know?"


    Martitia just shook her head. "No, that''s everything, you''re dismissed. Head over and get the necessary supplies; expect some food and drink."


    Norbert nodded, jogging off where he previously saw the other scout''s head. Heading inside, Norbert rummaged around, finding a water skin he confirmed was filled with water and several biscuits he asked around would stay good for long enough.


    His bag packed, Norbert headed to the village road, heading in the same direction. Ahead Norbert saw someone in a blue robe sitting on a rock on the side of the road. Continuing, Norbert slowed as he recognised who it was.


    "Group five?" Norbert asked Azalea as she sat on the rock reading the tome she was reading before. Taking her eyes away from the book, she looked up, smirking at seeing Norbert there.


    "Yeah, guess you''re the other member of group five, no unexpected, I would say," she took her backpack off her, placed her tome inside, and started walking down the path. Norbert catching up, asked, "How come it''s not a surprise?"


    Azalea just gave him a look, smiling and tapping her nose. Norbert needed to confirm, "It''s a secret then?" and received a nod in response.


    Shaking his head in annoyance, Norbert asked, "Do you have any more information other than see what''s causing the raptors to come together?"


    "Sadly, no", Azalea responded.


    Norbert, nodding, asked, "Want to do the same as we did last time?" he asked.


    "Thought you would never ask, my gallant steed", Azalea responded. Norbert was stunned for a minute, wondering how much the translation was doing it or if it was something in the vocabulary of this world as well.


    Stunned, Norbert moved on instinct, moving his pack to the front of his body. Snapping out of his stupor as he felt a weight on his shoulders. Moving around a bit until they were both comfortable, Norbert went off, finally with nobody slowing him down as he left the road, heading in the right direction, Norbert ran with all his might, tufts of grass being blown away behind him, feeling Azalea hold even tighter to his body, for fear of falling off.


    Laughing at her worry, Norbert continued running, waving as he passed the other scouts jogging across the plains.


    ***


    Martitia looked as Norbert talked with Azalea before they headed off. Shaking her head, trying to dispel the worry, she headed towards the gate, Dousan still standing there.


    Seeing her appear, Dousan asked, "Did you give it to him?"


    Martitia nodded, Dousan needing to ask, "Did he believe the story, and is he fine?"


    Martitia replied, "Yeah, he believed it and is fine. He tried to use magic but got a splitting headache, it seemed. But I don''t understand what the commander sees in a lone scout to give him an elixir for magic when he can''t even use magic?"


    Dousan just shook his head. "You and I know times are changing once more; all we can do is hold on and go with the change."


    Martitia just nodded, the two following after Norbert as they saw dirt flying behind him.

 Chapter 79 Across the Plains, Again

    Rushing past the others, Norbert, did not have a care in the world, hearing snippets of an outcry as he continued to laugh. Arms pumping by his side Norbert went fast enough that his feet once more flew over the ground. The grass hitting his legs, Norbert kept on running. Seeing the first of the trees, Norbert did not stop, continuing to run on the flat plains and wondering what Azalea could be doing behind him, occasionally twisting his head around, seeing her moving her head about, catching the sights as she was carried around.


    Norbert continued to run as the day went, knowing that the easy distance was being covered now when they did not need to worry about raptors chasing them. Norbert spotted a tree poking out on the horizon as the sun came down behind them. Slowing down to a jog so they could hear each other over the rushing wind. Pointing to the tree, Norbert asked, "Tree ahead, so are we stopping for the night or continuing?"


    Azalea looked in the direction Norbert was pointing, raising a hand to her eyes and squinting but still unable to see anything that Norbert was pointing to. "Don''t know what tree you''re talking about, but whatever you¡¯re good with."


    Norbert nodded and began to run faster again. As they passed the lone tree, looking the same as all the others, with the sky becoming blood red, Norbert continued past it. He was giving it a last look as he continued throughout the night.


    Azalea navigated using the stars directing Norbert to keep him in the right direction. As the sunlight was coming out on the horizon, Norbert slowed down as he neared a tree. Walking the rest of the way, placing Azalea down on the ground, taking his backpack off and sword, lying against the tree with his items. Norbert closed his eyes.


    "Wake me up in thirty rotations," he said aloud, already drooping off to sleep.


    ***


    Azalea looked at the man leaning against the tree, already fast asleep and heard him snore. Able to go an entire night without stopping, he was unique to last as long as he did, or lucky. Resting as well on the tree, she could get some sleep over the night, even through all the shaking and rustling about on his back.


    Happy to be still, she took her tomb out of her bag, flicked to the page she was last reading and started to analyse the spell''s differences and nuances.


    Nodding her head in approval and taking a bite of a biscuit, she started to read the page in front of her. Realising the time had been up that Norbert had asked. Closing her book and placing it in her bag again, still munching on the biscuit, she leaned over to Norbert.


    "Hey, time to get up and moving; it''s been thirty rotations."


    Azalea heard grumbling in reply, with a waving hand stating something about getting up. Smiling at the boy, he was, juxtaposed with being able to run throughout the night and punch holes in creatures. Shaking her head, she bent down, took her backpack; she placed it in position.


    ARGH


    Azalea looked around the tree, seeing Norbert standing up, stretching himself, before bending down and putting his backpack and sword on. Loosening his shoulders, Norbert came around, squatting down, allowing Azalea to climb onto his back quickly.


    Happy with the assistance, the two took off with, Azalea directing Norbert when needed.


    ***


    Feeling a hand touch his shoulder and something about getting up, Norbert grumbled, "I''m getting up, ok."


    Getting to his feet, Norbert put his hands in the air, stretching them up and bending himself backwards, feeling all the muscles in his body move after the lack of movement. Popping from stretching, Norbert groaned to himself.


    Feeling eyes watching him, Norbert tried to pay it no mind, bending down and grabbing his backpack and sword. Getting both into position, Norbert bent in front of Azalea, allowing her to climb on easily.


    Standing up, Norbert waited for her to get comfortable before heading off under the sun. Azalea pointed him in the right direction. The two headed off on their travels over the plains, going fast without distractions.


    Behind him, Norbert turned around, seeing his first group of constantly growing distractions. The first group of raptors popped up around them, Norbert not stopping as he slipped past them. Hearing their roars of anger coming from behind, Norbert continued, hoping they could not keep up with his pace.


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    Although they couldn''t, the roar of the previous one sent all the others into a frenzy; Norbert remembered in the forest being chased by the wolves that constantly howled at him from up ahead, telling the others of their kind exactly where Norbert was and stopping him from escaping.


    Azalea cast her spell constantly to buff Norbert after the first group arrived, allowing him to go that bit faster, not needing to move as much as he powered onwards.


    Hearing them coming from all around, Norbert thought back to the other scouts needing to deal with the enraged lizards; hopefully, by the time they arrived the next day, the reptiles would have calmed down slightly. Shaking his head to stop his thoughts from distracting him, Norbert charged into a raptor, unable to make it out in time.


    Holding his arms out to stop Azalea from being hit, Norbert smashed into the beast, instantly the creature being pulverised into moosh, the bits that he didn''t touch flying out behind him. Off balance, Norbert felt himself tip over head first. Bringing his hands out, he pushed himself into the air, doing a cartwheel.


    Landing on his feet, Norbert continued running, feeling pain in his hands but knowing if he looked down, the next raptor would also be after him. Focusing on his hands, trying to get the circulation to repair whatever was wrong with them, Norbert looked ahead, able to see the ravine, just a line where the grass stopped for a moment.


    Knowing that the time was coming, twisting his head around, Norbert saw the grass being pushed down in multiple directions; knowing that stopping was not an option, he turned his head forward again, hoping to clear it to the other side.


    Focusing on his legs, Norbert focused on it, the beating of the drums, the blood rushing through them, the muscles contracting and releasing, allowing him to run. Norbert took it all in with the minute details and his clothes against the skin as the grass suddenly stopped before him.


    Taking his last step, Norbert pushed off with all his might, shouting out to the sky and all around him. Flying through the air, Norbert looked down, seeing the sea of raptors all looking back at him, wanting to see what caused such an enormous uproar.


    As he looked around, noticing that there were now more eggs than before and seeing some were shattered, Norbert shuddered, knowing that even more was coming. Turning his head back ahead, Norbert saw his landing, coming closer and closer, the other side coming. As he came closer, from being able to easily make it to just needing to lift his legs to land to having his chest impacted, Norbert winced, knowing he was about to eat dirt.


    And eat dirt, Norbert did, his waist smashing into the edge, his chest continuing forward as his face smashed into the dirt, continuing forward Norbert tipped head first, the rest of his body coming up behind him as he rolled onto the grass on the other side.


    Tumbling over Norbert, Azalea released her grip from him, flying off somewhere ahead. Norbert was unable to do anything as he continued to roll in the grass, slowing him down. After several more rotations, Norbert stopped, face down in the dirt. Norbert was still for a moment, thinking it was over.


    ROAR


    Shooting his head up, Norbert went to his feet, alarmed at what could have caused the noise. Remembering the raptors chasing them, Norbert dashed forward, seeing the grass crushed by something else. Hoping it was Azalea, his worries were abated seeing her lying down.


    Picking her up, Norbert saw blood coming down her head, peeling back an eye. Norbert saw it wasn''t focused on anything. Worry Norbert looked around for anything or anyone that could help her.


    Only seeing the raptors coming up the edge, Norbert moved his backpack to his back and picked her up, carrying her in his hands as he rushed forward. This site and raptors, milled around normally, now agitated from the commotion that Norbert caused.


    The raptors no longer cared for stealth; Norbert could see them as bright as day; now no longer hidden, he saw the hundreds on this side, milling about in groups, slowly and carefully scanning everything, trying to find the intruder.


    Knowing he couldn''t go back over the other side while carrying Azalea, Norbert pressed ahead, running away from the ravine. When he dashed off, Norbert felt a thousand eyes fall upon him, knowing that every raptor in the area would be after him.


    The race of attrition had started. All closing in on him, Norbert just focused ahead, seeing a path light up before his eyes of the way out. Following it, Norbert twisted when it instructed him to, jumping up above when needed and ducking down.


    Norbert dodged them all through the sea of raptors, some just by the hair of his teeth but coming out unscathed. Finally seeing nothing ahead of him, the light fading into nothing, Norbert charged forward, wanting to create as much distance as possible so he could look over Azalea.


    All alone now, Norbert looked behind him, confirming he wasn''t being chased. Forwards, he went, spotting a tree once more on the horizon. Changing his direction, Norbert headed for it wanting to be out of the shade and off the ground to see if anything came for them.


    At the tree, Norbert jumped up, landing on the first branch and balancing, hopping over to the one beside it. Norbert gently placed Azalea down, leaning on the trunk and positioning her legs on each side, straddling the tree.


    Norbert sitting down as well, straddling it, took off her backpack, allowing her to rest more comfortably. Leaning closer, Norbert touched his finger to the blood, confirming it was dry, thankful it wasn''t bleeding any more.


    Looking through his bag, Norbert pulled out his medical kit, took a bandage and wrapped it around her head, hoping the pressure would assist in case she moved. Staring out, Norbert waited for her to wake up, hoping it would be soon before they were forced to move again.

 Chapter 80 The Other Side

    Norbert saw Azalea move, reaching out and holding her steady so she would not fall Norbert realised she was finally conscious again. Worried at how long she was out of it, the sun setting in the sky.


    Azalea looked towards Norbert feeling the bandage wrapped around her head. "What happened?" she asked.


    Norbert looked into her eyes, making sure nothing was off about them, that they were focusing on him and working as needed. Nodding his head in approval, Norbert recounted, "Wasn''t able to make it over the ravine, hit the side and tumbled. You must have hit your head on something. Carried you out of there and stopped when we were no longer being chased. I placed you in the tree branches so at least I could see if anything came."


    Azalea just nodded, wincing slightly from the movement; Norbert turned around, looking once more out over the horizon. "We''ll stay here for the night. You need rest, and I don''t want to be surrounded by raptors with only the moon''s light."


    Azalea, not putting up any resistance, started rummaging through her bag. Taking out some biscuits, she nibbled on one; Norbert opening his own bag and joined her in the meal. The two ate in silence, only the munching being heard. After placing the items in her bag, Azalea rested her back on the tree and closed her eyes.


    Norbert watched her as the sun went down and the moon rose. The rays of light coming through the leaves and lighting her face up, Norbert could see the movement behind her eyelids; hoping that she wasn''t having a nightmare, Norbert turned around, looking out into the night as he flipped a coin in the air, guessing what the outcome would be.


    Thinking about how he could evade the raptors at the end, being shown the path out of there, Norbert thought back to the golden trail. Flicking the coin up, Norbert asked, "Luck, was that you today or something else?"


    Waiting for a response, Norbert held his breath, ready to hear anything. Having no response, Norbert thought about the coin. Would Luck be able to talk through this anytime? Wondering about the actions of a god or gods always watching over his back, Norbert shivered, nearly losing balance as he grabbed onto the branch, calming himself with breaths.


    Knowing that if he were being watched, he wouldn''t be able to do anything regardless, how did someone stop a god of all things? Norbert was having enough trouble with ordinary things, let alone great things like this.


    Shaking his head, Norbert held the coin. "Heads, it was Luck directing me, tails, it was something else", Norbert whispered, not wanting to wake up Azalea. Breathing again, Norbert flicked the coin in the air, seeing it flip around. Instinctually reaching out when he caught it, Norbert palmed it to the top of his other hand. Looking back on the side was the queen''s head.


    Shaking his head, Norbert looked at the heavens and the stars he could see, imagining Luck looking down at him from her window, smiling and cheering him on. Wanting to confirm it, Norbert asked, "If it heads or tails, then you can''t hear me Luck, if it lands on its edge, then you can", Norbert said as he flicked the coin in the air.


    Knowing that it would be impossible for the coin to land on its edge after him palming it to his other hand. Catching the coin with his right again, Norbert placed it on top of his left hand, feeling it flat against each other; it must have been a coincidence then.


    Norbert moved his right hand up, revealing his palm with nothing on it. Flexing his right hand, Norbert felt the coin drop onto the back of his left, standing perfectly on its edge for a second before Norbert moved his hand and rolled off.


    Placing the coin back, Norbert looked around, feeling like spiders crawling up his back as Norbert reached behind, trying to scratch them off and calm himself down. Looking up at the moon, Norbert whispered, "Guess we have more to talk about"


    A mote of golden light came fell from a leaf, resting on Norbert''s nose as he tried to look back at Luck, who he believed was staring down at him.


    ***


    Light once more came up over the horizon; Norbert looked across and saw that it was the flat plains he had been looking at for the past several days. Turning around, Norbert saw Azalea awake, having gotten her book out and reading it. Looking up from her book, she snapped it shut, placed it in her backpack and jumped off the branch.


    Norbert also jumped down, his butt grateful for not being sat on anymore. Norbert swapped his backpack around to the front.


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    "Didn''t know you were a follower of Luck?", Azalea said, surprise hinting in her voice.


    Norbert turned around, staring at the woman before him. "What do you mean as a follower?" Norbert questioned.


    "Heard you were whispering to her last night and flicking your coin in the air", She responded.


    "And why would that be something strange?" Norbert asked, feeling like he was getting into more trouble by the second.


    "Well, it''s related to you winning big at the casino. Many people have tried before to increase their luck and win big, all getting caught on the way, either at the gate or being taken in custody while playing. But you were able to come out unscathed with enough silver for all the scouts."


    Norbert scratched his head. "Well, I did get caught when I went back there, cause a big stir for a night then", He said, not even thinking about its implication.


    "So that was you?" Azalea asked


    "That was me what?" Norbert responded, not connecting the dots.


    "You were the one that caused the casino to go on a manhunt all across the city", Azalea said, Norbert nodding in return. Continuing, "And you even got out with the coin?"


    Norbert just nodded again.


    Azalea began nodding, lost in thought. "So you were why Dousan didn''t want anyone talking about it." She supplied.


    Norbert looked shocked that they would be sticking up for him, not like Martitia said otherwise. "But enough about that; you said we are on the other side now?" Azalea supplied.


    Norbert just nodded as he looked around. "Yeah, same on this side as the other, a couple more raptors milling around, but other than that, as empty as before."


    Azalea nodded as she looked around, trying to spot something Norbert couldn''t see. With her mind made up, she pointed in a direction Norbert assumed, heading to the right of the ravine. "That way?" Norbert asked.


    Receiving a nod in return from Azalea as she jumped on his back, the two of them headed off once more, Norbert flying across the land.


    As Norbert continued going through the grass, not seeing anything in sight, he wondered what the village they used would be set up here for. He had seen nothing that he could see, no mine, mountains, forests, or animals. Just the endless plains and the raptors; thinking he would ask Azalea on their next break, Norbert continued going forward at his steady pace, not pushing any energy into his body, going at a constant run.


    Over the next few days, they continued in this pattern, Norbert finding out that on the other side of the village were fields of grain, easily used and planted on the flat fields. The villagers would usually also go and hunt the raptors when they were in single packs, importing out their scales to support them.


    However, the raptors'' sudden disappearance caused the first outcry before they started attacking the village enemas, with Norbert knowing the rest when he arrived there with destruction all around.


    Going closer Norbert to the ravine, Norbert saw what he had found before, the ravine splitting even further apart here, going deeper and deeper into the ground, now able to run across the edge without getting spotted, as no raptors stayed on the sides of the ravine looking out.


    Curious at what caused the split in the earth, Norbert continued forward, Azalea not saying anything about his curiosity about what did it. Norbert found some mil lying about as he continued to run, thankful the first time he saw one lay an egg. Thankful that there wasn''t another queen somewhere they would need to deal with.


    Continuing ahead, they camped out at the ravine edge, becoming more like a canyon as Norbert looked far below, seeing the raptors slowing down during the night. Thankful that they wouldn''t be as active at night if attacked.


    Though this was diminished by the worry of the sheer amount, having run for an entire day next to it and seeing no stop to them, wondering if even the traps set in one section would be enough against this wave, shaking his head and leaving it to the experts, he was just a scout who did not need to worry; he just found information and headed back.


    During the night, Azalea rested sleeping on the ground, Norbert just stretching as he stared up a the sky, counting the numerous stars in the sky, not becoming familiar with their pattern after watching them for so long.


    Gazing at the stars, Norbert saw something cover them, dismissing it as a cloud. Norbert continued to watch the sky.


    CRASH


    ROAR


    Norbert whipped his head up, Azalea waking up out of her sleep. Norbert looked up ahead, in the moonlight of the waning moon, a creature diving into the canyon ahead of them. Only seeing a shadow move and the cries of the raptors bellow, the snaps of their bones being crushed before being eaten.


    Reaching into his bag, Norbert fumbled, looking for a torch he had kept from before, wanting to glimpse the creature causing the panic. Finding one, he held it out to Azalea to light; seeing the torch before her, she shook her head. Norbert waved it out again, wanting to catch a glimpse before they rushed out.


    Finally relenting, she held out her hand as it lightened up; now washed in light, Norbert threw it, wanting to get rid of it immediately. As it flew through the air, Norbert caught a glimpse of a giant black bat covered in fur, and its bright red eyes looked towards Norbert in the dark. Hearing a screech from above, Norbert grabbed Azalea, placing her on his back before he sprinted away, using the canyon as a guide as he ran as fast as he could.


    CRASH


    Norbert quickly looked behind him as the torch fell to the bottom. A second creature landed where they were standing before it dived into the canyon, chasing after the raptors inside.


    Not turning around again, hoping a third wouldn''t be following him, Norbert ran throughout the night, jumping over to the other side of the canyon on a narrow section, Azalea pointing him in the right direction towards the town.

 Chapter 81 Survivors Return

    Norbert did not stop for anything, focusing only on returning to the village in time. Images flashed through his head of a night attack, with all the torches out as those bats dived on them, picking them off one at a time. Only for dawn to come and the raptors chasing after them. Both during the day and night, under constant assault.


    Azalea having given up when the sun came up of Norbert stopping, he was more of a beast going on instinct, barely listening to the directions she gave him. The fourth sunrise came with Norbert having not stopped since, tiredness creeping on him, eyelids heavy as he continued to run, using more and more of his power each passing hour, knowing that when he stopped, he would not be moving for some time.


    The wiser option would be for him to stop before, to rest and recover, but the urgency of what could happen at any moment, needing to notify and find the location of the bats. If only he could have a nice place to sleep instead of all this moving about. Norbert started to slow down, waking himself up in a stupor and slapping his face, hoping it would keep him awake as he sent a bit more energy into himself, feeling a spike of wakefulness.


    Norbert heard his name being called out. Looking around like a lost puppy, Norbert saw a hand point in a direction; moving his body that way, the town came about himself, now looking at its side, having overshot the town entrance.


    Now seeing the fields on the other side, the wheat above the grass, around the village, Norbert could see it was cut down, unlike out in the plains. Coming around to the front entrance Norbert jumped over the wall, hearing a shout from all around from the people stationed on the walls.


    Not stopping, Norbert ran forward, slowing down from his inhuman pace to something more realistic, allowing him to get out of people''s way when needed. Running between the houses, Norbert went to the gate, seeing the tents still there, happy that the party had not moved off yet.


    Slowing to a walk, Azalea hopped off Norbert''s back as the two went to the table inside. Only Dousan and others Norbert did not know were looking around at a map. Having a glance, Norbert realised it was of the ravine, spots marked out where Norbert assumed the traps were placed.


    Norbert saw Dousan look up and open his mouth as he caught his eyes with Norbert. "Norbert, are you ok?" he asked.


    Norbert continued forward, replying, "Just a bit tired, but there are bigger fish than that" he walked to the table, taking his backpack off as he took out his bestiary.


    Flicking through the pages, Norbert went to the flying create section, trying to find out what he found before. Norbert saw birds, he had typically seen, passing over a pterodactyl-looking creature and flicking past several dragons, making a note to look at it later. Finally, he found it. Norbert flipped it around and slid it across the table.


    On the page was the giant bat, with features about it. Norbert began speaking, "Went further up, the ravine expands out to a canyon, at night two of these creatures came down and made a picnic of the raptors. The plan isn''t working; there are just too many raptors."


    Azalea stepped next to him. "He''s right, we spotted two of these, but there are just too many raptors out there for us to deal with them by ourselves if we ¡­." She stopped when looking at Norbert''s face.


    Even though sleep knocked on his door, Norbert could feel the room''s gaze on him again. Looking down at Azalea, Norbert asks, "What?"


    Taking from the table, she held out a dagger for Norbert; looking into it, he saw his reflection. All over his face, his veins were purple, glowing even in the daylight. Realising how far he pushed himself, the words "Oh shit" whispered out of his mouth.


    Suddenly no longer able to keep himself standing, trying to force a bit more energy to keep himself up but was unable to; having hit a wall, darkness surrounded him, and the last thing he felt was two arms on his back, stopping himself from hitting the ground.


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    ***


    With the ceiling with the hole in it, Norbert could see daylight above, a wispy cloud floating up in the sky. Moving his head slightly, Norbert thought it looked like a dog, imagining it was chasing after a ball the owner threw.


    Lifting his hand into the air, Norbert imagined throwing the ball to the dog, chasing after it only to return it.


    "Good to see your awake", Azalea said, Norbert able to recognise the voice. Still holding his hand in the air, Norbert tilted his head to the side, seeing Azalea sitting on a chair with a book open in front of her. Seeing her green eyes stare straight at him, Norbert slowly lowered his hand. Norbert asked, "What happened?"


    "Well, after your mad dash to the village, spewing nonsense that somehow made sense about the bats and showing them in your bestiary, when I saw your face covered in light and showed you, all the colour drained from your face, and you collapsed. Thankfully I was able to catch you and stop you from impaling yourself. Brought you over here, and you''ve been sleeping soundly for the past three days when everyone else has been preparing for the chaos you brought."


    Norbert nodded, thinking about what she said. "THREE DAYS!" Norbert shouted, bolting right up in the bed, the bed sheet going down his body; Norbert looked down, thankful he was still fully clothed, though they must smell pretty funky by now.


    "Yes, Norbert, three days you''ve been in bed, not surprising as you were awake for the previous four", She finished, closing her book and placing it in her backpack. "Come now; you''ve been asked to get a briefing of what you saw when out there."


    Norbert nodded, moving his stomach and grumbling; Azalea turned around and looked at Norbert, "We can get you some food on the way."


    Norbert nodded in kindness, following Azalea as the two of them headed to the mess tent. Going inside, Norbert loaded his plate with food, taking it with him. Norbert headed out again, taking the food with him.


    Having entered the tent once more, Norbert looked around, seeing Dousan again, looking over scattered maps and paper. Munching on a piece of meat, Norbert looked towards Dousan, again assessing what he had seen.


    Wanting more excellent details on the numbers and the distance travelled, Dousan just nodded in response at his answers, having confirmed it. Asking how far it was, Norbert supplied the time he spent running, comparing it to how far the ravine was.


    Dousan whistled in response at a distance, flicking through his notes, looking for a piece of paper, and holding it out in triumph when he found it¡ªpresenting it to Norbert, who just looked at it, unable to read what it said. "What does it say?" he asked.


    Dousan replied, "It''s the latest reply to the request for backup from above, which said that no more will come. Isn''t that just splendid news?"


    Norbert looked, not believing that he would need to go through all that by themselves, the days of slaughter coming for them. "And how is this good news?" Norbert asked.


    "Oh, it''s not; it''s terrible. But if we do make it out the other side, the rewards will be great," Dousan finished, looking back at Norbert, who could only see the worry in the man''s eyes.


    Shivering at his stare, Norbert had to ask, "Are we going to all make it out?"


    "Pssh, we will, just takes a bit longer than expected and will need to be extra careful" Dousan said. Norbert just nodded in response. Norbert gestured towards the exit with a dismissive wave from Dousan Norbert left.


    As he left with Azalea in tow, a shout came out, "We''re going to be leaving tomorrow; as our fastest when out there, you will be going back and forth between here, getting anything we need from the traveller."


    Norbert waved back in confirmation, taking the last bit of food and heading back to the mess hall to clean up the plate. Having cleaned up after himself, he left, wondering what he would do for the next day; seeing Azalea standing there still, Norbert went up to her, a question on Dousan''s last remark.


    "Do you know who the traveller is?" he asked.


    "Yeah, they open and close the gate, the same person your bird friend is hanging out with," Azalea responded.


    Norbert nodded, seeing them all pop about the place, wondering about the mystery they had for themselves. Looking back at Azalea, Norbert asked, "So now what?"


    Smiling, she walked down the street and to the house they were sleeping in. "But of course, it''s time to study."


    Norbert sighed, nodding as he sat on the bed, taking out the bestiary, indicating he wanted to read through this to understand what they would be up against. Receiving encouraging words in response, the two continued studying throughout the day and into the night.


    Stopping only when Azalea relented, saying she needed her sleep. Norbert nods, about to leave, but unable to. Azalea''s hand grasped onto his own, letting himself be dragged into bed. Norbert just stared at the hole in the ceiling, wondering how to entertain himself in the night.


    They heard Azalea whisper next to him, "Thank you for saving me."


    Norbert turned his head to the side and only saw the steady rise and fall of her breathing as she slept.

 Chapter 82 A Slower Run

    The sun moving once more, Norbert looked at Azalea, having seen her so many times resting like this. Nudging her awake, she looked at Norbert, hair messy and a sleepy look on her face as she stared at him; Norbert could see the cogs ticking behind her head as she tried to think of what she was doing here.


    As the cogs finally spun, Norbert saw understanding on her face as she nodded before dropping back on the pillow. "Five more rotations", She said.


    Norbert just chuckled, thinking back to how many times he thought the same thing when his mum woke him up for school. As he rested his head again, Norbert thought, how long was a rotation? Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert waited for some time before shaking Azalea again, hearing some more groaning from her as she slowly arose from her slumber completely this time.


    The two of them headed out; Norbert went to the gate, seeing the tents that were once full now empty and shrinking once more. Being prepared for the travel on the plains, looking around, Norbert didn''t spot anyone else from the scouts milling about.


    Asking about Norbert was notified they would be out in the plains still, watching over the raptors and making sure everything was in place, not seeing a point of running back only to go back out to the ravine. The mages have set up local points to send the communications back.


    "So why didn''t we do the same with the communications?" Norbert asked Azalea.


    "Not in my repertoire," Azalea said curtly.


    Norbert noticing a possible sour point but curious anyway, pressed on, "So what is in your repertoire then?"


    "My main focus is fire magic, with a sub in support focusing on boosting. Don''t ask me to heal something bigger than a scratch; though I don''t think you would need me even for that."


    Norbert nodded, thinking back to all the spells he had seen being flung before settling. Remembering the warriors with their shining swords, Norbert had to ask, "I remember in the nest some of the warrior''s blades glowed ¡­" Norbert left the question trailing, not wanting to get his hopes up.


    Azalea just looked at him, knowing where it was going. "If you can also use items like that, sure. But most of those weapons take the wielder''s magic to charge itself. You would need to always store a charge with you, like in that translator pendant or mask."


    Norbert just nodded, a thought coming to him. "And nothing that can feed off the environment or the energy from those that are slain?"


    Azalea just laughed. "Those are weapons of legend for the ones that are useful, the rest are minimal at most, not even worth the enchant. And if the good ones do exist, they are probably locked away in some castle or an abandoned temple somewhere neither of us will ever reach."


    Norbert just nodded, putting thoughts aside; for now, he was part of the Frontier, taking on the tasks he was asked to carry out while piecing what he could of the world around him.


    With everything packed, everyone started to move out; walking through the gate, they went on the path as long as they could before branching off it; once off the path, they sped up, going from a walk to a jog.


    As he continued the march throughout the day, Dousan ordered them to stop multiple times throughout; Norbert watched others around him gasping for air, demanding they were being driven into the ground. For him It wasn''t even a warm-up, though he was thankful he wouldn''t need to push himself as hard as before to make his trips.


    Norbert met up with Mark during these rest times, getting in some much-needed sword training since he had been unable to do anything for several days. A crowd formed around the pair as the spar continued, likely the only entertainment on the flat plains, not even able to get out of the sun as Dousan just stopped where they were. Not like the fifty-odd people could fit under the shade of those trees in the first place.


    Disengaging when Dousan called, everyone went to their feet and headed off once more, Norbert following, talking with Mark about sword moves or trying to get in some study with Azalea going over the words as well as he could when he was in motion.


    Like this, the first day passed, knowing that he would have many more days like this before finding the raptors at the ravine. Bunched up, Norbert saw others taking out of their packs of small one-person tents coming out. With a flash of light, Norbert saw it expand until it was the correct size. When placing the sticks into the ground, Norbert saw it was already done.


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    Shaking his head, Norbert just went out to the side, not needing sleep and having no tent. Looking up at the sky, Norbert wondered where Obsius had been for the past week now that even in the village, he still hadn''t shown up. Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert thought he could see the little bird, at least when he had shown up in the village the last time. There would always be times when he did the supply run and needed to talk to the traveller about that.


    Taking out his sword, Norbert held it before him, doing more practice swings and combinations Mark had taught him throughout the night. Hearing the swishing of the blade as it cut through the air.


    Finally resting after his arms were sore, Norbert did not use any of the purple energy, wanting to save it if that was how it worked when needed. Lying on the ground, his pack under his head as a pillow, Norbert closed his eyes, making himself go to sleep, thinking he might need it for the next day.


    Once more, Norbert did not need the energy, having repeated the same thing for that day as the previous one, training while he could and talking with the others, seeing what they were doing and how all the pieces interacted¡ªlike this, another two days passed. As the sun was high in the sky on the fourth day they had been out, Norbert spotted something standing above the grass in the distance.


    Thinking it was just another tree, Norbert watched as it did not spread out far enough or go high enough, and others dotted around it. Running up to the front, Norbert pointed it out to Dousan, receiving a nod as everybody changed their position.


    Now following Norbert as he stayed in the lead, running straight for the people standing about, slowing down as they came near. Slowing down he blended back into the group, letting Dousan take the lead as the two parties met.


    As they came together, the mages met and discussed Norbert found Martitia there with Dobert, Nessie and the other scouts. Waving at them, Norbert stepped forward, receiving thumps on the back. "How have you guys been the past few days?" Norbert asked


    "Bored out of our brains, after walking over here waiting for the mages, we''ve just been spreading out, trying to find anything. Though it¡¯s just pretty much the same as ever. The only disturbance was you rushing past us on the first day, frightened quite a few people. Anyway, enough about us. Did anything happen with you?" Dobert asked Norbert.


    Scratching the back of his head, Norbert responded, "Wish I had a calm, free time as you, and as you said, it was about the same. The further you go that way, though, the ravine gets deeper and deeper, turning into something similar to a canyon. Then needed rushed back here after spotting two Giant Bats devouring the raptors within. Then just came back to the village."


    Dobert whistled in response, "Happy I didn''t go with you two then." Norbert nodded in response.


    Martitia stepped forward, saying, "Enough about the sob story between the two of you; it''s good to see your back Norbert and in one piece. You''ve been assigned as the runner between our group and the gate."


    Norbert just nodded, having already heard the task he had been given from Dousan. "When will I need to start this?" Norbert asked


    Martitia nodded. "Will probably need to start in the next couple of days, then near constantly running back and forth, getting supplies and delivering information." She stated.


    Norbert nodded, thinking, "Is this the usual way of doing this?" He asked.


    Nancy said, "Normally, I''m the main runner swapping out with someone else when I''m tired. Guess that position is on you now, though. Not that I think night duty for now will be any better." She said, looking at the sun as it nearly touched the horizon.


    Norbert shaking in response, having remembered the Giant Bats he encountered before. As Norbert looked around, their location was currently far from the ravine. Norbert had to ask the burning question, "Do any of you know what the trap will be about?"


    Martitia responded, "From what I''ve heard will likely involve lots of water and electricity. Drowning them out and shocking them, any that escape, that''s what the rest of us are for. But don''t take my word for it; wait for Dousan to confirm."


    Everyone else nodded at the information as they came together and chatted about nonsensical items, trying to take all of their minds off what the next few days or possibly weeks would consist of.


    Norbert looked around the other groups, spotting Azalea standing with the other mages talking to them about who knows what; Norbert unable to hear with the other rabble around them.


    Feeling two arms over his shoulder, Norbert looked to both sides, seeing Dobert and Mathaos on each shoulder.


    "So, Azalea is the one you''ve been hanging out with a lot," Dobert said.


    "Wonder why you would be staring at her now when you''ve got all of us", Mathaos responded, the two of them spinning Norbert around and pointing him to the other scouts.


    "Unless ¡­" Mathaos said.


    "No, that''s impossible," Dobert said before leaning next to Mathaos behind Norbert, whispering but allowing all to hear "You think the redhead mage has caught the fancy of the new sprout here?"


    Mathaos replied in the same loud whisper, "That''s exactly what I think."


    Dobert leaned forward and roared, "Don''t think Norbert can take anymore; his cheeks are bright red."


    Norbert untangled himself from the other two, reaching his hands with his cheeks, feeling the heat through his gloves as he shook his head and talked with the others. Looking up at the sky again, Norbert confirmed no Giant Bats were in sight.

 Chapter 83 The Run Begins

    As night came forward, Dousan called everyone over. "You all know your positions and roles for this expedition. I sadly do not know how long we will be out here, but it will be as long as we need to get it done. The general plan is to flood the ravine and send electrical charges throughout it, allowing them to drown or scorched to death. If there is any escape, that''s what the front-line fighters are for."


    Dousan finished saluting, hand high in the air. Everyone else returned it, Dousan shouting, "Let''s go!"


    Everyone headed towards the ravine, Norbert with the scouts at the back, not wanting to get in anyone''s way. All raptors in the area had been taken care of beforehand, not wanting to have any of the spells triggered before they were ready


    Norbert saw the light flash up ahead of him, the sounds of rushing water filling the area below. Unable to hear the reptiles screams or cries for the first few minutes. The only sound is electricity discharge, creating bright flashes in the half-light.


    The group split in two, one going up the ravine and the other going down, Norbert being instructed that after the first day would be running around everywhere, going back and forth between the two groups. "Here, take this" Martitia said


    Norbert looked at the metal circular device in hand, a circular pane of glass on the top, with a single needle pointing and freely able to spin around underneath the glass. On the side, Norbert felt mechanical buttons needing to be pressed in, holding it up with its leather cord, he held it between the two of them, letting it spin around as he stared at Martitia with a question in his eyes.


    "That''s for navigation; the first button is set to the group going up, the second for the group going down and the third is calibrated for the village." Martitia provided.


    Norbert clicked each button, seeing the needle on the face spin around, once to each group and the third pointing behind him. Looking at a magical compass in hand, Norbert turned it around, wondering if anything was on the back. Only seeing the cold steel it was made of, no engravings that he would need to care for, Norbert flipped it around, looking at the front again.


    "Thanks; I guess I''ll be seeing you around then", Norbert provided.


    "That you will," Martitia said as she branched off and headed down the river.


    Norbert nodded and followed Dousan, with the other half of the scouts walking up, the flood coming over and washing it down. Norbert looked down at the ravine, seeing the water slowly flowing out, realising they would fill it with water, hoping they had enough magic for the task.


    For the first day, Norbert stayed with Dousan, slowly walking forward near the back; the group split up, one on each side of the ravine, the scouts having branched off and out ahead, confirming it was the same as ever.


    The group only stopped for several hours during the day to sleep, moving away from the ravine when the raptors were the most active, the water dissipating around them, to start it back up again at night.


    ***


    Norbert just flicked his coin in the air, taking an idle stroll with the group. Dousan came up to Norbert, catching the coin in hand Norbert slipped it back into his pouch. Dousan presented a list for Norbert; looking down, he only recognised some items, mostly food, and others he didn''t recognise. Realising he was looking at a shopping list, Norbert just nodded.


    "Go to the other group first before heading to the village", Dousan added.


    Norbert waved, starting to walk off through the crowd; turning back, he shouted, "What about coin!"


    Dousan shouted back, "The traveller will have the required coin, don''t pay any of it yourself. See what you can get in the village and if not then go to the traveller. Find the villager Robert; he will show you what you need."


    Norbert waved in agreement, giving the salute with his back to Dousan as he escaped the crowd, now only seeing the open area. Stopping, Norbert breathed in; taking out his compass, Norbert confirmed the direction, the ravine meandering slightly but primarily straight.


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    Placing the compass into his backpack wrapped, not needing to hold it in his hand, Norbert took off, the mid-day sun on him. Next to the ravine, Norbert ran, seeing the water slowly subside with his running. As he continued to run, Norbert continued to see a lack of bodies in the ravine, believing that they must have been moved by the water and hoping nothing had come to pick them clean already.


    As Norbert ran throughout the day and night, seeing more and more raptors now appear, thankful that they had just moved, but realising he would be smelling this all the time when he was running and not looking forward to it.


    Sometimes at night, Norbert found the other group, themselves keeping the slow pace of the others. Finding Martitia, he was given another list; Norbert compared the two and saw that they were mostly the same.


    Nodding in confirmation, Norbert took out the compass, clicked the third button and watched as the needle spun around, pointing towards the plains. Waving Martitia off again, wanting to get out as soon as possible, Norbert ran again.


    Under cover of darkness, Norbert was not disturbed at all, happy that, for now, they had all been cleared out of any undesirables. As the sun rose and Norbert checked the compass, making sure he didn''t divert in his travels, changing his course slightly, Norbert continued running, feeling the wind pass through his hair.


    With the sun setting, Norbert found the village. He started walking around, going to the first person he met. Norbert asked, "Do you know where Robert is?"


    The boy looked up at Norbert, nodding, saying, "Down the main street and over that way" He pointed, Norbert just nodding and heading in the general direction.


    Needing to be asked several times, Norbert finally found the mysterious Robert. Standing before him was the man Norbert saved, sitting on a veranda outside a different house and street than where Norbert initially found the man.


    "I''m guessing your Robert?" Norbert asked.


    The man looked up upon seeing Norbert and smiled a wide grin. "That I am, and thanks for coming here."


    Norbert just nodded. "It''s what we do."


    Robert just nodded. "Yeah, I remember my time in the Frontier. I didn''t get to run around like you. Just back in the big city moving things around. Guess I was lucky, somewhat," He said, waving his hand before himself, dismissing the thought he continued. "But enough of that; heard you have some items you want to pick up?"


    Norbert nodding reached into his bag and pulled out the two sheets of paper. Robert nods at the list. "Have everything you need already; thought you would need it, so it''s all packed up and shrunk down; just need to split it off."


    Norbert nodded as Robert took the two lists and went into the house. The wooden door opened, and Norbert could see rows upon rows of shelves with items on them. As the door closed with a thud, Norbert looked around, waiting for Robert to return.


    After several minutes, Robert returned, holding two sacks in him. Tied around each were the respective notes. Norbert thanked Robert before placing both sacks into his backpack, able to fit but now nearly bursting. Shrugging it onto his shoulders, Norbert waved and headed off again, taking out his compass; having it at the top, Norbert clicked the second button pointing away. Norbert ran towards Martitia and her group.


    ***


    Back at Dousan¡¯s group, a couple of days later, Norbert gave the sack to him. Hearing thanks for the work, Norbert rested with the group during the day, having been running for the past several days, not trusting the bats not to come and swoop him down at night.


    Finally rested again, Norbert stayed with Dousan for the next day; as the sun set, he received his list, Norbert noting it was longer this time than before. Knowing that it would take him longer each time he went out now to return, seeing a trend of needing more and more, Norbert headed out once more at night.


    After weeks of running around, Norbert was at Martitia¡¯s group again, everyone smiling around them. Norbert asked what they were all happy about. Dobert said, "Cause that''s the last of them, see for yourself" he brought Norbert over to the ravine, or what was the ravine?


    This far down, Norbert noticed that it was extremely shallow, more an undulation between two hills than the steep drop of the ravine or the long distance of the canyon behind him. Looking forward, Norbert smiled, only seeing the empty hills, no more the raptors grouping up, just several of them over the hills. As Norbert looked, he realised the grass plains slowly turned to green rolling hills, wondering how far he travelled in all of this time.


    Happy Norbert took the list he once more was given, heading back to the village to collect what was needed. Throughout the week, Robert could not supply most things, needing to go to the traveller to supply items. During these trips, Norbert spotted Obsius flying around the place.


    The two of them conversed about their time, both knowing that the bird wouldn''t be able to keep up with Norbert as he needed to travel from place to place, and neither worried as he would need to return to the village eventually.


    As Norbert rested in the once destroyed house, now the ceiling no longer having its hole, Norbert looked around the village. The destruction he had once seen around with his first time was now all but forgotten, everything having been repaired now, and Norbert could see the village in its full glory.

 Chapter 84 Fun at Night

    Flashes appeared in the night in front of Norbert; looking down at the compass, Norbert quickly flicked through the markers, seeing the first two were right on top of each other, the third for the village pointing behind him. Finally, the two groups had come together; at least now his running would be a lot less, though they were now further than ever from the village.


    Taking his attention back in front of him, Norbert saw a trail of light surge forward into the air, disappearing as it hit something; Norbert heard a scream a second later.


    Taking in the energy, Norbert pushed himself, wanting to get out of the open as soon as possible, not knowing if there was another bat that might come and try to collect him. As he continued to run, several more flashes appeared in the sky, most of them missing as they continued forward, Norbert catching them with the corner of his eyes as they slowly streaked through the sky before impacting far away.


    Hearing another roar, the shouts of people as well, Norbert focused ahead, seeing torches lit up all over the place, people running around getting in position. Slowing down, Norbert waited on the outskirts, watching the chaos before him. Norbert looked for the other scouts, not knowing where to go but just staying out, hoping they would know what to do.


    Walking around the perimeter, Norbert spotted Mathaos at the front, battling down a raptor trying to climb up the canyon. The sounds of battle woke them up instead of the usual drowning.


    Looking forward, Norbert was mortified that he would not be able to make it there; seeing above, another Giant Bat fly down, grabbing hold of Mathaos and taking him up into the air, his cry cutting through the battlefield.


    Already Norbert saw a bolt flying towards the bat; before he could even move, its wing was struck; the lack of balance, the Giant Bat let go of Mathaos from its grip, the man once more screaming as he fell towards the canyon.


    Norbert infused his entire body with energy, not caring about the backlash he might receive, only focusing on protecting the people he could. Jumping forward, Norbert flew through the air faster than ever before; as he started to dip, Mathaos appeared before him.


    Holding his arms out, the two impacted the canyon''s centre, gripping each other as they screamed and fell into the canyon. Hitting the other side of the canyon, the two scatted down, Norbert clawing his hand into the rock wall, feet skidding as he tried to slow himself down.


    Legs hitting a ledge, Norbert was pushed to the ground, Mathaos somehow still clinging to him. Norbert looked up, seeing the fight still raging on several meters above him. Mathaos untangled himself, standing on the ledge next to Norbert, the two of them looking around at the situation.


    Climbing up the wet walls, the raptors came, Giant Bats flying through the canyon and above, taking anything and everything with them; Norbert unsheathed his sword as one came by, slicing into its wing, causing the beast to smash into the wall before falling to the bottom of the canyon, Norbert just able to see it be swarmed by raptors, hearing roars from bellow.


    Seeing the lights above him again, Norbert looked around, knowing he wouldn''t be able to do anything down here and not wanting to wait for the water to start pouring into it. Turning to Mathaos, whose face was pale, having nearly faced death as he tried to calm himself.


    Norbert sheathed his sword, pointing to the surface, asking, "Can you climb back up yourself, or do you need assistance."


    Slapping his face with his hands, Mathaos looked towards the surface with the battle still going, the sounds slowly dying down, the timing between the flashes getting longer and longer. "Yeah, I can get back up there myself. What are you going to do?" He asked as he began climbing the wall of the canyon.


    Norbert looked up to Mathaos, confirming the man would be able to climb up the rough surface fine "Seeing if there is anybody else that needs help", Norbert said as he started climbing up as well next to Mathaos, keeping an eye out for anyone else that might be falling to their death.


    The two of them climbed up the canyon wall together, Norbert''s left hand feeling numb as he looked down, seeing his trusty glove worn away at the fingertips, his fingers red raw. Shaking his head and forcing more energy into it to hold off the pain and repair it quicker, he could now see his fingers nearly glow in the dark as they reached the top.


    Once reached, the sounds of battle were no more, just the random shout here and there as everyone tried to calm down after the attack. Nearing the top, Norbert saw two hands reach down, grasping them. Two warriors pulled them up the last of the way.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Looking around, Norbert saw the line of mages already near the edge, waiting for the all-clear from someone on the other side before they unleashed their spells; each group of five joined together, releasing a stream of water.


    Quickly Norbert saw it start to rush in the water, more and more coming out of each age group; looking down the canyon, Norbert could see the water rushing everywhere, quickly covering the bottom. With the water level rising, warriors and mages together that weren''t busy threw lightning down the canyon; Norbert was able to see the flashes of light as it dissipated, smelling charred meat even though it was so far down.


    Walking away from the canyon, Norbert headed towards the group of people already milling about, lying down as others trembled, the built-up adrenalin now having nowhere to go. Taking out one of his sacks, Norbert looked for someone in command to give it to.


    Looking around, Norbert followed Mathaos as he walked towards the other scout''s Flanch, shouting, "What are you doing on this side, Mathaos? I didn''t know you liked me so much you couldn''t resist."


    Mathaos just waved the man down. "Felt like taking a lesson in flying; the instructor bailed out halfway through, so this one saved me", Mathaos finished, pointing his thumb to Norbert.


    Norbert, just nodding in response, looked around the group. "Anyone knows who I can give this to?" He asked, holding the sack of items that were requested.


    Flanch just gestured around. "Think Martitia also joined this side, likely just give it to her" Norbert nodded in response as he looked around, unable to see her.


    Waving off, Norbert departed from the group as Mathaos lay down on the ground, looking up at the sky. Looking around, Norbert found Martitia standing by the canyon edge, looking down as the water gushed, shuffling with the mages as they slowly moved down.


    Standing beside her, Norbert followed, holding the sack out for her. Receiving a nod in thanks, Martitia grabbed it, handing a piece of paper in return. Norbert looked down at it, seeing it was the following list. Groaning at needing to be moving once more, Norbert turned to Martitia, asking, "Is this the first time they have attacked?"


    Martitia just shook her head. "Sadly no, they have been coming every night, been trailing past us even before we came together. Dousan had the worst of it, being attacked for several days now."


    Norbert just nodded, shuffling down. "Multiple times yet?" He questioned.


    Just receiving a nod in response, Norbert looked around. "Any casualties so far?" He asked, fearing for the answer.


    "Not counted so far, will be a list at the end of the expedition when we all return," Martitia replied.


    Norbert closed his eyes, taking that answer for a yes but not wanting it to impact him with the amount and thinking how many other people would have fallen to their deaths, like what could have happened to Mathews.


    Wondering if Azalea or Mark or anyone else he knew could also be a part of the list. Exhaling a shaky breath, Norbert just nodded, realising the conversation was over and he best head back to the village for more supplies.


    Continuing to walk with the group, Norbert found a narrow point, using it to take off and land on the other side; people from both sides looked at him as he launched, some gasping at his suicidal move. Quickly landing on the other side, Norbert walked, instantly spotting Dousan out of the crowd; holding the sack out, Norbert exchanged it for the list, making a note of which side was for which as he took off his torn glove, reaching in and getting his spare out of his bag.


    Stopping, Norbert turned to Dousan. "Need any help over here?" He asked.


    Dousan just shook his head. "You''re helping more than enough already scout; just continue running; I feel this will be over soon."


    Norbert nodded, hearing the others around him sigh a moment of relief as whispers came of the news that Dousan had given them. Norbert turned around and smiled at the hope the leader had given his little army.


    Shouldering his bag, Norbert gave a salute, hearing rustling behind him, sure that everyone else was doing the same as he once more headed off to the village, taking his compass out, now not even bothering to put it back, just holding it in his hand as he ran over the plains during the night.


    The only light source was the moon, but even that was starting to be enough to see as clearly as day.


    ***


    Lily sent a wind blade ahead, cutting the head off the wolf charging at her. Around surrounded by similar wolves, she once more ventured on the plateau. , She said, "Oh yeah, sure, just go and look for some random temple; just follow the river. It will be easy."


    As she walked forward, kicking at a stone, sending it skidding into the water, continuing to grumble as she looked around.


    Picking up a stone from the river bed, she tossed it in the air as she continued walking. "At least I''m out of that office and not training anyone. Though it was cute to see them all trying so hard."


    Continuing to walk forward, the time passed in the day, stopping once more when it pushed out the bank. She looked forward, spotting another cave.


    Breathing in a reassuring breath that this would be the right one, she ventured forth, seeing the similar plants; taking a leaf off, she played with it between her fingers before dropping it on the ground and repeating.


    As she ventured forth, much more profound than before, one of the leaves, as she dropped its veins, shone the light around the cave, following the path further down.


    "YES!" she shouted, arms up in the air. Having finally found the right place after days of searching renewed, she went forward, finding the slit in the rock wall; knowing it was the same place that Norbert described, she quickly shimmied her way forward.

 Chapter 85 Girl Problems

    Sleeping in a tree with the sun high in the sky, not trusting that the Giant Bats wouldn''t pick him up while he was sleeping somewhere on the ground. On his way back from the village, he was once more fully supplied, but he needed to leave even more of his personal supplies at the village, as he now carried two sacks each for both sides, worrying about if they needed to go any further he would need to run with an extra pack somehow. Each trip to go out now takes over seven days for Norbert to complete, and each trip takes him an extra day now for him to get back.


    The sun shining in his eyes woke him from his slumber as he dropped onto the ground; taking out his compass, flicking through the options, confirming that markers one and two were together, and marker three behind him.


    Nodding his head, Norbert took off again, predicting he would only need half a day before arriving. Now instead of the grass plains that covered everything, Norbert traversed over rocks that slowly went up at a slight incline. Norbert needed to constantly be running up, unable to go as fast as he usually could due to the uneven surface.


    Norbert thought about running through the ravine to meet up with the expedition as often as before. But Norbert was reminded of the smell alone each time he did, thinking about what other scavengers could be about the place.


    Shaking his head, Norbert continued forward. As the sun set in the sky, he saw a point rise from the horizon. Intrigued and confirming he was still heading in the right direction but still not close enough to see the expedition, Norbert continued forward.


    As night came, Norbert found the expedition again, this time not in the middle of battle, but looking around, Norbert could feel the exhaustion on everyone''s faces in the air. So thick he himself felt drained just being surrounded by everyone.


    Finding Dousan, Norbert gave off the sacks he requested, receiving another list, this one even longer than the last. Dousan, after taking the slip, leaned down to Norbert, whispering, "Were you able to see the mountains?"


    Norbert thought momentarily, wondering what Dousan could be talking about, remembering the thing on the horizon shooting up. Norbert nodded in response, supplying, "I think I saw them, or something at least jutting out of the horizon before the sun set today."


    Dousan just clasped his back and nodded in return, a smile on his face. Norbert looked up at Dousan, wondering why seeing the mountains put him in such a chipper mood. Shrugging his shoulders, hoping to be over soon, Norbert headed to the canyon, looking down as if it were even more comprehensive.


    Norbert looked to the other side seeing the group with the mages at work even now as they continued to pump water; Norbert started to wonder about the effectiveness but knew it was not his place.


    Going behind the group, Norbert looked at the rushing water underneath him; walking further down, he found the nearest place, still too far to jump over. Looking at the other side, Norbert saw a ledge down, focusing on landing on it and climbing back up the other side.


    Walking backwards, Norbert lost track of his destination. After going several meters back, Norbert sprinted forward, his last foot hitting the ground as he launched himself in the air.


    Windmilling his arms to stay upright, Norbert started to feel his descent, nearly making it all the way. As he dropped below the canyon edge on the other side, his feet hit something, the rest of his body following as he looked down, seeing a semi-translucent barrier supporting him.


    Standing on shaky legs, Norbert looked around, seeing a mage holding their hand out. Skipping off, Norbert quickly made it to the other side as he turned and started walking towards the mage.


    "Thanks for the assistance; it saved me the trouble of climbing up here," Norbert said as he walked forward.


    The mage lifted their hood, their fire-kissed hair rolling down their shoulders, Norbert staring at the green eyes. Azalea is standing before him. Norbert just shook his head. "If you could have done that all this time, then why didn''t you do it earlier?"


    "Wasn¡¯t needed", Azalea responded, as she spun around and continued walking towards Martitia, Norbert taking the sacks out of his bag, knowing that he would need to be heading off again soon.


    "How come you aren''t with the other mages?" Norbert pointed to the ones producing water or sending waves of electricity down there.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "Not good with water, and I''m on a break now, can''t have the mages completely depleted in case there¡¯s an attack", She supplied.


    Norbert just nodded in response. "Good to hear that you¡¯re keeping safe; those bats just came out of nowhere," he finished, looking up at the sky, examining the stars and ensuring nothing was covering them.


    Confident that they would not have any uninvited guests, at least for now. Finding Martitia standing there, Norbert passed on his two sacks, once more receiving the following shopping list. Martitia turned to Azalea, saying, "Good, you were able to catch him."


    ¡°Pfff¡±, Azalea snorted. "Nearly missed him; said he planned to climb up the side." Shaking her head at Norbert.


    "What? It would have worked perfectly fine. Not the first time I''ve done that," Norbert said, trying to defend himself.


    "Then you can do that when you need to go back over", Azalea said in response. Norbert just scratched the back of his head, smiling like a child getting caught in a lie.


    "Or maybe ¡­" Norbert said, hearing Azalea sigh in response. Pumping his arms in victory, Norbert looked back, seeing the mages ahead and not wanting to get in their way. Walking back, Norbert stopped at the spot he crossed before, seeing no ledge on the other side.


    Looking towards Azalea, he bent down slightly so their face was eye to eye. His heart beating in his chest, wondering if this was too much, Norbert leaned his head closer to Azaleas. Right when he thought their lips would meet, he felt an ear touching his, her head against the side of his own as her arms wrapped around his back under his backpack.


    Norbert holding her in his arms, Norbert heard a whisper in his ear, "It''s not good for students'' and teachers'' relationships to be tangled." Breaking the hug, Norbert stood up, looking down slightly at Azalea, who was biting her bottom lip.


    Leaning forward and going on her tippy toes, she reached his ear. "But that doesn''t mean it won''t change in the future", She whispered. Quickly pecked his cheek before pulling away, laughing at Norbert''s completely lost expression as his cheeks reddened.


    "Just go to the other side and get the supplies, and practice your reading in the downtime." She said as she waved her hands in front of her, a circle appearing in the middle of the canyon.


    Norbert, just nodding, not trusting his voice, ran for the edge, landing on the barrier before jumping off again to the other side, not looking back as he ran away.


    ***


    Back at the village, Norbert talked with Obsius while reading over the bestiary. "What am I supposed to do, Obsius? Is that a sign of continuing, or is she just incentivising me to study more? As I¡¯ve been slightly distracted recently," He explained to the bird.


    Obsius just looked back at him, shaking his body at him. Norbert just shook his head. "Yeah yeah, your right¡­ wait a second, why am I taking dating advice from a bird and a boy at that." Norbert said, accusing Obsius.


    Obsius stood still before it walked closer and began constantly pecking at Norbert''s hand, even drawing blood. Norbert swiping his hand away, relented, "Ok, ok. Guess you''re a girl then, and your advice is very helpful." Norbert said.


    As Obsius walked back, shaking its tail feathers at Norbert, he continued, "Yes, I''m sorry, it''s obvious from the start that you''re a girl, like look at your colouring."


    Obsius turned around as the bird slightly pecked at his hand. Norbert went into his bag, pulling out some snacks he had bought in the village. Pecking at the seed and berries, Norbert had gotten, he looked happy that the bird was decreased, at least for the moment, from its wrath being directed towards Norbert.


    Flicking through the pages, Norbert tried to focus on his reading as he fed the bird; as the day wore on, Norbert just sat in silence; after feeding Obsius, he brought the bird onto his shoulder and read it the books. Describing the types of beasts as he went from page to page, now able to get most of the words out, though he was still slow.


    As he continued, Norbert saw a shadow come over him; turning around on the bench, Norbert saw the traveller standing behind him, holding the sacks and lists attached to each of them. Obsius looked at the newcomer, and the bird chirped back to him. The traveller nodded in return like he understood all of it.


    Norbert just looked between them until Obsius finally stopped as she looked at Norbert and pecked at him. "Fine, I''ll continue studying and man up when she says she''s no longer teaching me. Happy?" Norbert asked the bird.


    Receiving multiple flaps of the wings, Norbert added, "And yes, I will talk to you more and listen to your suggestions, oh wise bird." He just chuckled when he received a wing flap to the head for Norbert''s cheekiness,


    Standing up, Norbert placed his book inside his bag, receiving another flap as he took it out again. "Fine, I''ll read it when I''m running", Norbert said, taking the sacks from the traveller and putting them into his backpack.


    Turning around, Norbert heard the traveller speak, "Interesting to see another understand the Drotha."


    Norbert turned around, looking at the traveller. "What do you mean, Drotha? You mean Obsius."


    The traveller nodded. "Yes, the bird you call Obsius."


    Norbert laughed in response, "Oh, you''ve got me wrong I don''t understand Obsius ¡­ Drotha whatever. Just guess what the bird says and respond in kind. More like I''m talking to myself than anything else."


    Receiving a peck to his head in return, Norbert just smiled at Obsius. "Oh, I was just joking, Obsius, just a normal gag, so please stop pecking me, or else I''m not going to be able to do my job", Norbert said.


    With that, he turned around again, giving the sign to the traveller as he went off again out of the village.


    Obsius landed on the traveller''s shoulder, chirping in their ears.


    "Hmm, you say he''s lucky. Well, for someone to completely guess what someone says perfectly, I''d say that''s a little bit more than luck," The traveller responded. Watching as a line of dust appeared to move away, Norbert ran the plains, assuming the boy was still reading his bestiary.

 Chapter 86 The Base of a Mountain

    Norbert looked down at the compass, confirming he was still going in the right direction. Looking up again, Norbert could now confirm a mountain before him, as plain as day. As he looked further across it wasn¡¯t just a lone mountain but a mountain range. Its grey surface pocketed with rocks, with little life on it. Norbert shivered; looking like the mountain range had sucked away all the life around it to grow tall. What caught him off guard was the damn where the canyon was. Only a tiny amount of water was coming out of it from a small hole; Norbert saw more dead raptors around the base.


    Taking out his compass, it pointed to him going up the mountain as Norbert continued to stare up, relieved that there was no snow on the top, shivering at the thought of needing to trek the freezing cold in what he was wearing.


    Running forward, Norbert made it to the base of the dam. Seeing it reach into the sky, going past where the canyon was and out onto each side, unable to see where it stopped. Rubbing his hands together, Norbert took his backpack and sword off, tying the sword around his back and the backpack over the top, allowing his body to move freely and the sword not bang against the dam.


    Wiping his hands along the dam, feeling smooth stone, unable to feel any grooves for him to use as hand holds. Bringing his arm back, Norbert punched his fist into the dam, the rock underneath giving way, creating a handhold for him to use.


    Norbert sighed at how long it would take him to reach the top. Holding himself up with his hand while slamming his other hand in, pulling his right hand out of the wall and lifting himself with his left until his right foot could get into his first-hand hold.


    Standing up only on the two-foot holds, Norbert slammed his right hand into the dam again, creating a hole for him to use; repeating with the left, he climbed up half a meter, moving his feet into the positions before repeating.


    He slowly climbed the dam in this manner as the sun began to set; Norbert continued up the dam without rest. Occasionally Norbert would look at the compass, confirming it was pointing him to continue heading over the dam. To what position exactly or how they climbed over the dam without leaving a trace, Norbert did not know.


    Finally, at the top, no moon in the sky tonight; Norbert needed to strain his eyes to see and confirm with the compass by using the light from his pendant. With a nod, Norbert looked up at where it was pointing, seeing a massive body of water the dam was holding back.


    Only coming about half up the side of the dam from the ground level, Norbert looked forward, now able to see the mountain''s actual height. The dam and the mountain merged at a point Norbert could not tell.


    Wondering if he should continue or return, Norbert took out his trusty coin, flipping it into the air. Norbert shouted, "Heads to continue forward, tails to head back to the village and notify the Frontier!"


    As the coin spun in the air, Norbert lost track of it; when it felt right, he moved his hand through the air with it open, feeling the coin land in his palm before placing it on the back of his other hand.


    Looking down at the coin, Norbert saw the tail side facing up. Snorting, Norbert placed it back, dismissing the advice and forging ahead; for better or worse, he wouldn''t leave the party behind.


    Walking along the dam edge, he walked towards the mountain. When his feet started to rise, having jogged around the entire side of the dam, unable to see how long he had been walking with no moon, Norbert took his pack and sword off him, resting his head on the pack and closed his eyes, falling to sleep.


    ***


    Norbert shot up, panting and sweat dripping down his face, soaking into his hair. Wiping his face, Norbert slowed his breathing, placing his hand on his sword, confirming it was still there. Looking into his pack, Norbert brought out his water skin, tipping some of it into his mouth, trying to calm himself down.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    As he tried to remember the nightmare, the details slipped away. Seeing his party all dismembered, blood everywhere, Luck standing behind him, smiling as she leaned forward and whispered, "I told you to go back" Before a dagger was thrust into his stomach.


    Looking down, Norbert remembered seeing a blade the size of his arm sticking out of him as it continued through his body, his head falling to the ground as he looked up, seeing Luck drop the blade into his eyes. That was the last part he remembered before waking up.


    Finished with his meal Norbert took out the compass, flicking between the three options¡ªtwo points towards the mountain and the other out into the plains. Flicking between them, Norbert just watched as the needle spun around, going from one side to the other.


    Sighing, his decision was already made before Norbert clicked the first button, pointing him towards where Dousan''s group would be. Standing up, Norbert started his trek up the mountain, trying to find where they could be.


    As the sun started to rise, Norbert was now high on the mountain, able to see the dam far below him as he followed the incline. Watching the plains out far over, Norbert looked at the trees dotting the landscape, imagining a line between them that he could take to make it back to the village.


    Moving his gaze to the canyon as it slowly turned to the ravine, like a scar on the landscape, it slightly moved over the landscape, acting as the only proper landmark for all Norbert could see. Watching as it slowly narrowed in width and height.


    Turning back to the mountain, Norbert looked up, hoping he wouldn''t need to reach the top, not feeling welcome for that type of climb. Dismissing the thought, knowing he would climb to the top and back down the other side if needed, Norbert continued advancing.


    Perplexed, Norbert stopped where he was, still having more mountains to go up. Norbert looked down at the compass again, seeing it point behind him.


    Spinning around, Norbert walked back the way he came, watching as it slowly moved around before flipping again.


    Staring down at the ground, Norbert noticed it had no change from before, no cave or giant boulder that could be hiding something, no vines growing or bushes on the ground. Just the same grey landscape that Norbert had been climbing the entire day.


    Flicking to the second option, Norbert saw it was slightly to the right, a bit down the mountain. Walking in this direction, Norbert took twenty-one steps before it started to go weird again. Confirmed that it was somewhere in this direction, Norbert wished he had a way of confirming latitude, remembering to ask for it next time.


    He sat down, picking through the dust as he fiddled with the compass. Spinning it around Norbert made it so instead of on the x-axis, it was on the y, but this was useless as it didn''t spin freely now.


    Continuing to sit, not knowing what to do, Norbert waited, resting for an idea to come to him or for him to find a secret switch to allow him passage, hopefully. As he continued to stay there, Norbert took his bestiary out, now from instinct, than anything else and began to read through it. Read the pages about other flying creatures and re-reading the page about the Giant Bats, hoping it would point to a solution to his problem.


    Norbert continued to sit, unable to read as the sun had set long ago, casting the world in semi-darkness. Only a sliver of the moon allowed Norbert to see the landscape stretch below him.


    Standing up, Norbert packed his things away, thinking he should at least do something rather than sit around and wait for the inevitable until he would be forced to return due to lack of food. Even though he spent a day on the mountain, he spotted no creatures, just the same grey slate everywhere.


    Climbing steadily, Norbert made his way up, dismissing the compass as he went further up, at least to see what was on the other side of the mountain. Higher and higher, he climbed, watching the summit.


    SHRIEK


    Norbert spun around, looking down the mountain. The moonlight reflected on the water''s surface of the dam. Norbert gazed at multiple shadows going over the water. Rubbing his eyes, making sure he wasn''t sleeping, he saw more and more go out, watching as they split into pairs and headed out over the plains, most of them staying in the centre of the dam where Norbert assumed the canyon would be.


    Seeing hope of an entrance, Norbert slid down the mountain, not caring for the sound he would be creating as rocks tumbled next to him, feeling them pepper his back as he continued going down the mountain in sections, just sprinting as fast as he could.


    Norbert made it to the lip overlooking the dam''s edge in record time and only several tumbles. Looking down, Norbert saw the water shining up at him, slightly rippling as the wind moved it.


    Looking down, Norbert thought about jumping in, dismissing the idea as he felt the bag on his shoulders, not wanting to get his spare clothes or tomb wet.


    Walking down the side, not wanting anything to land into the water and alert things of his presence Norbert carefully made his way until he once more stood at the edge of the dam.


    Looking through his bag again, Norbert confirmed everything was wrapped up as well as it could be, hoping the water would stay out. Taking his backpack off and lifting it above his head Norbert jumped into the water, feeling its cold embrace.

 Chapter 87 Inside the Mountain

    Plummeting into the water, Norbert quickly swam to the surface, holding his backpack as high in the air as possible. Breaching the surface water splashing all around him, Norbert held his bag above his head, feeling the water wash off as he hoped it didn''t get too wet when submerged. Unable to look, Norbert swam forward, going underneath the mountain.


    Always able to see the dam''s side, Norbert continued forward, swimming steadily through the water, focusing more on staying quiet than speed, not knowing when the bats could return and pluck him out, carrying him off to whoever has the rest of his party.


    Silently paddling, Norbert made his way underneath; when passing under the mountain, Norbert saw the cave above him open up, losing track of the ceiling, just becoming a dark mass high above him.


    Continuing forward, Norbert swam, gazing around and trying to find something, anything to position himself with, find a way inside this place; sadly, it was just the same, no light sources within. He wished at this point that he had some night visibility or just someway to see in the dark. Silently he threw a temper, stopping when he felt himself start to sink.


    Norbert finally felt his feet hit solid rock. Standing up and still bobbing so used to being in the water, Norbert slowly waded forward, trying not to move the water too loudly around his feet. Hearing the water drip down his body Norbert sat by the water''s edge, looking out over the great body of water to the outside with the dam wall and the moonlight reflecting on the water.


    Shivering, Norbert opened his bag, seeing it slightly wet inside but not too bad. Quickly getting changed, Norbert put on his dry clothes, placing the wet ones in a ball in his bag, wrapping his jacket around the bestiary, still looking and confirming the bags of food were still intact.


    Staring down at the mask, Norbert thought about putting it on, giving it some light that might allow him to see. Looking around, Norbert smashed his palm against his forehead in annoyance, forgetting nothing from his school studies and how night vision worked.


    Staring out at the dam outside, Norbert focused on his eyes, pushing the energy into them. Thinking of his eyes as the rods and cones that made up the eyes, a flashback to his science class and the diagrams of the eye. Imagining his eyes as the diagram depicted and focusing on the rods they formed and pushing them to be greater, traps more light inside them and allows him to see greater at night.


    As he did this, the world dropped in colour, a land of greys replacing it, but details now popped out of the once dark at him within the land of greys. Norbert could now see around the cave he found himself in. Turning around, Norbert saw a path on the side of the wall, going up from the water''s edge he was and slowly wound its way around the edge of the cavern. Finally, ending high up in the air where an entrance was found; from his angle, looking gigantic compared to the stairs.


    Not wanting to get caught in here when the bats returned, Norbert wound up the stairs, taking one at a time carefully. Chanting the mantra ¡°Slow is steady and steady is fast so slow is fast¡±. Hoping that nobody was around, Norbert placed the mask on his face, wanting to see how much light it produced in case he needed it. With it on the steps came clarity; everything was bathed in a red hue.


    Shaking his head, Norbert placed it back in the bag, knowing that if he kept it on, he would stand out like a sore thumb. Carefully but quickly, Norbert walked around the cavern, climbing the steps one at a time, focusing on his energy and pushing it into his eyes, not wanting to stumble and fall into the water below.


    Finally, at the top, Norbert looked at the entrance to the mountain. Taking out his compass Norbert had a look, taking his pendant out to shine some light on the device.


    Turning around, Norbert positioned it, pointing somewhere to the left of the entrance; knowing his rough general direction, Norbert made his way forward, placing the pendant back under his shirt. Walking through the entryway, Norbert looked around, confirming no traps or anything could be found.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Walking down the hallway cut into the mountain, Norbert saw the decorations engraved into the wall, seeing beasts kill each other and humanoid creatures, watching as one was blessed from the heavens and sat above the rest.


    Others were also blessed, forming a circle of those above, each with a distinctive shape as its head. Triangle, circle, square, pentagon, the more Norbert looked, the more he could pick up in the background, a countless amount. All are sitting together in balance.


    The next panel showed them divided, facing each other with weapons in hand. Bellow them; armies fought one another with their respective shaped heads. Norbert, not understanding how the sides fought against each other, continued watching until only one remained, the one with the circular head.


    Watching Norbert felt its stare pierce Norbert like it was trying to show him something. Norbert not understanding as the circle just stared, a pile in the background looking as high as a mountain. The next panel shows the figure standing alone, sitting on the throne, looking at the mess of bodies.


    Walking more quickly, desperate to discover what happened next, Norbert saw an empty seat, a mix of shapes on the ground behind the throne, and the circular figure walking off. Off to the side, it was standing in the next panel, able to recognise the faint streaks around it.


    The rest of the panel shows them working together until one comes and sits on the throne. Walking forward, Norbert saw the ring again, the shapes all together, though unlike in the first set off to the side, somehow knowing he was the original circle, sat alone.


    The same war fought out once more, now only a triangle faced one standing alone, sitting on its throne it also left, only to be greeted by the circle, the two looking at each other before also sitting on the side, watching it repeat.


    Norbert now started jogging, wanting to see where it led. Repeating repeatedly, Norbert saw how more and more came; what once was by themselves slowly joined in until these second groups of shapes split off into their respective shapes. The circles are forming together, the triangles etc.


    Norbert watched as these sometimes also drew weapons, their numbers changing ever so slightly, until once more there was a big group again, all weapons drawn on each other until only one remained. A square this time; however, unlike the others, this one fell to the ground, not forming a group.


    Continuing, Norbert saw the pattern form repeatedly, sometimes reaching five generations, others only one. The longest Norbert saw twenty generations before that to fall. He was now running; Norbert rubbed his hand on, trying to piece together what it meant but unable to.


    Suddenly the mural ended, and as he continued forward, only a blank wall was before him. Stopping, Norbert huffed, so lost in it that he forgot where he was, all sense of stealth momentarily flung out the window. Standing, Norbert looked back, unable to see where he had come from. Wondering how far in the mountain he would have travelled. Taking out his compass, the first two positions hadn''t moved from before, still pointing at the same angle roughly to the left.


    Swallowing, Norbert worried, the amount of distance it should have been right on his left by now, or even slightly back compared to where it was when he was on top of the mountain. However, it didn''t seem to move. The only two explanations in his head were that the device was broken somehow, and the other was that the rest of his party had moved forward roughly the same angle that he was travelling on.


    Worried, Norbert placed back, continuing to follow the tunnel, now jogging as he securely held his backpack, stopping it from ruffling against him. As he continued forward, Norbert saw a light drop ahead of him.


    Here the sides of the walls were roughly cut, looking more like a natural cave than cut by man. Walking carefully, Norbert made his way forward, now able to see the source of light was a torch, surprised to see its flame flickering and moving.


    Now the tunnel changed; Norbert could see rows of torches on either side, Norbert shivering at what it could mean. As he continued walking forward, Norbert left the energy to dissipate from his eyes. The grey world is now being filled with colour once again.


    Continuing to creep forward, Norbert stood under the first torch and could see forward, able to count another three more sets of torches in front of him; between each set of torches, a side passage was cut into the rock.


    Norbert strained his ears, hoping to hear anything; craning his neck around, Norbert could hear something, though not from in front or on the side but from behind.


    Spinning his head around, Norbert heard wings flapping, bouncing off the tunnel. Panicking, Norbert rushed forward, going down the side passage. Waiting tensely, Norbert saw the Giant Bats fly past in single file, one after the other, whipping in front of the entrance.


    Calming his breath, Norbert waited for them all to pass, knowing the night would be ending soon, the day would be coming, and whatever else would inhabit this cave system, or it would also be moving around. Donning his mask, wanting to hide his identity more than subtly with all the light around, Norbert looked around the hallway he found himself in.

 Chapter 88 All ABOARD

    Norbert looked around the hallway he was now in, quickly running through. Norbert looked in the side rooms, seeing office equipment like desks and chairs positioned, all having the same layout in each room. Norbert quickly went forward, not caring about stealth for the moment, just not wanting to be surrounded by whoever would generally occupy this area.


    Coming to the end of the corridor, it branched into two areas. The left with a corridor going further, and to the right, a staircase spiralling down, cut out of the stone; torches placed evenly going down the staircase and along the corridor. Scanning both sides, the left going further on the level and the right the spiral staircase. Taking out his compass, Norbert looked for which way it pointed, pointing more to the right than the left. His decision made Norbert leapt onto the railing.


    Crouching down, his feet spread apart; sliding on the railing of the stairs as he went down level after level. Nearly falling off the first time, it levelled out, showing another hallway¡ªflight after flight of stairs; Norbert shot by, going faster and faster down each one.


    The further down he went, Norbert could hear sounds bouncing up to the top as he flew by an entrance way seeing steps. As he continued down, none of the hallways positioned itself correctly, Norbert not even bothering to delve into it, knowing time was of the essence.


    At the bottom, Norbert saw an exit, looking out on the floor again, pulling out the compass it pointed in the direction out the door, still going to the left. Knowing it was his best bet, Norbert stuck his head around the corner, seeing what room he was dealing with, able to hear people moving about constantly from behind the entrance.


    Walking up, Norbert peaked his head around, slack-jawed at what he saw. Within the mountains was an entire organisation set up. Crates closed off were being sectioned into piles, humanoids walking around carrying them, others with tools, and some just watching all of it, shouting and pointing at places they wanted it to go.


    The humanoids all types, from globs with tentacles and eyes to having nearly looking human but with a single extra trait like having a tail, cat like irises or scales covering them. As well as what would be classified as normal beast people. Everyone came together in a mixing pot, the result spread out before him.


    Norbert just stared, seeing the same number of people in a city, wondering what they could all be doing there. As Norbert looked around, he spotted something he would have never guessed, a train.


    Well, calling it a train was not entirely correct; it was a vehicle on rails; the train engine looked like nothing Norbert expected, just a box at the front with a door. Behind it, Norbert saw the carriages open-topped, allowing items to be placed inside, not protected by the weather.


    The grey machine was sitting. Still, the humanoids climbed aboard and lifted the cargo boxes; taking out his compass again, Norbert saw it was pointing right at the train, unable to tell precisely which carriage it was coming from.


    Looking down at his attire Norbert knew he would stand out like a sore thumb; even if he did have a change of clothes, he felt he would still stand out. Staring at the crowd, Norbert saw a group coming his way, carrying multiple crates. On the stairs he was, Norbert saw nowhere to hide. Breathing in, knowing that now was the time for action. Norbert went out and ducked behind a pile of crates near the stairs.


    Watching the group approach, Norbert waited in tense silence, seeing one of their eyes passing over him as they walked up the stairs. Breathing out the breath he was holding, Norbert focused once more on the train.


    Waiting patiently, Norbert continued getting closer and closer to it until he was nearly a hundred meters away. Taking out the compass once more, Norbert located one of them in the second carriage and the next in the third; not knowing how many more carriages they would be in, Norbert just sat down and waited, examining the comings and goings of the people.


    As he sat there, Norbert wondered why they didn¡¯t use magic to get out or if anyone here used magic to move items around. Shaking his head as the compass confirmed his selection, Norbert clicked through the three, confirming their positioning was as he expected.


    ¡°Move out, off the tracks, everyone, the trains moving!¡± One of the humanoids with a clipboard shouted. Awoken from his daze, Norbert looked around, seeing the wheels on the train slowly move silently, the only sound of the metal wheels scraping against the tracks.


    Seeing his time was now, Norbert waited a second more, wanting the train to leave the station before leaving his hiding spot. Breathing in, Norbert focused his energy all around his body, feeling it burst around. Keeping it in, Norbert started counting down from ten.


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    The train was moving nine, eight seven, and only two carriages left in the station. Six, five, four, it had left the station entirely; Norbert seeing those around him, started to move about, getting the last of the crates into position three, two.


    ¡°Hey, what are you doing here?¡± a voice came from behind Norbert. Not even turning, Norbert sprinted forward, bursting through the crates in front of him, smashing through bottles and straws, hearing them smash behind him.


    ¡°GET HIM!¡± one of the humanoids said from before him. Norbert took out his sword, holding it next to him. Norbert kept it at his side, hoping it would deter anyone from coming near him if they could. Ahead Norbert saw the train lights come on, showing a tunnel cut into the mountain.


    Bundling his energy into his legs, Norbert pushed forward, seeing an opening before him. Forwards, Norbert ran, people around him whizzing by until he dropped, feet nearly getting caught on the rails.


    Righting himself and placing the sword back in the sheath, Norbert focused on going ahead, happy that he had the mask to hide his identity at least and not become a wholly wanted fugitive inside the mountain.


    Seeing the train start to gain ground on Norbert, the light going further and further away, hearing the clickety-clack of the rails getting further and further. Not believing this second-rate technology could outrun him, Norbert ran as hard as he could.


    The wind was tearing at his face; opening it up, needing to squint as he felt the planks connecting the rails underneath his feet crack and crumble under the strain. Thankfully Norbert saw the lights come closer and closer.


    Focusing on going even faster, not knowing who could be on the train. Norbert finally reached it, clasping it to the top of the last carriage with his hands. Norbert lifted his feet off the ground, pulling himself up.


    Feeling the train not going any faster, the wind through his hair Norbert pulled himself up, instantly ducking down again when a stalactite was seen, nearly getting thrown off the train.


    Calming his nerves from nearly losing it after just making it on, Norbert pulled himself before landing into the last carriage, his feet banging on the metal floor. Looking around, Norbert found himself in an empty container, happy nobody was around.


    Steadily walking, the train constantly rocking on the tracks, he walked to the other end, sticking his head up once more and looking ahead. Counting ten more until the front, Norbert breathed out, seeing he had many more.


    After going through another two, Norbert poked his head out again, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Before he could move, he was awash in light, squinting, his eyes blinded by the amount of light after being in the tunnel. Norbert sat down, waiting for his eyes to adjust.


    After several seconds Norbert looked around, seeing a cloudy blue sky above. Carefully poking his head out, Norbert looked around, moving past water lakes, hills poking up everywhere.


    Not believing it was on the other side, Norbert turned back, watching the mountain he came from. Realising from this side that it wasn¡¯t a mountain he was looking at, it was a mountain range, with towers and walkways built all along it.


    Staring slack-jawed at the operation on the other side, Norbert looked to the front; happy nobody was around. Now not needing to care about the ceiling, Norbert quickly climbed over the next two, finally seeing people inside.


    Hands bound and feet bound in chains, Norbert saw ruins pulsing on them, leather cords in their mouths stopping them from speaking as he stared at the expedition; they all talked to him, mumbling their words through their bindings.


    Taking the leather out of the first person, a warrior by the gear that they were wearing, Norbert placed a finger to their lips, hoping for silence. Taking the chains binding their hands in his, Norbert pulled as hard as he could, hearing the metal bend, and with a final groan, it relented.


    Tearing the shackles on their feet as well, Norbert looked as they rubbed their hands around the chains, now dull metal shackles that were once glowing.


    Norbert leaning forward, whispered, ¡°Can you help with the others?¡±


    Receiving a nod in return, they began opening more and more until the ten people there had been freed. Jumping over, Norbert repeated, seeing Dobert and Martitia there. Smiling and waving at them as they looked at him wide eyes, Norbert continued, hopping from carriage to carriage, freeing them.


    Those behind him could as well join until; finally, all of them had been released. Now around the front, Dousan, rubbing his wrists, looked up at Norbert, nodding his thanks. Standing up, Norbert looked into the first carriage, seeing the equipment inside.


    Further along, Norbert spotted the train''s engine, two people just staring at him; Norbert just stared back, mask on his face he shouted, ¡°If you change this train at all, your dead man!¡± Taking out his sword and holding it in front of him, blade unwavering as he pumped energy into him, knowing the veins on his neck would be exposed, shining purple as Norbert tried to be as intimidating as possible.


    The drivers not moving as those around Norbert quickly got their baggage, passing it between each other until it was all collected. Quickly turning back to Dousan, Norbert waited for him to go; on the side of the train, Norbert saw another lake shoot past, right next to the tracks.


    Dousan nodded in return shouting over the wind, ¡°Ok, everyone, looks like this is our stop; follow me into the lake!¡±


    Before waiting for a reply, Dousan had a foot on the side of the container and leapt off, flying past and splashing into the water. One after the other, they all began jumping off, Norbert watching Azalea go over as well, heart steady knowing she was with them, hoping they were still together.


    The last one, Norbert, looked back to the two drivers. Taking out two silver coins, he threw them, both of them rattling on the floor. ¡°To keep your silence and make it worth your trouble!¡± Norbert shouted before he leapt off the container, plunging into the water.


    As his feet touched down, Norbert finally remembered he wouldn¡¯t have a set of dry clothes. Groaning internally, Norbert once more was flush with cold water.

 Chapter 89 Together Again

    Bursting out of the water, Norbert held the bag above his head once more. He watched as the train continued moving down the track, Norbert just nodding, happy that they weren''t turning back.


    Kicking around in the water, Norbert watched the rest of the expedition move off to the side with the tracks. Spinning around onto his back, Norbert rested his backpack on his stomach, keeping it out of the water as he kicked towards the shore.


    Hitting his head against the shore, Norbert turned around onto his hands and knees, resting as he left the lake. Standing up and dripping on the shore, Norbert felt inside his bag, his Frontier clothes still not dry. Sighing in annoyance at being wet again; at least the book was still intact, and he now believed something was keeping it together, not just luck.


    Squelching with every step, Norbert walked towards the group, him having the furthest to go as he was the last one off. Reaching the others, Norbert waved to them, seeing them form a clusters around the tracks.


    Received a wave back from everyone, Norbert jogged the rest of the way, seeing that everyone else was dry. Looking down at his water-logged clothes, he looked up at everyone. "Can someone dry me off?"


    One of the mages stepped forward, a magic circle appearing before him a circle Norbert felt heat radiate over him as steam came off. Finally dry, Norbert flipped his bag around, taking out the Frontier gear and asking, "This too?"


    "Sure; anything else you need to be dried?" the mage asked. Norbert just shook his head, responding, "Cheeky."


    Finally dry, Norbert patted himself down, happy no wet spots on him. Dousan walking through the crowd stepping up to Norbert and grabbed him in a bear hug.


    Feeling squeezed, Norbert hugged the man back, wondering what could have caused him to be so welcoming. Dousan quickly pulled them apart, patting his back and looking him up and down before nodding. "Nice gear, though it isn''t standard. Planning to do some more stealing and swindling?" Dousan asked.


    Norbert just shook his head. "I''m a man that likes black." He responded, wobbling his hand back and forth before continuing, "And I''m not one to say no to some extra coin lying around."


    "Yeah, you not wrong about that!" Dobert shouted up from the crowd, waving at Norbert.


    "Hey, I have private time with the commander, so shoo", Norbert said, shooing off Dobert and his antics.


    Norbert looked to Dousan, asking the big question on everyone''s mind "So, what now?"


    Dousan looked towards Norbert before asking, "Well, great escape artist, what was your plan after this?"


    Norbert just shrugged in response, "Nothing really, just followed the compass and taking each problem as they came. No real plan for what to do when I met up with you." Norbert said, showing the compass and clicking between the positions, staying on the third one as it pointed to the village now so far away.


    Dousan just nodded. "Well, whatever the plan is, we need to move; don''t want to stay on these tracks when they come looking for us!" Dousan shouted to the group as he began heading off, waving for Norbert to follow.


    Jogging to catch up, the two walked at the front, everyone else falling behind. Dousan asked Norbert, "So, how did you get over here?"


    Norbert recounted his experience, how he followed the compass, climbed over the dam and into the cave before going up, about the mural he had seen before running onto the train.


    Ultimately, Norbert asked, "So, how did you guys even get captured?"


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    "Well, it all began after seeing the dam, at night after continuing and resting at night after unleashing on the raptors and getting our tents up for the night; the bats came down out of nowhere, many more than ever seen. If it were just the bats, it would be fine, but all across the dam, spells were held in position, the humanoids jumping off the bats and trapping us. There was nothing to do but accept it." Dousan said, stopping for a moment.


    "Some resisted getting captured and stopped in their tracks, which stopped the others from moving. Others lost the fight in the interrogation, stripped of their magic and weapons; we could do nothing. So for all of us still here, thank you." Dousan said, a tear forming on his face that he quickly brushed off.


    Norbert just nodded. "Well, at least most of you made it out of there; guess it''s time to go back?" Norbert said, waving the compass around as it desperately tried to continue pointing to the village.


    Dousan just nodded in response as he walked slower and joined the group, hearing them talk slightly louder with him around. Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert just looked at the mountain range, now only a brief line on the horizon, knowing they would have many more days ahead. Hoping they would have enough food, Norbert patted his backpack, happy to find the sacks still there.


    Breathing out a sigh of relief, Norbert put it on again, adjusting his sword to be comfortable on his hip after all the movement, happy that everything was in its proper place. Norbert looked around them.


    They were on the train tracks bisecting the lake in half, Norbert seeing the water on both sides. Looking ahead, Norbert realised it would probably take a quarter of the day before making it off the lake and going straight to the village and off the train tracks.


    Looking past the lake, Norbert saw trees dotting the area, mostly marshland; the lake must have gone over and made everything wet. Staring at these boots going over the sleepers, Norbert was unhappy at being ankle-deep in mud for days. He shook his head, knowing whatever happened would be inevitable and out of his control anyway.


    Removing his pendant, Norbert looked at the light inside, barely able to see it; Norbert just shook his head, wondering if he needed it any more. Now comfortable with the weight on his chest and happy for the translation skill more than anything else.


    Hearing steps behind him, Norbert turned around and saw Martitia heading his way; Norbert placed the pendant back under his shirt, making a mental note to ask Azalea sometime soon if she could recharge it.


    "So, what brings you to this neck of the woods?" Norbert asked Martitia.


    Martitia just smiled. "Just wanted to see why you''re here alone", she replied.


    Norbert looked back, seeing everyone else idly chatting with each other "Just been alone for a while now, and I''m sure they''ve all experienced stuff they don''t want to share. Don''t want to bring up anything bad accidentally." Norbert responded, staring off at the mountain where the compass pointed at.


    "Anything else?" Martitia asked, knowing there was something else bothering him.


    Norbert sighed again in frustration, throwing his hands in the air and saying, "It''s just that we''re going so slow", he whined to her.


    Martitia just laughed. "Good to hear it''s nothing major then. But I did want to tell you that not everyone made it."


    Norbert just breathed in a shaky breath. "Yeah, I know, Dousan told me. Anyone I would know?" he asked.


    Martitia nodded. "Zachary and Nessie out of the scouts, a couple more throughout the rest, but you wouldn''t have known them."


    Norbert just solemnly nodded, two less meaning ¡­ Norbert was at a loss at what it meant. Was it more work, less work, or recruits? Should he be crying or remain cool and calm?


    Taking a shaky breath, Norbert just nodded, sad that one of the five of their little group was no more.


    "If you would like to know Zachary w-"Martitia started to say before Norbert held up his hand before her.


    "No need to say anything more," Norbert said. Martitia nodded in response. They walked silently for some time, keeping each other company.


    Norbert asked Martitia, "Who are they, and where are we?"


    "Just part of the Dividing Range, the natural barrier between Morenas and Arzatech, which cuts through the northern section of Masanu," Martitia responded.


    Norbert just nodded, hearing the geography lesson. "And why are they forming this track, the bats and the dam?" Norbert asked


    Martitia just shook her head. "Don''t know exactly why. Changes are coming everywhere, and in history, war always strikes out when there have been changes of beasts." Looking towards Norbert and smiling, "But for the exact details, you would need to talk to someone else. Not really into all that political stuff."


    Norbert just laughed. "You and me both, you and me both", Norbert replied, looking off into the distance, seeing the train tracks come together at a single point, wondering how long they would be walking.


    Norbert thought that if only he could adequately run, it would take them much less time. Being uncomfortable in unknown territory, with anything or anyone around their backs that could pop at any corner, and knowing he could be faster.


    Jumping from the lake, splashing over Norbert, a giant toad was on the tracks, one foot on it and the rest in the water. Norbert just looked towards the frog, thinking, just my luck.

 Chapter 90 A Big Toad

    The toad, dwarfing over Norbert, seeing the patchy skin on its legs, dark green with a white belly. Its black eyes on either side of its head stared at Norbert, its mouth opening Norbert seeing its tongue rolled up.


    Unsheathing his sword, Norbert slashed it in front of himself, the toad''s tongue shooting forward, getting sliced and recoiling back, a line of blood going between Norbert to the toad.


    Not letting the amphibian rest, Norbert charged forward, gripping the sleeper at his feet as he pushed forward, feeling the wood crack underneath the force. Not caring about the damage, Norbert held the sword in front of him, impaling into the beast, its skin unable to stop him as he came out the other side, covered in guts.


    Running and slowing down, Norbert turned around, seeing the toad lying on the tracks, not moving twenty meters away. Not realising how far he went, he quickly returned to the group, wiping the sword on the toad''s body before putting it back in its sheath.


    Taking the body, Norbert slid it off the tracks and into the water before he jumped in, washing himself off.


    Coming back out, Norbert looked at the group staring at him. Norbert just stared back. ¡°What?¡± he asked.


    The others stared at him, not responding, Azalea stepping forward and casting a spell before her, Norbert feeling himself drying again.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Norbert said in response before continuing to look at the others in the expedition.


    ¡°What¡¯s got them all flustered like that?¡± Norbert asked


    Dobert coughed. ¡°When could you do that?¡±


    Norbert just shrugged. ¡°Eh, guess all that running paid off. And anyway, why are you back there talking in the crowd? Not going to hug your buddy after finally meeting each other for so long.¡±


    Dobert just waved Norbert off, Norbert laughing in return. Turning to Azalea, Norbert asked, ¡°So, why did nobody else react? I know some of you can do lightning much faster than me.¡± Norbert asked.


    Azalea just nodded. ¡°True, but after the cuffs have them on, it takes time to move the mana around the body again and replenish the depleted and choked-off reserves that the cuffs create.¡±


    Norbert nodded before understanding washed over him as he clicked his fingers. ¡°So that¡¯s why we are going so slowly now.¡±


    Azalea sighed before nodding and whispering to herself, ¡°How did I teach this one anything.¡±


    Norbert bent down. ¡°Did you say something?¡± Norbert said, grinning from ear to ear. Before he stood straight, taking off his pendant, Norbert held it to Azalea. ¡°That reminds me, can you?¡± Norbert asked


    Azalea held out her hand, wincing slightly at the effort as a magic circle appeared, the pendant growing brighter once more. ¡°Don¡¯t know why you need it?¡± Azalea said.


    Norbert just shrugged, ¡°Better safe than sorry¡±, Norbert responded.


    ¡°True, true, for they do speak another language here. Guess you''re going to be an interpreter then.¡± Azalea responded.


    Norbert rubber necking gazed at Azalea. ¡°Great!¡± Norbert shouted out. As he continued walking, Norbert wondered if they would ever even make it out of the lake.


    As they continued to walk, others also saw the lake''s end. Norbert stopped, feeling something along the tracks before he leapt into the air. His fears were confirmed by the movement on the tracks, seeing coming from the direction the last train came from, another appeared, quickly going over the rails.


    Landing on the tracks, Norbert shouted, ¡°Another train is coming¡±, before meeting the group.


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    Everyone looked around, trying to find somewhere to hide. The only thing close by was the lake itself. Dousan first, as others followed, all jumped into the lake, swimming as far as they dared.


    Spreading out, Norbert also went out into the water, the furthest out of anyone on his side. Treading water Norbert kept his head stuck out of the water until he saw the train coming. Taking a deep breath, Norbert went under the water.


    Closing his eyes, Norbert started counting, one, two, three. Onwards Norbert counted, not wanting to get up too early. Reaching one hundred, Norbert slowly stuck his head out of the water, seeing the train gone and the others making their way to the tracks again.


    Norbert swam forward, remembering his backpack now soaked. He just shrugged; the bestiary should make it through. Swimming forward, Norbert stood up and joined the line of people getting dried off.


    Once dry again, the group continued, until finally, for Norbert, who cheered, they no longer had to be surrounded by water and fear the train coming. Taking out his compass Norbert led the party forward, disregarding any paths that could be found and just walking forwards.


    Norbert does not remember seeing any stations along the way, hoping they would at least be able to find a town or something similar so he could finally rest on something soft.


    ***


    As Norbert took the sacks out of his bag under the moonlight, standing around the campsite they had made on the dryer ground, Norbert just shook his head. Another day spent outside, it would seem.


    They were moving the food off to the mages to enlarge and distribute it again. Norbert still had enough food for the rest of the trip, but knowing they wouldn¡¯t have enough food to make it back, the atmosphere tense around everyone.


    As they ate in silence, Norbert just waited as one after the other they began falling asleep; Norbert took a coin out and flipped it into the air. He just watched it spin before catching it again, waiting for the night to continue.


    Others were taking swaps. Norbert just stayed up as he watched over them all, looking at the coin, thinking Nessie would no longer be there. Someone going down next to him, Norbert looked to the side, seeing Nancy looking at the coin in his hands as it flew into the air once more.


    The two of them just sat in silence, looking out at the rest as they slept, both having enough sleep to last the next night. As a shift change happened again, Nancy whispered, ¡°Thank you for saving us.¡±


    Norbert just nodded. ¡°Anyone would do it¡±, he responded


    ¡°But not anyone would have succeeded.¡± She responded.


    Norbert just shook his head. ¡°Nah, I¡¯m sure Dousan or any others would have easily made it through.¡± He said, dismissing the others.


    Nancy shook her head. ¡°No, the others couldn¡¯t have. The entire area was an anti-magic field; the crystals were embedded into the walls. Trying to form anything out of your body would be sucked away.¡±


    Norbert opened his mouth. ¡°But what about elixirs? That¡¯s all I have¡±, He asked.


    Nancy looked at him, staring deadpan. ¡°Look, take the compliment. And I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve realised by now that you get a greater effect than others.¡± She said


    Norbert, not saying anything, just continued to flick the coin into the air, looking as it tumbled around into the air. Catching it, Norbert just spun it around. He was looking at the moon as it came out of them. ¡°Anything you want to talk about,¡± Norbert asked.


    Nancy just shook her head as she rested it on Norbert¡¯s shoulder. Norbert just continued to flip the coin in the air, not whispering anything to Luck; at this point, he did not want any questions to be answered; he just wanted to live in peace for a moment.


    As he watched as the sun finally came up in the sky, Nancy moved off his shoulder as she got up, stretching her arms above her head as she went down to the others.


    Norbert just looked at them all talking to each other; looking out over the marsh, Norbert waited for it to continue. Norbert thought back to the other day, not seeing any food places or them to catch it, wondering if he should have taken apart the toad to get some food.


    As he looked at people before him, Norbert wondered how they would get enough food for around forty people, knowing there wasn¡¯t enough food and what he brought would not last them any time.


    As Norbert also went onto his feet, thinking they would have another long day ahead of them, one of the mages called out, ¡°Everyone who needs assistance travelling from together a the centre. The others follow!¡± They shouted.


    As Norbert looked around, everyone had eaten already as three-quarters of the group had made their way to the centre. Norbert watched as the mages c, connected circles around them, forming up.


    Looking up in awe, Norbert saw the entire group as one slowly lifted off the ground before they started moving away in the direction Norbert had instructed before.


    The more the field moved, the faster it went; Norbert saw the riders'' clothing whip in the air. Laughing joyfully, they would finally be moving; Norbert was the last to take off as the others began running.


    Norbert blasted himself forward, flashing past everyone with a smile as he made his way to the front of the pack. He pointed them in the right direction as he slowed down slightly, keeping pace with the others. The wind blew through his hair as he looked forward, wondering what next place this adventure would take him.

 Chapter 91 Civilisation

    Sadly for Norbert, just as they started moving, they were slowing down again, Norbert pulling far ahead before he realised he was alone again. Turning around, the platform that everyone was on had slowed down, by now stopping and dropping to the floor. Watching he saw people started getting closer again and sitting down and waiting for them to meet him.


    Looking up at the sky, Norbert watched as the group came thundering to him; he saw some people being carried, realising that they were all the mages already. Dobert caught up to him, saying, "You forgot one."


    Norbert looked around, confused at what they were talking about. Scanning through them, everyone looked as he expected, turning back to Dobert, who said, "Azalea is still over there, not wanting anyone else to carry her."


    Norbert just sighed, wondering what was going through the woman''s head. Getting to his feet, Norbert waved off, saying he would return shortly and for them not to wait up for him. Norbert blasted forward over the marshland as the two parties left in opposite directions.


    Not as fast as usual, for fear of falling into a puddle or losing his grip, he ran. Skidding to a stop, he found Azalea sitting on a rock and reading her book, Norbert wondering where the rock came from in the first place.


    Looking down at her, Norbert asked, "Any reason why me specifically?"


    Azalea just shook her head as she placed her book back in her bag, slinging it over her shoulder. "Just wanted to read a bit more", She finished.


    Just shaking his head at the reason, Norbert moved his backpack to the front of himself. As Azalea climbed onto his back, she leaned forward, whispering, "Why are you still wearing the mask?"


    Norbert turned her head, feeling it press into his skin at the angle. Taking it off, Norbert just smiled. "Forgot I had it on in the first place", He responded.


    "Well, nobody else forgot you had it on", Azalea replied


    Norbert just nodded as he placed it in his backpack, keeping it at the top. With everything secured inside, Norbert asked Azalea if she was ready, receiving a nod as he sped off.


    Taking out the compass, Norbert clicked to the other two positions, confirming all three were heading in the same direction. Changing his course so he would meet up with his party Norbert and Azalea continued over the marshes.


    Norbert slowed down way before they met up with the group, slowing down to an easy run, no dirt and mud getting kicked up behind him. As Norbert slowed down, making his way to the front again and pointing the group in the right direction, together they started crossing, Norbert happy with the time they were making.


    Stopping for one of their breaks, everyone else was slightly winded or just cooling down, Norbert just holding onto Azalea. "Going to get off," Norbert asked.


    Azalea slipped off his back, feet landing on the ground as she took her book out and began flipping through the pages. Norbert watched down at her as she landed on a page, stopping her incessant flipping as she moved a finger across it, pointing to parts of the magic circle on the other side.


    Norbert shook his head and pulled out the bestiary, not seeing anything better to do out here in the wilderness; looking around before reading, Norbert was happy that they could no longer see the train tracks, having gone far enough away that they would not be spotted.


    After several minutes passed, the group headed off once more, people standing up and packing their things. As Norbert looked around, seeing that everyone''s face started looking sunken in slightly, wondering what they would be doing. Feeling two hands reach up for his shoulders, Norbert felt a weight settle on his back.


    Turning around, Norbert saw Azalea in her usual position on his back. Leaning forward, she said, "Don''t worry about the others; just focus on leading us in the right direction." She said.


    Norbert nodded again, knowing what she said was true but still unsettled by it, trying to see plans or ways to navigate this unknown landscape. Laughing to himself, Norbert recalled his time in the forest on the plateau. He had no way of knowing the correct way to go, just unthinkingly following his nose and looking at him. He came out completely fine.


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    Shaking his head, Norbert, hope to fill him that someone would find a way to the other side of the mountain. Norbert and the group continued forward. Through the run, Norbert looked forward at the mountain range as it slowly grew closer and closer.


    As Norbert looked at the mountain range, seeing if there was a path over it, not wanting to be surrounded again and fight their way out of a cave, Norbert felt something different with his feet.


    Looking down, Norbert''s feet skidded on dirt, sliding forward before landing into a wheel rut, nearly tripping over his feet. Looking around, Norbert spotted a path winding through the marshes. Throwing his hands in the air and cheering, Norbert turned around, the others also making their way along the path.


    Dousan nodded at the path before saying, "Looks like a change of attire will be needed" to the group.


    As one, they all went off, stretching out as well, looking around and knowing they would be with civilisation; all the same, uniforms would be suspicious and immediately point them to be from the Frontier.


    Splitting off onto each side of the road, Norbert stayed in the middle, wearing his all-black attire. The men are going on one side and the women on the other. Sitting down, Norbert just took out his book, not knowing how long it would take them to change out of their clothes¡ªsurprised that so many of them even had a spare set.


    As people returned, Norbert saw them all have different styles and colours, most still wearing pants and boots, but the extras were everything. Some men went topless; Norbert was happy that the women didn''t share the same custom, or he would not know where to look.


    Others just had a simple shirt on, button down, while others had theirs lined with gold, looking very formal and out of place. Dobert walked towards him, one of the people with no shirt on, just wearing some pants and the same boots. Norbert gave him an eye. "What?" Dobert asked in response, "Not everyone is carrying around a complete second set of clothes." He said, trying to defend himself.


    Norbert just cast his gaze to those behind him, all wearing some proper clothes, though on inspection, Norbert noticed the only men wearing something proper were the mages, and seeing they turned their blue cloaks into capes to wear, trailing behind them. Norbert just shook his head at the image.


    Norbert turned to Dobert. "Aren''t your shoulders going to get chaffed up?" he asked.


    With a swipe of his hand, Dobert just dismissed, "Nah, have been doing this for ages, so a little bit of extra ruffling about ain''t gonna do any damage."


    Norbert just threw his hands up in surrender. "Well, suit yourself", he said; now that everyone was back, Norbert wondered if they would do the carry system again or head off individually. He watched as nobody went on others'' backs, just jogging forward down the dirt road that would have answered his question.


    Heading to the front once more, Norbert watched the twisting road ahead of him, looking down at the compass and confirming that they were going n roughly in the right direction. Putting it away, Norbert enjoyed the experience, happy it would at least be an easy run.


    Looking at the marshes as the group thundered over the wooden bridge as Norbert looked down the side, seeing the river going underneath them. Happy once more for the road as they hit it once more on the other side, continuing their journey.


    ***


    Up ahead, everyone went for a walk, seeing a village, no wall protecting it, as Norbert spotted people moving within about with their day. Around it, Norbert saw the marsh die down, leaving only large bodies of water surrounding the village, people walking throughout it, bending down to pluck weeds out and move the water around, Norbert assumed.


    He looked back at his group of forty, wondering how this would turn out. The village houses were made from mud; Norbert saw the dried earth around him. All being only one story, Norbert knowing they would need to duck through the doors in this place to walk about as his head was nearly the same heights as the rooves.


    Everyone they saw stopped and stared at the party, whispering to each other about the strangers as they entered. Norbert plastered a smile on his face as they continued forward through the village.


    Walking his way through, everyone slightly spread out but still following Norbert, wondering to himself how he was in the lead of everyone as they walked through. Looking around, Norbert found a single building sticking out from all the others, its walls made of grey stone of the mountain range in the distance.


    He looked at the two-story structure dwarfing anything else in the village; Norbert stepped inside the building. Around rows of long tables and benches set out, Norbert was at the front as the group began piling in. The conversation from within the building dyed out as more and more people came in.


    Whispers again of confusion about the crowd around it. Walking towards the desk to the side of the room, Norbert passed a notice board; seeing that it had pictures of creatures written on it with pieces of paper, enumeration underneath of some kind, Norbert assumed, unable to read any of it.


    One of the pieces of paper caught his eye, with little writing compared to the others. All it had was a masked face with lines under the eyes and around the jaw at the bottom, a description. Funny that someone who was wanted would have the same mask as him.


    It all clicked within his head. Norbert looked back to the notice board, happy that none of his other companions'' faces were on the board.


    The man behind the desk called out to Norbert, disrupting him from his thoughts, "Can I help you or your group with anything?" The man asked.

 Chapter 92 Food Acquired

    Norbert swallowed, his mouth instantly dry, wondering what to say. Knowing that they would need food for their travels, wondering if his coins would even be instantly suspect of being the people that were rescued, Norbert started to panic.


    Breathing in deeply, Norbert calmed himself; no matter what happened, they should just be able to bust out of whatever situation they found themselves in. "Just passing through, looking around places and wondering if we can buy some rations for the travel," Norbert said


    The man on the other side is nodding, his simple clothes looking with the villager''s likely hand made within, Norbert not seeing any gates for a quick trade or for soldiers to apprehend them quickly.


    "And that will be for how many mouths and how long?" The desk worker asked.


    Norbert thought momentarily, wondering how long they would need to get to the other side of the mountain where he could branch off once more and get food from the town.


    "Forty people for fifteen days", Norbert said, quickly doing the maths and hoping that would be enough food for everyone.


    Earning a whistle, the clerk responded, "That''s a lot of food, sadly we do not have enough spare. Just curious, where are you heading?"


    Norbert waved his head to the mountain range. "Heading up there, wanting to see the view", Norbert responded.


    The clerk just walked away, mumbling "tourists" to himself. Walking back to the group all sitting around, Norbert leaned over and whispered to Dousan, "Getting food, don''t have enough for the entire trip over the mountains, as that''s where I''m assuming we are going. Says there will be another village closer."


    Dousan nodded in response as Norbert broke away again, walking back to the desk while waiting for the clerk to return. Flipping a silver coin from Morenas, Norbert caught it again before flipping it up, watching as it spun.


    Norbert stared at him, knowing he was making a show of the wealth and hoping it would send the message about the coin that had to smooth anything over with the locals.


    Waiting, Norbert started to whistle to himself, a tune he did not know where it came from but knew he had heard somewhere.


    Norbert looked around at the others in the room, wondering what had taken the clerk so long. Knowing that it was a lot of food but he didn''t expect him to bring it all to them now, and he hadn''t even paid for it.


    Continuing to whistle, Norbert just waited, the minutes going by. Knowing he was now receiving stares but not wanting to drop the act, now wanting to see how far it would go. Swapping the coin around to his usual one, looking down and seeing the queen''s head etched in the gold, Norbert whispered, "Heads, we get out of here, tails we wait to see what returns."


    Flicking the coin in the air, Norbert caught it, palming it to the back of his left hand and looked down at what was shown. The tails side was presented to the world.


    Nodding his head, Norbert flicked his wrist, the coin flying into the air as he caught it and put it back in its place, returning the silver coin as he waited, knowing he would have received stares from his blatant display but not caring about it.


    Finally returning, the clerk came back again with a final number. "Will cost you twelve silver", the clerk replied.


    Norbert just whistled, quickly doing the maths and seeing it would be about two copper a meal per person. Norbert just nodded, not believing it would get that high so quickly with forty people.


    "Want the silver now or later, and how long will the provisions take to acquire?" Norbert asked.


    "Just need to wait for half a cycle and coinage now", the clerk responded


    Norbert just nodded, reaching into his coin pouch in his bag and taking out the silver coins. When the two piles were being made, ten in one and two in the other, Norbert looked up by the look on the clerk''s face that a disagreement was about to be had.


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    "That price was for Arzatech coin. Morena''s coin will cost more," The clerk said. Arms crossed squarely in front of him, not moving at all.


    Norbert just nodded, seeing the disagreement was being made. "So, how much for these coins then?" Norbert asked, just wanting to escape the situation as quickly as possible.


    "Twenty silvers ", The clerk responded.


    Norbert laughed straight in his face, pretending to wipe a tear from his eye as he shook his head. "No way, that''s daylight robbery if I''ve ever seen it. Price is twelve silver, and I''ll throw in a handful of copper," Norbert responded, leaning towards the desk, moving his right hand to the dagger at his hip next to his money pouch.


    Norbert hoped his intimidation would work but not be pushing it over the edge. The clerk just continued to stare Norbert down. "Fifteen silver", he responded.


    Norbert moved his hand off his dagger, bringing it to his chin as he nodded, pretending to have numbers in his head. Reaching into his pouch, Norbert brought out another silver coin. Knowing if the clerk dropped it that much, he still had room to squeeze.


    Placing both hands on the counter, Norbert just looked up, not making any moves. The two stare off at each other until the clerk relents and swipes up the coins; Norbert loses them in his hand.


    "Just wait here, have some of the boys go around and collect it all for you. Enough food for forty people for five days of travel." He replied.


    Norbert just nodded as he walked back, thinking he didn''t know how much food that was for. When he turned on his feet, Norbert shouted, "Oh, how far to the next place?" Norbert asked


    The clerk smiled. "Six days away on foot; just continue to follow the road and take the left path on the first intersection."


    Norbert just nodded and waved his thanks, sitting and spinning the coin on the table, feeling much lighter than before, still nervous about the situation being in unknown territory. Holding up a hand when the others tried to talk, Norbert ran through the conversation repeatedly in his head.


    No matter how many times he replayed it, Norbert could not see anything that would out him other than the type of coin he was using, but still, the restlessness wouldn''t leave him.


    Waiting nervously, Norbert heard the doors open, looking up from the coin, someone pointing and shouting, "Come on, what you want is outside" Norbert looked at the person seeing their basic clothes, dirty from a hard day''s travel, wearing no shoes and a straw hat. Believing it to be a farmer of some kind, Norbert stood up, waving for the others to follow as he went outside.


    Norbert covered his eyes with his hand, stopping the sun going into his eyes, seeing a cart on the side of the road filled with food. Norbert nodding his thanks, walked forward, looking at it all. Believing he had the right amount and happy he hadn''t been tricked as no exact amount was given, the rest of his party quickly went through, taking everything from it and stuffing it into their bags.


    With everything taken, Norbert just waved, walking down the village''s main road and out onto the road again, making way for a cart to be pulled so it could pass them.


    Norbert, happy that they had made it out continued down the road, nobody running so as not to alarm about it, not a word being uttered to each other. Only the shuffling of feet on the ground as one they walked away, all ears peeled to hear something out of the ordinary.


    Norbert saw Dousan turn around; Norbert could not see anything in the distance. With his nod, everyone began jogging, nobody riding on the other''s shoulders.


    Dousan came forward, talking to Norbert, "Anything suspicious?" Dousan asked Norbert.


    Norbert just shrugged. "Not anything peculiar; I was a bit calmer than I thought. I saw a wanted poster hanging up with my masked face; I didn''t want to ask about that, so could you be after us?" Norbert said, shrugging his shoulders.


    Dousan nodded as he shouted, "Partner up!" to the group.


    Slowing down, people started scrambling onto others'' backs, Norbert flipping around his backpack and taking Azalea as usual. The group started to jog into the distance, Norbert clicking through the compass and confirming they were going in the right direction, not wanting to be on the other side of the ravine with his navigation.


    ***


    The clerk, Jeffery, returned to his position in the adventurers guild, looking at the quests listed and seeing the piece of paper with the man in the mask describing his attire and the others of his group of forty.


    Shaking his head at Morena''s people''s stupidity, thinking that it would trick them at all. Jeffery looked up, seeing the officer of the army come in. Jeffery nodded in respect at the large man that had to duck slightly to get through the door.


    His shoulders were massive and broad, steel hanging off him and a cleaver strapped to his back, Jeffery not wanting to get to the other side.


    "Did as instructed?", The gravelly voice came out of the commander. Jeffery just nodded in return, not wanting to say a word before the man snapped him with his pinkie if someone that prominent could even be called.


    The commander threw a pouch onto the table, sliding the silver coins that Jeffery put there, which Norbert had given him earlier in the afternoon.


    Jeffery is not moving as he saw the commander take a coin to his nose and sniff it. Smiling in return, he left the room. Jeffery opened the small pouch and saw gold inside, shaking his head, not wanting to know what would happen to that group.


    As the commander stepped out of the room, shouting to his men spread throughout the town, "Time to clean the mess that Tashen left behind, time for an easy hunt!"


    Throughout the town, Arzlan, the commander, heard his men''s cries as they banged metal against metal, music to his ears. Bringing the coin back to his nose Arzlan sniffed it again, wondering what someone had to do to get such a peculiar scent.

 Chapter 93 Night Ambush

    The expedition continued ahead, going at a reasonable but fast pace throughout the day as the sun set to the side of them. As the sun set, Norbert looked forward, seeing they were just at the mountain''s base; no village could be seen.


    Wondering how fast the train was going before, if only in several minutes at most; it took them days to travel back. Norbert had no proper way to tell out here unless they were going especially slow. As everyone rested, Norbert was happy that they were making progress, not seeing anything that could go wrong.


    Looking forward, Norbert looked around as others around him began eating their food, Norbert not touching his, still just nibbling on the biscuit he had started the other day, knowing that he didn''t need the food and would give the extra supplies to someone else.


    As Norbert looked around the camp, he laid back and stared at the stars in the sky. He was starting to pick a pattern between them, seeing some familiar shapes now in the sky. Happy at his skill Norbert just rested, waiting for day to come.


    As the moon came over the sky directly above him, Norbert listened as the wind went through the marsh. Smiling at it and happy for a successful day, hopefully, in a couple more, they would be over the mountain range and back in familiar territory, tell the supervisors what was happening and continue with the group he was in, killing other beasts terrorising citizens.


    BAARK BAARK BAARK


    Norbert bolted upright, looking out towards the marshes, trying to locate where the dogs barking was coming from. Standing up, he looked around, finding everyone else sprawled and sleeping. Looking for anyone else watching the night with him, Norbert found nobody sitting or standing to attention.


    Running over to one of them, Norbert nudged them with his foot, only seeing them turn around and go back to sleep. Grumbling in frustration, Norbert looked around the marshes, seeing people now appear at the edge of his vision carrying torches.


    Norbert started panicking; everyone was now fast asleep, likely from the food they had just received. He was getting annoyed at himself for putting everyone in this situation, as he wondered if any magic was used to detect tampering with food. Too late for him to start figuring it out. Norbert started moving around, from person to person, hoping for at least someone else to wake up.


    But sadly, once again, Norbert was alone. Thinking of what he could do next too whoever was after him, remembering the poster thinking if he should play the character or fake it and try to hide his association. Realising that the clerk would know his face anyway and having forty people out in the middle of nowhere was suspicious in itself, it wouldn''t matter if he had it on or not as he donned the mask. Hoping the intimidation would help him and hiding his face assist his nerves.


    Thinking at what he could do, Norbert looked around; nowhere to hide as he went to a raised area, taking the sword off his hip as he whistled a tune, knowing that a surprise wouldn''t work in this atmosphere; the red light slightly shinning out and reflecting on his sword, as he played with the reflection making it dance around the landscape.


    After several minutes of waiting around, nobody had shown themselves; Norbert just sighed into the air shouting as loud as he could, in one last attempt at possibly waking someone from their slumber, "Can we get this over with! We both know we are out here, so just come out of the weeds, ok! My mouth is getting dry!"


    Looking around, nothing moved for a moment; standing up, Norbert said, "Well, guess there isn''t anyone out there" he leapt forward, striking at the grass in front of him.


    Having previously heard a rustling in the grass over there, Norbert didn''t hold back, wanting his intentions to be precise. Hearing the clang of metal on metal, a groan and a whimper as his sword hit resistance before continuing to pass through. Falling, Norbert saw a man covered in fur fall forward, having metal armour under it. Quickly looking down, Norbert saw he struck the man through his arm, seeing his hand on his left side.


    Moving his eyes up, Norbert listened for the next sound of movement, knowing that surprise kept him alive. Several paces ahead of him, Norbert saw dozens and dozens of torches light up in front of him.


    Looking at them all, Norbert charged forward, keeping up the pressure as he knew he was outnumbered drastically, no one else on his back. Facing the first humanoid face, Norbert saw their face under the torchlight; knowing they could track him in his mask, Norbert tackled right into him, the two of them shooting backwards.


    Tumbling around, Norbert landed on top of the person, moving his sword around and stabbing them in the throat, hearing them choke on the blood as Norbert twisted around, finding his next target to dispatch.


    Half the people were looking at him, the others approaching his party. Jumping into the air Norbert leapt forward, shooting past the heads of the others as he provided energy into his body, knowing that everything would be needed to have even a chance of escaping with everyone around.


    Catching up, Norbert landed on somebody, not even moving his sword as he battled his way around them. Slashing to the side, Norbert felt something block his sword, a clang going out from everywhere, spinning around. Norbert put everything behind him, feeling something try to stop the sword but could not, hearing a cry pierce his ears.


    With the cry as success, Norbert continued forward, leaving the person to their fate. Norbert looked to the next one, slicing the sword at the other''s head; Norbert remembered how his sword was knocked out, doing the same to the other person.


    Norbert saw them form around him, ready for the next one, disengaging. Norbert crashed into another one, hoping they didn''t have a blade sticking straight out as he did. Catching the man in the stomach, Norbert made it out of the encirclement, lowering his sword and jumping into the air, allowing the person to fall off his blade.


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    In the air, Norbert scanned around as he slowly fell, knowing that he would need to move again as they were almost upon his party, knowing when they met, the game would be over.


    Landing on the ground, Norbert instantly pushed off, sprinting as he flew towards his party. Feet first, he smashed into someone, feeling something dig into his foot as it hit the person''s back; Norbert slowed down and landed on his feet as the man flew away, hearing a splash in the water some distance away.


    Norbert looked around, leaping to the next one when suddenly, a giant of a man appeared before him. Seeing a gleaming something come for his head Norbert slid on the ground, going under the blade as he kicked up into the air, running from the giant as he looked for easier targets.


    ROOOAR


    Norbert heard from behind him the giant screaming from before; just noting his position, Norbert pushed himself a little more, knowing he would need to wrap this up quicker than he thought.


    Slamming into the next person, Norbert hit them into the ground, feeling their head under his foot as he pushed forward, the skull breaking under him. Shaking his head but leaving them him no choice, the desire to protect his party greater, and the fear of what would happen if caught. Adrenalin is now coursing through Norbert, blocking out unimportant questions.


    "Come back and fight!" The giant from before said; Norbert just shook his head. He did not want to face the thing, not knowing his outcome.


    Looking around again, Norbert leapt into the air, trying to get a position on the next ones. Around his party, all sleeping, Norbert saw a circle of torches, knowing that if they wanted to, half of the group could be killed before he did anything.


    Landing, Norbert lifted his blade, positioning the flat of his palm against its blade''s holding it in both hands. Slamming down, Norbert felt the giant push his blade down.


    CLANG


    The blade reverberated down his arms, Norbert''s feet buckling at the force behind it. Puffing out air, knowing he was lucky to stand still, Norbert backed off, holding his sword up.


    Staring at the giant, Norbert looked at him, his armour reflecting in the moonlight. He did not want to change his vision to see more, knowing it could shave off his reaction time, possibly making it his end. The giant wore plated armour, seeming to be riveted to the being itself. Norbert not knowing how it was possible to move like that.


    Staring up, he was quickly two meters tall, likely more and most of that wide. Both arms hung limp on his side, Norbert seeing two butcher cleavers in each of his hands, looking slightly oversized on him, but on anyone else, would be downright monstrous, taking up nearly all of their height.


    Switching his eyes away from the giant, Norbert looked to the circle of lights, some distance away.


    Norbert''s eyes slammed back onto the giant, hearing him breathing deeply through his nose. "Oh, I''m happy you''re still awake," the giant said.


    Norbert lowered his sword and pointed it to the ground as he relaxed, asking, "What do you mean about that?"


    "Heh, smelt something funny on you. What you''ve done to the men shows you''re not just showing," The voice grumbled to Norbert.


    "Well, I''m happy that you are at least satisfied. Is it ok then if me and my group schedule when the sun comes up again, and we can both leave happy?" Norbert asked, hoping that the other person would agree to it.


    The giant snorted again. "Not happening; you''re coming with us. Will it be the easy way or the hard way?"


    Norbert just nodded, lifting the sword and getting into the side stance. "And what if I choose the hard way?" Norbert asked


    Seeing a grin form, "I''m happy you chose that, but before we begin. May I know your name, for the record?" The giant asked.


    Seeing a change, Norbert stood up straight, saying, "It''s normally courteous to give your name first when asking someone else''s."


    "Arzlan", Arzlan grunted, sounding more animal than anything else.


    "Thank you, Arzlan, those call me Norbert", Norbert said. Instantly jumping forward, hoping to get an early strike in. Moving his sword in a diagonal with one hand, Norbert saw one of Arzlan''s cleavers come up, stopping the blade.


    Spinning around with the strike, Norbert felt the second one come down behind him, grazing his arm as Norbert felt a sharp sting on it. Now positioned slightly closer to the camp, the torches on his back Norbert now had a good look at Arzlan''s face.


    Or what he could see, only a metal helm covering it, long diagonal slits for the eyes, no light or reflection in it. A grill over its mouth Norbert just seeing the teeth from behind. No plumes or anything like that, just a simple helmet that was utterly black, Norbert wondering what it was made of.


    The light in Arzlan''s eyes, Norbert took a dagger out of his belt, hoping he could hold off the second blade when needed. Arzlan swung wide, Norbert jumping backwards, feeling the cleaver brush past his clothes.


    Glancing behind him, Norbert saw the line of torches; leaping forward, Norbert in the air slashed down at Arzlan, hearing a clang of metal as he was pushed further away. Arzlan rushed forward, Norbert not knowing how the giant could move so quickly.


    His cleaver slammed into Norbert as he spun, losing grip on the dagger as he rolled into a puddle. Getting on his hands and knees, Norbert looked up, only to receive a boot in the face as he went flying away, losing track of the sword as he tumbled.


    Looking up at the moon, Norbert watched, wondering what Luck was thinking. Bouncing along the ground, Norbert lifted his mask, spitting blood out of his mouth. Wiping his face with his arm Norbert stood up on shaky feet, placing his mask on his head.


    "That was fun, but it''s over now", Arzlan said to Norbert. He looked down at Norbert, the pitiful man only a pile before him. He would be a fun opponent with more training, though sadly, he never would get it.


    Norbert nodded in response, knowing he would only have one chance to make it out of there. Pushing as much energy through his body as possible, Norbert watched the purple light leak from the cuts in his clothes, not caring if his opponent saw.


    RAAAAWR


    Norbert screamed at the giant before him, not taking any weapons out as he leapt into the air once more; quicker than the giant could react, his fist connected with the man''s human. Norbert flipped over, unable to move it, as he felt his hand crack and break underneath the force. The pain was instantly whipped away, but knowing it would return with a vengeance.


    Running to the sword Norbert found sticking out of the ground, he quickly sheathed it with his left hand, running towards the group. He wouldn''t rescue everyone from his party, but for some of them, he definitely could.


    Breaking through the line of torches, hearing a roar of outrage from Arzlan behind him, Norbert as he ran through the group. Quickly picking up as many people as possible, he picked up two people under each of his arms, not even able to tell exactly who they were, hoping it was someone significant that could help.


    Running out the other side Norbert ran for all he was worth, hearing people chasing after him as they slowly dropped into the distance. Norbert was not stopping running until he felt himself start to tire, forgetting he was still pumping energy through himself.


    Turning it down, Norbert dropped his baggage on the ground, making sure they weren''t rested, trying to regain his reserves as he watched the moon move slowly across the sky.

 Chapter 94 What the Future Holds

    Norbert watched the sunrise in the sky, the mountain range on his right-hand side. Norbert wondered what their next move would be. As the sun became fully visible, just peaking over the horizon, Norbert heard movement to the side of him. Norbert looked over at the sleeping people as the first one woke up from their induced slumber.


    Yawning, Dousan sat up; Norbert watched him as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Norbert stared at the man, waiting to see how long it would take until he realised something was amiss.


    As Dousan stretched and looked at the sun, a smile on his face, started to scrunch up in confusion. Looking down; he saw only his three other companions before he stared up at Norbert, worry stricken across his face.


    "What happened?" Dousan asked.


    Norbert just continued sitting, staring back at the sky. "Short version is we got ambushed. Food had a sleeping agent or something in there. Soldiers attacked; a tough one called Arzlan came for us, sadly I could not stop him, so I ran away with as many as possible." Norbert responded in a monotone voice, still wearing the mask on his face.


    Dousan just looked around; Norbert hearing what he believed was swears but dismissing it as he continued looking at the sunrise. Dousan''s racket waking the others as well. Norbert watched as Rachel was the first, then Azalea next, and finally, a random mage. Norbert couldn''t quite remember but knew he chose him for a reason.


    As Norbert looked at the man slowly getting to his feet, Norbert realised where he remembered him, having healed him from his injuries in the nest so long ago. Happy that he had picked a healer as well in the mad scramble.


    Norbert saw out of the corner of his eye that they still had most of their equipment on them; Norbert was happy that they had that much. But knowing the only coins they had were from another country; they couldn''t stop through towns if they were to go back and rescue the rest.


    If the first one they encountered had some way of notifying others, everyone in the area would know by now, especially as they all stood out. And that didn¡¯t even include Norbert trying to buy something. Shaking his head Norbert stood up, walking over to the others and listening to the conversation.


    "We can''t just leave them behind, Mackey", Dousan told the healer. Norbert is putting that little helpful piece of information away for later.


    "They have an entire night''s journey in front of us, taking them to who knows where and with a possible army at their backs", Mackey, the healer responded.


    Norbert looked down at his compass, flicking through the positions and walking around. Norbert confirmed the first position was still pointing to Dousan. The second position pointed in the direction they had just run away from and the third over the mountain range.


    Norbert showing the compass interrupted, "But we do know they are somewhere that way", as he pointed in the direction that it worked.


    "Oh, that''s super helpful; thank you, navigator, who got us in this situation in the first place", Mackey said back.


    Dousan stepped in front of Mackey looking the healer square in the eye. "Firstly, I didn''t see you or any of us step up to navigate, so don''t go after the kid. Second, the only reason you''re here and not over there is because of him, and third and most importantly," Dousan said, breathing deeply "We don''t leave anyone behind."


    "But we''ve already left people behind under the mountain range anyway, so why does it matter if we leave a few more" Mackey yelled back, his voice rising.


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    "We don''t leave them behind, no matter what!" Dousan shouted back. Norbert watched the two of them, waiting for it to end. Knowing they would follow Dousan anyway, he might have picked someone else up.


    "Fine then, oh leader, what''s your plan to get them back?" Mackey asked, crossing his arms in front of himself.


    Dousan just turned around, starting to mumble to himself as he began pacing in a circle. All watched as Dousan went in circle after circle, waiting for his response.


    Dousan turned around on his feet and looked at the four others of the motley crew. "Look, we have two options. We charge forward and try to bring them back, going tooth and nail for it. Or two, we head over the mountains and tell others what''s happening here," Dousan said, trying to think aloud.


    Azalea just nodded her head. "And if we do go over and tell them, we probably aren''t going to be allowed to go back and retrieve them," she said, growing quieter as she finished her line of thought.


    Dousan just nodded in approval of that logic. Norbert just tapped his boot. "Well, guess that means we''re going to need to get them back tooth and nail then", Norbert said, cutting the growing tension.


    "And what if some of us don''t want to?" Mackey said.


    Norbert responded before anyone else could, "Well, you''re free to go back by yourself. I don''t know how you will survive for days and days without food. It would take me at least ten days to get back. Don''t know how long you could do it." Stepping closer and closer to Mackey as he went, the two of them were looking eye to eye.


    Mackey just took a step back and nodded. "Guess that''s enough playing devil''s advocate; we''re going to need to go and get them back somehow", a complete change of tone from being defensive to working together.


    Dousan just smiled and nodded in approval as he walked in the direction Norbert pointed before, the others following behind. Crossing the marsh, Dousan explained, "Right now, we are fugitives; we''ll be skating on the wrong side of the law until we make it over those mountains again. Nobody we see we can trust."


    Turning around, Dousan pointed at Norbert. "That is doubly for you, with Arzlan interested in you. After your escape, people in high places will be looking out for you."


    Norbert gulped, still wearing his mask as they tracked around, going up and down. Mackey responded, "So basically, we''re going to be looting and stealing and running from everything and everyone until we get the rest of us and make it over to the divide?"


    Dousan just nodded in response. "Pretty much", he said.


    Norbert just nodded; as they passed through the day, his thoughts returned to the night before, in the dark, as he tore down person after person, not caring about them.


    Feeling nauseous, Norbert just pushed it to the back of his head; it was either them or me¡ªnothing else he could do about it. Breathing deeply, Norbert calmed himself, not wanting to be distracted.


    Looking around at the others, he asked, "Well, are we going to speed up? They''ve probably gone on that train again, so who knows how far away they have gone."


    Dousan just shook his head. "We need time for the villagers to forget about us, not look at every little thing, and for that, we shall walk until we return to the ambush site. Going to look and see if anything good was left behind." Dousan replied.


    Norbert just nodded, seeing the wisdom behind those words, not wanting to meet up with anyone unexpectedly. So together, they journeyed across the marsh.


    ***


    Coming up to the ambush site, everyone looked around, picking up pieces that could be useful. Norbert began searching for the dagger he had lost. I looked around and was thankful that the bodies had been taken. He did not want to see the death that he caused.


    Finally finding the dagger, Norbert looked at it and cleaned the mud stuck on the blade before he sheathed it again. Looking through what was left and not finding anything of value. No coins being left behind or weapons or armour.


    With the food there but not trusting it, the group skipped over it, not wanting to slumber again, though Dousan did take some of it, saying you never knew when it could come in handy.


    Looking through the bags one last time, Norbert found nothing else, the others taking backpacks and slinging them over their shoulders, needing to carry things with them. Azalea looked around desperately, but her tome was not seen no matter how much she and the others looked.


    Having found her bag, Azalea looked inside, seeing her clothes still intact, but sadly, no time. Sitting on the ground, Norbert watched as she slowly rocked back and forth. Norbert, wondering if he could do anything, sat beside her and gently rubbed her back.


    With nothing else to find, the group set off again as the night began to set; Norbert was surprised that they could make it back this quickly. As they looked ahead, Norbert wondered what they would do when they found the town they last crossed.

 Chapter 95 In the Dead of Night

    Norbert looked towards the village, lights slowly winking out across it as people went to sleep. he once more noted that there was no magic here, wondering what the difference was between the countries that stopped them. Shrugging his shoulders and dismissing the thought as unnecessary they all slowly crept through the night into the village.


    Only three things they needed to do by Dousan''s instructions. The first was to retrieve some food, the second was to get some coin that could be used, and the third was to get out as quietly as possible.


    Norbert watched as Dousan and Rachel went to the town with Norbert. Azalea and Mackey are waiting on the other side of the village, ready to go and run when needed.


    The three of them split up, watching as Dousan and Rachel started targeting streets along houses. Norbert swallowed, wondering if he could do this, and quietly crept to his row. Looking inside a window, Norbert confirmed that nobody was awake then.


    Walking around the mud house, Norbert tried to find some easy pickings. Opening a wooden box up on the side, Norbert smiled, finding the food storage; around it was also a place for cooking.


    Norbert quietly closed it, taking what he thought would be helpful before moving to the next house. Finding similar items outside, Norbert quickly swiped what he could, reaching the one afterwards.


    Norbert found no box on the outside; looking inside, Norbert found everyone sleeping on a mat on the floor. Quietly creeping, Norbert searched the room, walking over to the inside pile. Feeling around, Norbert heard a tinkling of metal hitting each other. Stopping his hand, Norbert waited, confirming that he hadn''t woken anybody up.


    Reaching again, Norbert felt around, confirming the small pouch before taking it, quickly exiting with his prize. Opening it up under the moonlight, Norbert confirmed they were coins.


    Pocketing them as well, Norbert hit the next place on and on he went, taking small amounts from each house. After hitting the eleven in the row and coming out the other side, Norbert looked around, gazing back to the stone building where he talked to the clerk.


    Shaking his head, knowing trying to bust in there would be a big mistake and not worth the heat they would get. Doing what they were doing, people might still chase after them.


    Waiting on the other side, Norbert spotted Rachel and Dousan already there. All three nodding, they continued out of the town. No soul inside was disturbed or learned about the burgling under their noses.


    Meeting up with Azalea and Mackey at the designated location, the group set off into the night, wanting to create distance. Norbert is carrying Azalea as Mackey is passed between Dousan and Rachel.


    As the sky began to lighten, Dousan commanded the group to stop. Tiredness was now starting to eat away at Norbert as he stumbled forward. The five sat in a tall patch of grass on the marsh, not knowing where the path was. Norbert just went to sleep, not caring about looking through their spoils, eyelids already closing as sleep overtook him.


    ***


    Waking up, Norbert felt someone shake him. Opening his eyes and looking around, still half asleep and yawning. Norbert wondered what the reason to be woken up early was. Seeing red hair surround him, Norbert¡¯s vision was filled with Azalea''s face leaning over his.


    Nodding and grumbling, he swatted her away, seeing the sun high in the sky. Thinking how long he would have slept, he tumbled over, getting on his hands and knees as he yawned once more before standing up and stretching.


    Looking, Norbert saw everyone else already up, counting what they had received on the ground. Norbert taking his items out and adds them to the pile. He was looking between what they had enough food for five more days and about a hundred copper coins.


    Norbert looked at them, seeing the faces were different; this one had a beast on one side and completely flat on the other. Norbert rubbed it with his fingers as he looked around, hoping it would be enough to make it to the next town over.


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    Everyone packing up, Norbert took out the compass again, confirming the navigation that they were still going on the right track. As the group paired off again, trying to make as much speed as possible, Norbert asked Azalea, "How come there isn''t any magic within the village?"


    Azalea leaning forward so she wouldn''t need to shout so much, replied, "What do you mean?"


    "Like, there aren''t any lights at night, and the soldiers when they attacked just had normal torches; no magic was being used throughout the fight", Norbert said, thinking back and confirming his thoughts, no trace of spell flashing across the sky had been seen.


    "Ah, but there is always magic, just not used as externally as in Morenas." Azalea said before continuing, "Humanoids generally focus on keeping their magic internal, boosting themselves that way and having a minimal external impact. The only external thing done is getting more animalistic."


    Norbert just scrunched his face "Animalistic how, and why do the humans here also do the same?" Norbert asked


    "Growing claws, better eyesight and smell, gaining a closer appearance to whatever animal they are similar to. And it''s what everyone does here. The status quo to develop yourself that way is what everyone does and, for most, the only path they can take, and when they know of others, it''s too late," Azalea said, finishing off as she looked.


    Norbert bit through what she said, not asking any more questions, remembering the beast people he had seen when he met the commander Sally. Norbert wondered if they did the same as people here or used external magic.


    Norbert just shook his head and focused on what was ahead of him; at least that would mean they shouldn''t be using all appliances with magic; better thinking before assuming anything. Norbert asked, "Does that mean they don''t use magic circles to draw water?" Norbert asked, crossing his fingers in hope.


    "I believe they do, don''t see how they could function as even a kid can use them ¡­" Azalea trailed off, knowing she hit a sore spot at her remark. Norbert just waved her off; not like anything would change from average.


    They continued to run over the marshes until Dousan stopped running; Norbert also slowed down, noticing why they had stopped. In front of Norbert again was the lake, stretching far out on either side. Azalea hopped off his back, and Norbert felt an excellent bit on his left arm.


    Looking down and seeing his ripped jacket and shirt, slightly bloody, Norbert changed the top and jacket over; wearing his Frontier jacket and top, Norbert watched the others as they headed to the left, not wanting to go across the train tracks and get spotted.


    Azalea hopping on Norbert''s back again, him still wearing the mask continued forward, catching up with the Dousan and Rachel as they made their way around the lake.


    ***


    Stopping when the sun set, everyone tired from their journey and most unable to see in the dark to navigate the marshes and around the lake without falling and possibly breaking something, the group stopped at a high patch of ground, only slightly damp.


    Everyone unpacking for the day, Dousan went up to Norbert, the others milling around, taking side looks at the two as they continued to unpack. "You doing ok?" Dousan asked Norbert.


    "Yeah, a run like this is normal for me," Norbert replied, smiling at Dousan''s remark.


    "That isn''t what I mean. Was that your first time?" Dousan continued


    Norbert nodded in response, knowing what he was talking about. "Yeah, that was the first; it seems kind of pointless as everyone was captured anyway," Norbert replied, looking down at the ground.


    "Do you know the number?" Dousan asked, wanting to get more information about the battle other than the quick rundown Norbert gave when he just woke up.


    "At least ten, lost track, honestly though still many more left," Norbert replied, growing quieter and quieter.


    Dousan''s face had an expression of confusion plastered on it. "Then what stopped you?"


    Norbert snorted. "A giant of a man called Arzlan and his two butchers cleavers." He finished, no sound coming out of anyone. "What?" Norbert asked as he looked around, everyone staring at him.


    "Can''t believe you survived?" Mackey said, shaking his head.


    "What do you mean by that?" Norbert asked.


    Dousan replied, wanting to get hold of the conversation again, "Arzlan was the winner for the last seventeen global tournaments. Anyone that faces him gets crushed instantly, only the runners up are able to hold off for only a short amount of time."


    Norbert just nodded. "Can see what you mean, his strength; even going full tilt, I still couldn''t keep up with him."


    "How badly did you get hit?" Dousan asked.


    Norbert just shrugged. "Just a slice on my arm and chest, worst when I ran away and tried to punch him in the face through his helmet, ended up completely breaking my hand" Mackey started to go closer Norbert waved him off with his right hand "All healed up now, but yeah, he''s brutal."


    "Well, we know the next thing we need to do," Dousan said.


    Norbert just looked at him as everyone else began nodding as well. "And what might that be?"


    "Train you up for the re-match, of course", Mackey said, laughing at Norbert.


    As Dousan returned, retrieving his sword, Norbert swallowed, knowing it would be several long nights.

 Chapter 96 Location Acquired

    Finally making it around the lake several days later. Now the lake far behind them, Norbert started to go up a hill as the group made their way through a thicket of trees. For the past nights and the ones to come, Norbert had been sparring with Dousan, racking up bruise after bruise and dropping his sword countless times.


    The ferocity behind the man was unending; once under pressure it was constant, Norbert always on the back foot. But the true merit was the talking after their sparring, doing a play-by-play of what they did. How Norbert should react in turn, and how to take advantage of his strengths.


    Norbert was just trying to cram in as much knowledge into his head as possible before they clashed swords again, and the cycle repeats. At the start, their bouts would be quick, Norbert quickly being pushed back, losing his sword or falling on the ground. The teachings long showed him what he was doing.


    Thankfully it was slowly getting a complete ass-whooping on Norbert, who could now hold up longer than before. The outcome was still the same thought of him barely able to touch Dousan and him on the ground.


    During the day was no respite for him either, as Azalea wanted Norbert to constantly push his purple energy at its highest potential, forcing his reserves to grow. Norbert remembered what Azalea said about magic and her theory on what he was doing with the augmentation. He could either study about it or constantly use it and get sophistication through constant use.


    As they were nowhere near the ruins from which he received this, it was left for Norbert to practice using it repeatedly and not just sparingly. Thus Norbert had his jacket off; sleeves rolled up. Azalea looked at the back of his neck and arms, making sure he was constantly pushing the energy through his body, veins glowing purple in the daylight. During it, he had to control himself, keeping pace with the others in the group. The need and desire for a movement that the purple light gave him split from what Norbert was trying to do as he held back.


    And whenever he slacked off slightly, Norbert felt Azalea''s hand grip his shoulder, her saying that he wasn''t pushing enough energy through his entire body. Forcing Norbert to push harder, staying on the brink of consciousness and does not get lost in the energy and lose control.


    After running and resting, Norbert would train with Dousan; at this point, feeling completely spent, Norbert fell asleep for the night, waking up just before sunrise, where he would do more work with the Morenas language.


    The group slowly made north by making adjustments with the compass, avoiding any people they could and stealing what they needed from towns and villagers. The temperature started dropping during the night as they all huddled together, not risking a fire, they huddled together, using a combination of heating spells and body warmth to stave off the cold.


    Cresting over a hill days later, Norbert took out his compass, needing to confirm the direction as they circled the crater in the earth. After spending half a day making it a quarter of the way around, the dial still pointing in the centre, the team had confirmation on their next place to go.


    Norbert spotted the train track on one side of the crater and going out the other. The crater they were now walking on was on top of a hill, allowing them to look far and wide, now the Dividing Mountains far away, only visible due to the altitude they were currently at. Tufts of green and blue grass covered the outside and fell within.


    As Norbert scanned over the city living within, a scar in the earth split the city apart. Norbert could look down the crack seeing lights within and ramps going back and forth between them. Looking like a ravine in craft miner, Norbert looked, unable to see the bottom as the other side of the ravine was visible before; looking down, it would have to go nearly a hundred meters, if not more, to reach the bottom.


    Scanning the buildings, they were made of stone, unlike the mud brick houses he had seen in the villagers previously. Rising high into the air, almost outside the crater hills they currently reside in. Others were smaller, a real mix and a small city in nowhere. Looking around, Norbert saw windows and lights down the streets; Norbert could not see the people precisely as they were, just tiny ants and how far away they were.


    Watching the people come and go, a train pulling up and unloading things from it, the stone being loaded into the train before it continued out of the crater, punching through a hole in the hillside and popping out the other.


    Norbert looked to Dousan, wondering if they would go into the city and find out what they could. Everyone else looked as he breathed in and started walking down. The others followed him, everyone walking alone now, waiting for anything to happen.


    They went down the fields, making the paths there, hoping they wouldn''t stick out like a sore thumb. Finally, through the fields, Norbert saw tiny one-story houses around him. The stone is cracking or falling off in pieces, the streets are dirty, and people are lying around the side. The people that he could see were humanoids of varying beast people. Ears, fur, and scales scattered around in flashes, Norbert rarely saw anybody that was fully human looking.


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    Eyes being dragged to him, Norbert looked at everyone around them, giving them a curious look and not trusting them. The rags of their clothes compared to their groups, though complex, worn, and dirty, still in one piece, the metal on their waists and the purpose in their steps Norbert hoped would keep most at bay.


    Passing an alleyway, they seemed to close in on them, darkness slipping past; Norbert saw someone being dragged off, eyes beading out at the darkness. Norbert stopped for a moment, wondering if he should do anything. Being dragged off by Azalea as she shook his head, Norbert allowed himself to be dragged down the road past whatever was happening down there, knowing that he had his people to save and that now wasn''t the time to develop a hero complex.


    Walking closer, they came to the ravine; the places looked cleaner and cleaner as they continued¡ªsigns appeared on the side of the building with pictures demonstrating what they were selling.


    Passing places to eat and buy clothes, weapon shops, and places to stay the night by yourself or with a friend, Dousan passed all of them. Norbert just followed, trying to get a piece of the dialogue around him and looking down at his compass as it still pointed down the ravine.


    Now out of the city, with no building, Norbert just saw the ravine in front of them, the compass pointing to the other side somewhere on his right; Norbert pointed out and told those around him what he found, only receiving nods in return.


    Leaning over the rail, stopping people from going over, Norbert looked down into the ravine, a crack running deep into the earth. Going randomly back and forth, Norbert saw wooden bridges spanning the cliff face. Losing track of how many, Norbert started to look up the other side.


    All around the side, walkways jutted out of the cliff face; other times, Norbert saw it was cut within. Doors leading further in scattered on this side, Norbert assuming it was the same over where he was. Leaning over the railing, Norbert tried to look down, spot how deep it could go. Leaning further and further, he still couldn''t see, interrupted by someone shouting.


    "Stop leaning over the railing, can''t you read the sign!" Norbert leaned backwards, seeing a beast man with wolf ears and a snout, dark grey fur covering their arms. In their hand holding a spear, Norbert stared at clawed hands grasping around the shaft loosely. On his chest was simple leather armour; the individual wore no pants or boots.


    Norbert just nodded in response. "Sorry, and thank you for directing me. Just wondering what''s down there?" Norbert asked


    Feeling a hand on his shoulder from behind, Norbert swivelled his head, seeing Dousan looking back at him with an eyebrow raised. Norbert just shrugged his shoulders and looked back at the person before him.


    "Prison and military." The wolf man responded curtly.


    Norbert just nodded. "Thanks, just wondering, is there a place you know close by we can stay the night?" Norbert asked, knowing he was starting to push it but trusting it would be fine.


    "Ah, well, I would recommend the Bursting Barrel, just in that direction; it has a sign of a wooden barrel with liquid coming off the sides", The wolfman replied.


    Norbert just nodded and waved his hand as he turned around, able to see the sign he was talking of. Saying thanks, Norbert walked back, his companions following him, Norbert waiting to be out of ear shot of the wolf man, not knowing how good his hearing was.


    "Recommended place called the Bursting Barrel should be able to have a room for us to stay the night before moving off," Norbert said. He received only a nod in reply from Dousan, not trusting anyone in the unfamiliar city.


    Walking down the city street, Norbert gazed off to the side now and then until they reached in front of the Bursting Barrel; Norbert confirmed the sign was the same that he was told of.


    Norbert looked up at the narrow small building compared to the height of those around it, seeming to be squished between the two on either side of it. Seeing someone leave, Norbert saw the same stone on the inside, a grey with lines of something white running through it, similar to all the other stones in the city.


    Stepping forward, Norbert walked in; the first thing he saw was a desk on the side, a cat man from the ears and the eyes, the rest of the face looking human.


    Norbert turned to his companions, asking, "How many rooms?"


    Dousan replied, showing two fingers; Norbert nodded before turning back to the man sitting.


    "Hello, I would like two rooms for at least the night, but it could be longer. Was recommended by someone patrolling the ravine of this fine establishment." Norbert hoped the reference would lower the price.


    "Ah, was it the wolf man with grey fur, just past Nobly Lane?" The person asked.


    Norbert just nodded in return, hoping that it would lower the price. "The old bugger is still at it, and just for you, I can assist you. Kinda look like you need all the assistance you can get," He said.


    Norbert just smiled, "So how much will two rooms be ¡­" Norbert waited for a response to find the person''s name.


    "Krrrasna ", the cat man said. Norbert just nodded, supplying his name.


    Krrrasna nodded. "So Norbert will cost you normally one silver, but just for you half off." Norbert just nodded, pulling out the coins they had captured from the towns; now having several silver of this currency worth, Norbert felt the smooth, placing two on the table.


    "Then I would like two nights at this establishment then", Norbert responded, receiving a nod in return.


    Krrrasna turned around, pulling two keys off, Norbert not knowing the numbers.


    "Third floor on the right, two next to each other at the front", He replied.


    Norbert thanked them and started walking up the stairs, giving one of the keys to Rachel, who was closest to him. Walking up the steps, the stone jutting out and the hand rails, Norbert wondered how it would come out like this.


    Making their way up, Norbert saw a hall way leading both forwards towards the street and backwards away, thinking there mustn''t be any windows. Getting up to their floor, Norbert looked at the keys, finding the door he was in.


    Unlocking the key, Norbert was happy that there wasn''t any magic. Norbert stepped inside, seeing the stone walls and the window but nothing else in the room. Everyone else pushing him forward, stepping inside.


    As the door closed behind the group, Norbert locked the door, turning around Dousan and the rest staring at him. "So, what did the wolfman say?"

 Chapter 97 Forming a Plan

    "The ravine is where we need to go. Compass points in that direction, and the wolf-man said that it''s used as a prison and military; sounds like what we need." Norbert said, remembering the rooms, "Krrrasna said the two rooms were half a silver for a night. I gave him a silver, so we already paid for two nights. Said I don''t know how long were staying."


    Norbert looked around the room, seeing it empty and wondering why they would even do this, not having a bed. Norbert didn''t want to argue; having a cheap place for the next night was better than anything.


    Norbert walked to the window, looking at the ground below. Seeing humanoids travelling around at the top of the ravine, bridges were in place at three points, allowing travel to the other side. Watching, he saw a pass being shown and others paying coins to go across.


    Turning back to the others, everyone was quiet as they thought about their following action. Norbert wanted a conversation to start before anything else to have a bit more progress and get out of this place, becoming impatient. "Anyone knows any stealth to go in and out undetected?"


    Everybody just shook their head, Dousan pointing out, "Our teams aren''t designed that way. For stealth and espionage, they have others."


    Norbert nodded, waiting for Dousan to continue leading him with more information. Dousan sitting by the wall, "Guess we''ve got to do it somehow. Does anyone have any experience with this even in the slightest?" Dousan asked again.


    Everyone looked at each other, and Rachel raised her hand, still not saying anything. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that at least someone knew slightly what was going on.


    Azalea tapped her finger on her lip. "Does anyone know the language here?" Everyone is just shook their heads.


    Dousan nodded, seeing a plan form in his mind. "Thanks, Azalea. The first point of the call will be getting translators for all of us. You can''t be going around this city knowing nothing; next will be getting information about this place and then the break-in." Dousan finished, counting it out with his fingers.


    Mackey piped up, "And throughout the course, we''ll need a way to make some coin."


    Norbert nodded, turning around and looking out the window, seeing the mask in the reflection, the red light still coming off it, pulsing with his breath. "Any idea what types of jobs would be available?" Norbert asked.


    Everyone just shook their head. Norbert placing down his backpack, looked around, remembering the coins he received before. "Does anyone else have any coins we can convert over?" Norbert asked as he looked at the others.


    Everyone just patted down, opening up their pouches and wallets. Norbert threw his thirty silver into the pile, everyone else just looking and whistling. "Good to see you did win big with what I needed to shush up from before," Dousan said.


    Norbert just smiled as he scratched the back of his neck. "Also got a resistance elixir with strength and vitality mixed in as well", Norbert said.


    Everyone else looked at him, Mackey uttering, "But if you broke your hand punching ¡­"


    Silence filled the room as everyone took out their coins. Only Dousan had more than Norbert, having twelve stacks of ten silver on hand with thirty or so coppers. Norbert counted a gold and three-quarters worth of coinage before his eyes.


    "Think that will be enough for our little trip here for the next several days," Mackey said.


    Dousan nodded as he piled them all together. "So the plan is to convert these to something useable, buy translators and see what can be found."


    Everyone just nodded. Dousan opened his hand to Norbert with a come hither motion. Norbert stays still, not moving. "Translator, please; I think you''ve done enough already and deserve a break."


    Norbert just nodded, weariness from being alert washing over his body suddenly, taking it off and passing it over to Dousan as he caught it and placed it under. Norbert talked out loud, "Well, this feels weird".


    Azalea responded, "Strange language," she said.


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    Norbert thought for a second and remembered he spoke English, needing to translate now. "Good practice properly," Norbert said.


    Dousan nodded before getting on his feet. "I''ll be back; anyone wants to come?" Mackey shot his hand up, standing, the two girls shaking their heads, declining; Norbert also shaking his head, not wanting to venture out there yet, already feeling naked without it around his neck.


    As Dousan and Mackey left, Azalea also got on her feet, Rachel following as the two of them left the room, Norbert seeing them enter theirs, equipped similarly empty as the door closed behind them.


    Norbert got to his feet, closing the door and locking it from the inside, happy that he didn''t need a key or a spell to do so. Sitting next to the window again, looking down at the people below, Norbert saw Dousan and Mackey exit the Bulging Barrel waving up to Norbert, who waved back. Watching them walk down, the two talking to each other, Norbert moved away from the window.


    Unsheathing his sword off his belt, hearing the metal hiss for release. Looking at the blade, Norbert was happy to see that no nicks had formed on the edge, still holding sharp even after the fight with Arzlan.


    Taking the specks of dried blood on it, not wanting the blade to rust, Norbert sheathed it again before checking his daggers. Cleaning the one he plucked from the ground, seeing a chip on it, Norbert reached into his pack, pulled out the whetstone and strop, placing some water on the stone. Norbert began sharpening the blade.


    Hearing the rhythmic sounds of the blade going over the stone, Norbert continued until he was happy that it was uniform again. Running it against the strop, Norbert confirmed the burs were removed, placing it back in his sheath and happy with its location Norbert leaned back against the wall.


    Taking his mask off, Norbert stared at it, seeing the black design stare back at him, hiding everything from the world. Tracing his fingers across where the lights would show when activated, Norbert imagined what people would see in the night when he struck them down.


    The four red lines came out of nowhere, his sword reflecting the torchlight as it came down at them. No matter what they did to resist, the sword did not stop until they fell to the ground, pain shooting over their body as they stared at Norbert as he went to the next person to fall.


    Shaking at the imagery, Norbert got out of the funk, not feeling sleepy but resting his eyes. Norbert took out the coin and flipped it in the air, time after time. He was flipping and catching it again.


    Norbert was unsure how much time was passing; no sound was coming from him or around. Hearing steps echoing on the stone outside, Norbert heard a click in the door before it opened. Still flicking and catching the coin, Norbert opened his eyes and placed the coin away as he looked at who had entered.


    Dousan came in, followed shortly by Mackey. Dousan sits on the wall on one side of Norbert, Mackey on the other. Norbert just looked at the two of them. The shadows lengthened out the window as everything started to go dark.


    "So, how did it go?" Norbert asked.


    Dousan removed the pendant around his neck and returned it to Norbert; inspecting, Norbert confirmed it was the same as before, the stone still glowing inside.


    "Charged it up for you and have the coins changed over to something we can use; the cost left us only with a single worth in gold." Norbert just nodded again, knowing there would be some cost to it.


    Mackey spoke up. "But we have the translators, so we''re all good to go out again", he said.


    "Tomorrow, we start tomorrow," Dousan said, his voice firm having no room for saying anything else.


    Norbert picking up his mask, held it out to Mackey. "Charge, please?" Norbert begged in a kid''s voice.


    Mackey nodded, placing his hand over as light appeared, the mask lighting up and becoming solid again; Norbert could see the light shining now. Nodding his approval, Norbert went to his feet.


    "Do we have anything left?" Norbert asked


    Dousan squinted at him, suspicion in his eyes. "Sixty silver left ¡­ why?" he asked.


    Norbert whistled, "Oh, no reason. Just wondering if I could borrow it for a night?" Norbert asked.


    Dousan just repeated, "Why?"


    Norbert just smiled. "Well ¡­. Do you know if they have a casino here?" Norbert asked.


    Instantly Dousan got to his feet. "NO!" he said to Norbert, his voice raised more than usual.


    "But we need the extra coin; look, I was able to win it back last time," Norbert said, starting to plead.


    "Yeah, after being chased around the city", Dousan replied.


    "But we need the coin; how is that going to last? We all need some clothes, equipment and paying people off to get to the prisons," Norbert added, trying to think of any reason to go out. Continuing, Norbert thought of something else to add. "And if I do get caught and locked in prison, then I will be closer than anyone else", Norbert added, hoping it would stem the tide.


    Dousan opened his mouth before closing it again. Taking out the coin in his pouch, he started counting the silver. Norbert smiled as he walked towards Dousan. Handing over fifteen silver coins to Norbert, Dousan replied, "Said to be one on the other side of the ravine, the passage will cost you a silver."


    Norbert nodded, walking to the door, placing his sword back on his belt and the coins in his coin pouch on his hip between the daggers and knife. Norbert opened the door and placed his mask on Dousan; grabbing his shoulder, he stopped him before he left.


    "Don''t get caught and return here before the sun comes up. The window will be open here, so come up through it" Norbert nodded as he left, leaving his pack behind as he descended the stairs to the ground floor.


    Waving to Krrrasna, Norbert started to open the door before he spun around. "Do you have directions for the casino?" Norbert asked the cat person, a smile creeping on Norbert''s face at the payout he was aiming for.

 Chapter 98 Lesson Not Learned

    Norbert headed to the closest bridge, mask on as his whistling bounced around the city. Feeling out of place waiting in line, not seeing any other humans with him. One by one, people quickly went through the toll booth and onto the bridge. Norbert was next in line, saying, "Would like a return trip for the night" to the person on watch.


    Not even looking up, just saying, "One silver."


    Norbert took it out and placed it on; only then did the worker look up; Norbert thought they were a human, but the slit eyes and scales around the face said otherwise. Taking the coin out, they put a slip of paper with some writing Norbert didn''t know.


    Norbert just bowed and took the slip, folding it up and putting it in his pouch as he continued across the wooden bridge. The railings on either side with every several meters someone standing guard stopping anyone from getting too close to the edge. Norbert wondered if it was for the pedestrians safety or to stop help for the prisoners bellow.


    Thinking about the compass and a good time to confirm his suspicion Norbert was unable to, remembering he left it in the room with the others. Shrugging at a missed opportunity but better the group not having it if he was caught, Norbert crossed the bridge, standing on the other side.


    Remembering the direction, on the street, walking down and seeing the buildings here. Everything looked more refined than on the other side, with lights now on the shops and streets. Cobblestone on the footpath with the gutters cleared and nobody on the street. The alleyways look brighter, none threatening even at night.


    As Norbert turned left on the fourth street found and started walking up it, remembering the owner saying he wouldn''t miss it with the glass front and everyone milling around. As Norbert thought about what Krrrasna said about the place, it started to sound very familiar to the previous casino he went to.


    Seeing lights ahead, Norbert could now see it was the same, the glass front, the three floors, the double doors and being packed in the bottom floor with the spiral staircase in each corner. Gulping, Norbert continued, knowing the coin would be better, and it wasn''t like he would run into the owner out here.


    Walking up the steps, Norbert saw that everyone around him was beast people; gulping and hoping wearing the mask would help him blend in. Norbert went to the doors and walked in, seeing the same layout as previously, went past the two bouncers and headed towards the kiosk desk to get his chips.


    Feeling a hand on his shoulder, he was turned around, one of the bouncers looking down at him. He was standing before Norbert had to crane his neck to see the man. Larger than life, with two massive horns coming out of the side, Norbert just gulped, hoping it would be fine.


    The two looked into each other''s eyes; the worker huffed and pointed at Norbert''s sword. Breaking eye contact, Norbert looked down as well, just seeing that it was how it usually was. Looking back up, Norbert held onto it. "I''m not about to hand it over to you", Norbert said, slowly putting his weight onto the balls of his feet.


    The worker shaking his head, said, "Wrap it."


    Norbert just stared before relaxing, and seeing other people''s weapons tied up, stopping the blade from being drawn. Taking a piece of leather and tying the sword into the sheath, stopping the blade from getting pulled. Showing his side and the wrap, the worker just nodded. Norbert bowed and said thanks as he scuttled off, wondering what that was about, as he quickly spun around and saw nobody else getting stopped.


    Shaking his head Norbert continued to the kiosk, waiting in line for him to be served. Slowly shuffling forward, Norbert just looked around, eyeing out the table he would be gunning for, seeing that they were all in the same position.


    Trying to find an empty roulette table or one with an open spot for him to slide into, the space ahead of him opened up. Being waved forward, Norbert took out two silver coins, keeping the rest for later, wanting to raise it for more, and trying to go under with the suspicions.


    The clerk just looked up, a lizard person through and through. Green scaly skin, clawed hands with webbing between them and a tail Norbert could see poking out the back. "Split it fifty chips each, bronze worth," Norbert said.


    "Recommended to go to the floor above", The clerk responded Norbert, hearing in a scraping voice.


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    "Not needed for now, maybe later, but thanks for the recommendation", Norbert said, not wanting to see the beast fights or whatever they would have up here similar to what he saw last time he went up a floor.


    Receiving a bow, the clerk bent down, placing all forty chips in front of Norbert. Looking at the immense pile and knowing there would be more soon, Norbert asked, "Also, can I have two sacks to carry the chips in?" Norbert asked.


    This deserved a strange look, as the clerk said, "Give me a moment sir" as they went to speak to Someone.


    Norbert waited for several minutes, hearing the line behind him getting increasingly restless, countless people ditching for another line to go up to. Norbert smiled, hoping they could get the storeys he sent them through the mask.


    Finally, the clerk returned with the two sacks. Norbert nodded and thanked profusely as he shovelled the chips into one of them, slinging it across his shoulder as he went to the roulette table he had eyed off before.


    This one was further away in a corner at the back; Norbert watched as only four other people stood around it with the dealer. Leaning against the table, Norbert removed the sword from his sheath, lying it against the table and looked around at what other people were carrying. Seeing he wasn''t the only one with many chips or weapons. Everyone here was quiet, playing easy and just looking at the game, not a word said to anyone else, unlike the hustle and bustle everywhere else in the room.


    As he sat down, everyone stared at him, Norbert just nodding as he took his chips out of the sack, placing them on the table in the designated position. Having the four piles of ten, Norbert waited patiently for the ball to stop spinning. Once it did and the payouts were given, Norbert took out his coin.


    Staring at both sides, he spun it in his fingers several times, whispering, "Heads blue, tails purple", before flicking it into the air. Everyone watched the dazzling object in the sky spin before Norbert caught it, placing it on the back of his left hand.


    Presenting the coin to everyone, Norbert saw the heads facing up. Nodding, Norbert took hold of two piles and placed them on the blue square; Norbert could determine the colour.


    Everyone was staring at him for his actions, the dealer waiting and receiving confirmation that everyone had placed their bets and spun the roulette wheel again.


    Norbert watched as the ball circled again, hearing it roll on the smooth polished wood. Waiting, Norbert heard it go silent as it fell into its position; as the roulette wheel slowly stopped, Norbert saw it was placed in the blue section.


    Smiling, Norbert saw the payout come his way, earning an easy silver coin. Watching the chips given, Norbert noticed they were the same type as the others, now given one from the floor above.


    Norbert stared at the dealer, wondering if he would have a situation like last time again, not wanting to do it in a strange city with people out to get him. Shaking his head, not thinking the same would happen again, Norbert flipped the coin, waiting for the good times to start rolling.


    ***


    A crowd formed behind him, Norbert looking around and remembering the last time he had seen something similar. Once again, too late in the game, losing complete track of the time, people betting on him repeatedly, and others trying to win big with him only to lose. Norbert is once again the only one surviving in the den of greed.


    Everyone else who was originally at his table left long ago, moving with the crowd and giving Norbert looks of annoyance. Norbert just raised his hands in defence, not wanting to be attacked.


    Looking around, Norbert called a waiter, asking for a whisky with a straw, not wanting to take the mask off. Only receiving a nod in return, Norbert continued playing.


    Looking at his growing pile, Norbert saw another ten gold coins worth in front of him, each time getting higher and higher, and the losses coming in on purpose as Norbert didn''t want to get ahead of himself.


    He repeatedly dialled it, trying to play the crowd of strangers behind him. With his latest drink with its tray placed in front of him, the waiter took the old drink from before; all the same, this one, Norbert saw a piece of paper folded up under the glass.


    Nodding to the waiter and placing one of his chips on the tray, receiving a smile and a blush, Norbert opened the paper, reading what was on it.


    In Morenas, Norbert saw the words written <u>Someone doesn''t listen</u> on the paper and underlined.


    Norbert just looked at the piece of paper, laughing to himself. "Oh man, I''ve gone and done it again, haven''t I?" Norbert said, talking to himself.


    Knowing he was once more in the end game of it, Norbert started betting big, trying to get as much as possible out of it in a short time, hopefully sending a message that today he played it cool and slow, knowing that those around him easily offset the cost of his win.


    Remembering last time, everyone else tried to play the same as him. Even at the table, he was at now, Norbert could see others flicking chips and coins in the air, placing them in any random position they deemed worthy, trying to beat out him and everyone else.


    Standing up, Norbert took his chips, sacks, and paper, counting up the chips and having enough of fifty gold coins, the value much more significant than he thought, thinking about the number of elixirs he could get.


    Waiting at the kiosk, Norbert placed the chips and the paper. "Would like to cash these out and if you can ask the owner if the same talk will happen again", Norbert said, a growl coming through his voice at the end even though it was being neutralised mostly.


    As he received a nod and the piece of paper being taken, Norbert turned around; looking at the still bustling casino, the moon starting to go down in the sky from its reflection on the windows in the other building, hoping this time would be different from last.

 Chapter 99 The Great Chug Begins

    Norbert tapped the foot on the ground, back leaning on the counter as he waited for it to develop. Receiving a tap on his shoulder, Norbert turned around, seeing the clerk back again, looking slightly flustered compared to when he last saw them.


    Norbert waited for the clerk to say something; the clerk getting even more nervous, saying in a high-pitched voice, "The owner said they would like to meet with you if you are available at the moment" Norbert could see the reptilians tail quivering behind them. Nodding as he went over his outcomes.


    Thinking for a moment, Norbert replied to the clerk, "One moment", before he reached under his top bringing out the pendant.


    Taking it off, Norbert spun it around his finger several times, hearing the voices around him change from standard English to a random language Norbert couldn''t even discern. Happy that he wouldn''t be overheard, Norbert took out the coin saying, "Hey Luck, know you can see some things and going to ask you again, heads to leave with the coin, tails to go and look at this owner", Norbert said, finishing it with a flick of the coin.


    Watching it go into the sky as high as he could, Norbert could see it nearly touch the ceiling before it hovered in mid-air and fell back to the ground. Norbert intercepted it, palmed it over to the back of his left hand, and covered it. Spinning around, he presented it to the clerk, showing the tails facing up.


    Flicking his wrist, Norbert caught it and placed it back into the coin pouch; placing his pendant over his neck again, Norbert heard the sounds around him turn back to English. Shaking his body at the weird feeling as it finally all clicked into place.


    "I know the way upstairs by myself", Norbert said as he turned and walked off, heading to the glass stairs going to the level above.


    "Sir, wait!" The clerk shouted. Norbert turning on his heels, looked as they came out of the entrance and walked over to him; Norbert could now see them nervous.


    "Sir, the owner would like to meet you downstairs in their office," The clerk said.


    Norbert just looked at the lizard person, wondering if this was another trap like before and if this owner would also want to "save face".


    Shaking his head, Norbert nodded. "Then please lead the way", Norbert said, watching as the reptilian''s tail stopped for a moment before relaxing, the first time that Norbert had seen since their entire conversation.


    Following their lead through all the people, Norbert watched as they went to a wall in the building, the clerk waiting for a second before stepping through, walking right through the wall. Norbert just stared, startled momentarily, waiting for something to happen. Several seconds later, the clerk''s head poked out before shaking their head, indicating to follow inside.


    Norbert just breathed in, stepping through the wall, wondering if he would eat stone soon. Feeling something against his skin, Norbert was stopped momentarily before continuing through, passing a barrier of some sort.


    On the other side, Norbert was in a white corridor, workers bustling this way and back, rooms off to the side as Norbert followed the clerk; as they continued, the corridor ended at a T juncture. Taking the right path, Norbert watched as they went down the stairs, the torches on the side of the wall replaced by lamps Norbert saw with a constant light, changing from natural fire to a magical light.


    Norbert just watched, continuing more profound underground, six flights of stairs beneath, each having a right turn before going straight. On the fifth turn, Norbert saw dispersed between the lights guards stood, holding a spear in their right hand, one foot on each step; Norbert counted to ten before he stopped, seeing it pointless and just that there was a lot.


    Finally, the steps ended, and Norbert found himself in an open chamber utterly cluttered with items. Norbert looked around, seeing boxes of all sorts, some open and everything from uniforms to food to weapons to chips scattered about. Norbert could not see any organisation or system used for it, looking more like someone just dumped it the first thing they saw.


    As Norbert looked around, following the clerk in the room, Norbert saw a stone door on the side nearly blending in completely but standing out as the clerk made their way through and opened it, and he was jogging to catch up, his feet clapping on the solid stone beneath his feet.


    Reaching the door, the clerk said, "The owner will see you inside." Norbert stepped through the door, seeing the theme of stone even here. The floor turned from grey to black, with white webs flowing through it; Norbert looked at the metal furniture within the room, simple in design and matching it.


    Stepping in, Norbert saw the metal desk, one leather chair behind it and a simple steel one on the other side. Looking around the desk, Norbert saw pieces of paper all around, being held down and stopped from moving by piles of gold coins, flaunting the wealth before everyone who entered.


    Behind the desk was a glass cabinet filled with gems and weapons. In the middle behind the glass was a painting of someone standing next to a tree on a hill, a silhouette in the setting sun as the sky turned red around the horizon, the night sky showing above.


    Norbert just stared, hearing the door close behind him with the empty room; speaking out, Norbert closed his eyes. "If you turn out to be the owner with a disguise on. Very clich¨¦¡± Norbert said. He reached for the chair and sat in it, rocking backwards and forth as he felt the coolness of the metal through his clothes.


    After waiting several moments, Norbert heard some shuffling as they walked around, the chair scraping on the floor as it was moved backwards; Norbert heard a tapping on the desk, nails clicking against the metal.


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    Opening one eye, Norbert saw the owner sitting before him, looking the same. Hair still cut short around the shoulders, and their face still looking like a hunter, ready to tear him apart.


    Gulping, Norbert forgot for a moment who he was dealing with, hoping he hadn''t bitten off more than he could chew. "Can''t a woman have some fun every once in a while," She asked.


    Norbert opened his mouth about to respond as the woman waved her hand, cutting him off and saying, "Well, it doesn''t matter, and you''re right. It was a bit clich¨¦. The big boss turning up unexpectedly and all." She finished, shaking her head.


    "But enough fun and games, I''m sure you read the note. If I recall, last time we had a conversation, it was agreed you wouldn''t pull the same trick again." The owner said leaning forward continuing "Well, do you have anything to say for yourself?" she asked.


    Undoing the strap around his sword, "Well, I need money; lots and fast. I thought a city like this would have a casino that I could win big in. Wasn''t expecting it to be one of yours, though," Norbert said.


    "Well, if you realised, why did you come inside then? I hope your memory isn''t that bad", the owner said.


    "Well, I hoped you wouldn''t be over here just because we are in a different country. Just a quick in and out and off we go, have a bag full of gold and able to continue with our dealings here," Norbert said, opening his hand as if presenting a pitch to the board of directors.


    "Well, I am here, and you didn''t go with just a few gold coins but an entire bag full. And you only put in two silver as initial. How is that not suspicious at all, especially when you stay on the lowest floor" The owner said.


    "Correction, not the lowest floor. But don''t like the dealings that happen above." Norbert said, trailing off.


    The owner just looked at him before she started laughing. Rocking back and forth, she rested her head on the table, visibly shaking. Getting back up smiling, she excused herself. "Sorry, just funny to hear someone who has killed beasts not wanting to see a little fighting between them."


    Norbert continued to stare, "To each their own," Norbert said.


    The owner is still smiling. "Ah yes, different strokes for different folks", nodding in approval. "But enough of that. To the reason why I invited you down here, about this," She said, taking two pieces of paper and spinning them around, allowing Norbert to see.


    Looking down, Norbert saw the poster with his face and mask on it again, looking the same as before. The other showed him without his mask; Norbert looked, squinting his eyes, seeing that it could be him but not likely.


    Removing his mask, Norbert asked while pointing to his face, "Do I look like that?" he asked.


    Just receiving a nod in response, Norbert picked up the picture, looking at the ugly mug shot. "Damn, didn''t know I looked this good" he said, putting the paper down. Pointing to the writing, Norbert asked, "You know what it says?"


    Nodding, the owner responded, "Wanted poster for one Norbert. He assisted in escaping prisoners as well as destruction of property and murder. Wanted alive," She said before running her hand down. "It also says about accomplices that you have been looking for several but are not determined about their exact details. Oh yes, and reward for bringing in fifty gold."


    Norbert''s eyes popped wide, fifty gold on his head¡ªover a million dollar bounty and for what, just escaping one man. Norbert thought about the giant he had faced before, thinking about what situation he threw himself into.


    She finished placing the paper back down. "But that isn''t why I bring it up. I had to do some digging to find this, but it turns out the one most interested in you is Arzlan."


    Norbert just nodded. "Makes sense that it is him, did have a bout with him and escape with some of my colleagues", Norbert finished, looking up and seeing the owner thinking about something else. "And anyway, you know my name, but I don''t know yours. A bit rude to keep on calling you ''the owner,''" Norbert finished.


    Broken from her trance, the owner looked up. "You''ve been calling me ''the owner'' all this time?" She asked. Norbert just nodded. "Elizabeth," She said.


    Norbert nodded before Elizabeth continued, "Now it all makes sense" She finished, opening a drawer of her desk; Norbert heard the wheels before she took out a wooden box filled with bottles.


    Norbert quickly counted and saw two rows of five, all having different colour liquids inside, ranging from yellow with a mix to some reds and blues. As Norbert looked at them, he realised what he was seeing. An entire carton of elixirs, Norbert''s eyes are swimming just thinking at the cost it would be.


    "Ummm, are you sure this isn''t a mistake?" Norbert asked.


    "No, guess you have some friends in very high places," Elizabeth said.


    Norbert nodded, opening, his mouth. "No, I''m not going to help you with whatever you''re doing here, and I also don''t want to know. Officially and off the books, this conversation never happened." Elizabeth said, interrupting him from asking for help with his current predicament.


    Norbert nodded again, waving his hand over the potions. "Any place you want me to take them or order it was given in?" Norbert asked.


    Elizabeth just pushed them over. "Row by row, going from closest to you to me, left to right on your side", She said, pointing it out before continuing "And take it here, want to see if the rumours are true. Bet some good money on them being false."


    Norbert nodded. "Any idea what I''m drinking will give me?" Norbert asked.


    Elizabeth reached into the draw and started reciting off a piece of paper, pointing to each one. "Night vision, magic vision, magic strength, magic capacity, two of them, strength, strength, strength, agility and two resistances. One focused on bone and the other on allowing the knitting of muscles to the skeleton to be stronger, stopping your muscles from ripping themselves off your bones if you put all your strength through it."


    Norbert just nodded, eyeing them up. Seeing the first two wondering what Luck had done to organise all of this. Shaking his head, hoping he hadn''t made a deal with the devil and slowly selling his soul piece by piece, Norbert reached over to the perception, the yellow potion with flecks of red and blue.


    Picking it up, taking the cork out of the top and smelling pineapple and mangos in a sorbet, and mixing berries through yogurt. Eyes closed, Norbert downed the bottle, tasting it on his tongue as it went down into his gullet.


    Norbert waited for a moment, feeling a tinge in his eyes, liquid coming down his eyes. Wiping them, Norbert waited several seconds, nothing else coming out. Opening his eyes, Norbert looked around, asking, "Any idea how to activate it?" he asked.


    Just receiving a shake of the head, Norbert just shrugged, taking the next one and focusing on his eyes. Uncorking the yellow and blue potion, Norbert smelt it, lemons and a blueberry sandwich. Reminding Norbert of wanting to have a lemon drop when they go back to Earth, he downed this again.


    This one, as it hit his tongue, Norbert felt it go to the roof of his mouth, going through it until it left a slight popping on his tongue. Wiping his eyes, Norbert looked around, trying to focus on Elizabeth before him.


    Watching Norbert saw an outline over her, a blue halo around the woman. Norbert asked, "Can you do a spell, any kind?" He asked, not wanting to get distracted. Norbert is not moving as Elizabeth raises her hand, and Norbert can see a spell form. From her hand, Norbert saw the magic come from her core, flying down her hand and condensing there.


    Norbert just nodded, happy that he could now see something. Norbert looked at the other eight elixirs, his stomach gurgling in response; he hoped he could keep it all in.

 Chapter 100 Hangover Pt 3?

    Four more left in front of Norbert; wincing at having to take another one, feeling it all in his stomach sloshing around. Moving his eyes up from the bottles, he looked at Elizabeth. "Do I need to have them all now?" He asked, almost pleading as his stomach grumbled beneath him.


    "It would be best to have them all now. Don''t know if you will have the time later?" She said. Norbert raised an eyebrow in suspicion before taking his second strength, quickly downing it.


    The taste and smell that was once so nice are now becoming sickly, like having too much vanilla extract in one sitting, and the sweetness starts to become too strong, becoming bitter and making you want to chuck up. Swallowing down the bile, Norbert focused on breathing as his heart started racing and stopped in his chest. Norbert thought he would die either trying to break out from his ribs or becoming so still.


    "Can I have a distraction?" Norbert asked Elizabeth as he slowly moved his hand forward, taking his third strength elixir of the sitting and forcing his body to move slowly and carefully, not wanting to break anything accidentally.


    "Nah, you just need to get through it, that simple. Just mind over matter." She said. Norbert just nodded as if he understood the woman before him wouldn''t allow others to submit to weakness that easily.


    Holding it up, Norbert placed it in the box again and began uncorking the others, dropping the corks onto the table. Staring at the box with its straw wrapping and divided into ten segments, he stared at the four potions.


    He was halfway through them, a manageable amount to get through. Just a couple of sips, and he was there. Breathing deeply in, Norbert held it for a second, envisioning himself quickly going through one and then the next.


    Breathing out, Norbert whispered, "Mind over matter," Before going for the second and third strength. Shoving both to his lips, Norbert sucked them dry as quickly as possible, his other hand already moving to the next bottle orange for agility. Placing the emptied strength on the desk, Norbert swallowed it, still feeling a bit on his tongue before the next bottle was at his lips.


    Not even thinking he was on the third, his entire body tried to resist it. Pulsing energy through his body, Norbert grabbed the last two resistances, drinking them simultaneously, gulping them down as quickly as possible, and not caring for etiquette in the office.


    Dropping both of those on the desk, Norbert just sat back in the chair, body spasming now and again as he forced the energy within to die down, not wanting to use it yet and allow his body to become accustomed to it.


    Just focusing on his breathing, Norbert stared at the ceiling above, seeing his vision flicker between normal, a white sheen which he assumed was night vision, and when he could almost see through it, what was inside the stone with magic.


    The white spider webs now blazed with colours, allowing Norbert to track where it went before it became a kaleidoscope of colour, and he needed to close his eyes, drowning out the sensory input from it.


    Slowly Norbert''s breathing calmed down, his body no longer moving by itself. Opening his eyes, vision slightly blurry from tears, he wiped it, seeing a mix of black and blood streaks on his arm. Focusing in front of him on the empty bottles, Norbert''s vision slowly focused, not believing the amount he had.


    Looking down at himself, Norbert could see slight stains where the blackness had seeped through his clothes. Leaning over the chair, Norbert could see it pooling down the legs and going on the stone floor, happy it would at least be easy to clean.


    Looking back at the desk, Norbert slowly and carefully placed the corks back on the bottles and the bottles in the slots he took them from. With his task done, Norbert looked up, seeing Elizabeth smiling and nodding at his achievement.


    "Is it possible to clean my clothes?" Norbert asked


    With a flick of her hand, Norbert felt water splash on him before the wind began blowing through his hair and buffeting his clothes. Needing to close his eyes, Norbert just waited for it to finish. Once the winds abated, Norbert opened his eyes again, looking down and seeing his body now clean, though slightly damp.


    "Thanks, didn''t expect you to clean them yourself", Norbert said, nodding.


    Elizabeth leaned forward, took the empty bottles back, and placed them on her desk. "Didn''t expect you to have them all honestly, and with practically no mess¡­" She finished


    Norbert just shrugged his shoulders. "It is a gift. Now was there anything else you wanted to ask me?" Norbert asked, leaving the conversation open.


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    "That''s about all for me; I just wanted to know who was raking me dry once more and what you did to put a fire in Arzlan''s belly", Elizabeth finished. Norbert just nodded before he remembered what he saw in the mountain.


    "There was one thing I was enquiring about, though," Norbert asked, not hearing a decline from Elizabeth, Norbert continued "On my way through the Great Divide, there was a massive mural of these shapes getting chosen only for them to fight each other, one clear victor before enough victors amassed and they too would fight? Any idea what it''s about, as you seem to be a collector of knowledge?" Norbert asked


    "Why thank you for the compliment, but I have no clue what you could be talking about", Elizabeth finished.


    Norbert just nodded, "Well, with that, I''m off then", He said. Carefully Norbert got to his feet, stepping away from the desk.


    "Take care, Norbert," Elizabeth said. Norbert just nodded.


    As he reached for the door, the room was bathed in light. Snapping his eyes down, Norbert saw the magic circle appear around him. "Oh shit", Norbert said as he turned to Elizabeth. Their eyes popped out of his head when he saw a similar light around her.


    "Shi-"She said before Norbert was consumed in darkness.


    The next moment Norbert looked; he was in the white room again, staring at the double doors. Sitting on one of the chairs was Luck, staring at him as he arrived there. Tapping her foot on the floor, Norbert heard it echo; on her lap was the geography book, open to a dragon bird sitting on a tree.


    Norbert just stared at her, trying to catalogue his thoughts, placing Elizabeth in the back of his mind. Norbert looked at Luck, trying to remember the last thing they were doing. Scanning his memories, Norbert was struck with it, being plucked away and asking Luck to come to Earth with him next time, not giving her a chance to say anything.


    Feeling guilty, Norbert slowly walked over, happy that he could adequately control his body. Sitting in his chair, Norbert dropped the sack of coins, happy that he could keep them after his interaction with Elizabeth.


    Dropping into the seat, Norbert sighed, gazing at the ceiling above him, staring at it. Norbert flicked to his magic vision, wondering what it looked like. Staring at the ceiling, Norbert was blinded by the light, feeling his skull begin to crack and bend.


    Closing his eyes, Norbert screamed out, "AHHHH, shit shitty shit!" he continued to curse as he held his hands over his eyes and head, forcing it all to remain together.


    "That was stupid," Luck said. Norbert winced at the noise as he waited for the pain to subside. After several moments Norbert moved his hand from his head, only a normal ache from a headache.


    Norbert twisting his head and squinting his eyes, only seeing the room as usual, he gazed at Luck, still in the same position as she looked at the book on her lap.


    "What?" Norbert asked, mind still reeling from the pain it experienced.


    "Looking at this place with magic sight. You''re lucky you didn''t stare at me, or we wouldn''t have this conversation. Brain turned to goo," She added at the end, Norbert just shaking his head at the thought, trying not to gag.


    "And what has gotten you in such a mood, the first time I''ve seen you annoyed," He added.


    Luck looked at him, slamming the book shut, Norbert wincing at the sound before she placed it on the coffee table between them. Crossing her legs, Norbert saw she was in a pink nightie this time instead of her usual clothes. On her head, a white sleeping cap.


    Breathing in sincerely, saying "It is rude to leave a girl hanging for as long as you did," She said, arms crossed.


    Norbert watched, not believing what he was seeing. Gone was the regal god he saw long ago; now was just a pouting child. Thinking about what he did to get into this situation, Norbert just shook his head; trying to unpack that Pandora''s Box would be useless anyway.


    "Ok, I''m sorry it was rude of me to knowingly ask a question that you couldn''t answer until much later than ask you for more things," Norbert said, bowing slightly. Biting the bullet and hoping it would appease her.


    "Sooooo¡­.." Luck asked Norbert.


    "So, would you be willing to come to Earth and act as my girlfriend or acquaintance, whatever is easiest for you to get my roommate off my back?" Norbert asked, knowing that this was not the most eloquent way to ask someone, but he got straight to the point.


    Luck tapped the tip of her finger against her chin. "Hmmm, let me see. Am I able to make time? We need to move this over there and cancel that plan. Hmmm, I guess I can squeeze you in", she finished, grinning at Norbert in return.


    Norbert was about to open his mouth. "And you better get changed now; I feel like it''s ending, but we can always talk at your place, "Luck said.


    Norbert just nodded and quickly ran to his sack of clothes, changing out of his Frontier gear and leaving the pile of coins. Taking off his pendant, Norbert quickly changed into what he had been wearing before.


    Finished, Norbert turned around, seeing two Luck''s staring back at him. "This one here is an avatar; just stay next to her, and she will go with you" Norbert nodded as the one in hiking clothes stood beside him.


    As the lights surrounded Norbert, the original Luck added, "Also, make sure you bring her back next time," she waved at Norbert.


    Wondering about the logistics that were to happen, Norbert was surrounded by darkness.


    Falling to the ground, Norbert took Luck with her, the two spiralling there. Norbert remembered he was leaping to catch his items when he left here¡ªthe bang sounded through the quiet house.


    Norbert looked to Luck, asking, "Do you even know English" Norbert asked.


    "I''m not that stupid to come to a strange land without being able to speak or read the language; that would just be dumb." Luck finished. Norbert laughed at her jab at him; Land Luck joined in two as the pair rolled around the room, trying to hold in the giggles.


    "Can you be quiet, Norbert? Some of us are ¡­." Norbert turned around when he heard his sister Cassandra whispering down the corridor outside his room. Before he could move, she flicked the light switch on, Norbert staring back at her. Cassandra stared wide-eyed, going back between Norbert and Luck.


    Turning off the light, she closed the door. Before reopening it, "I want a good story out of this tomorrow. Also, don''t try and hide her from Mum," Cassandra said, the door closing with a resounding click throughout the room.


    Norbert just stared at Luck, wondering how much trouble he was about to get into.

 Chapter 101 Meet the Family

    As Norbert looked at the door close to his room, watching each other as his mind raced. After leaving a pub with his drunken father, he was caught with a strange girl in the middle of the night. Norbert stared at Luck, wondering how he would talk himself out of this one.


    Luck just stared at Norbert, the only question on her mind. "Who was that?" She asked Norbert.


    Just groaning, Norbert quickly answered, "My eldest sister Cassandra." Norbert said as he looked over Luck, thankful that she was still in the clothes they brought her with, that they didn''t evaporate into thin air. Just imagining the conversation was already giving Norbert a headache.


    "I''m going to be in so much trouble," Norbert said to himself. Pushing himself off the floor, he held his hand out to Luck, who gracefully took it and stood up. Now standing, she looked around the room that she found herself in. The desk with a laptop, the dinosaur covers on the bed, and the cream curtains drawn over the window.


    Walking up to it, she drew one back, gasping as she looked at the dark world before her. Seeing the backyard and the expansive flat lawn slowly as the edge of her vision was able to see the forest. Turning back to Norbert with a sparkle in her eyes, she asked him, "Can we go out there?"


    Norbert just shook his head. "Not yet, and it looks better during the day. For now, we need to give you an identity" Luck nodded, waiting for Norbert to continue. "For the easiest time, let''s go with you being my girlfriend and only new, and we are just coming to town for a stopover before heading back to the big city together. Yeah, that could work," Norbert finished nodding with a smile.


    As he looked back at Luck, seeing her staring at the world around him, every little thing something new and shiny, a question broke his mind "Just wondering, how much do you know about Earth?" worry growing in his stomach.


    "Only slightly from what the other contestants have said and their impact on Masanu, but this is my first time here. How exciting," She finished as her eyes settled on Norbert.


    Furrowing his eyes and rubbing the bridge of his nose with his fingers, Norbert pulled out his phone, seeing it was two in the morning. Opening his wide eyes, Norbert said to himself, "We have a lot to cover in several hours" he took his laptop off the desk, sitting on his bed as he logged in.


    Patting the bed next to him, Luck sat down, staring at the screen as Norbert started to think of the easiest way to teach someone about the 21<sup>st</sup> century.


    ***


    Together the two of them walked down the stairs, Norbert hearing everyone else already eating breakfast together. Swallowing his nerves, Norbert descended onto the ground floor, hearing the extra footsteps following him as he walked.


    Rounding the corner, Norbert stood at the entrance, looking out at the table with a massive morning breakfast; everyone stopped what they were doing as they gazed at Norbert. As he looked everyone in the eye, trying to gauge their reaction, Norbert saw two accessible seats left at the table, right next to each other. Watching it, Norbert saw that his parents sat in their usual seats at the heads of the table¡ªJessica and Zoe were in their usual seats, and Cassandra was in hers.


    Typically, only Norbert''s seat now sat an extra one, Cassandra having told someone about the extra guest. Norbert walked to his seat without fuss, taking Luck''s hand.


    Watching the two, he wondered which option would be better, for Luck to be next to Cassandra or Dad. Not seeing any good options, he did the natural and the further chair. Holding out the chair next to Cassandra for Luck, she sat there, smiling at Norbert as he took his seat.


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    Gazing around the table, their places already set, Norbert took Luck''s plate, turning to her, asking, "Anything tickling your fancy in particular?" Norbert asked


    "Can I have two pancakes and several pieces of bacon, please" Luck requested, Norbert, picking up the tongs for the pancakes placing two on her plate and placing several pieces of bacon neatly on each other.


    Placing the plate in front of her, Luck thanked Norbert before she looked at the knife and fork. Norbert has forgotten about cutlery, them having the same amount in Morenas as here. Rushing Norbert also took several pancakes, a boiled egg and two helpings of bacon. His plate high, he took the maple syrup, drizzling it over everything.


    Holding it out to Luck, he asked, "Want any?" She shook her head as Norbert placed it back on the table. Picking up his cutlery Norbert speared a piece of bacon, cutting through the two pancakes on top of each other and shoving the entire thing in his mouth.


    Chewing and moaning as he ate, saying through the food, "Thanks for the food Mum; tastes good."


    Luck just nodded. "Mhmm, Norbert said your cooking was good, and it does not disappoint", as she cut another piece of her pancake, plopping it into her mouth.


    Norbert''s mother was fazed momentarily, trying to get her words together without being rude. "Oh, how lovely of you. It''s nice to hear some confirmation from someone else."


    Luck just nodded and continued to eat.


    Ahem


    Norbert looked to his Dad, having cleared his throat. Trying so hard to play it cool and calm himself, he never introduced Luck to everyone. Swallowing his food, Norbert sipped his water before stating, "Oh yeah, this is Luck. Luck everyone from the family." Norbert said, addressing the table.


    Flicking his head between the two parents, Norbert continued, "And is it ok if she stays with us until I head back to the city with her?" Norbert quickly added, clasping his hands together in prayer and closing his eyes.


    Peaking them open, Norbert looked between them, seeing his two parents smiling at each other. A sinking suspicion that he was about to get caught in a trap somehow. "Oh, that''s perfectly fine, as long as you sleep on the sofa downstairs."


    Norbert swallowed, thinking he had just gotten out of it. "Sweet, thanks, Mum. The two of us will walk around town if that''s all good. Show her the sites and all?" Norbert asked.


    Not hearing anything disapproving as everyone began eating, Norbert said a silent prayer as he began wolfing down his food, trying to eat it as quickly as possible. Once finished, he took the boiled egg, taking a bite as he waited for Luck to finish.


    Once both were done, Norbert excused them as he headed upstairs, getting to brush his teeth and ready to go out for the day.


    Cassandra looked at the empty seats. "What a strange name", She added, the others nodding as they continued their idle conversation about what they would do for the rest of the day.


    Upstairs, Norbert quickly packed his backpack, taking it for items he would need for the day: his phone, a jacket and his water bottle. Norbert looked around, thinking if there was anything else he needed. Seeing his keys and wallet on the desk, Norbert grabbed those as well, putting them in his pockets as Luck followed him down the stairs and out of the house.


    Walking across the gravel driveway, Norbert thought about taking the car. Deciding not to when he saw it was boxed in, not wanting to push himself and breathe the air outside. Luck grasping onto his hand, the two of them walked down the driveway, turning right when they hit the road and walking to town.


    Once walking down, Luck said, "Nice family you have there."


    Norbert nods. "Yeah, only one I have, though. And wouldn''t change them for the world," he faced her, grinning.


    A pained smile formed on Luck''s face before she pointed at the road. "Why is the road black?" She asked.


    "Well, it''s made of a material called asphalt, formed together and melted, made for cars to drive on due to its flat surface."


    Luck nodded in response as she continued asking more questions, Norbert sometimes pulling out his phone to confirm information. The two of them are walking down the road. After several minutes of walking quickly and no cars moving on a Sunday morning, Luck stopped Norbert.


    Turning around, Norbert watched her as she looked down at the ground. "I was wondering ¡­ if you could carry me to town like you do with Azalea?" She asked.


    Norbert chuckles, moving his backpack to the front. "Of course, you can. As long as you''re here and I can, I will show you as much as possible and let you experience things you could only watch from above and see."


    Bending slightly, Luck jumped onto his back as the two repositioned themselves. Moving her about, Norbert asked, "Are you ready?"


    Only receiving a nod in return, Norbert went into a running pose before he pushed off, going as quickly as possible as he followed the road to town.

 Chapter 102 Upon the Hill

    Norbert pushed as hard as he could go, hearing Luck screaming in the wind, a joy to her voice Norbert hadn''t heard before. Smiling with her, Norbert forced power through his legs, feeling the ground crack and bend under him as he went even faster than before. He was feeling Lucky grip his neck for dear life.


    Nearing the bend, Norbert slowed down, going to a brisk jog; now, with the wind no longer howling in their ears, Norbert asked, "Hey, do you have any idea who Elizabeth is?" Norbert asked.


    Luck just leaned forward. "Elizabeth, who?" she said, Norbert hearing the teasing tone in her voice.


    "Elizabeth from the casino, how many other Elizabeth¡¯s do I know?" Norbert said, raising his voice slightly to add anger to it.


    "Oh, that Elizabeth. I have nothing to say about her," She concluded. Waiting, Norbert didn''t hear anything else; opening his mouth to rebuttal, he was closed off, her hands moving from his neck to cover his mouth. "And you can ask the other Luck when you get back¡ªenough about the stuff in Masanu. Show me everything you have here," She finished.


    Norbert sighed. "Yeah, I''ll show you as much as I can and eat all sorts of food while we are here", Norbert relented.


    As Norbert saw the first shops ahead, Luck jumped off his back, walking into town together, flipping his backpack to the front. He stopped outside the convenience store. Norbert walked up the wooden steps, the door opening and creaking again.


    Sitting behind the counter, as always, was Frank. Waving, Norbert took a basket in one hand. "Anything in particular that looks interesting?" Norbert asked, taking some biscuits, crackers, and a pack of assorted lollies before walking to the fridge.


    Luck just shook her head. "All of it is so colourful, can''t even begin to imagine just picking something and not all of it", She finished, whipping her head back and forth, asking Norbert questions about everything there.


    Walking to the fridge, Norbert picked up chocolate milk, watching the rest of the fridge, wondering what she might like. Pointing to the fridge, Norbert asked, "Any flavour your feeling like?" Norbert asked her.


    Looking around at the coloured bottles, Luck spoke, "Something orange flavoured, assume that is?" while pointing to a bottle of Fanta. Norbert nodded as he picked it up and put it in the shopping basket.


    With everything for a little snack along the way, Norbert took out the items so Frank could scan them as they walked about town. One at a time, he beeped them, placing them in a bag and calling out the price. Norbert just tapped his card, hearing the confirming beep it went through.


    Frank passed the bag over. "Sure you aren''t forgetting something?" He asked while raising his eyebrows and looking between Norbert and Luck.


    Norbert stood there for a second, trying to think about what he could be talking about. Frank just indicated to the side to the adult section. Shaking his head, Norbert took the bag "You dirty old geezer" As he stepped out the door, the creaking accentuated Frank''s laughter, which dulled down when the door closed behind them.


    Norbert continued to shake his head and put the bag into his backpack, happy that he had brought it. As he tossed it over his shoulder and wondered where next to take Luck, he looked at her, noticing she was wearing the same clothes.


    "Just curious, are you able to change your outfit?" Norbert asked, fingers crossed that it would be the answer he was looking for that would not put a hole in his wallet.


    "Nope, no magic over here for me to use, remember," She said, flicking him on the forehead in turn before she jumped off the porch over the steps and onto the footpath, skipping and whistling a tune as she continued to look around.


    Norbert chased after her. "Wait, what do you mean no magic."


    Twirling around, her hair blowing around her as she started walking backwards, "Exactly what I said, you can even check with your eyes. There isn''t any magic. All of this you see is natural; it does exist."


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    Not believing her words, Norbert changed to mana sight, stopping as he was plunged into darkness. As he twirled around, nothing had any colour at all. Holding his hands up to his face, Norbert could see a faint web going through them. Focusing on his body, he pumped energy through it, seeing the veins glow brighter and brighter purple before he snapped back to viewing the world as usual.


    Inspecting his hands, Norbert could faintly see some purple light there, dissipating the following question on his mind. "Then how can I still use my energy?" Norbert asked.


    Continuing to walk ahead, Norbert walked beside her as they walked through the town. "As that''s internal, it isn''t sucked away by the void of this place. It''s also created by the food that you ingest. Takes longer for it to build up, but it''s there," She finished.


    Norbert just nodded. "So, I need to get you some clothes. We can head to a store on the way back. For now, we shall continue to adventure" he grabbed her hand and started walking faster, pointing at the next store he wanted to show her, the pub.


    ***


    After walking around the entire town, picking up things to get along the way, Norbert took her to the hill with the lone tree. Out past town, overlooking all of it and the surrounding area, they sat under the shade.


    Norbert points out that Jack grew up about work and uni life like the train going past and the train station, people and places.


    Whenever she needed something to be explained, he would stop and let her know, even bringing out his phone and showing her there and sharing the drinks between them, their laughter rolling down the hill, Norbert smiling.


    "You know, it''s nice that I can just be open with you, that you know both sides of me now, and there isn''t anything I need to hide from you," Norbert said, taking a sip of his milk and taking a handful of lollies, placing a snake half in his mouth as he slowly chewed it down.


    "A bit of time to relax is good for everyone, just to unwind and decompress", Luck responded, lying next to him and taking some lollies.


    As they continued to chat idly, Norbert asked, "Is there anything on your mind, Luck?"


    Luck waved her hand in the air. "Nothing you could help me with. Well, you''re already helping me with it. Just continue your actions, and it will all work out." She said


    Norbert thought about what he had done, just going around with the Frontier, bouncing from place to place without ever really having something to go with. Slowly, or more recently, he quickly grew in power, one elixir at a time, as he continued his rampage.


    As Norbert thought, he remembered the people he had killed, now just taking it as a part of the job as he smashed it down, not wanting any dark thoughts to interrupt the time he was having. "And what exactly is that?" he asked her, trying to distract himself.


    "Growing stronger and spreading the word of Lady Luck," She said, placing both hands under her head.


    Norbert just nodded. "Guess all of those casino games and flipping the coin did impact people" Luck nodded in agreement.


    As the two of them now sat in silence, the sun setting over the horizon, just needing to head back for the day, having bought the clothes that Luck would need before.


    Standing up, Norbert held out his hand for Luck, grabbing it as she pulled herself up. Taking the bags, they walked down the hill together, taking their time as they strolled back to Norbert''s place. Knowing that people would be seeing them together, probably all the gossip around town by now.


    Feeling his phone vibrate, Norbert pulled it out, seeing it was a text from Jack asking about the girl he was walking around town with. Taking a selfie with the two of them, Norbert sent it to him with the single word "Luck" before he put his phone back in his pocket, dismissing the swarm of texts he received.


    Walking down the driveway, the lights for the house were all on. The two of them slipped inside, putting the bags of clothes and necessities in Norbert''s room before un-tagging them and putting them in their proper place for the next week until they left.


    Walking down the stairs again, Norbert sat down for dinner, taking his plate from the kitchen and putting it on the table, everyone else already milling about.


    Zoe was annoyed at Norbert as she stared at him across the room. Norbert was watching, whispering to his Mum, "What''s gotten her all tied up?" Norbert asked.


    Turning around and seeing that Norbert was looking at Zoe, she responded, "Wanted to hang out with you and Luck today. Annoyed that you left before she could tag along", his Mum replied.


    Norbert grumbled to himself. "Probably just wanted something from Frankie''s", He supplied, only receiving a nod in return.


    As everyone sat down, Cassandra turned to Norbert. "So, what did you do today?" She asked the two of them.


    ***


    Zoe laughed as she went forward on her push bike. "Come on, slowpokes", She said as everyone else walked back. With everyone having some time off, Norbert''s Dad thought it would be suitable for all the kids to have a day outside together.


    Cassandra and Luck walked together, chatting behind him as Norbert tried to overhear what was being said, hoping nothing suspecting would be said out loud about Luck. Jessica walking next to him, just eyed his behaviour, knowing that he was acting weird but not caring.


    "So, where did you meet her?" Jessica asked.


    Norbert focused ahead, processing the question. What was he going to say? Out of everything said before, where they met up wasn''t agreed. Fingers crossed, Norbert began, "Well, it''s a long store ¡­"


    Jessica responded, "Well, I have enough time now, so spill it."

 Chapter 103 Pizza Time

    Norbert looked as the train doors closed in front of his waving face. Watching as his family stood waving back at him on the platform. As the train started to move, Zoe ran out of her mother¡¯s grip, chasing after the train, trying to wave as long as possible to Norbert.


    Smiling at the display, Norbert just stood still, watching as Zoe suddenly stopped, reaching the end of the platform as the train continued to speed on through. Norbert put his face to the glass, taking one last glimpse as the train moved around the corner, losing them in the bend.


    Turning around, Norbert found Luck staring at him, holding their bags with her. Walking forward, she wiped the tear forming at the corner of his eye, stopping it from trailing down his cheek. Taking him in his arms, Norbert started to weep into her shoulder. ¡°Will that be the last time I ever see them?¡± Norbert asked.


    Luck just shook her head. ¡°You have me with you.¡± She said patting his head as she slowly moved the two of them to a seat, grabbing the bags and holding him to her and stopping the world from being able to see his face at the time.


    Looking outside, she watched the landscape as it whizzed by. She hoped that the comforting words she said to him would hold Norbert would be lucky enough to survive the trials he had in front of himself. As she sat on the train, the strong individual she watched in the other world taking on task after task and accomplishing them splendidly, the tower had fallen and lay scattered across the ground.


    Would it be up to her to pick the pieces up, like a child trying to stack them haphazardly until they stood tall again? Or would she fail the first time and hurt herself in the process? As Luck thought this through, she felt Norbert take a final shuddering breath as he calmly breathed out again. With a slight nod of his head and wiping his red puffy eyes, he looked out the window. ¡°Thanks Luck, and may we have many more adventures together.¡±


    Luck just nodded and started tapping her hand on the seat to the rhythm of a song about a lover¡¯s tragedy and how, no matter what, fate always seems to have other plans for people.


    ***


    The train came to a halt; Norbert looked up and saw it was their station. Quickly jumping up and grabbing their things, Norbert urged Luck off the train, the two of them just making it off as the trains closed behind them. Deep underground, he leads them to the elevator, not wanting to try the escalator with their bags.


    Waiting in line Norbert and Luck were in silence as discussion surrounded them. Making their way, the two of them were forced together; Luck smashed into Norbert¡¯s chest. Looking down, Norbert smiled at her, seeing her smile back in return and giggle slightly at the forced contact.


    Hearing the ding of the elevator, everyone went out as Norbert took his phone out and texted Jack, letting him know they had arrived at the station and would be arriving at the apartment soon. Placing his phone back in his pocket, Norbert headed out of the station, walking along the streets, the sun setting in the sky Luck picked up.


    ¡°What was that box that took us upwards?¡± She asked


    ¡°That elevator uses weights to transport people and objects up and down. And I¡¯m pretty sure I used one over in Masanu?¡± Norbert said, remembering back to his time in the temple.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t seen one anywhere else, and what a rush it was?¡± Luck said


    ¡°I¡¯ll see if we can get you on a rollercoaster that leaves the escalator for dead¡±, Norbert said, Luck just beaming as he showed her videos of what rollercoasters were.


    Reaching the apartment, Norbert took out his keys and unlocked the door. ¡°We¡¯re back!¡± Norbert shouted into the empty apartment.


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    Not seeing Jack on the couch or a reply from him, Norbert just shrugged, assuming he must be out somewhere. Walking in, he looked around, thankful it was mostly clean. Going down the corridor and into his room, Norbert put the bags inside, and Luck followed him in.


    Looking around, she noticed the similarities between his bedroom at home and heard nearly the same setup, just with the two screens on the desk, compared to the empty one in his room at home.


    She quipped, only seeing the single bed, thankful it was a double. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll be sharing a bed for the next couple of nights¡±, she said, playfully biting her finger at the corner of her mouth.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, calm down. Only out of necessity in case we get transported over while sleeping, don¡¯t want to leave you behind here.¡± Norbert said, shaking his head as he began to unpack the things from his luggage.


    Luck sat on his chair and spun around while she stared at the ceiling. ¡°Think I should get a phone?¡± she asked Norbert.


    Just nodding in response while he packed the last things away, ¡°It would probably be a good idea, and everyone else has one anyway. Would be less suspicious,¡± He finished.


    Remembering his old phone, he kept taking it out; he plugged it in to charge and heard the vibrate a few seconds later, confirming it was turning on. Happy that it still turned on, he waited several moments until it had enough juice to be on the home screen.


    Placing it on the bed, Norbert said, ¡°You can use my spare while you¡¯re here if Jack asks; just say your old one broke. We¡¯ll go to the shops tomorrow and get you a sim¡±, he finished; Luck coming to sit near the bed as he showed her the features of the phone and the passcode, the very secure 1111.


    His phone vibrating, Norbert pulled it out, looking at the text that he had received from Jack. ¡°Back tomorrow, see you then¡±, he read it out loud to Luck. A picture popped up. Norbert looked at Jack, and he assumed Sarah was next to him on a black motorbike. Looking at Sarah, he thought she looked familiar.


    Dismissing the thought with a wave, Norbert went into the kitchen, preparing to cook something. As he opened the fridge, Norbert thought of getting something special, his favourite food. Walking back to his room, sticking his head around the door, Norbert asked, ¡°Want to go out and get some pizza from Bob¡¯s?¡± Norbert asked, ¡°The best pizza place in town?¡±


    Luck looked up, eyes diverted from her phone. ¡°And what is this pizza you speak of?¡± She asked


    ¡°Only the best food around. Haven¡¯t seen anything like it over there, so come along for a walk around at night,¡± He said, already making his way over to the door, hearing rustling on the bed as Luck quickly got up and followed him out the door.


    Locking the door as they left, Norbert looked up at the number seventeen, seeing it was the same as before. Walking out, Norbert saw the street lights on; focusing for a moment, Norbert saw as the colour around him slowly drained away, as he watched the details popping out, able to see as much as standard even in the half-light.


    The street lamps turned into pillars of whiteness; Norbert just smiled as he led Luck to the pizza place, saying, ¡°This is pretty cool.¡±


    At Bob¡¯s, the doorbell rang as they entered, the usual chime resounding out around him. As Norbert queued up in line, he bent down to Luck. ¡°Cool if we get the meat lovers?¡± He asked. He only massive nod in response as she looked at the board and all of the es available to order.


    Slowly making their way forward, Norbert stood in front of the register. ¡°Usual?¡± Bob asked. Norbert just nodded as he tapped his card, hearing the confirmation beep.


    ¡°Have a nice night, the two of you¡±, Bob responded, taking the receipt and skewering it on the already growing pile, giving a wink to Norbert. Just shaking his head in return, sure the next time they arrived and it being less busy, he would get a grilling.


    Standing off to the side, Bob shouted, ¡°Meat lovers,¡± As he slid it across the glass top. Norbert taking it, smelled as usual, showing Luck the food they had ordered. Hearing the two of their stomachs grumbling in response to the food, Norbert waved his thanks as he left the dinner.


    Walking back, Norbert made his way down the street, walking quicker and quicker the further they went, becoming increasingly impatient to wait. Luck grabbed his shoulders, hopped on his back, and laughed into the air, leaning backwards and allowing her hair to dangle behind her.


    Norbert smiled, prepared, and sprinted down, careful not to disturb and ruin the pizza. In record time, the two of them returned to his apartment, sitting at the table returned instinctually, Norbert starting the pizza box before stopping and getting out two plates, thinking it would be rude. The two placing slid across the wooden table. Norbert took a slice, seeing the steam come off it.


    Blowing on it, Norbert took a bite, groaning as the flavours flooded his mouth. Looking up, Norbert saw Luck taking a piece and biting into it. Nodding in response, the two finished the pizza; the only sound in the room was munching and moaning in satisfaction.

 Chapter 104 A Meal Together

    Having done their tasks for the day, Luck had her sim and playing around with her phone; the only contact in it so far was Norbert''s as he waited around and prepared dinner for four people; Jack finally coming back to the apartment soon after gallivanting around the country with his girlfriend.


    The beef currently in the oven with the potatoes. Norbert prepared the salad and finished setting the table. Looking around at his effort, the oven beeping behind him; turning around, he brought out the mitts and placed the meat on the cooktop, smelling it and his stomach grumbling.


    Hearing an engine rumbling outside going down the street, Norbert wondered if that was Jack or some other hooligan going around. His phone buzzing, Norbert saw it was Jack, saying they would be in soon. Getting the cups filled with water, Norbert looked around for anything else to drink. Found the bottle of wine he bought earlier that day, a red to go with the beef.


    A knock on the door sounded through the apartment as he brought the glasses out. Hearing Luck move off the sofa, Norbert shouted, "Come in", as he walked to the door opening. Jack is standing there, a goofy smile on his face and motorbike helmet under his arm, in full black protective gear.


    Norbert, smiling, walked forward, clasping hands together as he patted his friend on the back. Now seeing the person behind him, just wearing a black motorbike helmet, Norbert could not see any of the features on them.


    "And who might this be?" Norbert asked as he stepped away from Jack and looked at his partner.


    "Ah, this would be Sarah", Jack said as he stepped to the side, allowing her to wave at him. Bobbing his head around, he piped, "And who are you trying to hide?" He asked in return.


    Norbert spinning around, saw Luck standing behind him, beaming with joy. "Oh, that''s Luck," Norbert said as he stepped backwards, allowing everyone to enter the apartment.


    "Ahhh, the one that gave you that cute little bird; wondering where it is now?" Jack asked as he looked around the apartment, trying to find Obsius and if it was hiding somewhere.


    "Sadly, Obsius isn''t going off on its adventures in a moment." Norbert said, "I''m sure it will return eventually", He added, not wanting to give Jack the false impression that the bird was dead somewhere.


    "As long as it isn''t dead, what''s that amazing smell anyway. Doesn''t smell like pizza, that''s for sure," Jack said as he started sniffing around and walking to the kitchen.


    "A leg of beef, potatoes and a salad", Norbert said as he walked into the kitchen, taking the bottle of wine. "Wine, anyone?" Norbert asked.


    Hearing three confirms on the wine, he poured out into the glasses and handed them off. Jack took two glasses and walked over to Sarah. "You''re going to need to take the helmet off to eat?" He asked a playful tone in his voice.


    Receiving a sigh as Sarah reached under her chin, taking the straps off. Her chestnut hair fell out of the helmet; Norbert looked at her as more and more face was exposed. A soft face rounded face as he looked at her. Unable to put off the feeling that he remembered her from somewhere but unable to pinpoint it, Norbert just dismissed it with a wave in his mind.


    As Sarah turned around, Luck just stared at her, mouth open. Sarah took her glass and sip of wine. "Oh, this is truly fantastic", She added while tapping the side of her nose to Luck to stop her from yelling something terrible out.


    Norbert only saw Luck''s reaction as she shut her jaw so quickly he could hear her teeth snap shut. Wondering what could happen but knowing he would need to ask later about it. "Glad you enjoyed it", he said as he turned to look at Jack. "Now it''s time for everyone to dig in and eat", He finished as he put his glass down at the table, took out the mitts and brought the meat and potatoes to the table.


    Once finished the meal, everyone sat around on the couch, Jack sitting with Sarah lying in his lap and leaning on his back. Norbert had Luck''s legs draped over him like a blanket, just relaxing after everyone''s day; the TV sounded in the background as the news went on.


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    "So, where have you been off to for the last who knows how long?" Norbert asked Jack, pointing the question to them over on the other side of the couch.


    "Going on a bike tour around the place, got my license and have driven around the country, looking at the scenery and people", Jack replied, gently squeezing Sarah, sitting in his lap.


    Norbert just nodded. "That''s nice." He continued to nod, then thinking about his words, "Wait, license?" Norbert asked


    "Yeah, license and a bike as well", Jack replied, nodding.


    Norbert sat up, not believing what he heard. "You just went and got a motorbike?" He asked. He was receiving a nod in response. Norbert shakes his head. "Man, I can''t believe you did it. All that talk, and I guess she pushed you over the edge then." Jack smiled as he hugged Sarah, the two of them slightly blushing.


    Norbert smiled, happy at the two of them, as he looked over to Luck, wondering if she should play up their supposed relationship. Calling quits on it, and it is too much effort for him to try.


    "So, how''s home?" Jack asked Norbert.


    "Same old same old", Norbert replied. "Also told the fam about Sarah, and that''s why you couldn''t come up. So expect to be lectured by your Mum the next time you go up," Norbert said, an evil smile growing on his face.


    Jack just stared at Norbert, clutching his heart in pain. "How could you do this to me? We have been through all that together, and to abandon me and through me under the bus like that. How could you" he exclaimed, horror tinting his voice.


    Norbert just waved him off. "Calm down, drama queen. But seeing everyone was good, and you should come up to meet them. And also Frankie''s is still there," Norbert said, the last part in a half remark as he remembered.


    "Of course, the old geezer is still around", Jack said, shaking his head.


    Luck spoke up. "Oh, Norbert, will there be enough time to go to a theme park so we can go on a rollercoaster together," She said, completely changing the topic of the conversation. Norbert looked around and saw that Sarah was staring at the TV.


    Kicking himself internally for being a rude guest and just being about his and Jack''s adventures around town and what they did without the girls saying anything. Smiling and nodding to Luck, thanking her for the save, Norbert pulled out his phone, looking at the date.


    "Guess that would be tomorrow if that works for everyone?" Norbert asked around. Received nods in reply, as it would be a Sunday, the last day of the holidays before the term started, and they wouldn''t be able to go gallivanting across the country.


    Sarah spoke up, "Does Amasgi Park good for everyone? I went there once as a kid and haven''t been there since. Great times made there."


    Norbert looked up at his phone, and the easiest way to see it would be by train as there wasn''t a car; Norbert thought to check, "Want to go by train, or rent a car, unless someone has one?" Norbert asked.


    Looking around, nobody raised their hands regarding the car. "Train it is", Luck said, everyone nodding in agreement.


    "That''s a three-hour train ride then. Park opens at nine if I remember correctly." Jack just nodded in response, also looking at his phone.


    "Guess that''s gonna be getting at the station at six then," Norbert said, calculating the time to get around the place. Whistling to himself, he leaned over to Luck. "Gonna be an early get-up tomorrow, up at five at the latest to get there." Luck just smiled in anticipation, Norbert feeling her excitement affect him a little.


    As he looked at the time, Norbert looked at the time. "Shit, it''s already ten. Where did the time go?" He asked himself.


    Sarah and Jack just looked back, not believing it as well. "Guess we''re going to need to head out now, then, to pack everything for tomorrow", Sarah said, as she started getting off Jack and walking to where her jacket and helmet lay on the table.


    Jack got up and got his things on. Norbert looked at them. "Not going to stay the night?" Norbert asked, still staying on the couch, unable to move, trapped by Luck''s legs.


    Norbert looked at the two of them putting on their gear, and Norbert just smiled and gave a wink to Jack, who had a grin on his face as well, until the helmet covered it.


    Norbert waved to the two of them. "It was nice seeing the two of you. Can''t wait to see you tomorrow at the station," Norbert said, receiving waves and nods.


    As the door closed, Norbert and Luck sat in silence as they heard the two engines come to life and drive off, leaving them once more alone.


    "Nice to see the commander finally unwinding a bit," Luck said to the quiet apartment.


    Norbert just nodded before turning his head. "Commander?" Norbert asked


    "Yeah, Commander Sally, from the Frontier. Believe you''ve met her," Luck said.


    Norbert twisted under Luck''s legs until he sat on the couch. "WHAT!" he shouted, disbelief as his brain started tying over. What was someone from Masanu over here? Remembering back to Elizabeth and the light surrounding her, the same one transporting him around.


    Luck saw the cogs tick in Norbert''s head; when he was about to open his mouth, she just nodded before moving her legs off him and walking around, trying to think of what to pack for their trip tomorrow.

 Chapter 105 Morning Struggles

    Norbert sat still, faintly hearing Luck in the background as she moved about the apartment. Still in shock, staring at the TV, not paying attention to the content it was playing. Other people were going back and forth with him, jumping through and progressing it, making changes there.


    Thinking to Sally and Elizabeth, Norbert wondered how they could quickly create such large empires and high standing. Compared to him just running around and getting his feet on the ground and just getting swept with the flow, they had gone up the ranks in society. He shook his head, a fool for what had transpired between them.


    Moved into action trying to get some answers, Norbert hopped off the couch and went into his room, hearing Luck whistle to herself a tune he didn''t know. Entering the room, Norbert saw her just sitting on the ground, backpack in hand, as she started to put items of clothing and tools that could be needed.


    "How did they do it so quickly?" Norbert asked her.


    Luck stopped whistling, looking up to Norbert with a cheeky smile. "I will only say that they have been there longer than you. Anything else and you will need to ask the people individually." She said as she started to go on her knees, confident that she had packed everything.


    "When we go to the other side, I can answer some of your questions, so for now, help me pack. I don''t know where the sunblock is." She finished, throwing the half-packed bag to Norbert as he caught it.


    Shaking his head in annoyance but knowing better than to push it, for what people said her wrath was great when it came. Heading into the kitchen, Norbert opened the pantry, pulled out the sunblock and looked at the expiry date, happy it was still useable.


    Placing the hats inside, Norbert took a quick look; the only things not packed were water bottles and snacks they would need for the trip there. Taking some bars out of the kitchen, he placed them in the backpack, thankful for his spending spree and getting so many before now they were so handy and close by.


    Leaving the backpack by the door, now fully packed, Norbert headed to his bedroom, seeing the bathroom light on and the water running. Knocking on the door Norbert asked, "You all good in there, Luck?"


    Hearing laughter and a singing voice in return, "The Ballad of Norbert the strong, for nobody knew he was a PERVERT!" She shouted the last one, breaking the melody and going into a fit of giggles. "I''m all good in here!" She shouted through the running water.


    Norbert just shook his head as he walked into his room, took his pyjamas out and placed them on the bed. He sat in his chair, firing up the computer and looking through YouTube, mind wondering how he could break his comrades out of prison, now have some extra time.


    Opening up a notepad document, Norbert started to type in everything he could remember about the city, the ravine, the prison, and the streets around it. Leaning back in the chair, wondering if there were anything extra to remember, any little detail he could have missed that would allow there to be a success.


    Two hands grasped his shoulders and pulled the chair back a bit, making the chair tilt backwards, jolting Norbert out of his thoughts, arms flailing around as he tried to stop himself from falling. Laughter coming from behind, spinning the chair around, staring at Luck, her hair mostly dry and falling around her shoulders, skin slightly pink from the warm water.


    "Yeah, yeah, laugh all you want", Norbert said to her as he stood up, taking his clothes for the night and walking out of the room to the bathroom. Seeing the mist still in the air Norbert turned the water on, letting him relax under the water, letting it wash down himself. As he started down at his unclothed body, noticing the muscles becoming defined, the fat slowly peeling off his body.


    He was forcing the energy through himself, watching as it blazed through his body, allowing it to be visible even under light. Norbert showered carefully, squeezing the shampoo and conditioner bottles not to break them and cause a white explosion everywhere.


    Showered and dried off, Norbert once more examined himself in the mirror, starting to get scraggly again from his lack of a proper shaver; his hair being cut off with his dagger, but the beard was a patchy mess still.


    Warming his razor under the tap water before placing it against his chin, careful not to cut himself and to force it as it was getting caught on the long hairs. Washing his face, looking at himself, feeling strange to see how his face had changed in the reflection, the face that stared back at him starting to become different from the one he was used to before all this started.


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    Placing the razor back, Norbert turned off the lights and fan, hearing it slowly go silent. Walking through the darkened apartment, Norbert went to his bedroom, Luck lying under the covers. Going under the covers, Norbert held onto him in case they were transported during the night.


    Norbert felt her heartbeat over his arms; her breathing slowed to an average pace. Unable to go to sleep and knowing he didn''t need any, Norbert began thinking about what the next day would unfold and if he would confront the commander about her travels.


    ***


    BEEP BEEP BEEP


    Norbert untangled himself from Luck sometimes at night, having dosed off himself. Reaching over, Norbert looked at the time on the phone, saying it was 5:00 am. Norbert put it back down, wondering what crazy person would set the alarm so early. Reaching for the phone again, Norbert saw it was Luck''s, wondering why she would set the alarm for so much earlier. Norbert placed it down and turned around to face her back.


    Nudging Luck awake, hearing a groan in response, Norbert whispered in her ear, "Alarm''s blaring; time to get up", Norbert whispered. Only hearing more protests in return, Norbert let her lay there for some time, not seeing the point of rushing anything.


    After several minutes Norbert heard Luck fall back to sleep, her breathing deep again. A couple of seconds later, another alarm was set; Norbert seeing it was her phone again, Norbert wondered how many more alarms she must have set, seeing the reason now.


    Picking up the phone, Norbert placed it next to her head, letting the alarms go intermittently throughout the morning.


    With the sun starting to come through the window, Norbert felt some movement next to him; turning his head, Luck stared back at him, hair a bird mess as she looked foggy. "You¡¯re finally awake?" Norbert asked.


    Luck flopping her head back on the pillow, Norbert wondering why she set it so early if there would be so much resistance. Sitting up, Norbert threw the blankets off her, Luck groaning and wriggling around, stopping as she was curled into a ball.


    "You''re not getting out of this that easily," Norbert said as he reached forward and picked Luck off the bed. Hearing a squeal in response, "I''m up, I''m up, ok. Just put me down!" Luck screamed.


    Flipping her around so she was on her feet, Norbert held her steady, allowing herself to get her balance. Norbert saw her pink pyjama''s bunched up in places, getting pinched in the elastic. Pulling it down so she was presentable, Norbert saw as she swayed out of the room, heading to the bathroom.


    Smiling, Norbert followed her, heading to the kitchen instead and setting the kettle to boil. Getting out two cups, Norbert filled them with coffee and spoons of sugar in each, waiting for the kettle to boil. Hearing the click of the kettle finished, Norbert poured it into both cups, the smell of coffee going into his nose and filling the apartment.


    The door to the bathroom opened, and Luck walked out, half-illuminated by the bathroom light. Hearing the click, she was consumed in darkness before leaving the corridor.


    Sitting at the kitchen table, Norbert placed the cup before her. Receiving a nod and having a big slurp, she sat silently while cradling the coffee. The two sipped their drinks silently, Norbert waiting for Luck to wake up.


    "You know, it still surprises me that a goddess will have such a hard time waking up", Norbert added as he finished the coffee.


    Luck downing hers as well as she stood up, heading into the bathroom again to get changed and fix her hair. Shouting through the open door, "Human body remember, no goddess here. You say the same thing every morning; it''s getting boring." She finished as Norbert just laughed, going into the bathroom and getting ready for their outing.


    Several minutes later, both ready for the day, Norbert asked Luck, "Anything else you need?" As he walked through and picked up the bag by the entrance.


    "Nope, have phone and hat, so that''s everything", She finished as she patted both items when calling them to Norbert. Nodding his head that they all had everything, Norbert left the apartment, locking up behind them as he put the backpack over his shoulder.


    Walking hand in hand, knowing they had to play it up for Jack, they left the complex. Looking down at the time, Norbert saw they still had plenty left. Whistling to himself, he went down the street, following the same road that had taken him back from the previous station.


    The train station in sight, Norbert heard two machines howling behind them, turning around. Norbert saw Jack and Sarah on their bikes, coming to a stop at the station and heading to the parking station. Norbert shook his head, stopping pinging that Jack was riding around the place, wondering what his Mum would say the next time they met.


    Tapping on, Norbert went to the appropriate platform, seeing the next train in ten minutes. Knowing they had plenty of time, they sat on the bench, the only ones at the station in the morning.


    Luck kicked her feet back and forth; they waited for their companions to arrive. As the train rattled into the station, the two turned, hearing footsteps storming down the stairs. They saw Jack and Sarah rushing down as Norbert stepped forward, holding the train door so they wouldn''t miss it.


    Both tumbled onto the train as the doors closed behind them, panting heavily. Jack looked at Sarah. "Told you we would have enough time," he said through panting breaths.


    Norbert, an evil grin forming on his face, "Oh, enough time to fit what in pray tell? And you''re both so sweaty? Hmmmm, I wonder what it could be?" He asked, talking to himself as he wiggled his eyebrows at Jack.


    Receiving a thump on the back in return for his riling, Jack nodded to the seats, "Enough you, just sit down and let me catch my breath", He said.


    Norbert smiling in his victory, let Luck sit down first, gazing out the window as the rest piled into the seats. The train now past the station as they grew closer and closer to the theme park.

 Chapter 106 Some Questions Answered

    The train slowed down as they came to another stop. Sarah shook Jack awake. "This is our stop; come on, we need to get off the train", She said to him. Jack nodded, still half asleep, as he took his bags and stood up, heading for the doors.


    Norbert followed him as he held his hand out for Luck to take, her eyes finally unstuck from the scenery passing outside the window. Walking to the doors, Norbert held onto Luck as the train finally stopped, catching her before she was flung through the carriage. Smiling at him, the two exited the train.


    Stepping onto the station, others getting off the train as well, Norbert looked in both directions. "How far away is the park?" Norbert asked the group.


    Sarah took out her phone, plugging away at it before finally speaking up. "About a fifteen-minute walk, just following that street", She said as she pointed in a direction behind them. Norbert nodded. "Thanks", as he looked to the steps to go to the other side of the train tracks.


    Walking apart, Norbert could smell the country air, the birds chirping, breathing out, saying to himself, "Smells like home", before he caught up with the group. Climbing the stairs, they made their way over the bridge; from the extra height, Norbert could make out one of the rides a track of roller coaster as it came up into the air before dropping back down again covered by the trees and houses. Pointing it out to Luck, who just stared, needing to be dragged to make their way across.


    "So Sarah, when was the last time you went here?" Norbert asked as they walked down the steps, the rides once more covered by the trees.


    "Came here with my family many moons ago, a nice time with all of us together. And as I''ve been meaning to come again and someone''s insistence two birds with one stone," She finished as she hit the last step, watching both ways and confirming it was safe to cross the road.


    Norbert following behind everyone made it across; looking down the street, Norbert could now see one of the rides, no motion in them. In the early morning sun, he was looking deader than anything. Though Sarah insisted that it was still open, Norbert gave in as they continued down the street.


    Opening up, Norbert saw the parking lot stretched out before him, cars already there. Finding the gates, Norbert could already see a queue forming out the front. "Guess you were right about it still being open," Norbert said.


    Walking forward, Norbert felt sweat on Luck''s hand, making his own sticky as they continued to walk hand in hand. Joining the line, Norbert saw that it still wasn''t moving. Checking the time, "Five more minutes, it seems", mostly talking to himself.


    Everyone just nodded, talking to their partners as they waited for the line to start moving forward, Norbert watching as the line steadily grew behind them, becoming longer and longer.


    BAANG BAANG


    Norbert looked in the air, seeing smoke come out of the side of the entrance welcoming its opening to all the guests outside. The lights came on as the rides started to move. The sign flickers for a second before shining brightly with the words "Amasgi Park" And underneath, painted in blue "Where memories are made."


    The line continued forward, and finally, Norbert pointed to the sign. "Ready to make some memories," He asked the group. Luck smiling and nodding enuthisatically, Jack just sighing at Norbert for pointing the obvious, "I''m sure we will make many here", Sarah said, Norbert feeling her eyes drill into him.


    Gulping, Norbert faced forward, the hairs on the back of his neck as he felt Sarah''s eyes dig into him. Shuffling forward with the crowd, they finally reached the front. Seeing the ticket booth, the employee stands in front. "How many tickets?" She asked, a chirp in her voice and a smile still fresh from being the start of the day.


    Norbert looked at her pink polo shirt, seeing the name "Robin" embroidered with baby blue.


    "Hey Robin, can I have four tickets for the day pass," Norbert asked, looking back and receiving nods from all. "Ok, four tickets will be $160 then, cash or card," She asked.


    Jack reached into his pocket. "Can we split it half and half?" He asked Robin. Receiving a nod, she pressed the buttons into the pin pad again, presenting the machine to Norbert, reading $80. Taking out his wallet, Norbert paid his, receiving his tickets as he passed one to Luck, and walked through the turnstiles.


    Stepping forward, Norbert looked up, hearing a scream taking his attention. Rumbling forward, Norbert saw a rollercoaster running through its tracks. Rushing downwards, Norbert watched as it spun around, corkscrewing itself several times before moving around a corner.


    Feeling Luck''s hand tighten in his slight squeezing, Norbert looked down, seeing the nerves breaking through the forced smile. Leaning down and whispering so nobody else heard, "It''s ok to be nervous; everyone is", he said to her. Receiving a quick nod in return as a reply, Norbert swivelled his head around to the other people in his group.


    "Anything you want to go on first?" Norbert asked.


    Jack jogged next to him, pointing with his hand. "That one looks great, The Twister", he said. Norbert watched where he was pointing, seeing the coaster does the corkscrew again.


    Norbert smiled, saying, "How about something to warm up first?" Norbert asked, looking around the park quickly, trying to find something that Luck would enjoy and warm her up to the experience.


    Sarah stepped forward, saying, "Think there was one that way, which is a water one with a couple of nice drops. To get us all into the thrill of it."


    Norbert nodded, seeing Luck nodding even more enthusiastically out of the corner of his eye; Jack slowly nodded after several seconds as Luck beamed. "Well, lead the way, Sarah" she said, taking her hand and going in the direction she indicated before.


    Norbert and Jack talked to each other as they followed, Norbert making sure they didn''t get too far ahead as he asked Jack about his bike.


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    ***


    "That Twister was so good," Luck said as she took another burger. Everyone is sitting around the table and having their burgers. Norbert was sipping on a drink as he looked at Jack and Luck talking to each other, his stomach queasy.


    Looking at his burger, he was reminded of all the elixirs that once swirled in his stomach together, that feeling like a cakewalk compared to what his stomach was doing now. His stomach never felt twisted around, and his and he never felt terrible when he went on rides, that sudden corkscrew with the reverse angle going on the outside, felt like a giant was whipping around me, replied to Luck enthusiastically.


    Norbert just drowning it out as he just stared at the wooden table, thinking, what did he do to experience this. Happy that at least the umbrella in the centre of the table blocking the sun from shinning in his eyes. Looking around other tables were also filled with people, the lunch rush having begun with the queues for food growing ever longer.


    After several minutes Norbert felt his stomach finally settle down; picking at his chips, he looked up. "Want to go again?" Jack asked everyone.


    Norbert felt himself go green at the thought of going on The Twister or anything for the moment again. Luck exclaimed, "Oh yeah, let''s go line up everyone" She took Norbert''s arm to drag him off. Not budging, he stayed still; Luck turned to him, "You ok, Norbert?" She asked him.


    "Just need a bit of time; I''ll catch up with you on the next ride." He said, waving off Luck. Looking down, she sat back down. "I''ll wait here for you then."


    Jack just looked between them, thinking about whether he should go. Sarah piped up, "You go with Jack, Luck; I''ll stay by Norbert and wait. I want to rest for a bit" Luck stared back at her, smiling and nodding.


    "Well, if you say so, Sarah", she said as she stood up from the bench and headed to the line; Norbert could hear the conversation about the ride and what was the best part before it was lost in the crowd of noise.


    "You can stop pretending to be sick now; it''s just the two of us here", Sarah said, Norbert looking up as he heard her lean back on the chair, the metal groaning in response.


    "For the record, my stomach does feel bad, and anyway, what are you doing here, Sarah, or should I call you Commander Sally?" Norbert asked her, looking up with his head in his arms.


    "Wow, going right for the jugular and not holding back, it seems," Sarah said as she nodded. "And over here, just call me Sarah; I don''t want you saying it accidentally; now, that would be an interesting conversation with Jack." She finished.


    Norbert, now sitting up slightly further up Norbert asked, "And what is with the entire you and Jack thing, tracking me down or investigating me?" Norbert said, suspicion in his voice.


    Sarah laughed at Norbert''s comment, "Oh no, your important but not that important. Not yet, at least. This was all just a happy little coincidence we met like this," Sarah finished.


    Norbert just nodded, not believing that it just happened. "Guess you just wanted a break from there", He said to himself. Norbert saw Sarah nod her head slightly at his remark. Moving on, Norbert asked his next question, "So how did you and Elizabeth move up so quickly in the world? I''ve barely made a dent, but the two of you have made your little kingdoms you rule over?" Norbert asked, genuinely curious about how they overtook him so much compared to before.


    Sarah leaned forward, sipping. "What did Elizabeth and Luck tell you?" she asked Norbert.


    Norbert listing off his fingers, "Elizabeth told me nothing about it, only know she goes across because I talked with her the last time we went together. And Luck said she would tell me next time I''m waiting in the interim. Oh, she also said that you two have been there longer than me" Norbert said.


    Sarah just smiled. "So Elizabeth got caught out; that''s fantastic. Going to hold it over her head the next time we meet." She said, still grinning at the end of it. "But to answer your question, we''ve been jumping around much longer than you have. Much, much longer"


    Norbert''s queasiness disappeared the more he thought about what Luck first said and the mountain mural. "So, what the mural shown in the great dividing range bordering Arzatech depicted us as the shaped beings?" Norbert asked, wondering what mess he was getting into.


    "What are you even doing over there? Weren''t you just meant to be pushing back some raptors? Well, anyway, the short answer is yes. We get moved over and fight between ourselves, and the last one lives on, only to repeat," she said, getting her soft drink and slurping some down, Norbert hearing her at the bottom as it started to gurgle.


    "Huh, when Luck said it was a play, guess it''s just for them." He said, trailing off, thinking about his actions so far. Thinking if he was played in some way or pushed through others, Norbert just looked up and asked the single question to Sarah, "Why?"


    Looking out at the park, she responded, "Now, isn''t that the question that everyone wants to know? Honestly, I have no clue. After all the renditions I''ve seen, there doesn''t seem to be a reason for it. It''s just the way they are, the way it is." She finished.


    Norbert nodded his head. "So, is there any system, code or rules I need to follow in this show?" Norbert asked; the last thing he wanted was to have a god''s wrath on him or an entire world after his heels.


    "That depends. Did she give any stipulations for walking the path with her?" Sarah asked


    Norbert was quiet momentarily, thinking back to all his interactions with her. Was there anything he could have been given? "Just when I asked what she wanted me to do?" Norbert said.


    Sarah just nodded. "And her response?" she asked


    "To do whatever I want", Norbert said. "Any idea what she meant by that?"


    Sarah just smiled. "She never changes. Well, you''re in luck; the others give rules or guides that they need to follow to make it more ¡®entertaining¡¯ as they say," she said. "But enough about that, what are you doing near Arzatech? Last I heard, you were near the border sure, but you shouldn''t need to be anywhere near the mountains", she finished,


    Norbert shrugged. "Oh yeah, I was wondering if you could help with that. In a tight bind at the moment and was hoping for some support or resources sent our way," Norbert said.


    "Can''t send you anything if I don''t know what happened", Sarah said


    "Well, it began with a surprise" Norbert continued explaining his adventure to Sarah, the mural he saw, the train ride, his battle with Arzlan and their subsequent escape and the looking at the city finishing off with his talk with Elizabeth "after having the ten elixirs I was leaving when was dropped off here. Said before on a whim that Luck was the person that introduced the changes in my behaviour, so I needed to show Jack" Norbert finished off, by now all the food in front of him having been eaten, his stomach now no longer rolling around in his stomach.


    "Yeah, not going to be able to help you there. Not worth the red tape, and getting a force big enough for that will make everyone hostile." Sarah said.


    "So there''s nothing you can do?" Norbert asked her.


    "If I had the resources to help you, then you would have been given them before. Currently, there is nothing, and I cannot personally go there. Especially with the gods moving around again, everyone is tense, which could cause everyone to panic before we''re ready." Sarah said as she leaned forward, moving a strand of hair out of her eyes. "And what about those twelve elixirs you have in your system? That should be plenty¡ªsurprised you''re still functional," said the last bit to herself.


    "Fifteen, I believe, and will probably have several more when I get back there. Have enough coin on me for it," Norbert said as he looked around. "So, what now?" He asked Sarah.


    "For now, we have fun and relax, and when over there, we continue about our business; you get those people out while I prepare for what''s coming." she said before waving behind Norbert and shouting, "How was it?"


    "Think I need a break", Jack said, Norbert, smiling at his friend''s turmoil as he turned around, seeing Luck walking back to them smiling. Norbert smiling in return joined her halfway as the crowd busied themselves around it.


    "As good as the first time?" Norbert asked Luck.


    "Even better", She replied, smiling from ear to ear as the wind blew her hair to the side, glowing under the sun''s light.

 Chapter 107 Took You Long Enough

    Luck lying down spread out on the sofa, scrolling through her phone. Norbert just returning from uni with Jack, the two of them going through the door. "Watcha looking at?" Norbert asked her as he took his shoes off.


    "Just going through the photos at the theme park", Luck replied, not looking up and continuing to scroll through, kicking her feet back and forth in the air.


    "Yeah, that was idea from Sarah. Oh, that reminds me, Jack, when did you say she would be heading over?" Norbert asked


    Jack poked his head out of his room. "In about an hour, so Luck you should start getting ready", he said back into the room.


    "Yes, Dad", Luck shouted back as she twirled off the couch and headed into Norbert''s room. Norbert followed her in as he closed the door behind him.


    "Want someone to talk to?" Norbert asked, feeling the frustration rise within Luck.


    Breathing out, she went through the wardrobe, placing clothes on the bed "Nothing that you can help with, just didn''t think it would take this long to go back", she said as she stood up, nodding in approval of what was there. Laying on the bed was a blue sundress with yellow sunflowers dotting it. Norbert imagined it on her with her hair down to her shoulders, the smile he remembered at the theme park when they met after the rides¡ªimagining her spinning around on the hill overlooking his town. Down the hill, his family and friends from both Earth and Masanu were calling up to them, saying they needed to head on home. Azalea is standing by the side and just smiling.


    As Norbert looked back to Luck, the two of them ran down the hill, laughing and smiling as they slowed down, running to their friends before walking off and heading back together, everyone laughing at the standing around. Nassan running looking and laughing as he took off, playing with the other kids in the village.


    "I just didn''t think it would take two months", Luck said, knocking Norbert out of his daydream as he nodded at the dress.


    "Eh, it¡¯s a bit long but not that much; it seems to be getting longer between jumps each time, but what can we do" Norbert finished shrugging his shoulders before continuing. "Nice dress; when did you pick it up?" Norbert asked as he nodded to the dress.


    "Last week with Sarah, thought you might enjoy it. Well, guess I need to start getting ready, don''t want to be late," She finished, leaving the dress there. Norbert just smiled and waved her off. He turned on his computer, wanting to finish his work for uni before going. Hearing the shower water start and the muffling sound of Luck humming to herself through the door, Norbert put his headphones on, wanting to drown the sound out as he played the track, soothing classical music coming out as his monitor lights illuminated the room; Norbert sending a slight amount of energy into his hands, allowing him to type that bit quicker.


    ***


    "Cheers for many memories to come," Jack said, holding his beer in the air, everyone else on the table cheering him as well. Norbert took a sip as he looked over at Luck opposite him, watching as she smiled into her glass of wine. Norbert was happy that she seemed out of her funk from before, placing the bottle on the table and looking around the Japanese restaurant they found themselves in.


    The light wooden flooring with the paper dividers separating the rooms, red and blue patterns covering it, art depicting some scenery. Everyone as they sat down on cushions at a table, the sliding door trying to stop the sound from the other patrons from entering but failing miserably, hearing laughter and shrieks of joy all around him. Focusing back on the table in front, he looked down at the bowls and chopsticks lying about, hoping he remembered how to use them and not make a complete fool.


    As Norbert looked up, the door to the side opened, and a woman wearing a plain grey-coloured kimono came out, holding two trays filled with plates and bowls. The sound now echoing inside, Norbert could see the walkway from the other side of the restaurant. Norbert nodded as the plates were put for them; the already-eaten bowls moved off to make space. The woman bowed as she left as she closed the door behind her with her foot.


    Norbert looked at the food, beef strips and chicken, split between the four bowls. Luck picked up her chopsticks again, took a piece of chicken, and popped it in her mouth as fast as a viper. Everyone was startled momentarily, staring at her as she chewed her food.


    "What?" she asked the others, not seeing the reason for her current attention.


    Sarah just shook her head. "Guess you''re always going to be like that", she said, taking a piece of the beef and eating it, some of the sauce dribbling down the side of her lip as she licked it up. "Nice that we could all get together one last time," she said while swallowing her piece.


    Jack smiled sadly. "Do you need to go?" he asked as he slowly took a piece.


    Sarah just shook her head. "It''s only for a week; it''ll be over before you know it", she said as she took another piece.


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    Norbert just snorted and rubbed Jack''s back. "She''s right, you know; maybe now you will get some proper sleep instead of staying up all hours of the night", Norbert said, taking a piece. As he put it in his mouth, Sarah slapped him on the back, causing it to fly out.


    "Hey, what''s that for?" Norbert asked as he picked the beef off Luck''s plate and popped it in his mouth. Jack picked up the tablet again. "And that deserves another round," he said before placing it down.


    A minute later, the same waiter as before returned with four cups and a bottle of sake, Norbert looking and knowing he would be dragging at least one person home tonight.


    ***


    Paying the bill, Norbert held up Jack as he swayed in his arms, Sarah taking his other shoulder. Waving to the lady at the checkout, Norbert was thankful that Sarah had enough money to pay the eye-watering bill, surprised about how much they drank. Walking through the night, the street lamps were on as they returned to Norbert and Jack''s apartment.


    "Spending the night with us?" Norbert asked Sarah.


    "Yeah, too late to be driving around now. I''ll head off in the morning before Jack wakes up. Don''t want to deal with this all over again," Sarah said, hoisting Jack up for emphasis at the end.


    Norbert looked aghast. "So you''re just going to dump him all on me? Wow, what a great girlfriend you are," Norbert shot back, his lips slightly loose due to the alcohol he consumed throughout the night.


    Before Sarah could respond, Luck shot between them, "Can the two of you stop it? Some of us here aren''t on magical juice that allows them to stay up all night and day," She said as she continued walking.


    Norbert and Sarah looked at each other "Guess someone''s cranky", Norbert whispered to Sarah.


    "I heard that", Luck responded. Norbert looked around ahead of them, seeing Luck shaking her head at the two of them. Holding onto Jack a bit more, Norbert increased his pace to a fast walk, going through the streets and finally making it to their apartment.


    Taking the keys out of his pants pocket, Norbert slid them into the lock, a resounding click echoing through the corridor at night. The door swung open; Norbert looked inside, turning on the lights so everyone could see before heading to Jack''s room.


    Still sharing the carry, Norbert and Sarah dumped Jack on his bed, turning him around so he was facing up, placing the covers over him as Norbert left the room, closing the door with Sarah already out and sitting on the couch, the TV on.


    "Not going to share the bed with him?" Norbert asked Sarah as he leaned on the kitchen table.


    "Nah, he stinks of booze, and I''m not feeling that tired anyway", Sarah replied as she leaned forward, taking off her stiletto black shoes, the black leather straps wrapping around her ankle. Norbert watched as she placed them on the couch, now able to see the commander from before shining out through the visage of this modern woman.


    "Guess you''re finally relaxing," Norbert said. Only receiving a nod in return, seeing the light flick off in his bedroom, Norbert knew that Luck had finished changing. "Well, I''m heading to bed. Guess I will see you when I see you," Norbert said.


    Only receiving a wave back in kind, the TV still shows news on some parts of the globe. Norbert heads into his room. Taking his clothes off, not bothering to shower, Norbert jumped into bed, cuddling around Luck.


    As he stared up at the ceiling, light engulfed the room. Feeling Lucky squeeze him tighter, saying, "Took long enough", Norbert was once more engulfed in darkness. When he could move around, he fell onto the floor, Luck within his arms.


    Looking around, Norbert found himself in a familiar white room; turning around, Norbert stared up at the ceiling; in his peripheral vision, Norbert saw Luck sitting in her chair. Hair around her shoulders and wearing a pink puffy jumper, her legs crossed over underneath herself, just seeing her bare feet.


    "Took you long enough," Luck said to him. Norbert looked around, seeing he was the only one on the floor, Luck¡¯s double having disappeared sometime no trace of her showing. Slowly getting to his feet, Norbert headed to the bag he had left before, rummaging around, taking his clothes out, and putting them on. Everything in its place, Norbert pulled out his mask and bag of coins, not wanting to lose them here, when he jumped again.


    "Not like I can control when it happens", Norbert said, sitting into the chair, hearing it squeal underneath him. Taking the cup from the table, Norbert saw the drink bubbling from carbonation. He was surprised to see that here he took a sip, tasting precisely like Fanta.


    Raising an eyebrow, Norbert sipped again, confirming it was the orang Fanta he gave her once in his hometown. "Someone enjoyed the Fanta", Norbert said as he took a third sip.


    "So what if it''s Fanta? Ok, I enjoyed it, and wasn''t that the entire point of me going over there?" Luck said as she reached down, taking a sip of her drink.


    Norbert just nodded, getting the kick out of her that he wanted. "So, how far is the play progressing now? Still in act one?" Norbert asked Luck.


    Luck looked back at him, Norbert seeing her face change as she delicately placed the cup on the table. "The beginning is still here, held off to allow the characters to properly develop. To have the most entertainment, but pieces are moving across the board, so prepare." She finished, leaning forward and picking up her cup again, touching it to her lips and taking another sip. Norbert saw her face relax again from the stern nature of before; he was so used to the smile coming out from behind the cup.


    Norbert just smiled, not understanding what just came over Luck but happy she was back to normal. "Feels like there was something I meant to ask you, but I just can''t remember," Norbert said, mostly talking to himself.


    "Guess it wasn''t important then", Luck replied, the two laughing and finishing their drinks.


    Setting the cup on the table, Norbert leaned back in his chair, nodding towards the cart "No extra kick today?" Norbert asked Luck.


    "Not today Norbert, don''t get too greedy on me. I''m cooking an extra good one, so look forward to it," she responded.


    Norbert just nodded in response, not wanting to get the wrath of Lady Luck on him; looking down, Norbert saw the light surrounding him standing up. Norbert made sure he grabbed everything of his, weapons attached, mask on his face and sack of coins over his shoulder.


    "Well, I''m off," Norbert said.


    Luck just waved back at him as he was surrounded by darkness. In the emptiness, feeling pressure engulf his entire body; unable to breathe, he was locked still, squeezing his eyes shut as he felt something''s attention fixed on him.


    Light surrounded Norbert, finding himself leaning against the door, breathing heavily. Norbert leaned against it, the door closing with a resounding bang as he lay on the floor. Trying to put his thoughts together.

 Chapter 108 Plans Forming

    Norbert felt a hand on his clammy forehead. "What happened to you" he faintly heard Elizabeth say to him. Norbert just focused on breathing, forcing himself to forget the feeling his body experienced. Slowly he felt himself relax and unwind and relax, his breathing becoming steady. Uncurling from his fetal position, Norbert just stared up at the ceiling.


    Seeing a head pop over him, Norbert saw Elizabeth looking down at him. "You good now?" she asked.


    Groaning and getting onto all fours, Norbert stood up, feeling himself again. "Yeah, I''m all good now." He said.


    "What happened?" Elizabeth asked him.


    Norbert thinking about it made him shiver involuntarily. "Just something in the darkness," Norbert said. Elizabeth just nodded as she sat at her desk, ruffling the papers around. "Have anything you want to say?" Norbert asked Elizabeth.


    "Not really, only to keep the secret. Don''t let the general public know, or else others like us will come after you." She said, filling the papers away.


    "Any rules to go with?" Norbert asked.


    "Free rain over here to do whatever you want to whoever you want. Don''t harm others or go after families associated with people jumping over on Earth or face punishment from others." Norbert just nodded.


    "Well, guess I''ll see you when I see you. Oh, Commander Sally said she would get back at you for your identity uncovering. Just a heads up." Norbert said as he opened the door walking out. Ducking his head back in, Norbert asked, "By the way, what time is it now?" He asked.


    "Near mid-day, you better run before your friends get any more worried," Elizabeth said. Not hearing anything after midday, Norbert sprinted out of the room, heading back over, hoping Dousan wouldn''t tear him a new one.


    Elizabeth closed the door, opened the drawer and saw the wanted poster and the empty cask of elixirs. She shook her head and said, "Kids" while shaking her head, sitting back in her chair and reviewing the necessary documents of how the money flowed through her casinos.


    ***


    Norbert was back on the other side of the bridge, the coins jingling with every step. Quickly rushing back to their inn, remembering Elizabeth''s wanted posters, each second walking around the street with his mask, a potential for him to get taken down.


    Quietly slipping through, Norbert nodded to Krrrasna as he made his way up the stairs and to their floor, heading to the door and banging on it. Several tense seconds later of silence, Norbert saw his door open Rachel standing there in the doorway, gasping at the sight of Norbert puffing, having not used any energy and not wanting to draw any more attention, the stress of getting caught causing him to get out of breath, trying to blend in and still be speedy.


    Walking to the window, she stuck out a shirt, Norbert wondering what the reason was as he sat down on the ground, finally thankful to be away from everyone. Taking his mask off, Norbert placed the sack of coins next to him, allowing himself to calm down as he looked at the coins he ran with.


    Minutes passed in silence as Norbert began counting the coins that he gathered before. Surprised when the number went past fifty gold, the amount he expected. His counting ending at seventy, Elizabeth must have put some extra in, Norbert thought. "What a nice lady", he whispered to himself.


    Suddenly the door banged open; Norbert looked up from the pile of coins on the ground, seeing everyone enter. Dousan first stalked through, his eyes stopping on the coins as he groaned in annoyance at seeing the large pile. Azalea next shook her head at Norbert as she looked out the window with Rachel, taking the shirt out. Last was Mackey, closing the door behind himself, his eyes falling to the coins on the ground, chuckling at the grand amount before them.


    "Guess you don''t know how to hold back", Mackey said, pointing to the coins as he sat beside Norbert. "How many did you win?"


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    "Fifty gold, the Owner added an extra twenty, so that''s seventy all up. Oh, and here are the two silver coins as well," Norbert finished, taking out the two silver coins and adding them to the pile. Looking around as the two coins clicked, Norbert still had the original coin from Earth in his pouch, thankful that it was still there.


    Dousan stared at the coins. "Anyone chase after you?" he asked. Norbert just shook his head, picked one up, and started flicking it into the air.


    "So, with the extra coin, what''s the plan?" Norbert asked, not wanting to explain why he was talking with the Owner, only seeing it brought him more trouble.


    "Oh, I also can''t make my way around outside, so it must be you four. They''ve got wanted posters circulating of me with and without the mask." Norbert said.


    Azalea stared at him. "What else did the owner say," she asked.


    Norbert just stared at her, knowing that there was no escaping. "The Owner was the same one I met last time. Name''s Elizabeth, and they gave me ten elixirs. Said someone wanted me to have it but have no clue who it could be." Norbert finished.


    Dousan looked around at him. "And where are these elixirs?" He asked, fear growing in his stomach, thinking he might know where they resided.


    "Well, I had them, of course," Norbert said, patting his stomach and belching loudly, allowing it to echo throughout the room. Adding "Received night vision, magic sight as well as a general mix of everything, focusing on strength, magic strength in both regards and resistance." Norbert finished off.


    Mackey whistled at the outburst. "Guess that changes that plan", he finished.


    Azalea shook her head. "No, it just means a different distribution, but first, some testing."


    Mackey just stared slack-jawed. "Your saying he can have more than twelve and be completely fine? That''s unheard of, like ever, and so quickly."


    "Trust me, he can take it. You need to know where to invest. And he needs everything he can get if we want this to work," Azalea said.


    Norbert just stared at everyone in the room. "So, what is the plan? I do not like the sound of it already." Norbert finished gulping.


    Dousan spoke up, "Basically, your part of the plan is to run distraction, making as much noise as possible in the prison while everyone else goes in and finds who we need, our equipment and hijacks a train and gets it running the wrong direction, crash it then continue on foot using any coin you received from tonight as supplies needed" Dousan finished.


    Norbert just stared at them. "That''s the best you came up with. Me acting as bait while hoping that you can find everyone?" Norbert asked. Receiving a nod from Rachel, Norbert blew air out of his nose. "So when will we run through this?" he asked.


    "Was going to be in a week or so after properly scoping the place out, but if people are already looking for you, it will need to be sometime this week; it still gives us enough time to get in and get out with everything", Dousan said.


    Norbert nodded, happy that he wouldn''t need to risk his life tonight or some time ridiculously close. Looking around them, Norbert asked, "So, what now?" He asked the room.


    Azalea stepped forward, bending down as she took a book and penned out. "Now, we do some testing for your elixirs", She finished.


    Dousan is called behind, "Then get your sword work into shape in case you face Arzlan again" Norbert gulped at the thought of facing the giant once more.


    ***


    That night Norbert rested on the floor, thinking about what happened that day, the weight of the two days catching up with him as he yawned. Dousan and Mackey have a mattress underneath them, Norbert not wanting to use one, already used to sleeping on the ground. The three extra light blue elixirs having swirled together earlier, still flexing his and surprised about how easier it was to control.


    Thinking back to the day after his mad dash, Norbert felt like he pushed more than ever, becoming light in the room than anything else, and the subsequent hours of swinging his sword drained him of everything else, resulting in him being bone tired, nearly everything used up. Thankfully they hadn''t scratched anything, not wanting to explain it to the Owner.


    As Norbert stared at the ceiling, eyelids growing heavy, Norbert allowed sleep to overtake him as he curled on the side and breathed in deeply.


    ***


    Opening his eyes, Norbert looked around; everyone else was still sleeping. Sighing that he still had this habit of not sleeping through the night, Norbert thought he had broken the habit with the peaceful nights he slept with Luck; he had been sleeping through the entire night then.


    Getting up, seeing that everyone else was still sleeping soundly, with nothing else to do but wait, something that Norbert knew he would need to get used to over the several days ahead of him until they were called to action.


    Heading to the window, Norbert looked outside; only a few people were walking around, most of them, the guards standing at their posts. Watching as they moved about, Norbert was surprised at the lack of nightlife; compared to the cities he was used to, this was practically dead, wondering what the cause was.


    As he sat there thinking, a thought occurred to him; he hoped there wouldn''t be an announcement tomorrow forcing them to take action sooner than they wanted, but something like that would only happen in a story.

 Chapter 109 Rolling Out

    The subsequent days were quiet for Norbert, the others moving about getting planned and items, the once-empty room slowly filling up with gear. Norbert practised pushing energy within himself, allowing it to circulate when everyone else was out, not wanting to risk getting caught outside. After his last run around the following days, posters with his face could be seen around the city. The others said people were searched and masks removed from people when they wore them¡ªthe soldiers were out for anyone that looked slightly suspicious.


    Just happy that Krrrasna hasn''t ratted them out yet. They knew he must have seen the posters by now blowing through the streets. As the days continued, Dousan spoke his concerns about the soldiers possibly becoming more active in their searches, and if they came through, they could prematurely be called to action.


    Sitting in the room, a knock on the door came; Norbert uncrossed his legs as he opened the door, seeing Mackey standing there, "How did it go?" Norbert asked him. Mackey walks through, wiping his hands on his clothes, streaks of dirt showing on them.


    "Shipment is all packed up and waiting for us in the next few days. Had to dig way too deep to fit it all in," He finished, sitting down on the ground with a groan, eyes closed. Norbert heard the man already fast asleep. Norbert closed the door, locking it as he sat down again, one more just waiting for time to go on. To pass the time, Norbert took out his sword, watching as it caught the light and reading over his bestiary, now starting to memorise the pages and information on them.


    With the others coming and going, another day passed for Norbert, only taking a bite of food and a mouthful of water over the day as he just sat and waited.


    The days where passed. Norbert watching as others came and went, discussing plans between themselves for their next course of action. Norbert just sat back and put in his two cents whenever needed, listening in and nodding along, following the plan''s details for what he would need and what to do if he found their comrades first. They were waiting for Rachel to make their way back, then rest up and hit it the next night.


    Sitting at his spot, just looking out the window, Norbert knew those who went past by now would have strange ideas about the man looking out from the inn. Shrugging to himself as he watched the guards move about, his stomach twitching in itself as he watched the guards down below. Would he be stopping them from meeting their friends and family tomorrow night? How many tears would be shed by his actions tomorrow?


    Feeling his stomach start to move, he stopped his thoughts, steeling himself for what he was about to do. "They exchanged their life for coins when they became guards and soldiers. They took the risk and accepted it," Norbert finished whispering as he looked back at Dousan and Mackey sleeping on the ground, spotting the compasses on the floor, a circle drawn connecting them with the original in the centre. Azalea and Mackey work together to copy the destinations from the original so everyone would be aware of the prisoners and how to get back if split up.


    Norbert turned his eyes away, going over everyone. Norbert sitting wondering what Dobert, Martitia and the rest of them were facing right now as everyone slept.


    ***


    With the sun setting, everyone stirred from their forced rest, Norbert having closed his eyes and rested, trying to recover for the long night ahead. Sadly they couldn''t get another mask like the one he had now, all masks being controlled in the city for a short time after his mad dash from the casino. The others said soldiers had gone in and out of the place, trying to find something, what Norbert couldn''t even guess in that den of greed.


    Standing up, Norbert patted himself down, ensuring he had everything on hand. Everyone wearing their new equipment with spells for reinforcing on all, even Norbert. The short use could save one of their lives; everyone matching in the black aesthetic Norbert had gone with before, hoping to avoid any association with The Frontier.


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    Cringing to himself all of them in black he hoped someone wouldn¡¯t make fun of their Ch¨±niby¨­ choice later. Unsheathing his blade, confirming that it was sharp and coming out smoothly, that the sheath wouldn''t be in the way of the fight or flight to come. The sound roused the others from their rest, confirming that the time had come.


    Azalea leaning forward, inspected the circle with the compass on the ground, nodding as she took one on edge. Norbert stepped forward, leaning down, and took the one in the circle''s centre. Now, only three around the circle. Norbert stepped back, allowing the others to take one.


    Dousan, the last to action, remained standing after he had his in hand, hearing his click through the options with a nod, happy that it was pointing correctly. "We all know the plan, but going over it one last time, if there are any questions, then ask." Dousan stopped, waiting for anyone to say anything before continuing, "Everyone except Norbert will go over the bridge and head to the closest point we are allowed. There, we wait for Norbert to start up", turning to Norbert, who just nodded, knowing what was coming next.


    "Who will make a distraction, any idea what it will be?" Dousan asked Norbert. What was needed would be left up to him, giving him free rein of that part. The only requirement would be attracting everyone''s attention.


    "I would say a fire, but there is too much stone, so instead, I will be taking a trip with the bridge down to the bottom of the ravine", Norbert finished, pointing his thumb out to the bridge closest to them. "Then make my way up with as much noise as possible. It should grab everyone''s attention. Then subsequent hit and runs until the signal is shown," Norbert finished.


    Dousan nodded, confirming that Norbert had thought, "A higher fall than I would like, but it''s up to you to take it. So while Norbert is distracting, the rest of us will march down into the prison quarters, thanks to Rachel for finding out. While doing so, Azalea and Mackey will nullify the anti-magic barriers." Dousan said, turning to Mackey and Azalea, who nodded in turn.


    "Then, with everything and everyone accounted shoot a fireball in the sky to signal our departure in case we get split up. Together we make it to the train and travel back to the dividing range as quickly as possible, running away from anything on our heels like Death is chasing us." Dousan finished.


    Norbert grunted in agreement, not having anything to add or make changes to the ideas made. Patting himself down, Norbert confirmed where the pads needed to be, his hood secured to his mask, allowing some head protection. The fingers on his gloves were reinforced so they wouldn''t be ripped apart like his first pair. He heard everyone else check their equipment; they all looked up.


    Dousan raised his hand in the air, in the frontiers'' sign that they would always have support from each other. One by one, each raising their hand as well, Norbert the last one as he followed suit. "Together", Dousan said, "Together!" everyone cried out in return. They filed out individually; Dousan, Mackey, and Rachel headed out the door in that order. Azalea stood there before looking back and smiling at Norbert. "Have something to tell you, but only after we make it back on the train" she said.


    Norbert just stared at her, feeling his eyes start to water. "You''ve just raised a flag, you know?" Norbert said as she walked away.


    Before the door closed shut, Azalea shouted back, "Good thing we have Luck on our side then." The door closing blocked off her smile, the creaking echoing around in the closed room as Norbert looked out the window, seeing Dousan and Mackey already walking to the bridge, split up from one another. Azalea headed out of the inn, looking around and going in the other direction, planning to walk around the block so not all four would meet up simultaneously.


    As darkness overcame the city, the far side lit up, and the windows in the houses alight. In contrast, Norbert stood now, only watching as he saw the world in greys as people moved over the bridge to the nightlife on the other side, each paying their single silver to go over there.


    Norbert took the coin from his pouch and flicked it in the air. "Heads, we all make it out fine, tails we don''t", Norbert said, flicking the coin into the air before catching it in his right hand, holding it there as he thought about what this could mean if tails set up. Shaking his head, he dropped it back into his pouch.


    "And now we wait", his voice echoed around the room as a yellow mote of light fell outside, Norbert tracking it as it fell into the ravine, over to where the prisoners were meant to be. Norbert smiled, knowing someone was watching him now.

 Chapter 110 Distraction

    "The time has come; the walrus said to sing a merry melody," Norbert said to the empty room; the sun wholly set in the sky by now just the last bit of rays painting the sky red; he must have left enough time for everyone to get into position by now.


    Looking one last time out the window, now feeling strange that he likely would never sit there again, watching the people move about their day below him, wondering how many other places he has been for the last time. He had a sad smile on his face as the door creaked closed behind him. Slowly he took the stairs one at a time; no need to rush now; there would be plenty of time for that later.


    On the bottom floor, Norbert saw Krrrasna still sitting there, waiting for guests, as diligent as ever. Norbert passed him, bowing to the man and dropping a gold coin from his purse. Krrrasna caught the coin out of the air, an expression of disbelief on his face, for that was the fifth gold coin that group had given him tonight. Not wanting to say anything, the cat-man bowed silently, hoping these generous guests would return one day.


    Norbert stepped outside, the wind blowing against him as he felt it across his neck, the only part of his body exposed. Breathing in deeply, Norbert calmed himself as he stepped forward, looking straight ahead and walking towards the bridge.


    Seeing the queue already forming and getting longer, Norbert stepped in line, fiddling with the silver coin needed for entry. Ready to hand it over and make it to the bridge''s centre. Moving to the side so he could see the front of the line nodding his head as each person was checked.


    Slowly shuffling forward, Norbert waited until he was at the front of the line. Looking at the soldier, armed with leather on his body, similar to the wolf he had seen the other day. He looked up curtly, commanding, "One silver ¡­ remove your mask." After a pause, seeing Norbert''s mask covering his face.


    Norbert just nodded as he passed over the silver piece. "Mask." the guard said again, hand resting over the dagger on his belt. Norbert smiled as he took it off, knowing he was acting extremely suspicious, but the alarm bells would be ringing soon.


    As Norbert just smiled, the soldier''s eyes in front of him hardened. "You''re coming with me," he said as he waved his head to Norbert, skimming his eyes over and seeing two other guards from down the bridge walking until they saw the confrontation when they started to jog, rushing over.


    Norbert smiled as he put the mask back on his face, everyone backing away, leaving him alone. Breathing deeply, Norbert started to push energy around his body, knowing it was time for action. Hood tucked under the mask again, Norbert shouted with all his might.


    "ARZLAN!"


    His shout travelling away from himself, everyone around him wincing from the noise, Norbert hearing his cry bounce back from the ravine and the city around him, everyone else quiet, the only thing being heard was the name Arzlan, echoing everywhere like the entire city was taunting him until finally, silence captured all.


    Everyone standing still as statues, nobody daring to move. The guard before him swallowed their nerves, taking a step forward. With that single step, the dam holding back the chaos the crowd around him dispersing as they flocked away. Norbert burst into action, rushing past the guards and reaching the bridge''s centre.


    Cries and shouts were now coming from all directions, blocking them out as they would only be a distraction for what was to come. Now near the bridge''s centre, Norbert raised one fist into the air as he smashed it downwards, splintering the timber underneath him, sending it clattering bellow.


    Arm now aching, Norbert sent energy through it as he stood up, lifting a foot before he slammed that down, smashing through. Going closer to the edge, Norbert raised his foot again, smashing it down. As it landed, a creaking came out from under his foot.


    Smiling, Norbert did it a third time; now the guards, instead of trying to capture him, ran away, wanting to get away from this madman and off the bridge he was actively destroying as quickly as possible. Now able to see through the ravine below, Norbert watched a crack forming on the beam holding the bridge up. Smiling at his success, Norbert jumped through the hole he just made, catching onto the beam as he lifted himself onto it, hearing more cracks appear as the wood beneath him begged for release.


    Crouching down, looking to the other side with the other beam positioned there, legs pressed under him, leaning forward, he shot himself away, hearing the beam he was on finally give out from under him, a chunk of it falling into space.


    Smashing into it with his shoulder, pain shooting down his arm as he held onto it with one hand, pulling his legs up as he straddled the beam. They looked up, seeing the entire bridge tip down to the side already damaged, almost feeling the wood underneath him trying to twist with the strain under it.


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    Raising his hand Norbert smashed it down, the entire bridge groaning and shuddering with the impact. Preparing himself for the fall, Norbert smashed his hand in one final time, the straw breaking the camel''s back as he felt weightless.


    Tumbling through the air, the wind whipping past him, hearing it scream in his ears as wooden debris surrounded him. Turning around, seeing the bridge slowly collapse underneath him. Spinning around again to face the ground, Norbert spread-eagled, like the skydivers on TV, as he guided himself to the side of the ravine.


    Norbert flexed his gloves the last moment before impact, hoping the reinforcement would hold up. Impacting with the stone, his fingers skidding across it, Norbert reached with his other hand, feet and knees dragging on the wall, chips coming off where his fingers started to dig into the stone as Norbert pumped energy into it. Down he went passing lights on the way down, the remains of the bridge overtaking him. Norbert a purple speck falling with the debris.


    Seeing a ridge coming off the ravine, a stage used for access, Norbert kicked away, smashing into it as he continued to roll, now able to see the bottom. With one final smash into the ground, Norbert just looked up at the sky, clouds covering the stars and moon he was used to seeing out here now.


    Pain covered his entire body as Norbert forced energy through hit, surprised that it felt like he hadn''t touched his reserves, happy for all the training Azalea had forced him to do. Sitting up and groaning, Norbert took stock of his body, feeling around himself.


    He has no sharp pains and all mobility in his joints. Feeling his arms straighten out again, Norbert saw a wet spot in the clothing from his blood. Feeling with his left hand on his arm confirmed that it was all healed again as he felt the energy being sucked away by the wound.


    Laughing, Norbert shouted, not wanting his target to think he died. "ARZLAN!" he shouted once more, echoing around him, his crowd calling for the fighter to appear. Trusting that he would show up given time, Norbert looked up at his side of the ravine, seeing how to make his way back up to the surface.


    Scanning his side of the ravine, a simple path jumping out to him cut out from the rock, layer by layer going higher, dotting the path torches were lit, and shrugging his shoulders, he unsheathed his sword, making his way over to the start.


    Now at the bottom Norbert could see it was a desolation of waste, looking like a cage fight for prisoners and any extra garbage being thrown off. Currently there wasn''t anyone around, scanning further down dotted hills, focusing on them seeing they were entrances to go even deeper.


    Dismissing it he stepped up to the path, the first soldier poking their head out of the door wondering what all the noise was. Norbert immediately kicking the door back in, slamming it against the humanoid as he flew back into the room he just came out of. A resounding crack as part of the door wooden door broke under the impact.


    Ducking inside, seeing passageways cut into the rock, an entire maze nestling about. Nodding to himself that it could be ignored, he exited again, noting to keep an eye out for any other passages that could be filled.


    Taking out his compass, Norbert stood still, flicking between the first two options. Confirming that it was still pointing to the other side of the ravine, he flicked to the first option, nodding his head that it was roughly in the same position, having made its way down, though would ask next time to have altitude used as well, thinking about what lay beneath the ravine. The streams of soldiers he was expecting were finally showing ahead; time to complete the distraction.


    Norbert, flushed with energy, charged forward, screaming a battle cry. Sword held in both hands, he slammed it into the first person, no resistance given as the opponent couldn''t even react as the blade cleanly cut through them, hearing the body tumble down the side.


    A shield appearing in his vision; Norbert spun around, knowing he shouldn''t face his back to the opponent as he held the sword in his left hand, punching the shield with his right. The shield not breaking under the impact, but still hearing something crack as it was pushed into the soldier, soon the sword following suit, digging into the humanoid''s shoulder; Norbert stepped back to remove the blade, the first cry of many to begin as he started climbing back up.


    Making his way forward, the bodies in front of him slowing him down as he continued to make his way up the ravine, doubling back occasionally to confirm with the compass, now only hearing the clashing of swords and cries of people.


    A quarter of the way up, Norbert felt a presence behind him, instinctually spinning around the sword, swinging as the blade battered against something, grabbing his blade and trying to hurl it out of his hands. Grasping on as tightly as possible, knowing if he let the sword go, he would have troubles in the future. The more he resisted, the stronger the other force was, until finally, it suddenly released Norbert''s as he lost his footing trying to right his balance. Stepping back again away from the rushing soldiers, having seen an opportunity, Norbert couldn''t see his assailant at all, the creature having disappeared into the shadows.


    Norbert shivered as a cry came out from behind him, a shield smashing into the back of his head, dropping to the ground and rolling backwards down the walkway, creating distance. Landing on his feet, no longer trying to steadily make his way up, not wanting to be trapped by whatever caught him before.


    Becoming a wave of Death, Norbert made his way higher and higher, nobody streaming in anymore; as he received more and more momentum, becoming a wave of destruction on these tiny people, they started to run away. Norbert just pushed them down, having achieved what he wanted, being mass confused. He reached the end, seeing the path turn back on itself, an alcove cut into the rock, creating space for operations and equipment and a resting place, Norbert spotting boxes and such.


    Sitting on the box was the hulking of a man, his twin blades leaning next to him; in a crate, Norbert saw him take out an apple, munching on it, the juices streaking down his chin.


    Norbert is standing opposite Arzlan as Norbert looks at the delectable apple. "Mind if I have one?" Norbert asked the giant.

 Chapter 111 When Beasts Meet

    Arzlan looked up at Norbert, continuing to munch his apple as his other hand rustled around the box. Picking one up, he threw the apple over as hard as he could. Norbert caught it and spun, not wanting to fruit to break when he tried to catch it. Holding his spoils up to Arzlan, showing the undamaged fruit, he bowed, taking the mask off and biting into it.


    Feeling the juice dribble down his chin Norbert spittled out, "Thanks, and wow, they are juicy. So Arzlan, what are you doing down here?" Norbert asked, taking another bite as he looked around, seeing the torches slowly bobbing up and down from the rest of the soldiers waiting to make a move.


    Arzlan growled out, "You called me; it would be rude of me not to answer. Something you Morenas don''t believe in." as he popped the rest of the apple in his mouth, core and all and began eating it.


    Watching the others move around, finishing what was in his mouth, Norbert jerked his head. "I don''t know if I can perform well under an audience. A bit of social anxiety on my part," Norbert said, taking another bite and not believing how good the apple was. He was happy to have something proper in his mouth before what he had to do next.


    Across the ravine, Norbert heard shouts and clashing far away, turning around and taking another bite; Norbert saw torches moving over there, spells being formed and flung around the place. Lightning bounced off the rock and humanoids; Norbert smelled burnt flesh.


    "Your companions are putting up quite a fight," Arzlan said.


    Norbert turned around, had their plan already leaked? Was this all a ruse to get them all in? Panic started to set in as he stared into the eyes of the beast.


    "Yes, I knew you would come back. That is a weakness you people have as well." Arzlan said, taking another apple from the crate and biting into it, half the apple already devoured in that single bite.


    Norbert looked down at his, only half eaten, as he started working on the sides. "Then why are you over here?" Norbert asked the hulking figure.


    "Fun", Arzlan said, biting into the last bit of the apple, another one eaten. Leaning forward, picking up both of his cleavers as he stood up to his full height. He was ducking his head down, allowing the visor of his helmet to close.


    Pushing back his worry, the plan still worked as lights began. All he had to do was hold off as many people as possible, looking to be a successful operation currently. Taking the apple''s last bite the core remaining, Norbert threw it over the edge. Wiping his mouth on his sleeve, getting the apple juice off it, he placed his mask back over his head, ensuring the hood was secured.


    Holding the sword out in front of him, Norbert hoped it wouldn''t go for too long; fingers crossed that the fireball would appear in the sky. Turning one last time, his hopes shattered as he forced energy into his entire body, able to see the purple light gushing from underneath his mask and between his cut shirt, knowing he would need everything he could against this giant.


    Arzlan growled, watching as his prey became prepared; no more running, just a simple fight. Leaning forward, Arzlan pushed off the ground, Norbert hearing it crack under pressure, dust billowing behind him. The crate of apples fell and rolled on the floor.


    Norbert stayed still, preparing himself for the impact that would come. Arzlan swiped below with one of the cleavers, the other still behind. Norbert shifted the sword from being straight up, swinging it to meet the oncoming weapon, steeling his body for the impact.


    CLANG


    The first impact going around, time seeming to still for Norbert as he stared past into the eyes of Arzlan, all sanity lost in those eyes, replaced by an insatiable hunger and a drive to fight. Time was started back up again as Norbert saw the light of the other cleaver coming for his head.


    Getting in closer, twisting around the giant, hearing the blade whistling through the air and the subsequent crash as it impacted the ground, rocks bouncing off Norbert. Now behind Arzlan, an opportunity to strike at him unblocked, Norbert slammed the sword down against them, feeling it bite into Something but hold, unable to go through all the way.


    Wrenching the sword out, assisted by Arzlan spinning around, Norbert held the blade as a fist came out of nowhere. Trying to block it with the sword, Norbert twisted it to the side of his body, the flat impacting with the fist as the two came in contact with the side of his ribs.


    Norbert flew through the air, hearing a crack at the impact as he tumbled around, the amount of force in that much more than the last time he fought the giant. Now realising how much he was holding back.


    Arzlan turned, watching Norbert in a pile; shaking his head, he leaned over, the cleaver still stuck in the ground as he pulled it out, successful but wincing from the pain in his left shoulder, surprised that Norbert could hurt him that badly. He remembered the last time he pushed so hard, at one of the tournaments against a surprising fellow.


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    Turning around Arzlan watched the body lying on the floor, the purple light coursing off the boy''s skin. A shame the fight would be over so soon. As Arzlan walked forward, he saw movement. He smiled growling again, happy that this punk still had some spunk in him.


    Norbert laid still, a pile on the ground. The pain in his side slowly calmed down, feeling a final pop as it went back into place, pumping more energy into his left ribs, hoping to repair them quickly. Moving his head, Norbert saw Arzlan walking his way, hearing a growl. Growling in return, Norbert went onto his hands and knees, head spinning as he tried to force it to calm down.


    Pushing himself up, he looked around, trying to find his sword. Euphoria consumed him as he saw it, nearly falling off the edge; turning back to Arzlan and only seeing the grin, Norbert dashed to the side as quickly as possible, hearing the stone crack under him.


    Norbert leaned forward at the edge, scooping the sword up as a shadow approached him. Spinning around, back sliding against the ground, Norbert held the blade against his body with two hands. Just in time as Arzlan landed, slamming both cleavers through Norbert.


    The sword took the impact, and he was pushed into the stone, hearing it crack around his as his joints groaned in protest with the force applied. Muscles burning in response, Norbert knew his entire body was purple. As he felt his body, Norbert forgot, caught up in the moment about direction.


    All he had been doing was blasting it across his body, hoping it would assist as needed. Norbert placed it over his arms and legs, breathing deeply, reinforcing his hand. Allocating most of it, he kept some in reserve to reinforce his body when needed.


    Arzlan was only held down with one blade as the other came up, Norbert knowing his leg would be chopped cleanly off if he did nothing. Forcing energy into his leg, Norbert leaned back, seeing the cleaver creep closer as he pushed against Arzlan.


    His back against the ground caused Arzlan to rise slightly into the air, giving him enough time to angle his sword to the side and escape from the twin blades.


    Rolling further, he spread his feet out, feeling he was on the path leading down again to the bottom of the ravine. Standing up, his entire back sore from holding up a giant, Norbert rushed forward, sword swinging as he met Arzlan.


    The two blades meet Norbert, lifting it above his head, knowing he cannot stay engaged. Now closer, Norbert punched into Arzlan¡¯s stomach, hoping to aim for the kidney in an average person, slightly off to the side.


    Hearing the wind come out as a fist appeared in his peripheral vision. Ducking down, it clipped Norbert''s back, reinforcing his entire head as he was knocked to the side by force; there was no dizziness as one of the cleavers came for Norbert. Norbert jumped back again, angling the cleaver away, knowing the second would be there.


    Confirming it, Norbert went forward again, slicing on the extended arm, feeling it slice through flesh but stopped by something. Norbert wondered what Arzlan did to his bones to reinforce them to that extent to stop a blade even moving.


    Arzlan wiped his arm to the side as the blade came out, blood spewing from the wound. Slicing forward, Norbert deflected the blade, heading to the right to favour the wounded side, blood splattering across the ground.


    Arzlan''s blade came up from underneath, and Norbert had to back up, the two swords clanging together, Norbert forcing the blade down in resistance to stop his body from flying around. The soldiers and the ramp leading up to Norbert''s not focusing and hoping they would. He moved his blade away, holding it in front to pierce into Arzlan as he practised firstly with Mark.


    The sword was clattered to the side by a cleaver, the left one coming in as Norbert dropped a hand, taking out a dagger and holding it under his sword as he continued forward. The dagger folding, the hilt catching the cleaver and stopping it from moving any further up as Norbert disengaged from Arzlan, now able to see the path leading up.


    Gazing quickly, he flipped the dagger into the air, catching it in his left hand, confirming it wasn¡¯t broken as it gleamed off the light, the soldiers standing up standing still, tense as they waited. Not wanting to interrupt the battle between two monsters.


    Dagger in his left and sword in his right, Norbert looked back at Arzlan, not liking the feeling of the dagger but knowing a place he could rest it for the moment. Norbert charged forward as he flicked the dagger forward, sending it flying ahead.


    Hearing a grunt of pain as he saw Arzlan duck down, ready to swing his blade and strike against the already damaged arm. Sword rose with both hands above his head, ready to strike, as Arzlan flicked his right hand at Norbert. Sending the blade, Norbert had no time to react as Arzlan flicked his wrist as well, the cleaver careering into his body.


    Norbert felt it slice into it, his clothes lighting up for a split second before they fizzled out, feeling the blade slice into his body going under his ribs, the tip digging further in as the handle remained poking out.


    Pain overwhelmed his body as Norbert stepped back, a ball of fire shooting into the sky as he pawed at the cleaver; with a cry, he ripped it from his body, Norbert seeing a river of blood coming with it and flicking it behind him and over the edge, not wanting to deal with two anymore.


    The only thing on Norbert¡¯s mind was that Dousan had found everyone; the only thing left to do was for everyone to meet up. Looking down at his clothes, Norbert saw the wound closing up around him; the pain had left his body.


    Knees shaking from under him, Norbert hoped for Arzlan to stay down, that all of this could be over. Spitting a globule of blood onto the ground, amazed that it was glowing purple. Norbert focused forward, trusting the others could make it out now. Echoing around the ravine, Norbert heard explosions from the other side, light flashing, casting long shadows on Norbert as he stared down Arzlan.


    Norbert watched as Arzlan shuddered until he stood tall, dagger sticking out of him. Reaching forward dropped the dagger and cleaver, both impacting against the ground. Norbert watched, horrified, as he saw the hands changing, becoming meaty paws as the nails extended, becoming darker and turning into claws.


    ROAAAARRR


    Norbert looked as Arzlan roared at his opponent, as Norbert stared, horrified at the transformation as the giant went down on all fours. Gulping to himself, Arzlan suddenly jumped forward. The only thought going through his head was, ¡°Guess that" is round two.¡±

 Chapter 112 Clash of Beasts

    He looked around, confirming the fireball in the air that he wasn¡¯t second-guessing it. Waiting for Arzlan to charge, Norbert leapt out of the way at the last second, bursting to the side as Arzlan skidded. With enough distance, Norbert looked for a way out, the soldiers still blocking the path leading up, knowing that to navigate them with Arzlan chasing him, he would get caught.


    Looking further down the ravine with tens of meters drop back to the bottom, losing all the progress he had made coming up did wound his pride, but better a wounded pride and alive than being turned into food for the giant.


    Seeing the edge in front of him, Norbert sprinted forward, wanting to cover as much distance as possible. Thumping the ground with the effort, he raised his foot forward, Arzlan too far away for him to catch him, smiling at his brilliant victory, pulling the rug out from under the giant once more.


    When his foot left the ground, darkness covered Norbert¡¯s vision, his body slapping into it as he smashed into the barrier without knowing. Bouncing off, Norbert on the ground, quickly rolling to the side as Arzlan slashed up, catching Norbert as he was flung into the air, only to hit another barrier as he fell to the ground.


    Landing on his feet, Norbert jumped backwards, away from another swipe, somehow his sword still in hand. Whipping his head around, Norbert found himself and Arzlan in a dome of darkness, unable to see out; the fireball that was once in the sky was now masked, and the soldiers waiting disappeared. The only thing with Norbert was a raging Arzlan and the crate of apples, discarded and rolling across the floor.


    Knowing he needed to escape, somehow now set in a trap, Norbert remembered it from the darkness he saw previously, as it wrapped around his body, likely slowing him down enough so Arzlan could get in position for this confrontation.


    Cursing to himself at getting caught, Norbert pumped himself full of energy, knowing that the sooner he got out, and the better. Charging himself with energy, Norbert dashed past Arzlan, sword held out before him, ready to pierce through the backlash.


    The tip meeting the barrier, Norbert felt and saw it start to go in like a balloon being forced out; it manipulated itself around the sword, allowing it to get all the way in before Norbert¡¯s body smashed into the barrier as well, all its pliability from earlier gone feeling like a solid brick wall.


    His shoulder crunching with force, Norbert kicked against the barrier, shooting himself to the other side, sword out to the side, slashing at Arzlan as he charged at him. Norbert saw no other way out than try and take on Arzlan and see what the next thing was thrown his way.


    Feeling the blade bight into flesh, Norbert continued forward, happy that he had made some mark on him. As Norbert stood again, feeling light-headed, he looked down at himself, shocked to see what the last strike did to him. His clothes were not torn rags at the front, where his stomach was wet with blood.


    The skin was red from being repaired, and Norbert saw the veins around it bright purple; as he wavered slightly, Norbert was knocked to the side, unable to avoid the blow as he staggered into solid rock, feeling it press against his skin, his hair now feeling wet and slick.


    Pulling himself off the wall about to move as his head was smashed into it again, Norbert felt the rock of the ravine shake behind him from the force; Norbert now embedded within the rock.


    Arzlan pulled out for another punch; Norbert extracted his legs from the wall as he kicked Arzlan away, the giant flying across the platform and impacting the darkness barrier on the other side.


    Norbert jerked his arms, freeing them from the rock. He fell forward, swinging his hand down and smashing into Arzlan¡¯s helmet, the metal denting with a thud as he was blown up again by another punch from the giant.


    Norbert flies once more into the barrier above. Hand clawed outwards, gripping the barrier as much as possible, feeling his fingers dig in and allowing him to hang there. Arzlan was on the ground, watching him as Norbert felt his fingers slowly losing grip. Quickly scanning around, Norbert was looking for his sword, knowing he dropped it somewhere but not sure exactly where.


    Seeing the flash as Norbert looked around, unable to find it. Cursing himself for losing track, Norbert felt the barrier win the battle, his grip slipping. Norbert stabbed a dagger into the waiting Arzlan, feeling it slide off the helmet and sticking into the shoulder near the neck.


    Arzlan roared again in pain, grabbing Norbert¡¯s legs as he straddled the giant. Gripping onto Norbert, Arzlan forced his head into the ground, smashing Norbert into it as well. Roiling from the recoil as he tried to grab the dagger sticking out of Arzlan¡¯s neck, knowing it was the only thing to get him out of this mess.


    Arzlan stood again as Norbert scrambled, trying to get the knife out but unable to, the shaft slippery from the blood pooling between them, Norbert unable to get a proper grip. As he was slammed once more into the ground, Norbert loosened his grip; as Arzlan stood straight again, he threw Norbert behind himself, Norbert untangling, kicking the knife out of the giant in the process.


    As Norbert skidded across the rock, the dagger skidding next to him, Norbert picked it up, the other dagger no longer in Arzlan¡¯s stomach where he last left it.


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    Norbert jumped backwards, just out of reach from a wild swipe, as his back hit the barrier again; Norbert was confused, expecting it to be the rock wall near where he was embedded, not hitting the wall of darkness. Jumping to the side, Norbert confirmed it was smaller than before, and the more he watched as he leapt around, the smaller it went.


    Norbert cursed his luck that there was even a time limit for how long it would take; possibly even defeating Arzlan would change nothing for him. As he blasted off to the other side, avoiding Arzlan flailing around in the centre, Norbert wouldn¡¯t be able to concentrate properly on the task ahead if he needed to constantly dodge the giant in the middle.


    Seeing that all he was doing was a mindless rage, Norbert believed he could be avoided. Swapping the dagger to his right, Norbert pushed off again, flying past Arzlan, just sticking the tip out to graze them, causing him to spin out of control, smashing into the wall.


    A shadow appeared above him; Norbert rolled to the side and sliced the blade as Arzlan¡¯s leg appeared; getting caught in the armour, the blade slipped inside; Arzlan fell to a knee and clutched the wound.


    Norbert left the dagger as he went to the other side; not risking pushing the opponent, for all it took was one swing for Norbert to be mincemeat. Looking down, Norbert grabbed the knife out of the belt from Cossan, the village now feeling like a lifetime ago.


    Taking it out, knowing he couldn¡¯t hold anything back, Norbert went once more, charging forward, ducking to the side and allowing the blade to graze Arzlan, hoping with enough, the giant would faint, allowing Norbert to escape quickly.


    As he was going in for his fifth strike as he just passed, landing a deeper gouge than before, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. Before he could move, Norbert felt a vice grip land on his calf, locking out where it met the foot.


    His momentum stopped as Norbert started sailing through the air, at an apex, before slamming into the ground. Pain shot up his back; his head rolled around; as Norbert started to move, he was flying through the air again; seeing the ground appear, Norbert¡¯s face smashed into the earth.


    Light flashed before his eyes, and as he lay there feeling blood dropping into his eye that he tried to blink away, he was once more flung through the air, now realising Arzlan was smashing him around like a hammer, holding onto his foot and smashing him into the rock.


    As he again impacted the ground, darkness creeping in around him, Norbert started smashing into the hand holding him, hoping to get out of the grip. As he continued to kick, slowly the darkness consuming him, Norbert fumbled for the compass; if he were going to get captured, he wouldn¡¯t point them to his friends trying to escape from this city.


    Surprised the compass was still working, Norbert held it in front of him, his chin smashing into it as it cut him, hearing the glass shatter; as he careered the other way, Norbert caught a glimpse of it smashed into the ground, now just a hunk of metal, the hand in pieces.


    Happy for that little victory as he impacted the ground once more, darkness finally consuming him. A thought came to Norbert; now he just had to survive the beating he was having.


    ***


    Hyeon stared at the two beasts fighting it out within her sphere. Happy that the show was ending, but starting to feel exhausted from needing to protect herself from all the abuse going to the barrier received. Taking her last magic potion, she downed the blue liquid, a headache from overuse coming about.


    She watched as the masked man, whom Arzlan called Norbert, took something out of a pocket before smashing it with his face. Moving her view from inside, she saw it was a compass, or believed it to be. Hard to determine with the device being completely shattered.


    As Arzlan repeatedly smashed the man into the ground, Hyeon sighed in happiness, the bag of meat finally losing consciousness, his body limp. Arzlan smashed him again into the ground until, finally, he stopped. From her vantage point above, she stood up, taking her empty bottles and placing them back in their sack, surprised she needed to have as much as needed.


    As she was about to walk off and apprehend, she stopped, seeing the masked man¡¯s hand twitch. With speed, he leapt to his feet, scrambling on the ground as he leapt at Arzlan, clawing at their face.


    Shocked that he was still alive after the beating, she waited, seeing what would happen. Arzlan punched out again, hitting the masked man in the face as he flew backwards, the mask shattering into pieces.


    Hyeon gasped in shock as the pieces came away. What she thought would be a regular face was a twisted mess of blood, purple shining everywhere, all the veins visible in them; she had never seen it be this bright before, almost needing to squint from the amount of light it produced.


    Norbert held the beast-man¡¯s face as he flew backwards, taking them together as Arzlan slammed into the ground. The force made the earth shake even from up where she stood. Looking around, scared that a rockslide might happen, their heart beating in her chest as she saw that it was stopping, no sounds of stones falling on her.


    The dust cleared from within the area, the two panting, seeing the wounds on Norbert heal themselves, gushing light as it faded slightly¡ªthe two punches each other, one at a time. Smash, smash, smash. The two went on; no longer seeing what was ahead, just punching each other in the face.


    With each smash, the other would sway to the side before righting again and returning a punch. Hyeon looked amazed that they could push each other so far; as the punching match extended, she realised this fight would soon end. The light within Norbert was fading quickly. Arzlan¡¯s punches slower and slower to respond each time, now not even able to hit the face, just going into the shoulder.


    As Norbert was hit again, the light suddenly burst, blinding her and Arzlan as he fell, bleeding from multiple wounds as his body slowly transformed to regular. The two of them were lying on the ground in a line; Hyeon watched as Norbert¡¯s body looked completely fine; any sign of the damage caused now faded away.


    Holding her breath, she waited; several tense moments later, she released her breath, realising that neither of the two was making a move. Stopping the barrier, the soldiers on the ramp backed off when the dome appeared, not wanting to get in the way of whatever.


    Hearing the murmurs and exclamations of the damage caused to the rock wall and ground, looking like two kids fighting in the sand, not through the stone itself. Leaping down, stepping on shadows as she fell softly onto the destroyed ground.


    Making her way to Norbert, she bent over, fearing for the worse that he died. Leaning forward, she checked his pulse, feeling the beat firm within, moving her head to confirm he was still breathing as the man snored.


    Hyeon jumped back in alarm, thinking she would get attacked, but no. Norbert lay perfectly still in tattered clothes, rolling over to the side. Not believing what she saw, she laughed and heard it bounce off the cliff. After fighting against Arzlan, the man before she slept as soundly as a baby, shaking her head, she walked towards Arzlan, confirming the beast-man was still alive.


    was still alive.

 Chapter 113 Cell Escape

    Jolting awake, feeling pain shoot up his arms; screaming out in surprise, he stared down at them, nearly sick at the sight. A metal hook went in through the bone of the wrist before spinning itself tight on the other side. One in each arm as Norbert followed the chain it connected and went into the wall, bolted there by a sturdy metal ring that seemed to come out of the wall.


    Moving his hand slowly, Norbert could move it nearly at full stretch before it started to dig into his hand, spinning the hook and causing the pain to shoot up again. Dropping his hands to his side with a clang, Norbert looked around the room he woke up in.


    Inside a square stone room the same colour as the previous ravine. Turning around, Norbert felt the rough stone mined out, believing himself within the ravine. Metal bars stood opposite him, blocking his way out. Not like he would want to escape at the moment with his hands apprehended as they currently are.


    Torchlight flickered on the other side of the bars, creating shadows taunting Norbert, the shadow that stopped him from escaping was here again. Closing his eyes, Norbert forced the magic sight to see if anything was going on. The room looked normal, just faint outlines. It changed when he looked at the chains going through his arms.


    Densely packed, Norbert saw red circles and patterns crisscrossing each other, pulsing rhythmically with his heartbeat going through his ears. Following the chains, tracking it going up the chains in a spiral, until it reached the wall where it bloomed like a red spider lily formed out of more circles and lines before slowly fading. Norbert''s face was in horror as he turned off the magic sight; what was its meaning, and what fate had in store for him?


    The coldness of the stone now reached into his behind. Looking down at his clothes, he was annoyed at what he was currently wearing. The same clothes as before; he looked at the damage. The entire front had been ripped to shreds, remembering the pain coursing through his body. Norbert winced at the memory, looking and touching the skin, happy to see that no scars had formed from the savage pawing he received.


    His pants were mainly together, except for one leg cut and stiff from the knee, now much darker than usual and slightly shredded. Remembering the hand clamping down as Arzlan recreated how the green fellow beat up Loki, going back and forth.


    Slowly and carefully, not to agitate his accessories, Norbert felt the back, the entire back shredded holes all over it. Resting his hands to the front, he craned his neck and moved his shoulders, feeling them pop after their lack of use. His neck feeling weird, Norbert looked under his shirt, seeing the translator he had on for so long no longer there.


    Looking down at his hip, Norbert saw his missing blades and the coin pouch; annoyed that his lucky coin wasn''t there, he would have no way of asking Luck for guidance now. Shaking his head, his stomach grumbling again, a gurgle of a beast waking from its slumber. Gazing around the cell, not seeing anything to eat, Norbert breathed in before shouting, "Hello, anyone there!"


    There, there, there echoed around the cells, Norbert hearing no reply. "Hey, some food would be good!" Norbert shouted again, not hearing a response at all.


    Grumbling to himself, "At least some company wouldn''t hurt". A light shone on his nose as he looked up. Twisting his head off, Norbert saw a yellow light floating around the cell.


    Staring at it suspiciously, Norbert waited for it to do something, watching as it swirled around. Having enough of it and wanting out, Norbert pulsed the purple energy through his body, resulting in him screaming in pain.


    Lying on the ground, seeing the light dance around as he wondered what was happening to him. Rattling the chains, Norbert flopped to the side. If they were going to starve him to death, they would have just killed him instead, so mustering all the patience he could, Norbert closed his eyes, waiting for whoever was there to show up.


    ***


    "''It¡¯s gotta be at least hours now; where is everyone?" Norbert asked, hearing his response battering around the cell.


    "Yeah, yeah, you shush up now; I''m trying to concentrate.", Norbert said to his echo. Sitting straight again, Norbert crossed his legs under him, happy that the agility elixir made going into positions like this much more accessible. As he stared and thumped his head, Norbert saw the mote of light reappear.


    "Luck, if that''s you doing this, then a second one will appear; if it''s something else, then the single one will go out, then come back after a second", Norbert said to the mote. Crossing his fingers, Norbert saw as a second one appeared.


    "Eureka!" Norbert shouted around, seeing the two motes of light blow away in the air. Shooting his arms in the air, he yelled out in pain, the hooks digging into his arm, turning his cries of joy into those of pain.


    Dropping his hands back down, Norbert looked at the two motes of light swirling around each other. "Are you always watching me?" Norbert asked the air.


    The lights are not doing anything, just bouncing around. "Luck, you''re playing games when I''m like this. Well, one mote for yes and two for no," Norbert asked. He was seeing one disappear from view. Norbert shook his head.


    "This is going to be a long conversation, is it?" Flicking to the light, Norbert saw the single remaining moving around in figure eight.


    "Is there anyone else watching me?" Norbert asked. The light stopped doing figure eights as it stood still, no twin joining it. "I''ll take that as a yes, then. Able to tell me who they are?" Norbert asked, fingers crossed that he would quickly get out with their assistance. Norbert watched, seeing a second one appear. Nodding his head, "Figures." he replied.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Leaning back, he wondered what he could ask while in prison. "Any ways can you help me escape?" Norbert asked; two lights stayed there, one chasing the other. "Worth a shot," he said.


    "You currently in the white room, with a book on your lap, drinking some Fanta while being a stalker?" Norbert asked. The two lights stopped chasing each other and started to ram into Norbert''s face. He was shooing them away. "Ok, ok, you''re not doing that. But is one of those things in the description true?" Norbert said, a grin already forming. Seeing one disappear, not knowing if it was the original one, Norbert laughed.


    "You guzzling down that Fanta, aren''t you? Man, never seen someone be so addicted to it." He said, holding his sides as he laughed. He was wiping a tear from his eye as he controlled himself, one last giggle before calming down.


    "Wait, if one of those things is true and it''s the Fanta, you''re not in the white room. Luck, are you currently having a meeting with the other gods and bored, so drinking some bubbly Fanta and watching your favourite moral? Tsk tsk tsk," Norbert finished. Unable to keep a straight face as he started giggling to himself, imagining all the gods giving Luck a stink eye.


    He smiled as he waited for the lights to do something to react again. "It''s all good Luck. Thanks for distracting me, but I guess it''s time to get back to work," Norbert finished, slapping his face with both hands to alert him.


    Turning around so he could look at the wall where the chains went into, Norbert grabbed onto the chain and pulled with all his strength. No pain shot through his arm from the hook, as it had enough slack so it wasn''t tight. As he pulled against the chain, still unable to get a proper grip, his feet skidded on the floor. Taking one step on the wall, Norbert pushed with all his force. Feeling that something was happening within the chain, Norbert put his other foot on the wall as well, stepping closer and closer until he was a quarter of the way up the wall with both feet where the chain was.


    Holding the chain with both hands, Norbert reached down and pulled with all his might, knowing he was looking like a fool trying to do a deadlift with a chain. He continued pulling, not giving up on the metal, believing all those elixirs running through his blood would do something.


    Changing his sight to view magic Norbert was surprised by what he saw; the once steady pulsing pattern now shone brightly; as Norbert pulled more and more, it became brighter and brighter. With a groan, the chain was pulled out of the rock, Norbert flying through the air from all the force he was putting through it.


    ARRRRRGHHH


    Norbert screamed, his left hand still connecting to the wall dragging it back. Looking back at his arm as it wrenched, the red magic symbols in the chains were now even darker than before, pulsing brighter. Looking at his hand, the gash was even more profound, with fresh blood coming out. Norbert looked to the hook in his other hand, seeing the light slowly fade from the hook with the dangling chain.


    Staring at the other, Norbert smiled, seeing a chance of escape much more accessible. Stopping, he listened, not hearing anyone else coming for him after the racket he had created. Shrugging his shoulders, not caring if they would come, Norbert walked up to the rock wall with the chain still attached.


    Wiping his hands on his pants, hearing them tear slightly and wincing, not wanting to run around a prison nearly naked. Standing up on the wall and pulling, Norbert could wretch this one out, not bothering to see the spell break until he slammed into the cell bars. With a clang of his metal chains hitting the bar, now knowing that someone should have at least heard that, he looked down at the chains with magic sight, confirming the spell untangling.


    Flushing himself with energy Norbert''s eyes glazed over, happy that no headache was coming. Feeling it go through him, Norbert held onto the hook in his left hand, twisting it around its base and moving the metal; it slowly started to bend until it snapped with a relent.


    Norbert watched as he held the two pieces of the hook, seeing that part of it still connected to his arm. Swallowing, he started moving the hook around, feeling it squirm within him. Annoyed, he pulled it, feeling his bones resist the pain as finally, it stopped, the hook coming free.


    Forcing energy to stay around the wound, Norbert saw as the flesh wiggled closed, going from the inside out. Taking the other hook, he repeated the process, dropping both hooks on the ground as he properly repaired his arms. Knowing they hadn''t fully returned, Norbert felts reserves should have enough for this escape stint.


    His stomach grumbled at the lack of food; Norbert wondered how long he had been stuck in here; knowing that it wouldn''t change anything. Grabbing two bars, passing energy through him. He started exerting force, bending the two bars away from each other.


    With a groaning of metal, two of the bars in the cell bent out of shape enough for Norbert to slip out. Looking around, he saw he was in a corridor, torches on one side and lines of cells on the other. Not knowing which way to go, "Hey Luck, one mote for forward, two motes for back", Norbert asked the air.


    Thankful when two motes appeared, waving and saying his thanks, Norbert spun around and tore down the cell block, wondering what was there for him on the other side.


    Sprinting forward, Norbert followed the torches, seeing empty cell after empty cell, wondering why they would have so many cells if they were just to have no occupants. Not giving it time to sort out, Norbert rushed forward, sliding when in the distance, Norbert saw a person, his first guard standing still next to a wooden door.


    As he drew closer, Norbert saw the guard move to watch him, amazement on his face as he reached inside his jacket. Not giving him a chance, Norbert threw a fist in his face with enough force that sent the guard flying, hitting the wall behind him and falling onto the ground.


    Norbert reached forward, confirming that the guard was still alive, thankfully just knocked unconscious. Looking down at his rags Norbert saw the tatters, compared to the guard''s full uniform. "A man''s gotta do what a man''s gotta do", Norbert said to himself as he began disrobing the guard.


    Finally garbed in clothes with no holes, all short and too wide to fit him properly, Norbert wore a leather vest and blue pants; taking the dagger and the leather belt, Norbert left the pile of coins, feeling bad for completely robbing the guard.


    Bowing once in thanks, Norbert opened the wooden door, wondering what fate held for him on the other side.


    ***


    Luck just stared at the sphere in the middle of the room. All eyes turned to her as she sucked on her Fanta from her glass goblet as the sphere showed Norbert straight up, guessing what she was doing correctly. Unable to avoid their gaze any longer, she sucked again, causing it to gurgle as she finished it.


    With the bubbles in her stomach wanting to release, she burped as quietly as she could into her hand; sadly, in the noiseless room, it sounded like an elephant trumpeting in the savannah.


    Looking around, Luck met everyone''s eyes. "What, it''s a good drink", She said.


    Arstech just stared at her. "And you are going to let him get away with it?" he asked Luck, pointing to the screen of Norbert laughing to himself.


    "It''s nice to see him relaxed, and what I do with my champion is none of your business." She said, looking everyone in the eyes.


    Martura seeing the tension swiped in the direction of the sphere, now replaced by a new individual, "I think it''s time to look at the next candidate."


    "Please, this is taking forever,", Galamamon said, receiving the nods of those around him; Luck smiled to herself as she filled her goblet up with Fanta, sipping on the drink as the conversation turned to other matters. Luck was only half paying attention as she focused on Norbert and answered his questions.

 Chapter 114 Productive Communication

    Norbert opened the door slowly, thankful it didn''t creak. Ahead was a spiral staircase, coming out of the stone chute he found himself in, no handrail for him to grip "Definitely not safe". Tilting his head up the stairs of the next flight blocking his vision, torches positioned half on each side, twice in a circle.


    Running up the stairs two at a time, not knowing how much time he had until he was caught, Norbert went up the stairs, seeing doorways going out further; the higher up he went, the more precise the air became, not realising the smells he must have been surrounded by in the dungeon, alarmed at how long he had stayed there.


    Reaching the top, Norbert stepped through the doorway, opening the stone door again. The sun was beating down on him, squinting and covering the sun with his eyes; he looked around as his eyes quickly adjusted to the light.


    Spinning around, he realised he was at the bottom of the valley, not from one of the wall of the ravine like he was expecting. Turning around, he saw the base dotted with these mounds he saw before, standing out the front of one now. Turning around, he looked around the side, sprinting off as he gazed at the side.


    On either side of the walls, Norbert saw more guards lining, staring at him as he continued sprinting through the ravine. Just staring at him, unmoving as he waved to them, not showing any reaction to his appearance. Dismissing them, he continued forward, knowing they could go after him if desired, not knowing why they would hold back.


    As he continued to run, passing more mounds of stone, their entrances blocked by doors; not wanting to get caught looking at every little thing, Norbert continued to run, passing the doorways deep underground.


    The sun blocked out his eyes. Norbert looked up, passing the first bridge; squinting, he saw people lean over the side, pointing at him. Unable to hear what they were saying due to the distance, he continued to run forward, them not interrupting his travels.


    Dust billowing focusing on just getting to the end and where he was supposed to go by the owner of the guards, Norbert nearly tripped on debris. Skidding to a stop, Norbert saw pieces of wood strewn about the ground. Skidding to a stop under the bridge''s shade, he looked up; people were also staring at him on this bridge.


    Their eyes fell to the side, recognising the same path he had taken before, surprised to see no guards lining the side. Spinning around, confirming that the other paths had guards on the sides just staring at him.


    "Hey, Luck, just wondering if that''s where I should head?" Norbert asked, nodding to the direction of the unguarded path. A single mote of light appeared before him; nodding his thanks, Norbert jogged toward the empty path up.


    Taking it easy across the earth and watching the ravine in the daylight, he was surprised to see nothing new; it all looked the same as before. The same rocky walls, doors posted up at intervals, the same hard compacted earth and rocky walls. Thanking his stars for the night vision elixir the mystery person had given him. Knowing that it helped in his many ventures already.


    Jogging up the empty path as he continued to look around, now on the other side of the bridge, he could once more make out people staring at him. Waving to them, he saw the ones on the bridge point back to him, hoping they enjoyed the show.


    Remembering places from the night raid, the soldiers he had beaten down before on his way up to the platform. Lost in thought when he didn''t go any higher, having reached the platform where he had fought Arzlan. Seeing the gashes and craters in the rock, still not repaired after who knows how long it had been.


    As he looked around, a scowl on his face remembering how he reacted in the battle and how he again couldn''t hold back the giant, his eyes glazed over a table in the centre. The round stone table with two seats around it, one already filled, leads further along. Staring at the person, Norbert noticed it was another cat person like Krrrasna; standing behind them was a woman, who Norbert would guess as being Korean with hair as black as ravens going down past her shoulders.


    Staring between them, Norbert looked to the side, and the path continued upwards. Slowly skirting around, the person on the table not moving their head at all. Now on the side and about to take up, Norbert took his step on the slope up; as his foot came down, a black wall of darkness appeared. Turning around, he saw the woman staring at him, now knowing the source of the shadows.


    Reaching for the dagger on his belt, he flung it at her; as he started walking backwards, hitting the barrier, a black ball surrounded the dagger right before it hit her, the ball of darkness moving towards the centre of the table before it disappeared, the dagger clattering against the stone.


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    "It''s worth a try", Norbert grumbled to himself as he sat down on the remaining chair, reaching forward as he grabbed the dagger from the centre, placing it back in its sheath.


    As he drummed his fingers on the desk waiting for one of those to say something, Norbert remembered his Masanu lessons, needing to flick his brain into that gear. "Well?" He asked.


    Only receiving silence in response, Norbert threw his arms up in annoyance as he rocked back and forth on the chair, waiting for something to happen.


    As the shadows moved over the ground, neither spoke as Norbert leaned back in his seat, wondering how far it would take until he tipped backwards. Pushing it too far, he did fall backwards; just before his seat hit the ground, he was stopped by a black pillow that pushed him back up so the chair was stable.


    Norbert nodded his thanks to the woman standing for saving him. Norbert began whistling a tune to himself; by now, the sun three quarters through the sky, the shadows lengthening. The bridge that was once packed on the side, staring at him, was now empty. Taking the dagger, he started flipping the dagger in the air, catching it by the blade or the handle before throwing it again.


    If he got cut, he healed himself quickly with the energy, his veins purple for a moment before it healed again. As he waited, whistling and throwing the dagger down the path leading down from the top, a line of men came down, wearing only the barest clothes, as they began placing dish after dish on the table.


    The last one placed a platter before Norbert; as he opened the dish, his translator from before sitting there. Plucking it off the metal dish, Norbert saw it was shining, having been recently charged. Placing it around his neck and under his shirt, the comfortable weight now around his neck. "So, going to talk now?" Norbert asked.


    The brown-furred cat person did not receive a response as they took a plate and began eating on the cutlery on the side. Norbert''s stomach grumbling, he took a piece of bread and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing on it.


    As he began to chew, his quiet stomach now grumbling again, hunger pains popping through him; taking his next piece, Norbert also devoured this; the more he ate, the hungrier he felt, taking plate after plate, not even seeing what he put in his mouth anymore, just a devouring creature.


    When the hunger finally abated, platters surrounded him, and the people came back, taking the plates and clearing the table, placing two mugs on it, already filled with a liquid. Norbert took a thick and sweet sip, remembering him of need.


    "So, we gonna talk or what?" Norbert asked, directed towards the person on the other end of the table. The person taking the mug as they swished it around, nearly making the liquid fall out before she took a sip and placed it back down.


    "You came here quicker than expected," The cat person said.


    Norbert just stared at them. Not believing all they were saying after all this time, "Really, you''ve got to be pulling my leg here. After all this time. That is what you have to say to me!" Norbert said, voice getting louder and louder the longer he talked.


    "I think that is enough conversing for today. I will see you tomorrow," the cat person said.


    Norbert, now thoroughly annoyed. Forcing energy through his body Norbert gripped the stone table, flipping it towards the others. The table blocking their vision of Norbert as he charged forward, fist punching through the table where the cat person would be.


    His fist smashing the table as it connected, his hand stopped, not feeling the squishiness he expected, the black barrier there again. Staring at it, Norbert pulled his fist back, punching it as hard as he could. Still, nothing happened to the wall of darkness. Sitting back on the chair, Norbert waited, tapping his foot on the ground for the barrier to disappear.


    As he waited, the barrier disappeared, the cat person sipping their drink like nothing happened. "So what now?" Norbert asked, the person still there.


    Without saying a word, they stepped out of their chair and began walking up the path, the woman with black hair standing still. Turning his head around to watch the cat person, he couldn''t see her anymore.


    "Don''t mind, Tashen, she''s just annoyed at your very existence", the black-haired woman said, sitting in the now empty chair. Norbert just stared at her, feeling his eyelid twitch in frustration.


    "And what did I do that my existence is such a sour thought for her," Norbert said, tapping his foot on the ground.


    "Well, her prisoners under her care were captured by an individual chasing after a train, only for them to get captured by Arzlan, who brought them to her prison facility here," she said, flourishing her hands around them. "Before they were rereleased, a train stole; Arzlan was the only one able to bring in someone. And the cherry on top, the cell she specifically designed for you, was destroyed hours after you woke up." She finished her rant.


    Norbert held his finger up, "Firstly, the only reason I got apprehended in the first place is because of you and your stupid barriers, not Arzlan." Dropping one finger down, Norbert continued, "Second, I would have gotten out much sooner if I tried; seriously, who leaves a prison unguarded like that." Dropping his second finger down, only one finger remains, "And third¡­ I can''t think of a third thing, but you get the gist; her anger has nothing to do with me."


    "So throwing a table at someone is a custom where you''re from," Hyeon asked, Norbert grating his teeth.


    "Look, is there even a point to this? Everyone here knows that you can''t hold me down. The only reason why I''m not out there is because of you. So let me ask you this. How long can you stay awake for?" Norbert asked, grinning and staring down, doing his best Kubrick stare, fingers crossed his intimidation would work.

 Chapter 115 Community Service

    Hyeon just stared at Norbert, shaking her head as she stood up and left without saying more. Norbert startled by the response just sat in the chair, dumfounded. The annoyance of the afternoon just draining out of him, replaced by mental exhaustion of his nerves being on edge for to long.


    Staying still Norbert took his dagger up, flicking it up into the air and catching it as it landed. As he continued to catch, Norbert asked, "Hey Luck, should I just book it out of here?" Waiting around, two motes of light appeared before him, one chasing the other before they caught up.


    "Guess that answers that question," Norbert said, leaning back in the chair as he stared at the sky as the stars twinkled back at him. "At least I''m not locked in a cell anymore."


    ***


    As the sun rose again, Norbert chatted to himself and Luck as the night progressed, a plan forming for the next day. The canyon remains dark at night, no lights to announce anyone''s welcome.


    As Norbert continued to whistle, catching the dagger in the air, he saw the Korean woman walk down the path, nobody trailing behind her. Looking back to the other chair, the rubble of the table all over the ground, Norbert waited for her to come into view.


    Sitting down again on the chair, she opened her mouth, but Norbert interrupted her, "What can I do for you?" Norbert asked.


    Taken aback, closing her mouth, she didn''t say anything, waiting for Norbert to continue.


    "Well, it came to my attention the only humans that I''ve seen around here are my group and those in the slums. So, what can I do for you?" Norbert asked again, spreading his hands open, waiting for a response.


    "If only it were that simple that a brute like you could fix it," she said, shaking her head.


    "I would say most things do have a simple solution; you just need enough force to punch a fist through it." Norbert said, hitting his fist into his hand, the slap echoing around the ravine.


    Moving her sleeve up her arm, her entire forearm exposed, leaning forward, he saw a tattoo of some kind on the arm, seeing the magic circles forming around it in black ink, stark against her white skin. Rolling her sleeve back down, Norbert looked up at her.


    "It''s a brand that keeps me obedient; if I do go against them, then the little family I have left is gone", she said.


    Norbert just nodded his head. "Ok, enough of the pity story you just made up. I don''t know about you, but I don''t have enough time for this bull. I''ll break a rule and speak it out. I know you are Korean and a jumper too. So let''s get the two of us out of this country with as much loot as we can grab?" Norbert asked, risking it all and hoping he was right.


    "????? ?? ???." The woman responded; Norbert was surprised that the translator didn''t pick it up, thinking it should have everything. Chuckling to himself that his guess had been correct, Norbert held his hand out to her.


    "So, what do you say, partner?" he asked her. Reaching forward, she grasped his hand, nodding and shaking before standing up.


    "We''ve spent enough time here; I was sent down here to get you for Tashen; thankfully, you weren''t in the cells again", she finished as she started walking away.


    Norbert scrambled to his feet, catching up with her. "Wait, do I even get to know your name?" Norbert asked.


    "Hyeon", she replied, turning around again, her hair falling behind her as Norbert started to repeat the name in his head, not wanting to forget it.


    ***


    Norbert sat behind another stone desk, staring at Tashen sitting on the opposite side, Hyeon standing behind her. Looking out through the two full-length windows on either side of the desk showing the city fall beneath them. Now on the completely other side of the city where they entered from. He could see the casino if he just craned his neck to the side.


    Sitting down, Norbert tapped his fingers again, waiting patiently as Tashen looked through papers on their desk, having not moved since Norbert entered the room and sat down. Seeing a pattern forming in her behaviour, minutes by now having gone by and still sitting there, no sound in the room except the rustling of paper.


    "If you have nothing to say to me, I''m leaving," Norbert said, waiting a moment. He moved the chair back, the wooden chair grinding against the floor as he tried to make it as loud as possible. Remembering reading people did this to show their superiority to others, Norbert not believing that it was a tactic that would make its way over here. Tashen just raised a finger at him to wait, Norbert sitting down again, grumbling as he ground his chair forward.


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    "Thank you for your patience," Tashen said, Norbert crossing his arms, a growl coming out of his mouth as he whispered about taking their sweet time. "I have called you here regarding the recent heist on the prisoners."


    "Nothing to do with me. I got no info on how it happened or anything like that. Just had to distract Arzlan." Norbert said, wanting to get this over with as quickly as possible.


    Tashen stared at Norbert, who noticed the cat-persons hands slightly shake with annoyance before they grasped onto the desk, hands no longer moving. "We need you to do some spring cleaning in the lower levels." She said through grinding teeth. Norbert sat up straight as he waited for her to continue.


    "Deep below the cells are maintenance shafts near the natural caves and lakes under Mount Vesivan, where the current city of Vesivan resides. Your to clean and report back what is found down there." Tashen said, Norbert, thinking about what she said.


    "And what does me doing some ''spring cleaning'' do with escaped prisoners?" Norbert asked.


    "Dealings with those above your station, you simply wouldn''t understand." Tashen responded. Norbert just grunting. More like saving face as someone made a big boo boo.


    Keeping his thoughts to himself, else get even more irk from this person sitting in front of him "And what do I get out of helping you?" Norbert asked.


    Tashen smiled, "Why, freedom, of course", with a smile on their face.


    Norbert knew it was a trap but not seeing any way out of it. "Ok, but I will need assistance and supplies, all at your cost", Norbert said, a plan starting to form in his mind.


    "Supplies can be done, but what do you mean by assistance?" Tashen asked Norbert, feeling her worry picking up.


    Norbert nodded to Hyeon. "I want her with me", Norbert said, not hiding it.


    "No" Tashen replied instantly.


    "Then we are done here", Norbert replied without a second thought, grinding the chair back again. He stood up, glancing and smirking about the marks he made on the floor. Throw stones in glass houses and whatnot.


    A barrier formed there as he walked towards the door, stopping Norbert from reaching the handle. Spinning around, he made a face showing why he wanted her. Tashen relented. "Fine, but you have three days-"


    "Six", Norbert responded instantly, having no clue the amount of time needed but the more, the better.


    "Four days, and if I haven''t heard from you, then Arzlan will not be stopped next time," Tashen said, trying to muster everything they could. Norbert nodded in agreement and reached for the handle but hit the barrier.


    "Well?" Norbert asked, the barrier disappearing as Norbert opened the door, holding it and waiting for Hyeon to come. With a wave from Tashen, Hyeon bowed to them as she left, the door closing behind as the two walked out of the stone structure.


    As they stood there, Norbert remembered something. "Shit, how are the people here going to know that I get free stuff," he said aloud.


    Hyeon continued walking down the main road, the ravine seen below. "They aren''t", she said.


    "Rats," Norbert replied as he jogged to catch up. "Well, I guess I need to get my gear back. This feels too open," Norbert replied, pointing down at himself.


    Hyeon changed direction, spinning around and entering the building they just left.


    ***


    Outside under the sun, Norbert felt better again, everything where it should be, and he still had some coins left over in his pouch. Sadly, his mask had been destroyed, and he asked Hyeon if they wouldn''t have any replacements in the city; the enchantment needed was not available in these shops and must be imported.


    Shaking his head in annoyance, Norbert stood on the steps to his favourite place, where he was most welcome. The glass windows of the casino stood before them. Norbert opened the doors, looking around the place, not at all busy compared to the nights.


    The security gave him a look, and sighing in annoyance, he tied his sword around the belt, stopping it from being drawn quickly. Receiving a snort of acceptance, they were allowed in. Bee-lining towards the kiosk desk to exchange chips. No queue there today. He stood in front of the worker, staring and smiling. Another of the reptilians he was served before, Norbert unable to see if it was different than before.


    As he began to open his mouth, he was spun around by his shoulder, Hyeon staring at him. "What are you doing: She seethed at him.


    Norbert looked around the place. "Getting coin", Norbert replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world.


    "The first thing you do is start to gamble. Why did I ever place my trust in you" Hyeon replied, saying the last part to herself. Norbert spinning himself around, smiled as he leaned on the kiosk desk.


    "Sorry about my partner. I''m here to get nine gold worth in silvers and one hundred coppers. Oh, and if you can let the owner know about this request and that Norbert has made it, that would be great," Norbert replied, leaning back as he took out a coin and began flipping it.


    "I''m sorry, but we don''t offer that service here. If you want to withdraw coins, a bank or money lender will be a more appropriate destination," The kiosk worker said.


    Norbert looked down at the name tag on the shirt, unable to read the language. "Ok, if you can just pass the message along, it would save both of us some time," Norbert said. As the worker was about to protest, Norbert pulled a coin from his pouch, seeing it was copper. "How about this? I want a chip worth one copper then", Norbert responded, placing the coin down.


    The worker looked at him quizzically before shrugging and muttering to themselves about gamblers and giving the single chip back. Taking it, Norbert headed over to the same roulette table as before, this one empty.


    A dealer came out of somewhere as he stood there, standing at the table. Norbert took the coin out of his purse, flipping it. "Heads blue, tails purple", Norbert said as he flipped the coin into the air, catching it and palming it to the top of his left hand. Looking down, the heads stood back at him. Leaning forwards, he moved it over to the blue square, waving for the dealer to spin.


    Around it went, the sound clattering; Hyeon just stared at him. "So your him", she replied.


    Norbert spun around, leaning on the table, not even watching as it spun. "I''m him what?" Norbert asked, smiling back at her knowing exactly what she was talking about, more surprised that his fame had reached this far.


    Hyeon just shook her head, Norbert turning around as he flicked the coin into the air, seeing two copper chips before him. Catching and seeing heads again, Norbert removed one chip, moving it to the blue square again. He wondered how long he could get before the owner gave in to the requested coins.

 Chapter 116 Plan B

    Feeling a tap on his shoulder; Norbert turned around from his pile of chips, having made fifty silver already. A waiter was behind him, holding a tray out; a piece of paper was on it.


    "No drink?" Norbert asked as he took the slip, opening it up and smiling. "Your quicker than I thought, owner," Norbert said, taking the remaining chips off the table and heading towards the kiosk.


    Dropping the chips with a rustle in front of the same person that served him before placing the paper on top of the chips. "As I said before, nine gold in silvers and a hundred coppers", Norbert said, whistling to himself as the worker looked over the chips and the letter. Shaking slightly, she went down below, moving the chips off the counter and taking out the coins.


    Norbert swiped them all up into his sack, taking a handful of silver coins out of his sack and leaving them on the table. "For your troubles, and don''t worry, nothing is going to happen to you", Norbert said as he walked out, Hyeon following him.


    Norbert took the strap off his belt as he looked around. "Need to go to an armour smith", Norbert said, nodding at his decision of needing some face protection before he went wherever he was needed bellow to clean out.


    Walking out the door, Norbert looked both ways before walking out. "Any idea what we were going to need to clean out?" Norbert asked Hyeon as he walked out under the sun.


    "No clue, notified to go look in one of the hovels near the centre of the ravine and go as low down as possible; there''s a maintenance system underneath that is the place that needs to be cleared," Hyeon said as she followed behind Norbert.


    "Guess the next stop is obvious," Norbert said as he walked towards the ravine.


    ***


    Norbert looked down at the trap door under the spiral staircase, staring into the area below, the heat coming off, the air shimmering. "Is this the right place?" Norbert asked, already starting to sweat in his metal helmet.


    Only receiving a nod in reply, Norbert closed the hatch and took off the helmet he had been so happy with before. "Well, that''s going to be useless", he said, kicking the helmet away and hearing it clang around the room; it now has a dent on the side.


    Opening the trapdoor again, Norbert looked, seeing a ladder cut into the stone, heat shimmering back up. Norbert made it so it would stay open while they were down there. Lying down on the ground, Norbert stuck his head down, finding himself in a shaft for several meters down, forcing his vision to change. Norbert could see land further down.


    Shimming himself forward, Norbert went down legs first, catching onto the cutout stone ladder as he climbed. Descending, Norbert looked up, seeing Hyeon still standing there, looking down at him, a hair billowing from the heat.


    "You coming down or what?" Norbert shouted above him. Shaking her head, Hyeon stepped onto the ladder, Norbert continuing down, wondering what he would find below.


    Stepping onto solid ground again, Norbert looked around, feeling that he had become accustomed to the heat compared to before; looking at Hyeon as she jumped down the last rungs, Norbert knew it wasn''t because it was cooler down here; the woman drenched even with their quick stint down here.


    Staring at the cavern they found themselves in, Norbert saw they were on a platform, the stone unnaturally smooth, unlike the walls of the ravine above. Wondering if it was made by magic, Norbert walked to the edge. Staring at the cavern, Norbert''s mouth was wide open.


    "What is this," he said, just trying to take in all he had seen. Like above was a city, there was one below, too. Through the cavern, bouncing light off him, a stream of lava went across, following where he assumed the ravine was. Around it hopping in and out of the lava, he saw globs of the liquid forming around and bouncing. Some have arms and pieces of rock stuck in them.


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    Norbert looked over to Hyeon. "Guess we need to do plan B", Norbert said, a single mote coming down and lighting up.


    Hyeon stared at Norbert. "And what plans are these?" she asked him.


    "Well, plan A was what we are already doing; try and get us out and do what they said, find a way to get that mark off you and be on our merry way." Norbert looked down at the river below and shook his head. "But against something like that, the plan is thrown out the window. If there was just one to contend with but that village down there is way too much. Which leads me to plan B." He said as he began looking for a way down.


    "Plan B incorporates the second part of plan A, but a bit more stealth. We don''t do the spring cleaning but focus completely on removing the mark from you and taking as much as we can from this place, get the most destruction before high tailing it out of this mess," Norbert said, having found a path leading down to the base.


    "And the final plan, plan C, would be to chop your arm off and escape as silently and quickly as possible. Finding some way for you to get a new one from somewhere." Norbert said as he started walking. Not hearing anything behind him, he turned around, seeing Hyeon rooted on the spot.


    "What, come on, we don''t have all day. We need to find some way to shut that spell off and divert the lava river to go up top," Norbert said, waving at her to follow him.


    "You were going to chop my arm off?" she said, the time between each word longer and longer.


    Norbert just shook his head. "Not where; we still might need to if we can''t find a way out. If we do, I have an idea of where we need to go anyway for you to have a replacement." Norbert said, waving his hand to brush it off. "So just relax and follow me down here; let''s see what can be found."


    Sliding down the path, Norbert looked down at the cavern; no pipes or lines connected the floor to the ceiling anywhere, having thought that there would at least be something joining the two together.


    Walking down, Norbert looked across, seeing the lava sloshing down there. Norbert changing to magical sight, looked around, trying to see anything that would point him in the right direction. The walls came alive with light. Shocked, he stopped walking and turned around, grasping everything he could; along the walls, the floor, and even the ceiling way up high, was filled with magic circles.


    These were different to what he usually saw used by people; the circles elongated, paths of thick lines connecting one another, all made of the same blue. Norbert turning his vision back to normal, looked over at Hyeon, a plan forming in his head of how to do some damage. Sadly, it was too much to make the volcano erupt, the innocent people having no reason to be killed just because he was annoyed.


    Going further down, Norbert saw the lava creatures up ahead; by now, the heat was starting to get to him as well; Hyeon no longer walking next to him but standing far back; the heat had gotten to her. Wiping the sweat from his brow Norbert started counting, a timer so he wouldn''t get distracted and go too deep.


    Walking next to the lava creature, Norbert just stopped and watched; his cloak and others garments were starting to steam from the heat. The creature turned towards him and leaned down, dwarfing Norbert as he craned his neck.


    Norbert waved to the blob as it started going higher and leaning forward. Jumping back, he felt a heat wave as it crashed where he was. Feeling his skin blister, Norbert jumped back, now meters away, as the blob started shambling forwards. Looking further into the village, he spotted one of the humanoid lava creatures walking towards him.


    Faster than the blobs, Norbert just waited, seeing what would happen. When the lava creature was a hundred meters away, it raised its arm, shooting a blob of lava in Norbert''s direction. Jumping out of the way, it splashed where he stood, travelling the distance in record time. Backing further, Norbert saw more walking towards him from around the town.


    The town by the edge is made of black stone, taller than average but designed to fit with these lava things. Changing his vision, surprised, he saw no magic along the houses and roads, seeming to be trampled over the magic that should have gone up.


    As he stood there, Norbert wondered if the damage they were causing to the spell that did whatever with the lava was the thing that needed spring cleaning. Staring at both sides of the cavern, Norbert saw the lava river pass through going along down the passage.


    Shaking his head, Norbert didn''t know what to think, moving further back as another blob was lobbed at him. Seeing the lava appearing out from the rock wall as it disappeared on the other side.


    Stepping back to Hyeon, Norbert continued up the path, the heat getting to him as he descended the ladder. Closing the trap door, the heat instantly stopped; Norbert sighed in relief, flapping his hand in front of his face.


    "Time to do that all over again", Norbert said, walking up the stairs and around in circles.


    Walking to the top, Norbert looked out, about a quarter on one side. He looked both ways, seeing more dots above. Looking further ahead, Norbert started his way across. "Hey, Hyeon, how fast can you run?" Norbert asked as he started increasing his pace.

 Chapter 117 Up in Smoke

    Standing at one of the hills with the door, Norbert turned around, seeing Hyeon puffing in the distance as she ran, catching up. Norbert shook his head. "We''re going to need to figure something out, or else this entire plan is stuffed", Norbert said, surprised when a single mote of light appeared.


    Growling to himself with the confirmation, not wanting to deal with another issue. Wondering why Hyeon didn''t just transport herself with her shadow. Sitting down, Norbert waited for her to come; if she couldn''t transport herself, she should have been able to stop him from running so far ahead.


    Hyeon coming to him, started slowing down to a walk, breathing heavily after her run. Norbert turning his head to the side, asked, "Have you had any elixirs?"


    Hyeon just gave him an odd look, wondering what he was on about. Getting to his feet, replying to himself, "Never mind."


    Opening the door, Norbert looked, this one different from the two prison chambers he found himself in. Hearing steam blowing out of something, Norbert slowly descended the stairs. Surprised at what he was seeing.


    "Did you have any idea of this?" Norbert asked, having stumbled upon a mad scientist''s chemistry lab. This entire room had only one floor, down a spiral staircase to the bottom. Near the stairs, he spotted the usual wooden trap door leading down. What was in the rest of the room caught his attention, though.


    Tables set up everywhere, a sea of glass on them. They were connecting glasses and beakers over tables with glass tubes. Staring at it all as steam was formed in some places, liquids chilled in others, solids going to liquids and gasses back to solids. Magic circles were everywhere under beakers, and frost was forming on tables in some areas.


    Standing still, Norbert stared back at Hyeon''s jaw open¡ªthere was no movement between there. Norbert went to the trap door, not wanting to disturb whatever was happening. Opening the door, the heat buffeted up, this time feeling hotter than before.


    Staring down, he saw it was the same chute as before; kicking the trap door open, Norbert started climbing down the ladder, hoping the extra heat wouldn''t ruin any experiments above for whoever was there.


    At the bottom, Norbert walked off to the side of the overhang again, seeing this cave was similar to before. As he looked down, he nodded, ticking one thing off his list of tasks to do. Staring down, Norbert saw a pool of lava bubbling up. Flecks of the liquid shoot up far into the sky and splatter around. Around the pool was a larger town than before, the lava creatures hanging around it.


    The same stone material is seen before, black against it. Norbert wondered what it was made of for some lava creatures to survive. Looking around the cavern, Norbert saw the pool form off into a river, flowing to the left-hand side. Nodding his head, confirming his thoughts, Norbert returned up the ladder again, shouting for Hyeon to climb.


    Once in the lab, no longer sweating, he stared at the room, not seeing anyone else there. Wanting to leave before he disturbed something by accident and caused a reaction that would get him in even more trouble, Norbert made his way up the spiral staircase, making it to the top and stopping with the sun on his face.


    The door closed behind him as Hyeon stared, feeling the coins by his side. Norbert turned to her. "So, know where we can get something for the heat?" Norbert asked her.


    "No", Hyeon replied dryly, coughing slightly as her mouth was parched.


    Shaking his head, Norbert started walking off to the ravine''s side, hoping to find a shop to serve his purposes.


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    ***


    After hours of searching, Norbert found nothing to assist him with the extreme heat. Having run back and forth multiple times, things that were supposed to help did, but not for the amount of heat the lava beings generated.


    Having tried armour, potions, shelters even buckets of water, it all failed too close before he could make it there. Going with the backup plan of taking as many items as possible, Norbert looked for items they would need.


    Having two backpacks, Norbert held torches, ropes, potions for healing, mana, and other odds and ends. Having been told the potions and where to buy them from Hyeon, when walking in, the shop attendant smiled as they entered.


    The potions had significantly hit his current funds, and he did not want to return to the casino after going so quickly there, not knowing when Elizabeth''s kindness would end and if he would ever need something else from her.


    The sun setting again, Norbert turned to Hyeon. "Do you need to sleep?" He asked her.


    Seeing her yawn in response as she tried to protest, Norbert just shook his head; not taking anything else, he went across the bridge, not needing to pay anything, with Hyeon following him.


    Turning left to be on the other side, Norbert walked along, heading to a familiar place. Stopping once more in front of a thin building nestled between two larger ones, Norbert smiled as he looked at the sign. Unable to read it but recognising the graphic of the Bursting Barrel, he opened the door.


    "Hey Krrrasna, I didn''t expect to be back so soon, but I will need a room for the next five nights," Norbert said as he walked to the cat man at the waiting desk.


    "Well, of course, any room in particular for you?" Krrrasna asked Norbert.


    A thought came to him. "Would you have the room we went in before, the one on the left on the third floor?" Norbert asked.


    "Well, of course, that can be arranged", he replied, bending behind the desk and looking for the appropriate keys.


    Norbert waited as two keys were produced. Norbert thanked him as he placed several silver on the counter, remembering the cost from last time.


    Krrrasna pushed the coins back. "Oh no, for you, no charge", he insisted. Norbert just shook his head as he left them.


    "You''ve helped out a stranger; it''s the least I can do. Also, is there somewhere we can eat a good meal?" Norbert asked, walking past the coins on the desk; no reason to collect them.


    "Yes, you''re just in time. You can go to the fifth floor and say it''s on the house. And I insist," Krrrasna responded. Norbert just nodded, not wanting to argue with them about free food. Waving and saying thanks, Norbert made his way up the stairs, reaching the third floor. He walked there, spinning the key on its ring around his finger.


    Reaching the end of the hall, Norbert turned to the left, placing the key in the hole and twisting it. Hearing it click unlocked, he opened the wooden door, hearing it squeak as he opened the vision of Dousan, Azalea, Macky and Rachel sitting there and welcoming him in, ready to plan their heist.


    As he stepped in, their image faded, replaced with a dark room overlooking a city street. Taking his pack off, Norbert left it by the door; taking his sword off, he leaned it against the window as he sat on the frame, looking out at the city below.


    Hyeon walking in, just stared at the room, seeing it empty and with no bed. Turning to Norbert, "Going to get some food? Coming to join me?" she asked.


    "In a minute, meet you up on the fifth floor", Norbert said in a distant voice, looking down at the street. Hyeon bowed slightly as she closed the door, Norbert hearing it creak again. Taking a rattling breath, he looked down at the bridge currently under repairs, the one he destroyed only days before.


    With Hyeon gone, it would be easy for him to lie out like nothing ever happened and escape. He had coins and supplies, enough for him to get to the village and find the next place his company had gone to, chasing after them and continuing his adventures.


    As he stared at the construction happening, wondering if any innocents had risked their life doing the stunt he did. He was sighing, having wasted enough time lamenting what could have been. If his expedition had never been captured, any of this would have happened.


    Standing up and groaning like an old man feeling his age, "Am I even meant to be here?" Norbert asked the empty room. Their eyes closed as he shook his head, not wanting to see a response from Luck. "If I weren''t meant to be here, I would have died falling into the forest. Time to roll my socks up and sort this mess out," Norbert told himself. Clapping his hands on his face to wake himself up, he opened the door.


    Eyes meeting Hyeon''s as she stared at him. Stepping back, she started walking to the stairs. Norbert closed and locked the door behind him, asking, "How much did you hear?" He asked.


    Hyeon replied, "Good to hear you''re not a complete beast."

 Chapter 118 A Dinner among Earthlings

    Ordering some alcoholic drinks while Hyeon ate some meat dish with sauce in front of him. Looking around the establishment, nobody else was there; Norbert wondered where everyone else could be before dismissing it, a useless thought.


    ¡°So, do you know where you received the mark?¡± Norbert asked Hyeon, sitting at the opposite end of the table.


    Shaking her head, she began to explain her story, having appeared in the middle of a village up north, falling into a river and going through it, explicitly cushioning her fall. Once there and waterlogged, she made her way there, where she was apprehended, and knocked out, only to wake up with the mark on her wrist, on a train to Vesivan, where she has stayed since assisting Tashen.


    Nodding along, Norbert asked about her powers and how she received them. She said she didn¡¯t know how and just picked up when falling in the river, cushioning her fall slightly. The last thing Norbert asked was what she saw between the jumps, hearing she saw only darkness before she was back on Earth.


    Tapping his chin, Norbert leaned back, wondering if there was anything she wasn¡¯t telling him. Wishing he could get in contact with Elizabeth or Sally to confirm the information about not having a god following you.


    Shaking his head, Norbert told his adventures so far, the forest and how he received his powers from the drink and going with the Frontier pushing back monsters and drinking elixirs. By this point, the meal had been finished, and the two were sipping drinks as they chatted idly.


    Finishing, the two went back to their room. With the door creaking shut behind Norbert, confirming the backpacks of items still there, Norbert sat on the window sill, seeing Hyeon curl up and sleep.


    The idea that she might know how she received the mark failing; taking a coin, Norbert flicked it in the air; not liking how it felt, he put it back, hoping he could pick up his stuff and the extra coin he had.


    Waiting for Hyeon to sleep, Norbert took out one of his daggers instead, flicking it into the air. ¡°Hey, Luck,¡± Norbert said, looking out the reflection and whispering his words not to wake his roommate. ¡°Do people jump across without being a champion of a god or whatever?¡± Norbert asked.


    Staring outside and seeing a single mote of light appear, zipping around, Norbert nodded. Wondering how Hyeon didn¡¯t say anything, wondering if that was why she had the power.


    ¡°Then does that mean they have assistance through other means instead?¡± Norbert asked. Thinking about all that he had been through, the difficulty he had even with a bit of luck. The single mote of light still staying there. Norbert nodded his understanding, probably how she could use that darkness barrier; I guess it was something like an ability he was told of in scout camp.


    He was staring at Hyeon lying there, stomach rising and falling while dread pitted in his own. Changing his vision to magic, Norbert stared at her and the mark on her arm. The usual glow of her body was darkened around the tattoo, and she could see it perfectly, even under the clothes. Confirming it didn¡¯t reach anywhere in her body, the only way forward Norbert began wondering for an escape, knowing that he was somehow being monitored here.


    Ticking off the options of escaping, Norbert thought about using the lava lakes. Needing to try again tomorrow and find something to use to get close enough; otherwise, he would be left with option C. But as he sat there, staring at her sleeping form, Norbert thought about plan D, leaving her behind and making out alone.


    He was shaking his head, dismissing the thought as quickly as it came. He agreed that he would stick with her as long as she did him; they were partners for now. And having someone that could stop him so thoroughly was a benefit¡ªnot wanting to imagine the annoyance she could cause himself later on.


    Flicking the dagger in the air again, Norbert caught it, waiting for the night to end and the day to begin, a new day to come and new changes awaiting them.


    ***


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    Once more, sitting on the ledge, Norbert waited for Hyeon to fall asleep. The day was spent exploring the caves underneath and around it, drawing what he could of the spell formations inside, knowing he wasn¡¯t doing an excellent job but trying his best anyway.


    Trying combinations of items, positions and dunking themselves in liquids at the same time only allowed Norbert to stray near the lava, and only for a short time. After one use, the positions wear off, and the equipment burns out. That didn¡¯t include all the lava there.


    He was annoyed at the task Tashen had given him, not wanting to see what would happen if he failed, no clause of such was instilled and shivering at the thought of having a tattoo and being locked away in this volcano for who knows how long and possibly never seeing Obsius again. Norbert shook his head at the thought.


    Waiting for the time to go and for the night to lengthen, Norbert slowly unsheathed his sword, making sure not to make a sound as it came out. Rolling up Hyeon¡¯s sleeve Norbert slowly moved it away from her body. Resting it up in the air, Norbert brought the sword up before slashing down with all his might.


    As the blade sliced through, not a sound came out of Hyeon. Norbert instinctively covered her mouth. He just stared as she looked back at him, only a handful of tears going down her face. Getting a bandage, he quickly tightened around the arm, just where the elbow was, applying pressure to stop the bleeding.


    Taking out a healing potion, Norbert brought it to her lips, and Hyeon gulped it down as quickly as possible. Norbert looked around, knowing he was on a time limit until something terrible happened. There was no way someone like Tashen, from what Hyeon had told him, wouldn¡¯t have contingencies.


    Placing his backpack on the front, Norbert put on Hyeon¡¯s own, being careful of the arm. He placed her on his back, knowing that speed would be crucial and wanting to stop it as quickly as possible; having Hyeon running around wouldn¡¯t help.


    Walking down the stairs, Norbert took the arm with him, holding it in his hands as he went, wanting to dispose of it somewhere it couldn¡¯t get tracked back to them, knowing there must have been some compulsion or something like that. And it wouldn¡¯t help with re-attaching as by then it would be days and start to smell anyway.


    Dropping both of his keys off, Norbert left a handful of silver coins on the front desk, Norbert knowing that Krrrasna would know it was from him. Nodding as he left, Norbert hoped he wouldn¡¯t get in trouble for housing runaways.


    As Norbert hit the street, he looked around, seeing people stare at him at what he was doing. Knowing he looked suspicious, Norbert tore down the street, getting away from the ravine and into the poorer section of the city.


    Rushing out of the city, Norbert hit the fields; at this time, nobody was around them now; cutting to the left, Norbert headed in the direction the pay drop should be, hoping someone had left him some items.


    Running up the crater hill, Norbert slid down the other side, slowing down as he looked around, trying to find the two trees leaning together with the mark on them. Changing his vision the world became greys in the dark, the moon coming and going behind the clouds as he silently crept around.


    Ears perched, Norbert pushed a bit of energy into them and his sight, not wanting to miss anything, being sight or sound. Quietly walking through the scrub, Norbert backed over and re-traced it. After walking around the area three times over he spotted it, the mark on it.


    Leaning forward Norbert saw the ground disturbed here, starting to dig Norbert kept on going, stopping when he found a backpack. Opening it up, Norbert found a note inside, wrapped up and protected. Taking his glove off, Norbert forced energy into his palm, reading off the purple light.


    ¡°We made it out. Heading back to the gate. Go over the mountain. Compass for directions¡± Was what Norbert could read of the message, a start and an end that he couldn¡¯t read. Moving further in the bag, Norbert felt a small metal object. Feeling the buttons on the side, Norbert brought his hand over it; clicking them, Norbert saw only the first one changed directions, the other one would stay fixed wherever he pointed it.


    Clicking the first one, hoping it was pointing at the expedition Norbert saw it was in the direction of the mountains, pointing a bit to the right of the train track on his left. Probably having taken the train all the way to the mountain Norbert assumed they went off before hand, either finding a passage through or over the mountain range.


    Holding it in his hand Norbert put the glove back on, covering the hole again as he took the bag that the letter came in. Staring at the moon, Norbert was happy that nothing had gone wrong with their escape. Running in the night, Norbert was happy that he had his sleep before departing, not wanting to stop until they were on the other side of the mountain range, remembering what happened last time he took it slow.


    ***


    Tashen stared at the symbol, no longer shining light. Smiling to herself, she continued with her paperwork. Happy that the human was finally out of her hands. Now it wasn¡¯t her fault when the king came to collect her. The woman having quite deftly slipped through her clutches.


    Taking a sip of tea, she looked at the rest of her paperwork, now this entire fiasco having wrapped itself up quite nicely. The only thing that could stop it was Arzlan. But he would be distracted by the tournament coming up soon. Now, how many more people would she need?

 Chapter 119 A Successful Operation

    Days later, the mountain range now showing on the horizon. Norbert continued running forward, not wanting to stop until he was on the other side. Flashbacks of the night of everyone being captured flashed through his mind.


    Burning more energy within himself, Norbert knew if he stopped now, he would comatose himself, knowing he would need to start weening himself off the energy soon to allow his body to accommodate again for the next push required over the plains.


    Gazing at the compass, Norbert confirmed he was still heading in the right direction. A groan from his passenger of her waking up, knowing she was now going in and out of sleep. Slowing down to a stop, Norbert looked at her bandaged arm, thankful it had not been infected with something next. Head spinning at what types of diseases you could catch over here.


    Picking her back up, Norbert went across the land; there were no more roads for him to go on where he was. Happy for the lack of civilisation would mean less chance of him bumping into someone unexpectedly.


    With the sun going down for the day, Norbert started to look up to see where next to step. Happy that he was finally at the mountain range, he looked to the tips, confirming no snow on the top not wearing the proper gear for anything cold anyway. The only thing he needed to find now was a path over it. He was not looking forward to climbing an entire mountain to reach the other side.


    ***


    Looking down at the two sides, Norbert sighed, unable to find a path. The view of the marshes on one side with the train track and the ravine on the other with the plains was a sight. Sitting down, he took Hyeon off his back, taking some food out and allowing her to have dinner as he stared at the plains, the wind pushing the grass around creating patters for the gods and birds.


    Looking over, Norbert tried to find his expedition out there, gazing over Norbert focused his magic on his eyes, the colours popping out now. Staring at the ground squinting far beneath him, Norbert followed across the ridge, trying to pick up anything from his vantage point.


    Gazing along, Norbert only spotted the trees, nothing else rising off the planes. Norbert twiddled his fingers, hearing Hyeon munching on a biscuit beside him, unable to see the village he came from. Taking out the compass, Norbert saw that it was not pointing at the ravine but a bit to the right. The group has gone straight to the village, crossing the plains and not caring about the ravine.


    Looking up in that direction, Norbert could still not see his expedition. Whistling a tune, Norbert put it back as he stood up, walking to the other side to look down at the marshes on the other side.


    Confirming that nobody was still chasing after them, happy at not seeing a swarm of creatures tearing across the landscape, Norbert sat beside Hyeon. After chopping her arm off, she had grown quiet, sinking into herself. Staring at her while she finished her biscuit, she reached out for the bag with her left hand, only to stop when the bag didn''t open. Finishing the biscuit, she reached over with her right, taking a water skin out and washing her throat.


    She turned to look at him, Norbert turning away, knowing it was rude to stare when he was the one that caused it. She reached down to her feet, picked up the bag, and placed it on her back. Not a word between them said as Norbert also stood up, placing his backpack on the front as Hyeon climbed on his back.


    As they climbed the mountain, Norbert mostly ran as much as possible. Sliding down the mountainside, streams of rock fell around his Head Norbert listened as much as he could, careful not to stop in case a rock came for their heads.


    Looking off to the left, Norbert saw the dam come into view. Chuckling at the sight, Norbert looked at the setting sun, cursing to himself for being caught out in the open, now remembering the bats that caused this entire situation in the first place.


    Looking out over the sky, Norbert shouted to Hyeon over the wind, "Can you make a barrier over us out of darkness? I don''t want the bats to see us when they come out."


    Hearing a pat on his neck in confirmation, Norbert quickly looked up, confirming a barrier above himself, now unable to see the stars above. Throughout the night, Norbert continued running, not seeing any bats. Hyeon went to sleep, the barrier above stopping. As Norbert looked at the stars, feeling like the sun would rise, he stopped at the next tree.


    He was climbing up; he positioned Hyeon so she could continue to sleep. On a branch of his own, Norbert dangled one leg off the side; closing his eyes, Norbert fell asleep, hoping he could find a way to get Hyeon a new arm she could still use when on Earth.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ***


    Cheering in success, Norbert looked ahead, the compass confirming the dots he could see was his expedition, surprised at how quickly he could catch up compared to his time before. Remembering all the elixirs he recently had when in Vesivan.


    Smiling, Norbert poured on the speed, wanting the last leg of the journey to be over with. The wind blowing through his hair Norbert sped the last bit. He was only slowing down with a skid, slanting over as he smashed through the grass of the plains. He was walking the last hundred meters as his party stopped to see the commotion he was making.


    Hyeon, now off his back and walking by his side, Norbert swapped his backpack around to the more comfortable position. Smiling, he waved at the group, shouting his lungs out as he called out for them to stop and having received their note.


    When the two were just a few meters apart, Norbert stopped a clear line dividing the two. Dousan at the front just looked at him. Raising his hand in the air, making the sign of the Frontier, Norbert copied the sign.


    "Scout returning, and boy did I find some stuff out," Norbert told Dousan.


    Dobert''s and Mathaos''s Heads poked out from the crowd as they pushed through, coins exchanging hands. "Knew he would bring someone back a bonus for being a woman. Hey, everyone pays up, looks like I''m going out tonight." Mathews said.


    Norbert just stared at them, not believing what was being said. "You guys bet on me for bringing back a woman?" Norbert was bewildered by the statement.


    "But of course, we all can''t go in and rake dry an entire casino of gold whenever we like," Mathews replied.


    Hyeon stepped back. "How many times have you brought women back?" she asked him, a look of suspicion on her face.


    "Never brought anyone back", Norbert replied quickly, trying to remember if he had but ticking off that they didn''t know about Luck, so still nobody yet.


    Dousan clapped his hands, "We can continue the discussion while we move. We''re close to town, about a day or two left, then we can all rest!" he shouted over the group, everyone turning around and starting to head back, no partnering back up.


    As Norbert started to walk, Dousan dropped out, walking separately from everyone else. "So, want to explain what happened to you for the past week?" Dousan asked, raising an eyebrow at Hyeon.


    Clearing his throat, Norbert explained what had happened, with the fight with Arzlan and being unable to escape, thanks to Hyeon. To waking up in prison and teaming up with Hyeon, looking at the magma river below and the last final dash with Hyeon missing her arm.


    In the end, she unwrapped her bandage, Norbert looking at the cut, the flesh covering it, his stomach queasy at the thought of what he did.


    "Mackey, come here for a sec!" Dousan shouted out. Coming out of the group, Norbert saw Mackey walking towards them, smiling that he seemed fine as Norbert waved to the healer.


    Stopping, he was shown Hyeon''s arm; hearing him breathe in, he held his arm out over her. A magic circle appeared over the stump as he chanted out. After several moments he stopped Norbert, hearing Hyeon''s stomach rumble.


    Giving a thumbs up, he started jogging with the group. "This can come back, but it will take some time. It would be better if we still had the limb, but what can you do." Looking at Hyeon like a doctor giving orders, "Come meet me before breakfast and dinner, I''ll give you a top-up, and it will eventually come back. Will take a couple of weeks to come back fully."


    Norbert was amazed at what he heard, able to grow back limbs just like that; man magic sure was handy. Though remembering what had happened to him and how quickly he recovered, at least he was happy that limbs could come back. Instead, he would have to go on a quest to find a replacement.


    Hyeon looked bewildered. "No way to increase the time?" She asked him. Mackey shook his head. "We can go faster, but it will have consequences like malnutrition and the arm not working properly in the long term. That''s the fastest we could do. Unless you''ve had any elixirs for vitality?" he asked her.


    Receiving a shake of her head in response, Mackey just nodded. "Well, I guess that''s all for now. I''ll head back to the front and leave it with you." Mackey said as he sped up a bit, not wanting to be near when the decision was made.


    "So Hyeon was it. Any plans so far?" He asked her.


    Hyeon just shrugged her shoulders. "Not really, just wanted to get out of there. Just going with the flow and get back at those that locked me up." She replied Norbert, seeing her fist scrunch up as she thought about her plans.


    "Care to show me this shadow barrier that slowed down this elixir junkie here?" Dousan asked.


    Raising her right hand, she made a ball of darkness appear. Zipping out of her hand, it went around the group as she made it increase and decrease in size before it disappeared. Dousan quizzed her on how it worked as he looked around, smiling more prominent and significant.


    "You''re going to be able to make quite a pretty penny with that ability alone. Does it still allow you to use magic normally?" Dousan asked as he pointed his Head in Norbert''s direction.


    "Hey, I can still hear you, you know", Norbert replied, dialling up the annoyance of Dousan.


    "To answer before being rudely interrupted, Dousan, I can still use magic. Though wasn''t taught any spells and mostly used to charge up any devices Tashen needed," She replied curtly.


    Dousan just nodded his head. "Well, like I said, you can go out and do stuff. But before doing that, the Frontier would like to ask you some questions officially." He said as he paused, watching Hyeon for a reaction. "It won''t be anything bad; someone here can watch over you if you want. You''re a free woman now. Enjoy it," Dousan finished, as he started running and going around the group, going to the front.


    Hyeon just looked down at her stump, a tear on her face. "Thank you," she said to Norbert. Nodding his response, the two of them ran in silence together, the rest of the group giving the two of them some time alone. Sadly Norbert knew it wouldn''t last when the group stopped; he prepared himself to be overwhelmed with questions.

 Chapter 120 A New Day

    Norbert stuck back away from the group, knowing that if he entered the thick of it now, he would be explaining his story over and over again countless times. Better to get it all over and done with at night when they were all together and at least present it properly and as dramatically as possible.


    So Norbert stayed back from the others, frowning as the sun slowly set on the horizon. He was being told to slow down by Dousan, heading to a tree for the night to take shelter. Everyone started to go around the base preparing their rolls for the night. Norbert just looked at the tree branch and climbed onto it, the closest one to the bottom, as he looked down at everyone.


    Occasionally he would receive looks from people, Norbert knowing that they were all waiting expectantly, or at least the scouts were. Over the run, murmurings between them have said about what he had accomplished while over there.


    Finally, with everyone''s bedding arranged for the night, they opened their packs for their food, Norbert wondering where they were storing it all. They probably raided a town like they did on the way there. However, this food did not seem to put people to sleep.


    As they all munched away, Norbert cleared his throat, everyone staring at him. Now looking down at them, Norbert saw the scouts the closest to him, the further back the other parties were with the leaders of each in their little huddle.


    With everyone quiet, Norbert waited, hearing the wind rustle across the plains. Wondering how long it would take before someone said anything. A minute he crawled by as everyone waited patiently.


    Clearing his voice again, Norbert opened his mouth. "Ok, that''s enough of me being annoying for one day. What''s the bit you want to catch up on?" Norbert asked, not knowing if Dousan and the others had shared their story.


    A voice from the crowd shouted, "When you saw the dam!"


    Norbert just nodded. "When I saw the dam that came out of nowhere, I wanted to see what was on the other side. Now, instead of being a sane person and going around and climbing the mountain, I had the bright idea of climbing over the dam. With no gear to rappel it, I smashed my hands into the structure, creating hand and foot holds. Then¡­¡± Norbert continued with his story, glossing over parts that he was with the others, as they had already been notified of this from them.


    He was slowing down and explaining the caves underneath it, the mages in blue peaking up at it. Rummaging around in his backpack Norbert pulled out his journal that he made of all the magic there. "Here you go, look at it yourself; the colour was blue and super-hot down there, too." Norbert continued the story and finished with them looking out at the horizon on the top of the mountain.


    "And then I just slid down the mountain and went over here. Nice and easy," Norbert finished. The others just stared in silence. I was waiting to see if there was any more.


    "That''s it?" someone said.


    "Well, I''m sorry. How about next time you have a tussle with Arzlan!" Norbert shouted back as he stayed on his branch. "Now, isn''t it all your bedtime? After having some food, aren''t you all sleepy?" Norbert said, acting like a child.


    The others around him just waved him off, entering their sleeping arrangements and preparing for the night. Norbert stayed up in his branch as they all started going to sleep. As the minutes passed and the sounds of people sleeping filled the night, Norbert looked out at the plains.


    "And once again, I watch over the night alone." A single mote of light hitting into his head. "Well, I guess I''m not alone. Even though it should be two there Luck and not one, you cheeky thing." Norbert finished, flicking the second light as it appeared, watching it spin around under the night. The second one chased after it as Norbert watched them play.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Watching over the group, Norbert did a count in the night, seeing fewer people here than last they checked on the marshes. Knowing there must have been more deaths in the group, Norbert sat back and waited silently, mourning the loss.


    As he breathed a shaky breath, at least this time, he knew he had tried everything he could. There wasn''t anything else he could have done that would have saved lives than what he did at this time. Happy with a reasonable effort and everyone back, Norbert took out his original purse, happy to have the coin back again.


    Norbert caught it into the air as he hummed to himself, not wanting to whistle and disturb anyone.


    ***


    Norbert opened his eyes, feeling the branch move underneath him. Pulling themselves up, Norbert saw it was Martitia as she flipped herself over and sat on the branch, dangling her feet in the air as she looked across out at the plains as well.


    "So, what did you come up all this way for?" Norbert asked her as he started flipping the coin in the air.


    "Nothing. I just wanted to see how you were going. You were out alone again for some time." She said, turning to Norbert.


    Norbert looking past her at the horizon, not wanting to make eye contact, just shrugged his shoulders. "Comes with the job, not like there is anything bad that comes along with it", Norbert said as he continued to flick the coin.


    "Ok, I just wanted to do a quick check-up on you. If there isn''t anything to say, I''m glad to hear. And if you ever need a shoulder to lean on, then we are all here." She said. She picked herself up and was about to take her feet onto the ground.


    "By the way, were you ever told what the hand sign of the Frontier is supposed to mean?" Norbert just shook his head, thinking he might have told it before but having forgotten ten. Little details like that slipped his mind with everything he had been dealing with recently.


    Martial made a fist with the finger pointing up and the thumb behind it. "In this, you are the finger, standing high and proud." She said, wiggling her index finger. "Now, if you get pushed or broken down", she said, pushing the finger down but stopped by the thumb from bending all the way. "Then the others behind you will prop you back up and keep you standing tall." She finished, her index finger flicking back up and standing high again.


    Norbert nodded as Martitia continued, "Even though you might feel like you have everyone on your shoulders, you don''t. We all support each other in our little ways. The group is more than the sum of your parts." She finished.


    Spinning around, facing the other way, she continued, "Take Hyeon and Arzlan, the battle you had with them, for example. Most everyone here would not be able to take on Arzlan at all. Getting demolished almost instantly, and if not, then in a minute for the rest. However, you could stand tall and hold him off long enough. Longer, actually than was needed for the plan." She said.


    "However, with Hyeon there, you were a sitting duck. Having a look, you know that most of everyone else could get past her barrier, especially the mages if you know how to run the interference correctly," She added.


    Norbert just stared at her. "So you''re telling me it was that simple to get through?" Norbert said, bewildered.


    "Oh yes, with her training, it would get more difficult to dissipate, but that''s the fundamentals of it is simple enough." Martitia responded, nodding her head in thought.


    Norbert just shook his head. "Guess I''ll keep what you said in mind then, Martitia. And thanks for coming up here." Norbert said.


    Martitia leaning towards him patted him on the back before dropping onto the ground. "Time for this lousy lot to get up and start a new day. Isn''t that right, Norbert!" shouting the last bit and hearing groaning from all around as tents started to stir.


    He was laughing, remembering when Lily did the same back at training. "Oh, that brings me back. And I do believe it is time to get up!" Norbert shouted, seeing the sun start to come up on the horizon. As the grumbling continued taking a piece of biscuit out to eat, the complex food was still not eaten through and getting old.


    As he looked around, he saw Hyeon sitting next to Mackey, a circle appearing as the two talked with something in her mouth. Norbert left the two to her healing, hoping she could have her arm back good as new before she jumped over to Earth again. Standing at the edge of the camp, Norbert bent down, took a blade of grass and started to fold it against itself.


    A new day was here.

 Chapter 121 Reunion

    Norbert stayed with the group, everyone having enough food that he wasn''t required to make any runs to the village for supplies. Thankful that he could chill out for some time, Norbert talked and chatted with those he hadn''t seen in ages. He hadn''t talked to any of these people in months between the drop-offs for the supplies, the capture and the re-capture. Not even including the time he was back on Earth.


    As the next day came about, the sun high in the sky, Norbert saw the village on the plains. Surprised that it seemed to appear out of nowhere, popping out of the grass suddenly. Word quickly spread of the settlement and how close they finally were. With one last push, the pace sped up, going from a jog into a run, Norbert still maintaining it with ease.


    Staying with the group, details of the village were now popping up. Thankfully the raptors hadn''t attacked it recently, or at least not on the large scale they did before. Seeing the walls on the outside were now fully repaired, with no holes or boarding up that was patched on later.


    Dousan in the front called out to the guards by the gate, receiving a wave in return and a shout throughout the town. As Norbert passed through the gates with everyone else, he was happy to see that the inside was in the same state as the walls.


    The conversation around him from the villagers started to crawl out of the woodworks and wave to them for their return. Norbert is not listening to any of the voices he is saying, only looking ahead to the centre of the village.


    As they continued forward as one, Norbert spotted what he was looking for. There next to the gate, stood the Traveller, standing there and looking as ominous as always. What broke up the image was the little bird sitting on the man''s head.


    Unable to stop himself from smiling, Norbert waved at the two standing there. Seeing the bird flap off the Traveller''s head Norbert watched as it zoomed towards him faster than he ever saw it move. Smashing into his head, nearly taking him off his feet, Norbert cupped the bird and rested it on his finger.


    "Hey, Obsius, long time no see. Where have you been all this time?" Norbert said, unable to hold back the grin on his face.


    The bird flapping their wings and ruffling their black feathers, landing on his shoulder as he received a peck. "Owww!" Norbert yelped in surprise, covering his neck with his hand. "That wasn''t very nice. You need to learn to take a joke, or you won''t find anyone else and just be stuck with me." Norbert said, placing his hands on his hips.


    By now, people had started staring at the interaction between them. Out of the crowd, Hyeon stood next to him. "Didn''t know you could speak to animals?" She asked, as she tilted her head and placed her finger out, trying to pet Obsius.


    "Oh, I picked Obsius here up in a forest. Has been following me ever since. And I cannot speak to animals. Just guessing what she''s saying is all," Norbert said. Stopping still, he smashed his palm to his forehead. "So that''s the other time Dobert was referring to. How did they know you were a girl?" Norbert asked Obsius.


    Receiving a jab again in response as the bird chirped, Norbert just nodded. "Yes, as you said before, it is quite obvious. I must have hit my head too many times. And for your information, it isn''t like that between us. I''m not some walking chick magnet." Norbert said definitively, ending the conversation there.


    Hyeon just stared, not knowing what to say next¡ªhearing the bird twitter in Norbert''s ear. When the bird stopped, she opened her mouth before Norbert interrupted, "Don''t say that. What if others heard even though it is true about her." Norbert said, looking around them to see where the Traveller was.


    Aghast now at what they were saying, "You better not be saying things behind my back. And faking that you can talk to a bird. Hrrumph", she said at the end before walking past him.


    The bird tweeted, "Yeah, she''s like that. Though I chopped her arm off, I''ll give her a pass for acting like that with me." Norbert said, eyes trailing after her as she walked through the crowd. Now at the back, Norbert started to speed up again, not wanting to be left behind.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    As he saw Dousan wave to the village before he entered the portal already in the gate, the Traveller somehow knew they were coming ahead. As Norbert slowly made his way to the portal, looking over the village now repaired and not a single bit left unnoticed.


    Walking through, seeing the house he had been using as a resting spot several times he had been in. Waving to the villagers he knew, Norbert made his way to the portal. The last one as he gave one final salute as he stepped through, his step elongating in the usual fashion of the portal.


    The sound instantly hit him. Gone was he from nature, and now in the hustle and bustle of a city. Remembering the times he spent there now gone, Norbert followed Dousan as they made their way to the restroom.


    Entering and looking the same as before, once more empty except for the barkeeper behind the bar, Norbert sat at one of the round wooden tables. He looked around as everyone else took a seat, now seeing the people missing. Everyone was closer, remembering people''s faces when he entered this room.


    Looking at them and their risk, he remembered the village they just saved from destruction. Even if it was just a tiny bit, he was helping people. They all were.


    "Due to the nature of the last venture, which resulted in us being captured, we must brief the organisation on what happened and what we know. Just wait here until someone comes to call you out when you will follow. After asking the questions, you will be free for the next week. Please contact your leaders of each section to know when we go back out on the field. Now all of you can relax; nobody here is in trouble." Dousan finished.


    Norbert looked around the room, feeling the tenseness of everyone skyrockets instantly. Butterflies in his stomach Norbert just sat there, silent as he waited for something to happen. His sword now felt heavy on his hip, his purse of coins from both countries even heavier.


    Lost in thought, Norbert didn''t notice as the first few people were called, one after the other¡ªeach person from the expedition was taken by someone different. Norbert wondered how many people they had on reserve that they could send out so many on such short notice.


    Taking out the coin, Norbert started flipping it in the air, trying to calm his nerves as he watched it spin. People from his table were called out one by one. Norbert was still lost in thought, hoping it would be over soon.


    "Norbert." His name echoed across the hall. Norbert shoots up, instinctively catching the coin out of the air and placing it back in his pouch. Standing up, Norbert scooped up Obsius, took his belongings and headed with the person that called his name.


    Following Norbert exited the waiting room, heading off to the side as he went through a door. He felt a portal activate as he found himself in a white room. Reminding him of the first time he had a one-on-one conversation with the person asking him for his background. Now that felt like a lifetime ago.


    Sitting in the chair, he positioned his sword so it wouldn''t be in the way as he tried to get comfortable. Reaching into his backpack Norbert pulled out his card, showing it to the person on the other side.


    Now looking up and getting a good look, Norbert spotted the blonde-haired woman. As he continued staring, he couldn''t help but think he had seen her somewhere before. Unable to stop the question forming on his tongue, "Have I seen you before?" Norbert asked.


    Looking up from the papers she was filling out on her side of the desk, the woman stared at Norbert before frowning. "Please, no personal questions in the room." She said, tapping on the orb next to her. She continued, "You are currently being recorded for use in the future; by continuing to be here, you agree for the recording to be made and viewed by those the Frontier deems appropriate."


    Norbert just stared, shocked by the corporate speech he heard coming out of her mouth. Nodding his head in response, she replied, "Please confirm out loud so it can be recorded" She supplied again.


    "Yes, I am fine with the recording," Norbert said, Obsius on his shoulder tweeting in response.


    The woman nodded. "Firstly, I would like to thank you for your effort in the last expedition. Now please, can you recount what happened? From when you left here to when you returned."


    Norbert just raised an eyebrow at the question, this was going to take some time. Breathing in deeply he began recounting his story.


    ***


    Walking out of the room, after recounting what happened and the details when asked, Norbert was surprised, expecting it to get much more personal. Asking multiple times when Hyeon was involved, he still recounted what happened, their deal, and how they escaped from Mount Vesivan.


    As he walked along the street, heading to Martitias place as he prepared a list of items to get. First, he would need to drop off what he was carrying. Receive his pay for the time spent and then go shopping.


    He might quickly stop by at the casino and say hi to Elizabeth thanking her for the help and letting her know he was out of the thick of it, depending on how much he had left. As Norbert thought for a bit, he decided to stop anyway and would make the time, mainly to let Elizabeth know that he was finally out of the clutches of Arzlan and Taschen. Having


    Whistling, Norbert went down the street, happy to be free and safe for once. Not needing to look over his back if something was trying to stab him.

 Chapter 122 The Familiar Haunt

    Norbert made his way, opening the door and looking at the bar. Happy that it wasn''t locked, he saw the other scouts sitting around. Having a look, it seemed he was the last one to make it here; although the others were still there when he left the waiting room, they somehow made it here first.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert took a seat and sat by the fire to the side of him. Obsius flew off his shoulder and perched on the chandelier, gazing at everyone in the room. Everyone was quiet as they waited, looking at Martitia, her back turned as she was sitting on a bar stool with a drink in hand.


    Downing the glass, she placed it on the table again, the resulting thunk filling the room. Norbert jumped at the sound. He tore his eyes away from the fire; looking at her, Norbert stared, wondering what was happening.


    Turning around, she held a pouch in one hand and a dagger in the other. Norbert stared at the pouch, able to hear the coins inside as she slowly swayed it. Flipping the dagger in her hand, she placed it on the bar table behind her as she opened up and took a coin out, Norbert seeing that it was bronze.


    Holding it up next to her face, she examined it, speaking while staring at the coin. "Two couldn''t make it back for this mission. A moment of silence for those fallen. That they will never be lost from our memory." She said. Everyone bowed their heads for a minute, Norbert following suit. Gazing upwards, seeing that Obsius was doing the same.


    "That means we will be getting two new scouts in the expedition. With it comes a lack of rooms again. We were lucky last time with Norbert, but it might not be the same this time. Any recommendations for boarding?" Martitia asked the group.


    Norbert looked around, seeing nobody else had moved; everyone was looking around. Raising his hand, he said, "I''m all good staying in the common room. I don''t need that much sleep anyway. As long as your good with keeping the chest in your room Martitia?" Norbert asked.


    Receiving a nod in return and everyone breathing easy. Norbert stared out at them, people still looking uneasy about what had happened on the previous run.


    "Now that''s out of the way; the next list on the agenda is pay. We got all the coins since we were out in the wilderness for nearly a quarter cyclical. That means we each got two and a half silver. Now anyone here not want it taken to the casino?" Martitia asked.


    Everyone stared at Norbert; raising his hand, he relented, "Can''t use the same trick as last time, or the owner will tear me a new one. So you will probably get the normal return for what you expect." Norbert said, receiving some grumbles, but the rest nodded in understanding.


    "So, anyone wants to back out?" Martitia asked again. Nobody raised their hand in response. Martitia just nodded before continuing, "We leave in ten rotations. If you want to come tot he casino, be back here; otherwise, I''ll see you all tonight," Martitia said.


    Everyone moving off, Norbert looked in his backpack, changing the order of events he would be doing. Guessing the casino would be the first on his list, then new clothes. Pulling out his ruined clothes, he nodded in response, confirming that he would need more clothing.


    Remembering his mask that was destroyed before, he also added it to the list. Sitting back, Norbert would also get some daggers, wanting to have a spare in case he lost them, as well as some medical equipment and sharpening tools. With his list formed in his mind and the extra coins placed in his trunk, Norbert returned wearing his Frontier gear that didn''t have a hole.


    Wondering if they had a tailor to repair his old garments, he added it to the list. Walking down the stairs, Norbert just saw Martitia down there, nobody else waiting for the time. Sitting down by the bar, Norbert sat with her.


    "Anyone else joining us?" Norbert asked Martitia as he reached behind the bar, took a bottle and a glass, pouring some of the liquid out for himself. Having a taste reminded him of whisky as he added some more before resting the bottle back. Taking a deeper sip, Norbert let the liquid stay in his mouth before swallowing.


    "No, just the two of us. Everyone else left and went to their usual places." She replied, taking another sip of her drink.


    Norbert could smell the alcohol coming off her. "Anything you want to talk about? You seem a bit down lately. Not like I''m grilling you or anything." Norbert explained as he looked at her, not wanting to offend the team leader.


    "Just losing a couple more people, that''s all. Those two had been with us for quite some time, and now, whoosh, gone. At least you have filled up the shoes of the previous role pretty nicely." Downing her drink, she stood up. "But enough about that, it''s time to make some coin so we can all have a lovely deserved break."


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    Norbert downed his just-poured drink, feeling it burn down his through. "Guess we might need to use that trick again and wave out the ire of Elizabeth," Norbert said as he left the tavern with Martitia, standing out on the road. It looked the same as last time. No sign at all of what the team had been through.


    "Any idea how long the break will be until the next one?" Norbert asked as he walked up the street, heading towards the casino.


    "We have at least a week, it could be more, but it won''t be less. From what I''ve heard from Dousan will probably be just one week. More things are wildnow." Martitia replied.


    Norbert nodded in response, thinking about what he would do for the week. Obsius landing on his head, they made their way to the casino. Norbert hoped that Elizabeth wouldn''t be annoyed with him or that he hadn''t been banned.


    ***


    Tying his sword down into its sheath, he made his way up the stairs of the casino to the entrance. Walking past the guards, Norbert nodded to them, happy that this time at least, they didn''t stop him. Walking with Martitia to the kiosk desk Norbert just waited behind her, allowing her to talk with the attendant.


    Norbert just waited and looked around, the place was quiet for now, but he knew it would start to pop off soon if he started to play a show for them. Shaking his head at the thought, knowing it would just lead to trouble for him. Especially as he was unmasked this time, it would lead to many issues.


    The chips in Martitia''s possession, she went to one of the tables and started playing. Norbert just watched behind her and leaned in, giving his thought occasionally. The two of them combined; they slowly racked in the chips, not at the rate he would but much less suspiciously than usual.


    With their chips secured, adding double the amount before Norbert looked to the table playing roulette. Taking Martitia''s shoulder, he pointed her too the table. A conversation continued until she relented, handing the chips over to him.


    "Only two rounds", she responded.


    Norbert just smiled and waved back, saying, "But of course, I don''t want to go against the boss", Norbert replied. Making his way to the table, Norbert asked under his breath, "Hey Luck, one for blue, two for purple. And hide it from others."


    Seeing two motes of light appear, Norbert placed them on purple. The wheel spun. Norbert watched it tensely as he scanned the rest of the room, knowing that each second here was a second he could get caught. Getting given his chips, Norbert looked down again, seeing it was purple.


    Placing all the chips on purple again, Norbert watched as the roulette spun, landing on purple. Happy that it pulled through, Norbert took the chips. Happy that he would now have sixteen extra silver. Not enough for an elixir but enough for some of the items he wanted to get. Just enough, it seemed.


    Meeting back with Martitia, they cashed in the chips, receiving the coins instead. Walking out the door, Norbert looked behind, seeing the stairs open leading to the higher levels, wondering if Elizabeth was there somewhere. He was smiling to himself that he would return with a mask instead. See how many people he could freak out.


    Grinning at the thought, he left the casino, the sun just starting to set in the sky. Remembering the shops from last time, Norbert just followed Martitia back to the inn, knowing they would meet up and it was starting to get late to make it clothes shopping. Adding it to the agenda for the next day.


    Coming back, the coin was divided between everyone. Norbert looked as if they enjoyed a meal together. Norbert chatted with the others as they combined tables, everyone celebrating what they could.


    As people started to pair off and move to other areas, Norbert headed out the door opening. The wind blowing caused everyone to shiver, wondering when winter would come in this land. They did not want to know how cold it could be.


    Everyone left just stared; the others had already left; turning back around, Norbert explained, "Just going to the temples. I''ll be fine out there." Norbert explained.


    As the door shut, he heard a whisper, "Didn''t know he followed anyone." Another voice, Martitia, he believed, responded, "Not a follower exactly, but was sitting outside the Lady Luck fountain last time." She explained.


    Norbert just nodded, heading that way already. As his champion, someone would need to take care of the place. Remembering how the fountain was left last time, all dried up with dirt, he went to the temple section.


    ***


    Arriving at the fountain, Norbert saw it, surprised at what was before him. A small trickle of water came out of the jug, just a constant line. Remembering last time, it was scorched; the bottom section is filled with mud. Scooping it out, Norbert cleaned up the statue more, smiling as he did so.


    Standing on the rim of the fountain edge, Norbert looked at Luck''s face set in stone. "Can''t believe its, you." Norbert said, still unable to get around the fact. Hopping back down, Norbert looked over his shoulder, seeing that nobody else was in the temple, or at least in this section.


    Facing the statue, Norbert put both feet in the fountain, hearing them splash in the water. Closing his eyes, Norbert covered his face with his hands as his elbows rested on his knees. "It''s nice not being alone, isn''t it," Norbert said.


    Feeling a hand on his shoulder as a body leaned against his. Her smell engulfed him, Norbert knowing precisely who it was. Not wanting to move or else she disappeared, Norbert just stayed still. Eyes in his hands, Norbert leaned slightly, the two of them happy with their company. Feeling a flap on his head, Norbert knew Obsius had flown away somewhere, knowing the bird would be fine.


    "It is", Luck replied.


    ***


    "See, I knew he was good," Lily told Sally. Sally snorted in response before Lily continued, "But he sure has had a lot of elixirs. But other than that, can we trust him?" Lily asked Sally.


    Nodding in response, she flipped the papers to herself, seeing the recount of what happened, surprised herself that Tashen let them get away. The history she had with her wouldn''t have thought otherwise with the cat-woman. "He''s trustworthy; I don''t know about this Hyeon, though," Sally said.


    "Yeah, and what a weird name. Wonder where she comes from." Lily replied.


    Sally, just nodding in response, smiled. "Well, at least we have one good candidate for the tournament. Let''s hope he can do Morenas proud." She replied. Lily nodded in response, whispering, "Knew he would be a good one."

 Chapter 123 Shopping

    With the sun rising, Norbert made his way back to the inn. Obsius returned from her flight during the night, getting annoyed when she found Norbert still sitting there and unable to return to the inn when it was still dark outside. Sitting on Norbert''s other shoulder, he felt the bird rumbling away as it went fast asleep.


    Seeing nobody else, the bird was still on his shoulder as he entered the inn. Stoking the fire, Norbert sat on one of the chairs, positioning it to face it, looking through his backpack, and pulling out the bestiary. Smiling at it, seeing the pages be slightly worn after his travels. Opening it up and flicking through the pages, Norbert saw some water damage. Not surprised in the least with all the water he went through.


    Though the damage was there, it was light, not stopping him from reading the pages. Obsius shaking awake, fluttered over to the chandelier, sitting in her place as she rustled her feathers before falling asleep again.


    The flames, now bouncing around again after being stoked blazing again. Leaning back in the chair and feeling the heat flick at his feet, he remembered the lava rivers he had seen. He was wondering what would happen to them in the future. He was shrugging his shoulders that it would be someone else''s problem.


    As time ticked on, he saw others climbing the stairs, sitting around the bar and tables. Someone is joining him next to the fire, also bringing their seat. Norbert nodded, seeing it was Mathews and wondering what the man wanted with him, as he always had a reason for talking. And it never was just for a friendly chat together.


    Sitting there patiently, Norbert heard more and more people come down the stairs. Not turning from the fire but counting that should have been everyone by now. "Any plans for today?" Norbert asked Mathaos. The lack of chatter made him even more suspicious as he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.


    "Nothing much, just going to see the sites again. Maybe get into a bit of mischief and mayhem." Mathaos said, leaning towards Norbert, "But only a little bit" he winked and sat straight in his chair again.


    Norbert just nodded. "Well, have fun with that. I''m just going to do some clothes shopping and some repairs. Oh yeah, and get a mask as well. Just wondering do you know where I could get one?" Norbert asked, smiling and eyes shining at the prospect of replacing his mask that he had before. Weird not to have it in arms reach when needed.


    "Sounds like you''ve got it all planned out. And sadly no clue where you would get something like the mask you wore. Not really my style. But ask around. Somebody here should have some idea." Mathews said.


    As he turned around, commenting to Norbert, "Looks like everyone to ask is here already. Hey, does anyone know where to get a mask for Norbert? He wants to go full assassin again!" Mathaos shouted to the group.


    All eyes turned towards the two of them in the once quiet inn, feeling embarrassed about being called out so quickly. Slinking into his chair, he waited for the murmurings to start.


    And start they did, as he peeled his ears trying to listen, surprised at what he heard. All are talking about places to go; even Dobert, smiling at Norbert, was adding to the conversation correctly. As one, they all pointed to Nancy, who just stood there, arms on her hips puffing out.


    "One mask to order, coming right up." She said while walking towards him. Stopping next to the chair, she leaned forward. "But it''s going to cost you."


    Norbert was suspicious about the request, feeling like it was a trap but wanting to bite anyway. "So, what will it cost me?" he asked.


    Grabbing his arm and pulling him up, she was already running out the door as she shouted, waking up Obsius, "Well, food, of course. And maybe some other little things." She replied. The door swung open with a bang, and everyone just stared at the two of them leave. Obsius just sat back down, chirping away at them.


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    ***


    Sitting down, Norbert was more tired than he ever thought he could be. After the clothes shopping, more garments were picked out and added to the pile. No longer were they just green and brown shirts and pants with some boots made of leather. He was carrying around an entire wardrobe on his back.


    Short sleeves, long jackets, blazers, hats, everything. More and more things just flew in his direction. Most of it was rejected, but some stuck with him to the next store. The only good thing about it was the cost. Norbert saw the prices, and instead of being silvers, it was coppers each time.


    After the third store, Norbert confronted Nancy, but only a smile as she twirled away, pointing at the next place on the street and insisting they go there instead. Sighing and giving in, Norbert entered, and the cycle repeated itself.


    By now, he had completely lost track of the amount of stores he had seen. Hearing the words come from Nancy''s mouth, "Oh, that one would be splendid."


    Norbert, just nodding along, trudged inside, surprised at how much he was carrying to be still able to navigate the streets and the inside of the shops. The bell once more dinged as he stepped inside, not even looking when he entered. But the moment he did, feeling that something was different.


    The scratching of metal on metal was the first thing that made him aware of the change. The second was the floor. Instead of the wooden or smooth flat stone floors like in the other shops, this one looked like concrete, seeing some of the rocks jutting out of it, allowing him to gain traction on the floor.


    As he looked up, the store was dimly lit, except in the back with a blazing fire. Hunched over was a man banging away at something in the furnace. Taking a piece of metal out, Norbert saw how it glowed red hot before moving to the anvil and banging at it.


    Bringing his eyes closer, drawn to the source of the sound, creating the scratching he heard when he entered. She was there, hunched over a table, a device in hand, as she worked on a metal item. A magnifying glass was held on a stand as the woman stared down at what she was doing.


    Stepping closer, the rest of the shop stood with pieces of metal weapons and armour. Some are positioned to stand there, others ready to strike a foe down. All gleaming and light coming off it from the runes being created.


    Now at the front, Norbert saw that the etching was a pattern, seeing the magic circles and extra pieces added to it. Nancy is standing there waiting patiently. As the woman continued to work, her hair kept back with a yellow towel, thick gloves and a leather apron on her, protecting herself from the heat; she carefully placed it down on the metal sheet on the dark wooden table.


    "So, what can I do for you, Nancy." The woman asked.


    Norbert was taken aback that this stranger knew Nancy from someplace and the gruffness as well. "Come on, Aunty, why so mean to your niece? And it''s not for me but for him." She finished turning to the side and extending her arm, waving Norbert forward.


    Stepping forward, feeling out of place with all the clothes he carried in this place asked. "I was wondering if you could make a mask for me?" Norbert asked.


    The woman opened a drawer and took out a notebook, pencil and a tape measure. "So, what kind of mask do you want?" She asked Norbert.


    Gulping as he placed his thoughts, "One of those masks you can get from the stalls in the markets. But stronger and tougher. By a lot. I had a black one with red under the eyes, and along the jaw but in my last scuffle, it was smashed to pieces." Norbert said.


    Nodding that it was all, Nancy cleared her throat as she looked at him, tapping her chest. Norbert wondered what she was on about and remembered the critical important detail. "Oh, and if it can not limit my vision and modulate my voice." Norbert finished.


    Nancy coughed again and pointed at her chest, the woman now looking up, wondering what her niece was up to. Nodding along now, remembering, "Oh, and if it could have a battery so it can be recharged and stored, its charge be a must-have."


    "All that''s going to cost a pretty coin." The engraver said.


    Norbert just nodded along. "To be expected of fine work." He replied.


    "A gold coin, then, for a mask you asked for." She said.


    Norbert looked at Nancy, who nodded in response to it. "A gold coin it is." He said, reaching around in his purse. Feeling light, Norbert remembered he didn''t have the gold anymore, having given it away and never had it returned when it was changed over.


    "Ummm, can I get it to you later today?" Norbert asked.


    "Since you''re with my Niece, then sure. I''ll get it started when I can. And how long will you be staying here?" She asked.


    "For at least five more days," Nancy responded. The woman just nodded, beckoning Norbert forward to take his measurements.


    Face measured as she started drawing out designs for the lights, Norbert indicating where he wanted it to go.


    "And that''s that done. Guess I will see you later today than Norbert." She responded.


    Norbert just nodded as he followed behind Nancy, leaving the shop. Once outside, Norbert realised how bright it was, squinting and waiting for his eyes to adjust.


    Nancy walked down the road and asked him, "So, how will you get a gold coin to pay for it?"


    Norbert whistled as he followed Nancy towards the inn. "The same way I do every other time," Norbert replied.

 Chapter 124 Head Protection Acquired

    Entering the inn, Norbert placed his pile of clothes on the table, looking at the collection he now had. Wondering where he would put it all, he sorted it into piles of type. Taking what he would need next time, he put one set in his backpack. The rest he took with him, heading up to Martitia''s room.


    Knocking on the door, not hearing anyone inside opening the door, he slipped in and headed to his chest. Opening it up, Norbert saw it was the same as he left it. Reaching inside for the coins, Norbert smiled, seeing several gold coins inside and placed some from Arzatech inside, happy with his little investment growing. As he closed the lid, the gold coin in hand and his clothes in the appropriate spot, he made his way back out of the inn, flicking the gold coin into the air.


    Sitting there, Nancy asked, "Thought you were going to the casino for the gold?"


    Flicking the coin back up and catching it again, responding, "Had an extra couple change. So heading off there now." he said as Obsius flew from outside, landing on his shoulder. Turning to the bird, asking, "Want to get something to eat?" receiving a chirp in response, Norbert closed the door to the inn, heading back towards the armour shop.


    Inside, Nancy shook her head as she stared at the fire. "Just gets a gold coin like it''s normal."


    ***


    He entered the shop, and the bell rang again, and he felt the heat hit him; the inside was dark except for the furnace in the back. Closing the door, he flicked the coin to Nancy''s Aunt. Landing on the table next to her, head still down as she continued her engraving. Norbert noticed it was the same piece as before. Looking at it, Norbert couldn''t see the work she had made in the time it took him to get back to the shop.


    "How long will it take to get ready?" Norbert asked the Aunt, hoping it would be quick.


    Finishing her tool, she placed it down, moving the glass out of her face, moving her eyes to the coin sitting on the desk. Palming it into her hand, she opened the second drawer, placing it in the pile; he heard other coins jingling together as the door closed.


    "Thank you for bringing it so quickly. Will be done in two days." She said.


    Norbert just nodded. "Oh, I was wondering if there could be a helmet option as well, so I can wear the black mask when I want to, but if I know I''m getting hit, my entire head would be protected. And then have it so it won''t disturb my hearing and fit properly?" Norbert asked.


    "Can do, but it will cost you." The Aunt replied.


    Norbert nodded, taking a second gold coin and placing it on the desk with his index finger. A thud echoed throughout the room. "Will this be enough ¡­" he asked, letting the coin go.


    "Beckia, and that will be enough. But I will need to get some more measurements before you leave." She said.


    "Will it still take two days or longer?" Norbert asked.


    Beckia standing up, shook her head. "Will still be only two days. Now bend down your way too tall."


    Norbert just nodded as he went down, already excited about what it would look like in two days.


    ***


    Everyone else is coming down into the inn''s central area. Norbert twitched his leg excitedly, not waiting for the day to come. To have his mask and be able to walk around with it. He thought about how much it cost him and hoped it would be strong enough. As the others came, Norbert stayed in front of the fire; people came up to talk to him, but Norbert dismissed them. His mind was elsewhere.


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    Norbert waited as the time continued to tick forward on the second day since meeting with Beckia. As it became mid-day and others were returning for lunch, Norbert stood up, unable to wait any longer, smiling at the first thing he would do with it.


    Leaving the inn, Norbert headed for the armourer, not waiting to see if Obsius was following him.


    As the bell announced his arrival again in the shop, Norbert saw that Beckia wasn''t working on something. Papers were on her desk. She ruffled through them. He opened the door and made his way through the shop to the desk in the middle. Beckia looked up as she leaned to the side and opened the third drawer in her desk.


    Taking two pieces, she placed them on the table. Norbert looked upon his prize, happy for its cost now that he could finally see it. Sitting on the desk was two pieces of a helmet. The front piece had eye slits, and the black metal seemed to absorb all light. The indents to shape the face were not shown, just a single clear piece of metal it looked like.


    The other piece, the back of the helmet, was not black like the front but of cold steel. He was seeing the lines of how it worked to be created into one piece that would meld to his head. Smiling at it, he reached forward, gliding his hand over the pieces.


    Cool to the touch, he couldn''t stop the grin on his face. Norbert picked up the two pieces and saw them sit flush with the desk, with no strap or connecting piece. Looking inside, Norbert saw the engravings within, intricate circles within circles along the black mask. The back side had fewer symbols and runes, bigger and overlapping in sections.


    "May I?" Norbert asked.


    Beckia motioned with her hands that its fine as Norbert picked up the black mask. Feeling the surprising heft to it for its thickness, he wondered what dense material it was made of. At that point, not caring, he placed it on his face, feeling it hold itself against his skin, the metal not cool at all to his face, surprised by the fact.


    They fit snugly as he breathed in and out deeply. He filled his lungs as he opened his eyes and looked around the room. Before, he would have lost his peripheral vision; it was unhindered. Looking to the side, he felt it with his eyes; seeing his fingers stop hitting the mask, Norbert could see through it.


    He wondered how it was possible; he had not seen something like this before. As he shook his head, dismissing the thought¡ªas he shook, the mask didn''t t move, feeling nothing was nothing there.


    Looking around the shop, Norbert saw Beckia holding up a mirror. Nodding and saying his thanks, he looked at himself and saw the red around his eyes and down his jawline, breathing in and out with his breath. As he held his breath, it stopped the light. The more he breathed out, the brighter it shone.


    Marvelling at it, he picked the other piece up. Tossing it between his hands before placing it on the back of his head. Hearing a click and feeling a snap as the two pieces of metal came together. Feeling that none of his hair was somehow getting caught, Norbert looked at himself.


    The silver and black contrast, with the red showing he thought about the previous gear he bought, being entirely black and seeing that he would need to add the following colour elements of white streaks and red to it so he matched correctly. Angling his head to look at the seem between the two pieces, surprised that no hair stuck out from the seam. The closer he examined he realised he couldn''t see or feel a seam between the two pieces of metal, feeling like a single piece. The only way he knew that it wasn''t due to the colour different of the metal and how it was in two pieces only moments ago.


    Now shaking his head around, it didn''t move at all. Raising his fist, he smashed it against the helmet, feeling the impact as it moved around his head, distributing the force. Taking his sword out, he raised it in front of himself, looking square at the blade. As hard as he could, he swung the blade at himself. Feeling it jolt in his hands as a clang ran throughout the store.


    Stopping, Norbert sheathed the sword, removing the mask, happy that no scratch was on the metal. Smiling at it, he placed the helmet back on his head, happy with it. "Thanks for the work Beckia. Will come back here again," Norbert said as he waved, the bell ringing again.


    As he strode into the street, still having enough time to reach his next destination, he strolled around the city.


    ***


    With the sun setting for a day, Norbert looked up at the glass building, and people were rushing by him again, wondering if they would remember the mask from the last time; this one looked slightly different as he walked up the steps. Having his last gold coin in his purse, Norbert wanted to add more to his collection, thinking he would start with silvers.


    As he stepped through the doors, showing his sword tied, the two security guards instantly walked towards him. "Huh," he said, chuckling to himself. "Guess they didn''t forget from last time."

 Chapter 125 Facing the Hungry

    Norbert followed the guards through the room, wondering what had them in such a bind. As he followed the two, people stared at him as he walked through. Whispers went through the crowd that was on the first floor. Heading towards the back of the cube, past the stairs leaning forward and the kiosk, people changed chips.


    Walking to the back, Norbert passed the roulette table he was using, all the tables in the same place as in Vesivan. Meeting the wall, Norbert saw the guard in front of him step through the wall, going through the invisible door. Following through, Norbert entered the passageway as before entering through to the other side.


    Instead of the torches he saw before this, the tunnels had lights shining out from the wall. Around it was a magic circle and crystal from which the light emanated. Looking at the difference, people here were humans, not the beast folk he had seen before.


    As he followed between the two, the other servers coming in and out of the kitchen stepped to the side of the hallway, not wanting to get in the way of the guards and the individual between them. Norbert followed them, turning right at the T junction and going down.


    He realised it was the same layout as last time, going down the winding stairs, guards positioned looking the same as before as they went down. On the staircase were the torches as seen before, the guards in the usual position. As he passed one, instead of just looking forward, they stared at him as he walked down, following him with their gaze.


    Norbert continued down the step, growing more nervous by the second until he reached the bottom. Once more, walking through the room, the same setup as before, he found the people milling about with boxes on the side. Instead of the gate being unused, it was currently active¡ªa blue swirling mix, as he would expect. People coming in through one side, placing the crates they were carrying down and leaving out the other side in a loop.


    Stopping, he stared at the people moving about, wondering what they wanted to bring in here at such a large amount. All the crates looked the same size and made the same way. His curiosity peaked, but knowing that he shouldn''t stop following the guards or else have to run away again and have another chase through the city.


    Following past it, everyone stared at Norbert as he made his way, seeing the door again. One of the guards opening it up, and Norbert saw the same desk and wooden flooring as before. Entering the office, Norbert saw Elizabeth sitting there, papers on her desk. The door closed behind Norbert as he looked around the room, wondering why he was again invited here.


    Obsius flew off his shoulder, not knowing when the bird arrived that it flew off onto the desk, hopping around in front of Elizabeth. Finally looking up from her papers, Elizabeth scratched under Obsius''s chin before she put her head back down and continued writing.


    Norbert, slowly coming forward, sat in the chair opposite her again. Arranging his sword so it wouldn''t be in the way, he got comfortable, waiting the time out until the woman opposite him was ready for the conversation.


    And wait, he did; at first, Norbert thought she was just being annoying, reminding him of Taschen. But thankfully, Norbert saw one pile steadily grow while the other shrunk, and with the last piece of paper, Elizabeth quickly skimmed over it and brushed a quick signature from what he could tell by the bottom before placing it on the pile.


    Sighing, she rubbed the brow of her nose as she put the pen back, tapping her hand on her desk. Moments later, a staff came in carrying a tray with two teacups, saucers, and a kettle. Placing the papers on the tray, they left as Norbert looked at the interaction.


    From the kettle, a floral scent came out of the spout. He was filling the air and entering his nostrils. As Norbert leaned forward, trying to get more of the smell and pinpoint where he remembered it, Elizabeth took the kettle and poured some into both cups.


    The steam rose off it as she finished, placing the kettle back on the table as she picked the cup and saucer up, taking a sip, sighing as she relaxed into the chair she was on. Norbert picked the two up as well, held it under his nose, breathing deeply in, feeling the steam clear his sinuses, each breath easier than the last and finally, taking a sip, sucking as he heard the once quiet room filled with the sound he was making.


    Feeling it on his tongue as it washed away, feeling like he was being rejuvenated with each sip. The memory of his drink in the ruins made him pause momentarily. Calming down as he thought about the memory, this not having the urge and necessity of him to drink it all like that and the elixirs have.


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    "So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Norbert asked Elizabeth as he took another sip of his tea before placing the cup and saucer on the desk. "And how did you even know it was me, mask and all?" Norbert said, tapping the side of his helmet with his finger, the entire room echoing.


    "Firstly, a bird perching on someone''s shoulder constantly is not common for most people. Despite what you may think, individuals don''t normally walk around with birds on their shoulders." Elizabeth said, taking another sip before continuing, "And like I said last time we talked, I know people." She said, no sound of slurping happening as she finished her drink.


    Norbert just stared, trying to think of the connection between them. "I''m assuming you talked to Commander Sally, then Dousan, Martitia and finally Nancy about the helmet. Well, unless you have contact with Beckia somehow?" Norbert asked, remembering the engraver that she was also someone that knew.


    As Norbert waited for Elizabeth to confirm or deny his suspicions, the woman didn''t say anything, just smiling at Norbert. Growling to himself that he wouldn''t get anything extra out of the woman unless she were willing to give it. "So, what do you want out of me then?" Norbert asked.


    Putting her hand to her chest, she breathed in sharply. "My goodness, I wouldn''t want to chat with a friend who takes too much of my money. You know how to strike at a woman''s heart." Elizabeth replied. Obsius spun around to look at Norbert as the bird chirped at him.


    "Now, I don''t want none of that with you. Dealing with a power-hungry woman is enough. Don''t want to be dealing with you as well." Norbert said to Obsius as he quickly took his finger back, getting it out of the reach of Obsius before it was pecked.


    Leaning backwards, Norbert continued, "See, I wanted to have a nice chat with you, show off this mask as a way of thanks for helping me out in Vesivan. What little I know about you, your not one to want to have an inconsequential little chat. So I repeat myself, what would you like me to do?"


    Elizabeth went and took another sip. "Well, I need a distraction. I would like you to retrieve an item for me. But I saw enough about your operation in Vesivan to know silence isn''t your strong suit."


    Norbert nodded, confirming that he wasn''t the silent type, although he liked to dress in black. "What distraction would you like me to do and when? I don''t know when I will be called next," Norbert said.


    "Whatever distraction you feel like, just make it big. And will be tomorrow night, at the docks." She said.


    Norbert looked at her quizzically. "And where are the docks in this place?"


    Pointing up at the sky was her only response. Norbert just looked at the ceiling. "The casino?" He asked.


    Receiving a shake of her head in return, Elizabeth explained, "The flying docks on the tree. There will be cargo leaving tomorrow that I need to acquire. I have other people running to retrieve it. You must make a big stink and grab as much attention as possible."


    "And why should I even agree to this and just leave now?" Norbert asked, leaning forward and placing both hands on the armrest, ready to bolt out of the room if needed.


    "Let me tell you in your own words. One, because you will need to go through all of those guards you saw on the way here if you want to escape. Not even including the amount I can call for. I know your good but I don''t think your that good. Two, because you will be paid for your troubles. And three finally because aren''t we friends?" She asked the last remark, tilting her head to the side as she tried to make her eyes be as big as possible while she gave a puppy dog look.


    Norbet just staring, bewhildered at her expression. What a strange woman. "Fine, but the payment better be good, and can I bring anyone along with me?" Norbert said.


    "A handful of gold coins and nobody else. You''re not the only one running a distraction in the city that night. Don''t think anyone is going to get some sleep that night." Elizabeth said as she continued drinking her tea.


    Norbert just nodded as he felt he tapped his hand against his helmet, looking at the custom design. "Well shoot, I''m going to need a new mask now," Norbert said.


    Elizabeth just nodded. "Just get one like before; you can always get it done up after. I would recommend going to whoever did that mask. Did a good job." Elizabeth replied.


    Norbert just nodded, thoughts going through his head on what would happen tomorrow. "Well, I best be off then. Going to try and place the order tonight. And can I get some of that gold to pay for the equipment.?" Norbert asked.


    "Oh, but I thought you wanted to talk, so let''s talk a bit more," Elizabeth said as she topped up his cup. Obsius leaning forward and drinking some of it chirped her approval. "Ok, I relent to the two of you. So, is there anything you would like to know?" Norbert asked.


    "Tell me about your story," Elizabeth responded.


    "Well, it all started when I fell ¨C"Norbert began, only to be interrupted


    "No, not that, from the beginning. Tell me about you from Earth." Elizabeth said.


    Obsius turns to him, also turning her head, wanting to hear the story.


    "Well, I lived in a small town."


    ***


    The sunrise streamed in from the entrance steps of the casino, he did not even understand how he could have spent an entire day in there, but he was happy that he did. He was leaning a bit more about the woman who ran these casinos.


    With Obsius on his shoulder, Norbert headed out to get a new mask and have it get as many upgrades as possible shoved into it.

 Chapter 126 Above the City

    Norbert twirled his new cheap new mask as he came out of the inn, having placed his protection helmet back in the inn. Heading over to Beckia''s to have it appropriately engraved, Norbert whistled as he walked through the crowd. The noise pierced the area as people stared at him.


    Entering the shop, Norbert called Beckia, "Hey ya, didn''t expect to see you soon but wondering if you can add some protection enchants to this cheap thing." Norbert said as he flipped the mask in the air.


    Beckia looked up from her work. "What are you coming in here with that? And after I made you a better one the other day." She responded.


    Norbert just nodded. "I know, I know it''s the way it is. Need something that doesn''t look so custom but wants to see if you can give it some extra protection so it won''t just shatter on first impact exposing this face to the world." Norbert said.


    Beckia just nodded. "When do you need it by." She asked.


    "Would like to be before sundown as I need it for tonight," Norbert said.


    Beckia just raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn''t recommend going out tonight. Word on the street, something big is going on."


    Norbert just nodded. "Well, thank you for your concern, but I would like it if you could spice up that mask a bit," Norbert said.


    Beckia just nodded. "Oh, I''ll spice it up all right. Free of charge. I have wanted to get my hands on this version for a while, but they are sadly always sold out. Kids just love the red and black theme" Beckia said.


    "Well, I''ll see you later today," Norbert said back with a wave as he left the shop. Looking out at the tree, Norbert saw the airships come and go. Obsius was already flying off and heading to the trees; Norbert started walking, wondering what he would find and a way to cause a distraction.


    ***


    As the sun set as Norbert returned from scoping out the docks, finding out what he could. After looking, the best idea he could use as a distraction was to light a torch and see how many flames he could create. Asking around the city, he could find a store with torches and flammable power he could spread around with an easy-to-use lighter, at least the easiest.


    With his supplies in his backpack and clothes changed to others not having Frontier colours or uniform, Norbert went into Beckia''s shop again. He was not seeing her working away for the first time but only the mask sitting on the desk. Picking it up, Norbert flipped it around and put it on his face, happy to feel that it didn''t seem different than before.


    Hoping the protection would work better than nothing and it had a fully charged battery, Norbert looked out across the shop, smiling at the items, hoping the mask would save his face tonight. As he walked out of the shop, the sunset, he looked up at the tree, wondering which dock to do. Deciding on going big, he would work his way down the tree, jumping between the platforms as the powder trailed behind him.


    He was walking through the city, looking out for anyone else looking around, trying to stir up some mischief for who knows what reason. Able to find the tree''s base quite easily, Norbert was surprised by what he saw.


    There, at the base of the tree, was a line heading inside. Taking a quick glimpse before adding to the line, Norbert saw that it was an elevator sent to bring people up. Off to the side was another elevator; looking at the cargo used, Norbert realised it was for the produce that may come in and out of the city¡ªonly seeing the two different entrances, even though the base was massive.


    Walking to the queue, he slowly went forward until, finally, he stepped up to the plate. "Highest floor possible, please," Norbert asked the attendant.


    Receiving a nod in reply, the attendant punched in some keys, the door opening in front of Norbert as they directed him to go inside. Norbert nodded his thanks in response and stepped in. As the doors closed around him and he felt his body going up, he remembered the same with the other trip he went on straight after the previous person entered the elevator. Shaking his head, trying to think of how it happened, he whispered, "See, Luck, I would also call this an elevator. Don''t know how it works, though." A single mote of light appeared before disappearing as the doors opened.


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    Stepping out quickly, not wanting to be stuck in there, he saw the doors slide again, the tree of the trunk forming around it like it was never there. Norbert stared at it. A minute later, another person came up. Trying to remember from the line they were pretty far back. Shaking his head and stopping his thought on trying to bring it all together, Norbert looked out across the platform as Obsius took off from his shoulder.


    Looking around the dock seeing the main circle coming off the tree trunk. Equal distant with crates and people moving about. Extending from parts of the circle were boardwalks, bowing in at he center, allowing the airships to sit within the docks, nestled with ropes attached to them. Norbert saw the airships coming in and out, mostly stopped for the night though that didn''t stop some of them. At this altitude, mainly the rich were here, not wanting to look up to others, and in case anything spilled off the side, they wouldn''t get hit from any higher floors.


    As Norbert looked forward, seeing the wooden docks beneath his feet, he stepped out to the edge next to the rail. Looking down, he saw the next docks, several meters down. These being offset with the one he was on, in case something fell, it would only go down a single floor or possibly two at most and not to the ground far below.


    Moving his eyes up, he watched over the city, the lights starting to go on with the setting sun. As he looked down on them, the hill slowly sloped downwards until it petered off into a forest around, a river cutting through it. Beyond that, Norbert couldn''t see in the half-light of the seeing sun. Sitting down, feet hanging over the edge, Norbert kicked them as he waited for the day to end and the night to begin.


    Sitting there as he waited, he realised he was never given time to start his distraction operation, just notified that it would start tonight. As the sky turned from orange to dark, the lights all around the docks lit up with magical lights.


    As Obsius rested back on his shoulder, Norbert turned to the bird. "All the same as before?" He asked the bird. Receiving a chirp in reply, Norbert nodded, smiling as he rubbed Obsius.


    "Where would I be if you didn''t follow me for this long?" Norbert asked the bird.


    Only receiving a handful of chirps in response, Norbert nodded his approval. "I guess your right. But on another note, are you ok with being so far from your forest?" Norbert asked Obsius, as it had been months since he was with the bird. As he wondered how much longer he had to spend with the Frontier, not like he would care too much the amount of time he was spending there.


    As the sun wholly set, no light upon the horizon, Norbert knew that night had finally come; the time for action was upon him. As he started to get up, he put his leg back down again. Looking at the sparkling city, Norbert asked, "Hey, Luck, am I making a mistake doing this?"


    As he looked over at the city, no motes of light appeared; thinking it was odd, Norbert asked again, "Hey Luck, you there?" and a single light appeared.


    As Norbert just stared at the light, following it with his eyes, Norbert asked the previous question again, only to see it disappear. He considered what this meant, saying, "So, it either doesn''t matter if I do it or not, or you can''t see that outcome." Norbert said. Watching the light disappear, he realised he had asked more than a yes or no.


    "Single light yes for first option, two lights yes for second and no lights for no," Norbert said, adding that rule to the communication list between them. Seeing a single light appear then disappear before a single light appears again. He nodded his approval of it, confirming that no matter what option he took, there wouldn''t be any history change. Whatever would happen tonight would be set in stone.


    He was shivering at the thought of destiny now being followed out when something that can see the future sees no other path. "So, are you and your buddies ready for the show? Have the popcorn and Fanta out?" Norbert asked.


    Receiving a single mote of light, Norbert chuckled in response. A thought occurred to him. "Does any other gods talk to their champions like this, or only in the intermission.?" Norbert asked.


    Receiving a single mote of light in return, Norbert nodded, confirming his thoughts. "Do they also use motes of light or just talk like normal people?" Norbert asked. Two motes of light appeared.


    Scrunching up his face in annoyance, Norbert was about to ask why they didn''t talk normally when he felt a presence behind him. Someone was coming up next to his ear, and he felt a hair tickle the tip of it. A hand went to his shoulder as he felt the person lean forward. "Don''t question the will of the gods." Luck whispered to him.


    Staying stock still, Norbert slowly turned his head, seeing her standing in the half-light before turning into motes of light and falling off the side of the dock where they dispersed.


    Looking down, he heard people point at them, nodding their thanks and whispering to each other. Norbert just nodded his head in understanding, knowing that he wouldn''t talk anymore tonight.


    As he just stared, he saw an explosion lit up within the city; several seconds late, he heard it, the wind slightly blowing through his hair. The airships around him lurched a the new current. Getting on his feet, Norbert told Obsius, "Looks like its time to start operation ''Run FIRE run!''."

 Chapter 127 Change of Plans

    Everyone rushed around, going towards the edge to look at the explosion and the resulting flames in the neighborhood around the building. Norbert standing up so as not to get pushed off the edge, made his way through the crowd, reaching the back.


    Scanning along the two sides, Norbert left, further away from the elevator. Reaching one of the ships, Norbert spun his backpack to the front, taking out his torch and a bag of powder. Tossing it in his hands, Norbert lit the torch, seeing it was just a button to create the fire. Holding the bag over, he saw it begin to sizzle. Counting a second, he threw it onto one of the ships, watching as it hit the sail.


    If Obsius was correct, this should create a big bang.


    BOOOOMM


    Norbert was flung backwards from the resulting explosion, flying off his feet as a plume of smoke rose into the air. Everyone just stared at Norbert as he was there. Shaking his head, he slowly went to his feet and stumbled away. "RUN FIRE!" He shouted to everyone.


    Nobody else moved as they just watched the fire slowly go out, Norbert staring speechless as only smoke remained. As that stopped, Norbert could see the charred hull with a barrier of some kind around the ship; as the barrier disappeared, a ball of smoke came up, nothing else.


    Just staring at his failed attempt at a diversion, someone approached him. "Are you ok? Strange for anything to get caught alight up here?" The individual said.


    Norbert turned around, speechless, as he just looked at the person before him. Seeing the uniform, realising he was staring at a guard of the docks. The two of them just looked at what Norbert was carrying, a flame still coming out.


    "Sir, what is that in your hand?" The guard asked, waiting for confirmation as they reached inside their jacket.


    "Uhhhh, a lighter?" Norbert asked back, hoping he wasn''t about to get in trouble.


    "And what is within your bag?" The guard asked next.


    "Lunch", Norbert replied, looking around as everyone stared at him. As he looked around, everyone began staring at him. Swallowing this was not at all going according to the plan.


    "Can I look inside?" The guard asked Norbert, already reaching out to it. Norbert stood, not moving, as he tried to think of something. The guard opened the flap, seeing the sticks to light and the powder bags. "Doesn''t look like lunch to me. How about you come with me." The guard said, taking the bag off Norbert.


    Realising he would be brought in under charge, two paths formed within Norbert''s head¡ªone where he makes a run for it now, trying to light anything else on fire. Or two get captured only to escape later and have a chase throughout the city. As Norbert began to tense up, he relaxed again, taking the second option. As long as his mask was kept on, it should be safe for his escape.


    "Ok, officer. Whatever you say." Norbert replied. Following the guard, Norbert gazed upwards, seeing that Obsius was sitting on one of the airships around them. Norbert nodded to the bird, happy that it hadn''t been near him, the presence of Obsius being easy to place him from what others had said about the bird. The crowd parting between them, Norbert let himself be walked towards the guard quarters on this level of the docks. The stout wooden building is sitting by itself with nothing around it. Changing to his magic vision, the small building lit up with light. Blinking the stars out of his eyes, he returned to normal vision, waiting for the stars to stop dancing around.


    The tiny little shack that looked normal on the outside had some secrets within. As the door was opened in front of him, Norbert stepped through, seeing a common area and a door to the back leading to a room. The guard before him opened the door, gesturing for Norbert to enter. Stopping at the door, the only contents of the room were a wooden table and two chairs facing each other. One was positioned so the door would be on the user''s back, stopping them from seeing who entered. Norbert stepped in, positioning his sword as he sat in the closer chair.


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    The guard not entering with him as the door silently closed behind Norbert. Turning around, Norbert saw he was the only one in the room, with no other being in the room. As he looked around the room, nothing could gain his attention.


    There were no windows in the walls to look in or out, just a rectangular room with a square wooden table and the same wooden chair he was on opposite him. Scooting the chair back a bit, Norbert leaned backwards as he put one foot on the table, rocking himself back and forth.


    As time passed, Norbert could hear the murmurings of the city far beneath him, active even at this time of night, not surprised after the explosion that just racked the building. Twiddling his thumbs together, Norbert turned oh his vision in the room; as he looked at the outer walls, it was filled in the same white light, forcing Norbert to turn away.


    The other room had less light, and Norbert just stared at it as he looked at the pattern, the circle meaning nothing to him. The activity he was trying for was control as he stared at the magic circle currently on the ground around him.


    As he continued to stare, trying to will it to go fainter, becoming only an outline that he could see through and not like a solid object of light beaming into his brain. As time passed, No, Robert just rocked back and forth; he noticed a slight difference.


    As he had his eureka moment, the door behind him opened up; Norbert only noticed by the sounds from outside louder than before. Rocking on his chair, Norbert leaned far forward, slamming it down as he turned around. The door behind him was already closing as the person made their way around to the other chair on the other side of Norbert.


    He only realised where they were when hearing the chair slide out across the wood and the body sitting down. Sitting on the other side was the same guard as before that apprehended Norbert. No papers were there, just the man holding a knife as he slowly and carefully spun the blade around, examining it.


    "What are you doing here." The guard asked Norbert. Any pretence of friendliness from before was gone; only hostility remained.


    Norbert looked around the room. "Going to have a nice lunch, a picnic on the docks," Norbert replied instantly.


    "Then what''s with the lighter and powder?" The guard replied.


    "Just brought the wrong bag, it seems," Norbert said, leaning back and forth on his chair, trying to see if he could make it squeak.


    "If you don''t answer my questions, I must try other methods." The guard said, leaning forward as a scowl formed on his face.


    Norbert just smiled in reply as his insides twisted in on himself, worry starting to make its way through him. "But I''ve answered all your questions. Suppose you don''t like my answers, well, tough luck. Or ask better questions next time." Norbert replied. Gazing around the room, he began to see how much time he would need to stay here before escaping.


    "Tell me who you are, and take the mask off." The guard said curtly.


    "No," Norbert replied instantly, snapping him out of his train of thought, knowing he would be in a tone of trouble if his identity were found out.


    "That wasn''t a request. You have until three to take it off." The guard responded.


    Norbert didn''t move at all. "One." The guard said. The words echo off and around the room. "Two" Norbert looked around, finding some way to escape. Was there something he was missing? He asked himself. "Three", the guard finally said as he stood up and went over the table, hand out at Norbert''s face.


    Watching the marked hand come towards Norbert''s face, he pushed himself against the table. Catapulting himself into the door as he tipped the chair over. As he impacted with the door, the room flashed for a second until a crack surrounded him, chips of wood flying with him.


    Tumbling on the floor, Norbert rolled, knocking over the table and chairs. Lying on the ground still as bits of wood tumbled to the floor around him. The three other guards standing off,f to the side, stared at Norbert on the ground. The one just stepped out of the room, looking at the mess.


    Everyone was still for a moment; as Norbert looked around him, he scrambled to his feet, causing everyone else to act. Norbert, pumping energy through his body, leapt forward to the door, crashing through this one as well, the hinges blowing off as the door remained intact as it slammed against the ground. A puff of dust billowed as the planks by his feet rattled from the impact.


    Now outside, he could hear and see the city in panic. Other places in distress, fires scattered over the city of Alasium. Shocked at what he saw, the city panicked; Norbert stood up and stared. As he looked over, he knew he had to find Elizabeth and why she wanted to create so much panic; whatever she wanted would be needed.


    But first, he had a job to do as the voices of screaming guards yelling at him surrounded him. Running to the rail, Norbert planted a foot before he hopped down to the floor below, smiling as he did so. Now the fun had begun, and the chase was on.

 Chapter 128 Falling Through the Plans

    Wind billowing past him, Norbert grabbed onto the ledge, swinging himself around the underneath the dock he was just on and landing on the ring of the docks again. Backpack somehow still in hand, Norbert reached inside, taking the powder and throwing it in all directions once lit.


    Smoke and flames erupting around him, Norbert shot out of the smoke as he sprinted. Everyone on this level was staring at him and the commotion that he caused. I looked around and saw that this level was the same as the one above, with everything shifting slightly to the side. Racing around the tree, pushing past people as they screamed around him, Norbert was looking to ensure he was being followed.


    Quickly whipping his head behind him, Norbert made eye contact with the guards on this floor. Smiling back, he breathed as hard out as he could, making his mask glow red with his breath and saw the guards reach out to a necklace under their clothes, holding it as they started talking to someone and nodding. The guards too far away for Norbert to pick up on the conversation, but happy with them being after him.


    Stepping backwards and continuing with the crowd, he saw the guards let go of whatever they held and head after him. Spinning around now, Norbert continued rushing past, pushing over as many people as possible as he screamed like a beast, feet thumping on the wooden dock.


    Angling to the side, Norbert made his way from the tree''s base and towards the airships. The crew of each stood them as they looked out to the panic on the dock, looking if anyone would come on them to escape the panic. Now, most people weren''t; most passengers and workers were intimidated by the line of people that death stared at them. Norbert watched them visibly stop their run before returning and joining the crowd, to be lost within.


    On the other hand, Norbert didn''t stop when faced with the wall, instead hopping on with his sword out. Lightning fast, with the energy now entirely within him as he knew he was on a timer at this speed, he stuck his sword into the balloon, feeling the material give way as air shot out. Using the momentum of the sword to slow down to launch him into the air and onto the next airship''s balloon.


    Stopping for a moment, turning around, seeing the ship he previously was on sink, only to be stopped by the ropes holding the craft still in the wind, now taunt as the weight was slowly added to it. People on board stared at Norbert, a few of them shaking their fists in annoyance. One of the people walked towards the back of the craft, the highest point, as magic circles swirled around.


    Placing their hand on one part of the circle with runes inside, Norbert stood, amazed when the airship started to rise again. Leaning over the balloon, Norbert saw the air shimmering underneath, his clothes slightly being blown backwards by the air it was being created to keep itself lifted. I watched as the crew started tying it down, throwing more ropes out as they held their hands out, multiple magic circles appearing.


    Happy that he wouldn''t cause any damage due to the safety features, Norbert jumped off his current airship and went to the next one. As he leapt off, he sliced this one; the balloon was slightly more prominent as he was pushed forward.


    Now, the guards, seeing what he was doing, and the crew of all the airships knowing he would be target number one for a while. Leaping off the current one, slicing it was well; the ones ahead of him were already planning for his arrival. People stood on the docks, tying a rope to support them as others lined the side, ready to sling whatever they could at him. Leaping forward, Norbert was met with a wall of objects hurtling towards him, seeing spells, knives and even a spatula that Norbert didn''t know how it got up there. He continued to run forward.


    As he jumped over again, now on his fifth airship, he quickly ran to the other side, seeing the guards starting to stream in from the trunk. Twisting to the side as a crate was chucked at him, watching as it fell below and out of sight, as he followed it, he saw the city. The fires had died out all around, the city''s lights brighter than any night he had seen.


    Skidding to a stop on top of one of the balloons, he stared out, squinting and focusing on his eyes changing his vision to see in the dark, and pumping energy into them to allow the change to be greater. The world went to greys as his vision zoomed in, seeing the people in the streets, ones that generally weren''t out at that time he could see. Children in bedclothes are clutching onto their parents with jackets hastily thrown on them. Panic-stricken on their face as their eyes caught like a deer in headlights, pleased at what they saw in the middle of the night.


    Pain shot out the back of his head as he rubbed it, staring at a broken crate near his feet. Looking back at the dock, with the people crowding around the airship he was on¡ªa line of people is waiting for him to jump to the next one. Staring down at the many levels below, Norbert filled with airships. This one, now not being lucky anymore, Norbert stood up and did a salute, touching his hand to his forehead as he raised it in front of him at an angle before stepping off.


    Once more, the wind blew him as he turned around in the air, seeing the underside of the airships and Andree''s massive magic circles underneath, blowing air down and getting caught in the current, thrown off course as he began spinning through the air now far off to the side of the docks plummeting through the air. The wooden boardwalks now several meters away and getting further by the second.


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    He went into a skydiver''s pose as he spun and tumbled in the air. Arms shaking with the wind buffeting them, Norbert held them out, finally gaining some control as the levels zipped by. Staring around, Norbert saw Obsius far above him diving as well, the bird scrunched up, trying to go as fast as it could.


    Norbert angled himself forward, not knowing what the bird could do, heading back towards the docks again. Surrounded himself by energy, Norbert waited for impact with the dock. And impact it did.


    The first just clipped one section of the wood, but instead of bouncing off and away again, it drew him in as he smashed through it. Norbert went past the level onto the next one, crying in pain. Time seems to slow down between the platforms. Norbert looked around, unable to move as shards of wood rained down on him.


    Looking at everyone on the dock, Norbert saw only a couple of guards on this floor, the rest filled with people looking to go to the next place. He was staring at the more minor airships than the ones above. Some have items to move around, but most are just for people. Even at this time, he saw people loading on, no large bags on them, just backpacks or enough for a day trip, it would seem.


    Wondering where you could go on one of these things and if he could get one back to Flair-


    CRASH


    SMACK


    CRUNCH


    The dock he was looking at met his face as he once again met with the dock, bursting through. As he felt his body compact before, a groan filled his ears, and he was falling once more. Staring up, Norbert saw Obsius still chasing after him as he started closing his eyes.


    BANG


    AAARRRRGHHH!


    Norbert screamed as he finally stopped; the energy pumping in him suddenly woke him from unconsciousness as pain wrapped against his body. Shooting up into a sitting position, Norbert stared around him, trying to capture everything there. Quickly, everybody backed up, leaving him in a circle. Slowly getting to his feet, head still spinning, Norbert swayed as he stared at the people.


    Thankful at not seeing any guards in the crowd of passengers and crew around him, Norbert saw their clothes were slightly dirty but well put together. People of all ages formed out of the crowd. He started up; his jaw opened as he saw the damage he had caused above. He saw hole after hole in the dock up, slowly getting smaller. Around each, he saw people sticking their heads out, staring down at him.


    Shaking his head to stop the world from spinning, Norbert walked to the edge, looking down. Thankful that no guards had found him and still had a couple of floors left, Norbert dropped down, feet first, as he landed. Nobody was around him, the commission from before clearing everyone out, not wanting to be near the place of impact.


    Dropping down the levels one by one, Norbert quickly made his way down, happy with his distraction, and now wanted to head to the casino to see what was happening there and why the city was in flames.


    Jumping down several more times, now just focusing on getting out, Norbert made it to the bottom floor; no more docks for him to land on. As he stared down, still tens of meters above even the tallest building, stepping back, he looked around the dock, sighing at what he saw.


    Unlike the others, this one was filled with guards, all holding their arms out, spears in hand, as the two parties made eye contact with each other, just staring.


    One at the front, wielding a sword on his hip, stood apart from the crowd, closer than the others. "What is your business here?" The leader of the guards asked.


    Norbert backed away as he looked down the side, trying to find a way out. The dock swam with guards stopping him from using the elevator in the tree; not like he knew how it operated in the first place.


    "Just a bit of mischief and mayhem, that''s all," Norbert replied, a plan forming in his mind, though not a good one. All around him, the airships had been cleared; on the other outer reaches of the planks, guards were there as well, stopping him from hitching a ride on one of the airships.


    "And your friends around the city, what''s the reason for doing this? What do you gain? Who do you work for?" the leader asked, berating Norbert with questions.


    About to open his mouth just slightly, Norbert shook his head while chuckling, "Enough stalling for time. I''m going to get out of here, and there isn''t anything you can do to stop me." Norbert said.


    Before the leader could respond or call an order, Norbert took out his two daggers, holding one in each hand as he ran forward on the dock branch. Sprinting, gaining as much forward momentum as possible, he jumped in the gap just as the branch met the central ring, dropping underneath.


    The wind grabbed his clothes once again, and Norbert free-fell, slowly losing momentum forward before he was dropping again. Angling forward, Norbert could see the ground coming up towards him, but before that, the great tree trunk appeared, just as he had planned.


    He held his hands in front of him as he clenched onto the daggers, ready for his shoulders to protest with the shock he would give them. As he met the trunk, the two daggers dug into the tree as he angled it downwards.


    SNAP


    One of the daggers broke free. Dropping it, Norbert dug his fingers in, screaming out in pain as he slowed down, the ground coming closer and closer. Finally stopping, his hand numb, unable to move his fingers properly, he looked around and saw the top of a building just below him. Scrunching his feet up, Norbert pushed against the tree, shooting forward.


    Tumbling as he made it onto the roof, the stone slates angled downward as he spread his body out, trying to stop himself from falling down and into the street. Legs kicking, he finally stopped when they caught something. Hearing a groan, he scuttled back up the roof, seeing the gutter had caught him and stopped his tumble again.


    Breathing heavily after the action, he stared at his bloody hand, seething in pain as he felt the damage he had caused. Watching as it repaired before his eyes. Catching his breath, he took the mask off and held it beside him, staring at the tree and the docks far above.


    He saw something fall; he smiled as Obsius came into view and sat beside his hand. Groaning, Norbert got onto his feet, placing the mask in his backpack as he looked for where to go next to get out of the attention of the people he was sure chasing after him.

 Chapter 129 Explain Yourself

    Walking along the street, Norbert made his way to the casino, seeing everyone around him slowly leaving the streets and heading back to their homes for the night, the streets slowly emptying again. Obsius on his shoulder as he lowered his head while walking through the streets, seeing which section was hit with the explosion and flames before.


    The bag securely on his back as he walked through the streets, mask inside with the medical supplies he might have needed to use. He smelled the air as it blew against his face, his hair going into his eyes. Taking a strand and pulling it, unsatisfied with the amount of length it had. Adding it to his list of things to do here was cutting his hair; even if he had to do it himself, the hair, at this point, was just distracting him more than anything.


    As he navigated through the streets, going faster, the longer he stayed there, the emptier they became. Norbert happy not to see any guards patrolling around, wondering where they would have been but not wanting to have any encounters tonight.


    As he followed through, the smell of smoke was more pungent the closer he made his way to the casino. Turning a street corner, he stopped and stared, not believing what he saw. The once pristine building made of glass was gone, only rubble in its place.


    Stopping, Norbert just stared, seeing the place teeming with guards around the city investigating the rubble. Now realising where the guards were all this time, investigating the explosion, Norbert stepped back quickly, being consumed by the shadows before being spotted.


    Several blocks away, Norbert took his mask out of his backpack, staring at it, wondering if it had been worth it. How much damage did he cause for what seemed like nothing? Putting the mask back, not wanting to get caught, as that would cap his night off, Norbert roamed the streets, following his nose as he looked down at the ground.


    ***


    His feet bumped into something, nearly causing him to trip; leaning forward, his knee banged into whatever hit his foot as he finally tripped, tumbled forward, splashing into water. Feet in the air, Norbert looked around, wondering where he was at. Staring up, a drop of water fell on his forehead.


    He was wiping it away as he focused on what was looming above him. There, he saw the statue of Lady Luck above him, the jug dripping water on his head. Another droplet of water landed on his face as he sat up, moving his legs around so he was standing in the fountain.


    Looking down at himself, feeling like a wet dog, Norbert shook himself, trying to dry himself as best he could. Shivering in the cool night air, Norbert flapped his garments, looking around and seeing that nobody saw him fall. Stepping back, Norbert sat down again on the rim of the stone fountain.


    Running his hand over the edge, the smooth stone as he cupped his fingers around, feeling them dance over the floral design on the front of it. Bringing his hand back to himself, he lifted it; only his index finger touching the stone as he lazily drew circles.


    "Guess that''s why it wouldn''t matter what I did. The major impact was that the casino, not at the docks. I had no chance to make it there to stop it. Doesn''t it get annoying when you know it''s going to happen but cannot change it?" Norbert asked the statue.


    A single mote of light appeared. Norbert nodded to it as he confirmed his words. Groaning in frustration, Norbert spun around, lying on the fountain edge, one foot on either side. His backpack by his side, Norbert looked up at the sky, watching the clouds pass ahead.


    Closing his eyes, he felt someone pick his head up, only to put it down on something soft. Opening his eyes, staring at Luck''s smiling face, a look of pain in her eyes as she saw him. Opening his mouth, he kept it there, jaw quivering as he thought about what to say.


    Watching her hand come down on his face as she caressed it with a hand, it went over the bottom of his jaw and closed it for him. Norbert let her close it without resistance as he stared back at her. His eyelids becoming heavy, he tried to fight them, the energy he expended earlier in the night catching up with him as he finally gave in and closed his eyes, the warmth of the person underneath him radiating up.


    ***


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    The sun shone in his eyes as someone nudged him awake. Squinting, Norbert looked around, seeing it was one of the priests from one of the temples. Holding his hand over his eyes, he looked up, unable to make the face of them. Sitting up, Norbert spun around, his back to the fountain to see who woke him up.


    Looking at the man in his robes, the more he stared at the face, the more familiar it seemed, but he couldn''t find exactly where it was. "Do I know you from somewhere?" Norbert asked the man.


    The middle-aged man with whitening hair spun around, robes billowing behind him. Standing up, Norbert shouted to him, "Hey, where are you going!"


    The robed man didn¡¯t even turn back as he continued walking forward. Norbert stared after the man, wondering what he would do this far away. Getting up, needing to face the day, as he stretched, he felt his back pop as he warmed his arms up.


    Obsius is coming down from the top of Luck''s head onto his head. Rubbing under her chin, Norbert picked up his things, waved farewell to Luck and began his journey back to the inn.


    ***


    Opening the door, he looked around, seeing Martitia at the bar, her turning around as she saw him, moving a stool away and patting for Norbert to sit down. There was a flutter of wings on his head as Obsius went for her usual perch on the chandelier. Looking up, he shook his head, his companion abandoning him to his fate.


    Stepping forward, he walked to the chair; swinging the backpack off his back, he rested it against the stool as he climbed. Turning to his side, Norbert waited for something to be said.


    "So, where did you go last night?" Martitia asked him.


    The mother coming out of her, Norbert knew he would be in the pocket for a while, hoping not to face her wrath. "Was out doing an errand for someone," Norbert said.


    Martitia raised her eyebrow in reply. "And nothing else you did, nothing with regards to the explosion at the casino?" she asked him.


    Norbert instantly shook his head. "I wasn''t near the explosion, though I saw it. Wonder what caused that to happen?" Norbert asked her.


    "Don''t know, but I now know where you were." She said, pointing up at the sky before continuing. "Doing a bit of monkey climbing last night?" she said.


    Norbert sighed, knowing he had slipped up, the trap had been set, and he was caught. "Look, it was for a friend. And despite what people might say, nobody got hurt. Except for me, though, there probably is a lot of damage to property." Norbert said, scratching the back of his neck.


    "I already knew about it; I just wanted to see if you would fess up. Had an uninvited guest appear last night." She said before shouting, "You can come in now!" The words echoed off the room''s walls as the door to the kitchen opened, Norbert not believing who was there.


    Out of the door stood Elizabeth, bags under her eyes but still defiant and not giving up; the woman was tired but still had the same edge. Norbert stared, jaw open, as he didn''t take his eyes off her as she stood on the other side of the bar between Norbert and Martitia.


    "How did you know I''d be here?" Norbert asked her.


    Receiving a smirk in response as she tapped her nose, Norbert just shook his head. "Keep your secrets then, but how did you get out?" Norbert asked. "The entire casino looked flattened by something, not a single piece left standing," Norbert asked.


    "A quick escape, and I wasn''t there to begin with. But I don''t believe I was the target. Just what I was trying to retrieve, or more accurately stop me from acquiring it." Elizabeth said before waving her hand in the air. "But enough of that talk; it''s not appropriate for anybody else that could OVERHEAR US!" she said, raising her voice at the end.


    Norbert looked at the stairs leading to the second floor, knowing that everyone would be listening. The doors opened, and everyone leaned over the railings as they stared at Norbert. Mathaos said, "Didn''t know you would be joining us in the mischief and mayhem. But oh boy, do you like your mayhem, Norbert." He shouted down the stairs before he came down.


    The rest followed him as Norbert replied, "You know what they say, go big or go home. And I have to say I went pretty big." Norbert said.


    Everyone smiled and nodded at his remark as they all came downstairs. Standing on the bottom step, Nancy, coming out the end, looked to Martitia. "So, what now?" she asked her.


    All eyes turned towards Martitia as she indicated for a drink. Elizabeth picked one up before handing it over. Pouring some for herself and Norbert, sliding the drink to him as he downed the glass, wincing at the taste of alcohol on the back of his throat.


    "We have a couple more days left of a break before heading off again. The recruits should be showing up tomorrow or the next day. Have fun and relax while you can. Hear the next one is going to be a big fellow." Martina said as everyone began moving about for the day. Norbert began to get up as he felt Martitia''s hand on his shoulder again, forcing him to sit back down.


    "So, what did you do after that?" she asked him.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert explained that he had just gone to the fountain of Lady Luck and stayed there the night; as they began to move, they stopped and turned around. Elizabeth spoke up "So that was you, the one guarded by Lady Luck. One of her only followers to clean up the fountain?" she asked him.


    Norbert, facing her, just shrugged. "Didn''t know there were rumours about me. Or at least that part about me." Norbert explained.


    Nancy looked back, shaking her head. "How did you get her to appear, or any god? I''ve always wanted to talk to one." She said.


    Norbert turned around in his chair. "You just need to be lucky, I guess." He explained to her, unable to stop the grin from forming.

 Chapter 130 Grounded

    Martitia pointed her head up the stairs, hopped off her stool, and headed for the stairs. Climbing over the bar, Elizabeth followed the woman up to the room. Norbert just watched the two of them walk up the stairs, sipping on his drink as he watched them out of the corner of his eye. The two never stopped to tell him to follow as the second floorboards slightly creaked with weight before Norbert heard a door closing, leaving him alone in the main room.


    Finishing the drink, Norbert exclaimed to the world, "Guess it''s just me again." Hearing a chirp of annoyance from above, he saw Obsius standing there, feathers ruffled as the bird stared down at him. "Yeah, your right. I''m not alone because I have you. Forever and ever, like you said." Norbert continued before reaching over and pouring himself another glass.


    With his refilled glass, he stood up, happy not to have any shaky feet, as he walked to the fireplace. He sat in the seat, falling back into it as he brought the drink to his lips, smelling the alcohol coming off the clear liquid as he sipped it. He was sighing in comfort as the liquid bit into his mouth.


    Stretching his feet out so they nearly touched the fire, Norbert wondered when winter would come and what season they were in now. Norbert just shrugged, not near any trees, to see if they had changed their leaves; when winter came in this land, he would be prepared for it, positive he could tough it out when it came.


    Hearing a flutter, Norbert felt Obsius landing on his shoulder, hopping down until she was on his arm and then on his hand, staring into the cup. Leaning it towards the bird, he saw ripples in the water. Norbert was surprised at how much the little bird was getting down. Leaning the drink away, sure the bird would have had enough from its size, Norbert saw as Obsius spun around, swaying to the side as it tried to keep its head still.


    Norbert could not keep a straight face as he watched the drunken bird sway around. Picking it up, Norbert placed her on his lap, giving it gentle pets as Obsius sat down and curled up towards him. Smiling, Norbert took another sip, staring down at his boots. Norbert kicked one off than the other, seeing his socks as he wiggled his toes at him, watching the fabric ripple around.


    Angling his feet towards the fire, Norbert closed his eyes, feeling the heat lap at his feet. He lost himself as his eyes closed, relaxing in the chair as he waited for the day to end and to return, having gotten everything he needed. As his hand slowly dropped, he touched his sheath, feeling the empty dagger, the broken one from his monkey busisness.


    Eyes opening, he groaned in annoyance, hoping to get a spare one from somewhere with his current house arrest.


    ***


    Later in the day, Norbert saw Martitia walk down the stairs, nodding to Norbert as she continued walking until finally heading outside. Wondering what that was about and what Elizabeth could be doing. Starting to get up, he felt the body of Obsius on his stomach. He did not want to disturb the bird, so he sank back into the chair. Whatever reason they would have to talk to each other could be kept between them.


    ***


    "OK, everyone, who wants me to pick up the recruits?" Martitia asked as everyone ate the breakfast cooked up in the back. Norbert stayed in his chair by the fire, not bothering to move from the chair, knowing he wouldn''t be allowed to go anyway.


    Turning back to the fire, Norbert half listened as the door opened again, several leaving. He was heading to the gates to get picked up. Norbert leaned to the side and picked up the bestiary he was reading before as he idly flipped through the pages.


    He mindlessly looked at the creatures appearing on page after page. Now recognising them after the many times he had already seen them. As Norbert wondered what Elizabeth was doing, with Martitia having left but still not seeing a sign of her, he heard a scraping of the chair next to him on the wooden floor.


    Turning his head, he saw Elizabeth sitting in the chair beside him, facing the fire as she seemed to sink into it. Turning back to his book, Norbert looked over to the next page, finding himself looking back at the Giant Bat. Chuckling at his memory of them, he heard Elizabeth beside him tapping her fingers on her chair.


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    Flicking through several more pages, hearing the tapping continue, unable to hold in his curiosity any more, Norbert turned to her while closing the book. "Do you have something you would like to say to me?" Norbert asked her.


    "Martitia said I can take you on my trip." Elizabeth said.


    "Oh really, well, sadly for you, I can''t leave the residence until it''s time for the next departure. I made a big mess last time I did something for you. And now that I think about it, it was also a big mess the time before." Norbert finished as he looked back to his book, opening it up.


    Elizabeth replied, "Look, I can make it worth your while. Just another favour between friends?"


    Norbert, closing the book once more, just stared at her. "What can I do to help you in only a few days that won''t get me in trouble? Nothing, nothing comes to mind." Norbert said¡ªthe frustration of being locked up inside for so long now getting to him.


    "Just need to get a few things, that''s all." Elizabeth said, desperation starting to paint on her face.


    Surprised by the reaction, Norbert was quiet momentarily as he regained his thoughts. Closing the bestiary again, Norbert stood up, calling out to Obsius on the chandelier, "Looks like we''re going on a shopping trip, buddy."


    The bird shook her wings as she glided down and onto the bar. Norbert nodded as he descended the stairs, taking two at a time. He was happy to be stretching his legs. Opening Martitia''s door, Norbert went to his chest, opening it as he reefed through the clothes, finding an outgoing pair that looked different from before.


    Leaving his sword and daggers in the room, Norbert came back. He wore the same boots with a light blue button-down shirt made of a smooth fabric, like cotton and some black leather pants. Standing at the top of the stairs, he looked down at Elizabeth, who turned around to hear his approach. He ran his hands through his hair, trying to fix it as best he could. Standing up and spreading his hands to the side, Norbert shouted, "So, how do I look?"


    Elizabeth smiled, the sparkle of winning in her eyes once more. "Much better than your normal scraggly look. Now get down here before someone sees you." Elizabeth said. Walking down the stairs, Norbert realised that this was all part of her plan. He started to doubt if the ploy of being on her last rope was true or if Martitia would even allow him to leave.


    Just as he opened his mouth to protest at the bottom of the stairs, she linked his arm with his; holding his hand, she led him out the door. Norbert automatically walked around without thinking as she chuckled slightly at his reaction. Obsius fluttered over onto his head as the three left the place. Norbert hoped that he wouldn''t be in trouble.


    ***


    Sitting down at a tea shop, Norbert just stared at Elizabeth as she brought the steaming mug of tea to her lips, smiling as she smelt it, Norbert visibly seeing her face relax the more she inhaled. Panning his head down, he saw Obsius trying to eat a part of his cake. Breaking off a piece, he held it to the bird, allowing her to eat from his hand.


    Picking up his tea, Norbert blew on it before taking a hesitant sip, trying to stop his face from scrunching up at the taste, not happy with the one he picked this time. He was looking around the tea shop, at the metal seats with the table and glass top. The sun streamed through the clouds as he looked out onto the stone streets, seeing the hustle and bustle of the city. The quaint little store on the busy street was empty except for the three.


    Looking inside, Norbert saw the worker staring at them, waiting to assist when they needed it or someone else came in. Turning back to Elizabeth, he stared at her. "Is this all you wanted to do, just sit around and drink tea?" Norbert asked her.


    "That and one other thing. She was waiting for the package that I tried so hard to get. Any minute now, it should be dropped off ¡­" Elizabeth said, drawing the sentence out as she brought her cup to her face, taking another sip.


    Norbert was about to open his mouth when he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Quieting down, Norbert let go of the cake and placed it on his plate, placing his hand on his lap as he brought the tea to his lips, slurping it as loudly as he could.


    A package was dropped off onto the table; before Norbert could adequately register it, Elizabeth swiped it with her hand, placing it within her robes as she continued drinking. Norbert was shivering again as he could not see who had dropped it off. The thought that he would be safe with the elixirs he was having left his mind.


    The two of them sat at the table, not a word being said between the two of them. After finishing her tea, Elizabeth placed it onto the saucer, a slight clink as they met. Standing up, she nodded to the staff before she moved off. Norbert quickly placed the tea down, spilling a bit, and taking Obsius in his hand. Hearing the bird screech, he picked up the rest of the cake as well, catching up to Elizabeth''s sudden departure.


    Finally meeting up with Elizabeth, Obsius on his shoulder as he fed the bird cake, Norbert turned around to wave his thanks to the staff, surprised when he started to see people start streaming into the place. The once quiet place somehow lined on the outside, people already looking at menus.

 Chapter 131 Meet up

    Before Norbert could even say anything to Elizabeth back at the inn, he saw that everyone else had returned. Martitia stared at him, not saying anything as she indicated to the two latest members sitting at the centre of the room, the rest of the scouts surrounding them.


    Turning back to Elizabeth, before he could say anything, she was already making a beeline to the back room, where the kitchens and food storage were. He heard a familiar voice before he could say anything or follow her. "Norbert, is that you? Watch wearing that monkey fit for?" They asked.


    Turning to the two in the centre, Norbert wondered until recognition sparked on his face. "Grossly, what the hell are you doing here, man? And you to Chip. How did you even get moved here?" Norbert asked the two.


    The room grew quiet. "Wipe-out of both our crews; only half numbers left, so move around," Chip said. Norbert just stared at Grosly as the man looked down. The bravado he once had now beaten out of him by the remark.


    Norbert just nodded. "Well, at least the two of us can meet up like this. There is always a silver lining." Norbert replied. Receiving a few head turns about his remark before the group shrugged his shoulders.


    Dobert turned to Mathews. "You know what this means?" He asked the other man.


    "Well, of course, but a night of drinking to the two recruits. Hey Martitia, when do we start again?" He asked her.


    Martitia piping up from the bar, "Heading out tomorrow, haven''t been notified what we are after this time. Just said that it''s big." Before taking another swig of her drink.


    Dobert turned to the others, "Looks like we''ll be drinking in today." He said as he walked to the bar, placing glass after glass on the bar and finally stopping with ten lined up. He poured out a clear liquid in a line, one after the other, spilling some over.


    Norbert just smiled, knowing that it would be one hell of a night with this crew. As the others walked forward, taking the first drink of the night, Chip didn''t move. When the others looked, he said booze didn''t mix with him.


    Dobert and Mathaos told him only one: he was suitable for a tradition of all new people. Norbert just stared between the two of them as he shook his head, knowing this hadn''t happened at all to him. Chip relenting and drink in hand as one, they all downed the glass as one, hearing coughing all over.


    The alcohol burned Norbert''s throat as he stared at them all, happy that he was with all these people and unable to hold back on going to the next place.


    ***


    "EVERYONE, WE''RE GOING TO BE LATE!" Norbert shouted to everyone in the main room. Clothes half taken off, the smell of booze and puke rich in the air. He looked at the bodies on the floor, counting up and saw more people there than he started. He shook his head as he remembered the night before.


    Groaning filled the room as the others stared at him like a madman. Not giving in, he roused everyone, finally content when everyone started heading outside to wash themselves up.


    Norbert nodded in approval as he headed upstairs to Martitia''s room. Knocking twice, he declared he would enter. He was slowly opening the door. He ducked his head into the room. Seeing on the bed was a sleeping Martitia, the covers wrapped all around her. As he started walking in, about to wake her, he spotted the extra head there.


    Silently, Norbert crept away to the chest, not wanting to disturb the two. Ruffling around, he brought the clothes and weapons he wanted and took the medical supplies. As he stood up, he carefully opened the door; turning around one last time, he thought he saw movement from the guest. Dismissing it, he closed the door, counting for several seconds before banging on it. "Wake up, it''s time to head out before we''re late!" He shouted through the door.


    Hearing groaning from the other side, she almost imagined Martitia leaning forward, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes as her companion nudged her awake and let her know what was happening. Walking away, Norbert stood at the top of the stairs, content that everyone was moving about now.


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    ***


    Walking into the waiting room, Dousan turned, surprised at seeing the scouts enter. Opening his arms as welcoming, he shouted across the room, "Surprised to see you all here so early!"


    Everyone from the scouts just hissed in pain, giving the man death stares as they sunk into their chairs. Norbert, leaving them, stood beside Dousan, the two clasping arms together, grabbing each other''s wrist.


    "Yeah, I had to rouse them up to arrive on time. Nobody is too happy, but we are all here and ready to go. Though I don''t expect to see them doing their job for the first day." Norbert replied as he turned around, looking at the sorry states of the scouts.


    "It''s all good; they are mostly like that, so nothing is unusual. They normally don''t hit it this bad. Guess you give them a good reason to go that bit." Dousan replied.


    Norbert just snorted his agreement. Although he had the most, he was the first on his feet, as usual. Dousan turned around, stepping away. "We leave in half a cycle. Need to plan for this expedition so it''s not similar to the last," Dousan said to Norbert.


    Just nodding in response, Norbert left the leader to walk away, staring at the others at his table and shaking his head. Obsius chirped, "Yeah, you can also hold your liquor pretty well." Norbert replied to the bird.


    ***


    Everyone began shuffling around; Norbert opened his eyes, having closed them for a moment to rest them and having gotten no sleep the night before. The scouts were shaken awake as they all looked around bleary-eyed, some wondering how they made it out of the inn and into this bar. A few want to order another drink. They all got carried out of the room as Norbert followed behind, their entire expedition getting stares as they made it to the portal.


    Dousan, leading the way, headed to a portal, already activated. As Norbert stepped through the portal, he felt his body elongating again until he stepped out and instantly felt humidity hit him. He continued to walk forward, feeling he was swimming more than walking.


    As he looked around, he found himself surrounded by flora. Trees and bushes and vines everywhere. Staring up, Norbert saw a canopy above, the vines along the trees circling them. He was very much so in a jungle.


    Walking further down, Norbert took his jacket off, trying to cool himself off before he sweated too much. Looking around, he placed it in his backpack, seeing that everyone else had done the same. Reminding back to the lava room, this wasn''t hot, just crazy humid. Stepping forward, Norbert looked at one of the bushes with large green leaves.


    Flicking it, the ground had a spray of water; Norbert just shook his head as he wiped his brow, seeing watermarks on his sleeve. Hoping he would get used to the temperature quickly and stop all the sweat, he looked around, wondering where the village or town was.


    On the ground, Norbert spotted a wooden ladder climbing up a tree. Following it with his eyes, he looked up, now able to see the village. Nestled within the trees, the houses popped out at him¡ªpaths connecting them all as Norbert stared at them all there. Leaning out of the balconies were the people of this settlement, seeing their dark skin as they stared down at him.


    On the bridges connecting it all, some people were leaning over, shouts popping up across the place as others stared at them. Wondering what all the commotion was about. Norbert felt the flatter of wings as Obsius left his head, watching the bird''s flight. He saw her land on the traveller''s head.


    They nodded as their eyes met, and the traveller started talking to the bird, nodding along as they received chirps in response to the story being told. Norbert wondered what the bird told the person, hoping she wasn''t throwing him under the bus again. As he looked at the two of them, he thought to himself the bird probably was, saying what a buffoon he was at the docks,


    Looking around the group again, Norbert saw they started to head up the ladders and into the trees. Norbert walked towards the one that Dousan was climbing up, shouting, "Want me to head out to scout now?"


    Dousan shouted back, "Negative, bring everyone else up here."


    Norbert nodded in response, confirming that he heard them. He began ushering the rest of the expedition, wondering what was in the jungle that he would need to wait and talk to the locals. Ushering everyone up, I was surprised when the traveller came, portal deactivating, the blue smoke slowly dissipating into the air.


    Following along, Norbert went up the steps, nodding to those he had seen along the way as the local children pointed, whispering between each other. The din surrounding him, unable to pick up the voices of everyone, unable to individuate them.


    Following everyone, he spotted Dousan and the other leaders heading into a cabin in the tree. Slowly, everyone stepped through, Norbert standing at the back by the door, ensuring everybody made it up fine. As he poked his head through the entranceway, he nodded in approval of what he saw. The number of people in the large room had everyone packed like a can of sardines. On a skin hanging between two posts, Norbert saw the depiction of a beast. He was looking like a bear with antlers coming out of its head.


    Staring at the beast, Norbert wondered if that was what he needed to take down. As thoughts swam through his head, the villager at the front voice echoed throughout the hut.

 Chapter 132 Were Going on a Brealk Hunt

    "Thank you for coming all here. The rumours that the beasts are moving about again seem to be true. In the jungles of Transnu, there is a beast that we cannot take on." The village leader said, waving his hand at the depiction behind him. Continuing, "The Brealk normally stay away from this of the jungle, travelling separately unless there are newborns. This one", smacking the painting behind him "has grown highly aggressive, and with that adjustment with size." Pointing to a line at the bottom "That is the height of a normal person, compared to him."


    Norbert''s eyes widened as he stopped listening to the man speak. The line only went up to the bear''s knee. Doing a quick math, the bear elk, the Brealk standing in the picture, would come up to nearly ten meters. The antlers on it add an extra couple as well. Wondering how exact it was, Norbert wondered how something that large would even fit between the trees of the jungle.


    "For taking it down, I will leave that to you. We will all be open for your stay, and we recommend sleeping in the trees at night. That is all. May Arzemit assist you on your hunt." The villager finished with a salute, hand high in the air with the index finger up. Everyone else copied, moving away from the door to allow the villagers to leave.


    Norbert moved to the side as the villager passed, wondering what would be expected of him on his scouting around at night. Remembering the warning not to sleep on the ground at night, thoughts of the creatures that might roam around on the jungle floor at night. Still standing at the entrance, Norbert heard Dousan call out, "We will spend the day finding a place and talking with the locals. No night scouting for now, Norbert; we shall follow the support of the locals here. For now, find places to sleep, places to put the gear on and for the tents to go out. Rest up and prepare for tomorrow." Dousan finished off.


    Everyone gave the appropriate salute as Norbert walked out of the entrance, looking out at the village within the trees, wondering what he would be doing for scouting, wiping the sweat from his brow again, staring at the villagers not even a drop of sweat on their bodies. He knew his first task would be a way to stop himself sweating so much.


    On the other end of the walkway, looking around at the village up high. Everybody else fanning out this way and that doing what was instructed of them. Spotting the mess tent already going up, items taken out of storage and enlarged. Wondering what the next place he should go. Standing there trying to decide, he felt someone tap his shoulder and turned around, smiling as he saw Azalea standing before him.


    "Thought we could use this time to review some studies since it''s been some time. To make sure you''re not that rusty." She explained to him.


    Norbert nods, forcing himself not to use the pendant by thinking of speaking in Morenasian. "Sounds good." Azalea, leading the way, made turns this way and that across the village among the trees. As he navigated his way across, he saw plants being processed, husks ripped off and stored away, and the waste kept there to be thrown off the edge. Looking down at the base, spotting people moving the bi-product to other places in the forest.


    As he continued moving, he spotted one group digging it back in random places. Shaking his head, knowing there must be a system, he kept walking, stopping when he heard his name being called out.


    Turning around, he saw Azalea sitting at the platform''s edge, the building behind her. Dangling her feet over the edge with her pack by her side, Norbert walked back to her. "Sorry about that; I just didn''t see you stop." Norbert explained to her.


    With a wave of her hand, she dismissed the excuse, keeping her hand open as she stared at his chest. Reaching under his clothes, he took off his pendant, handing it over to her. Holding the device in front of her head by the chain for several seconds, she examined it, watching it spin around and bundling it in her hand; it rose higher until the pendant was within her hand. Closing her eyes, she spoke to it.


    Underneath her hand, Norbert saw ash for a moment, seeing the light now visible again. Leaning backwards slightly, she unclasped her hand and put her weight on it; turning to look at Norbert, she asked, "So, what did you do for your week in Alasium?"


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    Thinking briefly about what to say, Norbert realised this was a test. Reaching into his backpack, Norbert took out his helmet, the two pieces separate, and the disposable mask, still having it because he never knew when he would need a second one on hand.


    Combining the two pieces, forming the mask in his hand, he passed it over to Azalea. "Got this from a smithy named Beckia, told by Nancy to go there." Reaching into it, he showed some other clothes he had bought on his shopping trip. "Nancy also helped with these." Norbert said.


    Azalea just smiled as she nodded, turning the helmet over. Looking inside, Norbert heard her gasp while tracing her fingers over it. Eyes closed, Norbert saw she was concentrating, mouth moving up and down as she silently talked to herself.


    Moving away from her, he looked down again, seeing the forest floor far below. As he saw the people move about, he was reminded about the plateau he started in. Wondering what beasts would be out here, Norbert took out the bestiary, flipping to the back with the appendix, searching for the Brealk, hoping the surrounding pages would have beasts also in the area.


    Finding the reference, he flipped over to the page, examining the picture depicting it, half the page being taken up by the artist that did this. The other half of the page is about information on the beast. Skimming through it, Norbert whistled to himself, not believing what he was reading. "Normally found within the jungles of Transnu, they have been heard to roam around to other places, depending on factors. Territorial creatures that will leave you alone if you do not threaten them. Setting up settlement in their territory is not advised as they will become aggressive. The average standing just taller than a man, with the antlers on top adding another half-man in height. They draw their power from the plants around them to remove these creatures. Best recommend to use fire on the surrounding nature."


    The rest of the passage talked about the claws and teeth, not wanting to get swiped, and no variants have been found of the creature. "No new variants, my ass," Norbert said as he looked at the picture, trying to imagine what this oversized one would look like. Would it be able to touch his feet with them dangling off?


    "Anything interesting about the Brealk?" Azalea asked him, his helmet wrestling by his side.


    "Not much, no known variations of this one, normally bigger than a man, not including the antlers. Territorial creatures and to exterminate with fire, and lots of it." Norbert explained to her.


    Azalea just nodded back. Handing the helmet back, Norbert packed that and the book back in. Azalea pointed towards the helmet. "That''s a nice piece you have there. What''s the point of having the mask if you have something like that?" she asked him.


    "Well, it''s for the other thing that I did on my break, which resulted in me getting grounded by Martitia," Norbert said. As he started to explain his journey on the docks, the task was skipped over the details of who gave it to him. He ends by resting at the temple district with the priest who talked to him that night.


    "Sounds like you had quite the adventure last time as well. What is with you? Always getting in trouble. Maybe you should learn to keep your head down for once; it could save your neck." Azalea said as she got onto her feet, standing above Norbert. Holding her hand out, Norbert gripped it as he felt himself be pulled up.


    Handing back the pendant to Norbert, he took it from her, seeing it was once bright again. "Your mathematics, reading and talking skills are now up to par. I have taught you the basics. So, for questions in the future, you can find them yourself without being reliant on others. Congratulations, Norbert, and don''t die too soon." She finished.


    Turning around, Norbert just stared, watching as she walked off. Standing there with his mouth open, Norbert wondered what to do. Knowing he needed to say something, do something or lose his chance, Norbert rushed forward. "Wait, that''s it. What about what you said before about after being a tutor/tutee?"


    Red-faced, he stared at Azalea, who smiled at him. "One step at a time, big boy. One step at a time." She said as she stepped away, Norbert just standing there wondering what he should do.


    ***


    Night having come, Norbert sat down again, looking down at the jungle floor, Obsius standing on the ledge as well, listening as Norbert explained his woes to the bird.


    "Any advice on what to do, Obsius?" Norbert asked the bird.


    The white speckled, blending in with the forest around, just chirped once. Norbert shook his head. "Does it matter if I''m asking a bird what to do? Just shows how desperate I am, that''s all." Norbert said back.


    Leaning backwards, his back on the wooden floor, he stared up at the canopy above him, the stars unable to reach through the canopy. Closing his eyes, he heard Obsius twitter back to him.


    "Just be me, and if she likes me, then great; if not, it would never work out." Norbert repeated Obsius''s advice. If only life could ever be that simple.

 Chapter 133 Sweaty Man

    "Ready for a day of work?" A voice said behind Norbert. The sun had risen in the sky, now creating light for him to see the world; Norbert spun around, looking at who was talking to him, the voice already narrowing it down to one person.


    There stood Martitia, looking a little worn out but much better than the last time he had seen her. Getting to his feet, Norbert stood in front of her. "Well, that''s what I''m paid for. I''m sure it isn¡¯t to sit here looking pretty." Norbert replied.


    "Good to hear your enthusiasm. Now, as it was given that you were not to do night duty, and by the villagers'' request for the first few days, each scout will have a villager go with them. The jungle is a dangerous place for the uninitiated." Martitia said.


    Norbert just nodded, interrupting before she could continue. "So, where is the meet-up point for this little party?"


    "Back at the main tent where we saw the Brealk diagram, most will gather there after breakfast." She replied, starting to walk back. As Norbert stared at her, wiping sweat from his brow, he now remembered the question he wanted to ask someone.


    "Hey Martitia, how does everyone else not sweat?" Norbert asked her.


    Turning around, she just smiled as she pointed to her gear. "Need magic, constant upkeep. Not designed for crystals." She said as she continued to walk away. Norbert just stared at her. With what he had, there was no way for him to tap into that or change his clothes to fit him better. Looking down at his own, Norbert confirmed there was no marking for him to use anyway, wondering if the armourer knew he didn''t have magic and just gave him regular clothes instead.


    Accepting his hot, sweaty fate, Norbert reached down, picked up his bag, and followed Martitia to the meeting house.


    ***


    Norbert stared at the single person left; everyone else had left, including Martitia. Staring back at him was a lithe man, nearly a head taller than himself. Like everyone else, the man had not a single drop of sweat on him. He wore loose-fitting pants with no top, showing the world his muscled body without a fat drop. Staring closer, he examined the scars around his body, showing a life of hardships and combat, risks taken and the result of miscalculation.


    Staring up at the man, Norbert bowed to him, saying, "I place my trust in you to show me the way of the jungle."


    Hearing a snort in reply, the man responded, "Looks like they leave the runt of the litter to me." Louder continued, "Come along, sweaty man; I''ve been tasked with showing you around Transnu." Walking out the tent, Norbert waved his thanks to Martitia before he followed the villager.


    Having walked around the village up in the trees, his guide stopped at one of the ropes, going down onto the forest floor. Holding on, the villager quickly slid down, feet impacting with the ground as he stared back up at Norbert for a moment before walking away, leaving Norbert up there.


    He shook his head, knowing that he might be sweaty, but showing off like that would not be tolerated. Following from above, Norbert made his way through the village. As his guide passed under one of the bridges, Norbert hopped over the rope railing and plummeted to the ground, aiming right behind the guide.


    As he plummeted to the ground, Obsius flew above him, slowly gliding down. Pushing energy through his body, Norbert felt the ground impact from under him, squatting down to absorb the impact; standing up straight, he looked to his guide. "Well, are you going to show me around the place or just stand around here twiddling your thumbs?" Norbert asked him.


    The villager stared at him, not saying a word as he silently turned around and ran into the village. Giving chase, the two of them quickly made their way out of the village, the houses no longer in the trees, the vines denser than before, and shrubs all around. The clearing around the trees was gone; only small paths meandering through the jungle could be found.


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    Norbert continued forward; he wondered how the guide was supposed to show him around the place at this speed, the plants whizzing by and the rustling of the leaves enough to notify anything of their travels. As he continued going, the guide looked back at Norbert, thinking he would be alone each time, but Norbert was still following behind. Catching the grimace on his face, the guide sped up again, trying to leave Norbert in the dust.


    Passing by plants that looked suspicious, the guide continued forward, Norbert now knowing the two of them wouldn''t find any creatures, the amount of commotion the guide was making, no longer caring about being a guide, only wanting to prove a point. Norbert wondered what this was all about. It had long gone past being a game to push the weird sweaty person around.


    Fed up, Norbert sprinted forward and leapt as fast as he could. The guide turned back in time to see Norbert flying towards him, eyes wide in surprise as the two crashed in a heap on the floor.


    Turning around, Norbert slammed his back into a tree, the guide smashing into Norbert as he felt the air get pushed out of him. Focusing on his breathing, Norbert felt the pain in his stomach slowly release. Holding onto his knees, Norbert spat the bile coating his mouth. Looking to the side and staring at the guide, Norbert asked, "What is your deal?"


    Sitting up and back against the tree, the guide just spat out some bile before explaining, "Nobody wants to show you around. I drew the short straw and was left to you. Didn''t know you were that fast." He explained.


    Norbert, standing up, just stared down at the man. Holding his hand out, the guide grasped on as he pulled the villager up. The two of them standing, Norbert not letting go of the villager''s hand. Without showing effort, Norbert began squeezing down on his hand, staring at the villagers and the faces he was making.


    First, Norbert felt the villager also squeeze back, Norbert copying the pressure on him; as Norbert exerted more force, the villager''s face slowly morphed from a smile to surprise, then horror as he felt his bones start to bend his hand.


    Holding the pressure, Norbert said, "And I''m fast, too. I''m Norbert; what can I call you?" Norbert asked.


    The villager, gulping, responded, "Trinus."


    Norbert nodded in response, unclasping Trinus''s hand at hearing the name. Trinus breathed in relief as he clasped his hand, looking down and flexing his fingers, ensuring nothing was broken or in pain. A nod to himself that nothing was too severely damaged, just a bit sore, he walked to one of the bushes, pointing to a spotted flower.


    Norbert stared at the flower, seeing the purple flower with its round petals, looking back at him, almost wanting to hug him. The white specks and lines throughout each petal formed a white centre where Norbert could see some pollen. He almost held his breath as he expected a bee to buzz around at the picturesque flowers.


    "That''s a Vanda Orchid, mostly harmless, but if prepared, the juice can provide a diluter for other ingredients in potions," Trinus said before walking to the next place.


    Norbert just stared at the flower, something he would expect to see from Earth, and the name was appropriate. Continuing forward, Norbert continued listening to what Trinus would say; together, the three slowly made their way back to the village. Obsius has caught up to them and is making a racket in Norbert''s ear.


    ***


    Seeing the village past the next couple of trees just on the outside of the clearing and on the end of the winding path, Norbert saw Trinus start to look up at the sky. Following his lead, Norbert looked around, seeing the sky darkening. Wondering what was causing Trinus to be so jumpy, Norbert stopped when he could see the village ahead.


    Trinus, seeing Norbert stopped, turned around, calling for him to follow. Norbert waved him away, shouting, "What¡¯s out there you''re so afraid of?"


    Trinus did not give a response as he started sprinting. Norbert just turned back around, looking at the dark forest before him. Staring around, Norbert looked forward, wondering what would be coming from the forest. Reaching for his sword, Norbert slid it slightly out of its sheath, confirming it wouldn''t get stuck and still at the appropriate angle after his day in the jungle.


    Flicking his vision between the magic and night, Norbert watched as the forest turned from green and colourful to monotone grey. As he continued staring, he heard a voice shouting out from behind him. Focusing on it, he heard, "Norbert, get back here right now!"


    Norbert momentarily turned around, shouting, "Just give me a second!"


    As he turned around, Norbert felt the wind rush past him as he flew momentarily turned around, shouting. Clutching onto Obsius the two of them went high in the air. As he began to fall, he felt the air come up around him before he felt it billowing around him, the trees whipping past him.


    Finally stopping on the wooden floor of the tent, Norbert stared up, seeing several mages around him in their blue. The three people in different clothes were Dousan, Martitia and the villager who explained the Brealk to him.


    Resting his head back on the ground, Norbert groaned, wondering how much trouble he would now be in.

 Chapter 134 Alone Again

    Norbert stared up at the three faces looking down at him. Hoping that the first foot forward would have the advantage Norbert spoke up ¡°Before anyone says anything I just wanted to see what was out there, what made you so nervous at night. And look, I came out of this unscathed with a bit of help so nothing bad see.¡± Norbert said, holding his hands out in front of him.


    The others just stared at him, not moving as the villager just said ¡°Take your shirt off.¡±


    Norbert just stared back at the man ¡°Excuse me, why would I do that? I¡¯m not into that sort of thing with you old man¡± Norbert questioned.


    Dousan stepping slightly forward as he leaned down ¡°We were told before that there was a curse placed on those attacked at night. The reason why you¡¯re not on night duty.¡± He said before taking a step back and looking down at Norbert.


    Sighing in annoyance Norbert placed his backpack on the side, Obsius sitting on the rail looking down at him. Taking his jacket off rolling his top up, exposing his chest and stomach. Staring down surprise stricken on his face at what he saw. In the centre of his chest, where his solar plexus was he stared down, knowing the black splotch now resting on him wasn¡¯t there before.


    In a rough circle, some parts going out he saw a dark black spot. About the size of a coin, an ink spot on a perfectly white canvas, controlled by gravity the ink spot wasn¡¯t a perfect circle. Around it what really amazed him and everyone as they all drew in a breath was the perfect purple circle surrounding it.


    The skin itself turned purple, similar to his veins when pushing energy through his body, but right now he wasn¡¯t forcing anything through. The veins around the spot where also purple, getting darker the closer it was to it. Poking the rings with his finger it felt normal, nothing weird or giving away. Stretching it around it felt perfectly fine with his skin, not feeling any weird lumps or pain when he attacked it.


    Staring back up at those around him he dropped his shirt back down and looked around. ¡°Well, does this mean I¡¯m kicked out until it can be figured out?¡± Norbert asked.


    All eyes turned towards the villager, wondering what his take would be. Silent for a moment Norbert could tell the man was thinking about the outcome. Looking both to Martitia and Dousan gauging both of their responses as he opened his mouth ¡°You will need to be away from the rest of us. We cannot afford anyone here to get infected. We will carry on and try to find a solution. Any supplies you need you can have. That is all we can do for you.¡± the village head said as he took a step backwards and bowed down slightly.


    Dousan just nodding in approval as Martitia just pinched the brow of her nose. Norbert just smiling sheepishly as he looked at those around him. ¡°Guess I¡¯m in the thick of it once again.¡± Norbert notified them, keeping the smile from wavering he had plastered on his face.


    Martitia just snorted in response. Shaking his head Norbert speaking to himself ¡°And I thought Luck was supposed to get me out of these situations.¡±


    Martitia just shaking her head saying ¡°Luck was the thing that brought you to it. People that follow Lady Luck are lucky. You can now go out in the night and see what we are dealing with. But you now have the added risk. Luck doesn¡¯t care about risk, your just lucky with everything.¡±


    Norbert gulped his throat suddenly scratchy, nodding his head ¡°So, what¡¯s going to happen for now?¡± Norbert asked.


    Dousan clearing his throat as he composing himself ¡°You can have the food that you need, won¡¯t be much. Go out at night and explore as much as possible. Report back when you can and notify when you need help. Use your compass to find your way back when you can. Let us know what¡¯s happening out there and make it back alive. Here take this¡± Dousan said as he reached into his coat and brought out a stone, throwing it to Norbert before he continued ¡°That¡¯s a tracking stone, in case you ...¡± He finished trailing off his sentence.


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    Norbert just looking down at the metal disk sitting on his chest. Picking it up he saw it had some engravings and a stone hanging out of it. Taking his pendant off Norbert threaded it through the hole, letting the two magical devices sit next to each other. Placing it under his shirt, he smoothed it out making it so it wouldn¡¯t stick out.


    As Norbert went to his feet, looking down at Obsius he asked the bird ¡°So, you going to travel with me or stick with these guys?¡± Norbert asked the bird.


    Obsius flapping her wings hopped up and landed on his shoulder, Norbert looked down at the bird as he heard her chirp at him. ¡°Yes, I am thankful for what you do, coming with me on all these perilous journeys.¡± Norbert replied.


    As he looked back to Dousan and Martitia he looked through his backpack, seeing no food inside. ¡°Wondering if I can have some food for me and Obsius before I leave and face whatever is out there.¡± Norbert said to the two of them.


    Dousan just nodding ¡°Food will be brought shortly. Guess this means goodbye for now.¡± Dousan said as he waited in silence. Norbert just staring between the two of them. A villager that Norbert had never seen before came running to the group before handing the sack to the villager at the meeting, who Norbert assumed was the head.


    The old man opening it up bringing his hand around the sack, ruffling the contents inside before nodding his approval and handing it over to Dousan. Not even looking at the contents he passed them over to Norbert, who caught it out of the air. Staring inside Norbert saw some preserved meat and some bread. Taking a piece out of the hard and granular bread he nodded, it wouldn¡¯t be fun but it would be enough.


    Looking back up at Dousan Norbert saw the leader salute to him. As he did so back he stared around at the rest of the village, mouth agape as a tear formed in his eye. Hanging over the railings Norbert saw the rest of the Frontier that came with him, standing there and giving the same salute. Thrusting his hand in the air Norbert showed them the salute while shouting ¡°I will return one day, this will not break me, and it will not break you!¡±


    A roar came from those around the village as Norbert nodded his thanks to the village head before leaping off the railing, falling to the ground. Once hitting it Norbert dashed forward, away from the eyes of everyone there, Obsius still on his shoulder as the darkness consumed both of them.


    The village head looked over to Martitia and Dousan, dropping their hands from the salute as they made their way back. ¡°Aren¡¯t you concerned about him?¡±


    Dousan just chuckling as he walked away without saying another word, heading to the meeting room to confirm what was found out about today. Martitia blowed air out of her nose as she also shook her head.


    ¡°It was bound to happen to him. Man can¡¯t get away from things like this.¡± She responded to the man.


    The villager just stared back, shocked ¡°But aren¡¯t you worried that he won¡¯t even make it through the night?¡± he asked again, trying to strengthen his point.


    Martitia now also walking away stopped as she turned around ¡°Let me put it this way, out of everyone who could have been marked I¡¯m happy it was him. Not that I don¡¯t care about one of my scouts. He just has the highest chance of pulling through.¡± She explained.


    The villager leader just shocked at the remark, unable to move his feet as he stared back into the forest, following where Norbert was last seen disappearing into the darkness.


    ***


    Running away from the village in the trees Norbert couldn¡¯t look at any of them as the darkness hit him. Changing his vision Norbert didn¡¯t stop, cupping over Obsius, not wanting to lose the bird in the forest. Eyes and ears peeled this time for whatever could be out there. Constantly flicking between magic and night vision Norbert slowed down after the first minute, getting nauseous and head spinning from constantly changing his vision from grey to colour.


    Standing still and nothing reaching out to attack him Norbert wondered what was going on, staying still Norbert focused his energy on his listening, trying to get as much as he could out of the dark forest. Slowly Norbert could hear the forest come alive, as he focused on what he could hear, the bushes rustling, insects scrambling across the grass, as he tried to listen nothing sounded like before.


    Heart now calmed down he looked around watching the world in grey as he tried to find anything out of place. As he watched and waited attentively Norbert just stared out, wondering what would happen. As nothing appeared Norbert just shook his head, and began walking again.


    Whistling to himself Norbert slowly walked throughout the night, one hand on his sword and the other catching leaves as he tore them off bushes, wondering when he would get attacked again by whatever. When will it next peak its head out for him?

 Chapter 135 A World Above a World

    With the jungle brightening up Norbert was annoyed at what happened, for nothing had happened. No weird beasts or attacks from the darkness, no magic out of the ordinary. It just looked like a jungle he would expect in a magical place. Weird sounds at night and buzzing around but no weird attacks from nothing. Now thoroughly annoyed at his wasted time he pulled his shirt up, looking at the black spot again.


    Staring down he couldn¡¯t even tell if there was a change since the night before, the spot looking about the same, and the purple circle around it looking the same as before. Lowering his shirt again he looked in his backpack, taking the sack of food out as he broke a piece of the bread into crumbs, holding it out for Obsius to eat.


    Staring up at the canopy above and not seeing any village above them, or any sign of anything on them at all. Wondering what could be happening up there he spotted a bird zooming past up above. Looking to Obsius on his shoulder, making a mess of the bread she was eating.


    ¡°Want to see what they are doing up there?¡± Norbert asked Obsius as he pointed with his head above, more and more birds staring to move about. Only receiving a chirp of affirmation in response. Dusting his shoulder of crumbs Norbert placed the sack back in his backpack, putting it on his back as he looked up at the trees and started walking around, trying to find an easy one to climb.


    After some searching stopping at one tree Norbert nodded his head, finding the best one out of the lot. Wishing he had his rope from before, to at least make the decent easier, but alas. Holding onto the vine coming down Norbert took his feet off the ground, confirming it could hold his body weight grasping one hand above the other Norbert made his climb up the tree.


    As Norbert climbed higher, fortunate that the vine continued to the top and not needing to change to another one half way up the tree. Higher he went, finally making it to the first branch of the tree, just above his head the canopy, a nest of twigs and branches and a sea of green above him.


    Turning his head to the side Norbert looked over at Obsius, gauging the reaction of the bird before he looked at the creatures around him. Unlike in the plateaus with a large variety of colours and sizes within the birds these were mostly the same, only slight alterations between that Norbert could spot as they zipped by him.


    The size of hawks with the muted colours of green and brown, Norbert watching as they dived about themselves, constantly moving. Occasionally Norbert would see one shoot up above the canopy, creating a tendril of light going into the jungle bellow him. After a few moments the bird would return and continued about. The more Norbert watched he could see them all go above the canopy only to return later.


    His curiosity piqued Norbert started to climb to the tops of the trees. Obsius now leaving his shoulder as each grasp higher became more and more shaky, the solid limbs of the tree now bellow him, only thin branches and twigs this high. Gulping and hoping he wouldn¡¯t fall, Norbert continued until his head was scraping against twigs.


    The sea of green opening up around him Norbert poked his head out, seeing the clear sky above the jungle of Transnu, smiling at what he saw. The clear sky above, not having a speckle of white stopping the ocean of blue above. Moving his eyes back to the horizon Norbert saw the birds diving up and down, congregating before going bellow the canopy again.


    Wondering what they were doing Norbert felt one of the twigs near him start to wiggle, turning his head to the side, smiling as he saw Obsius stick her head out. Reaching down to assist the little bird in the retrieval process Norbert stood there with the bird as the two of them breathed in the clear air, that wasn¡¯t as humid as bellow them somehow.


    Feeling the sun on his skin, warming him up and drying himself out it felt like Norbert rested where he was, watching as the sun rose and fell in the sky. Staring at the sun as it finally set against the horizon, the sky filled with brightness one last burst before darkness started to descend.


    Watching as the birds one by one slowly went bellow the canopy, no longer coming back up for whatever they were looking for. Norbert just breathing in at the stillness, feeling the wind blowing gently against him. Taking his mask Norbert put it on his face, clasping the back on it as well, protecting his full head. Not knowing what was going to come at him during the night but being as prepared as he could be with the limited moves he could make.


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    Watching as the leaves rustled against each other, creating a cacophony of sound moving everywhere around him. Looking once more against the world of leaves Norbert ducked back under, checking his sword as he looked into the still world bellow him of the jungle.


    Dropping to the ground Norbert unsheathed his sword, holding it warily in front with one hand. Obsius sitting on his shoulder, feeling the bird constantly hop around, the two of them not wanting to get caught by surprise like last time.


    Staying crouched down, waiting Norbert focused on his breathing, as quietly as he could. Not wanting to disturb anything and miss something that could save him from being attacked again. Patiently Norbert slowly looked around, turning around with his back towards. Changing his vision once again Norbert stayed on the magical sight, seeing the world have a faint green glow to everything.


    Starting to pump energy throughout his body, getting it ready for everything Norbert saw his breath come out as slightly purple, staring down between his nose Norbert wondered how that would come to be, was he wasting his energy with the excretion when he could be saving more, was there some untapped efficiency he was loosing out somewhere?


    His conscious mind unable to see it but his instincts ready, or he was just lucky as at the corner of his vision coming from the darkness a swipe came at him. Spinning around Norbert dashed to the side, holding Obsius so the bird didn¡¯t fall off him and get caught in the spell.


    Watching Norbert followed the spell, a great arc of blue light in his vision, flicking to normal vision darkness controlling the world, nothing could be seen at all before the hairs on the back of his neck stood up.


    Once more dashing to the side, changing to his magic vision again Norbert could just see a coalescent blue smoke forming, no creature there at all. Taking a dagger from his belt Norbert threw it into the smoke, hoping that it would impact something.


    Sadly it did not, Norbert loosing track as it passed through, the smoke none the wiser now as another wave came at him. Continuing his path Norbert dashed to the side again, hearing the thunck of his dagger hitting a tree, able to hear it wobble in the night air.


    Knowing that he had no way of hurting whatever was attacking him Norbert placed his sword back in his sheath, more focused on manoeuvrability and survival at this point.


    With the sword sliding back in, a zing filling the air Norbert just stared at the blue smoke, waiting for the next attack to happen Norbert waited on the balls of his feet. Staring at the blue smoke it seemed to shudder for a moment before it quickly receded back, running away from Norbert.


    Stunned for a second Norbert just stood where the empty space was, not believing that it would go away so quickly. Obsius pecking at him broke him from his surprise, as the bird chirped at him.


    ¡°Yeah, your right. And thanks for getting me out of it.¡± Norbert replied as he quickly dashed forward, running past the tree that he threw on his way as he retrieved the dagger, placing it back in his belt.


    Now happy he wasn¡¯t leaving anything behind Norbert picked up the speed, staring ahead of him as the trees and bushes rushed past. Happy to have his mask as he didn¡¯t feel anything, knowing his face would be scratched up otherwise.


    Continuing forward Norbert headed in the direction, going as fast as he can, hoping to get a glimpse of the smoke. After running for several seconds as fast as he could go, knowing the danger of him hitting into a tree was high Norbert caught his first glimpse of the smoke again.


    Rushing forward Norbert continue to follow it behind ,seeing as the further it went the faster it became and the denser as well. Following it Norbert continued running, now breathing heavy from the amount of time he was running for, knowing that normally he wouldn¡¯t be this winded already. Not wanting to give up on the chase and loose his only lead Norbert continued on.


    Several minuted later Norbert saw as it entered a hole in the ground, sliding to a stop as Norbert skidded over the hole starting to fall within it, following the blue smoke, scrambling with his hands on the side so as not to fall down into the unknown. Fingers scraping against the rock wall Norbert felt he finally stopped. Looking down at the hole Norbert saw the smoke disappear. Changing his vision to night, trying to see something about it all along the passageway he was now in, runes where everywhere.


    Staring around him Norbert slowly climbed himself up, wanting to confirm something. Finally out of it and at the top Norbert made his to the surface. Looking through his pack Norbert brought out the pendant, the piece of stone he had received from with the goblet he left all those weeks ago.


    Staring around at the place he was now Norbert just fell back down, staring up at the canopy above as he steadied his breathing. His first task for when light came would be to have a look at the area he found himself in, then go back to the camp and notify them what he found. But before any of that Norbert felt his eyes grow heavy, sleep taking him.

 Chapter 136 Suspicions

    Squinting Norbert turned his head, stretching as he came to the land of the living. Blinking the sleep from his eyes as he rubbed them, not believing that he slept so much. For months he hadn¡¯t needed to sleep properly, but here he was, his groggy head now coming around as he looked about the jungle.


    Obsius, sitting on a vine on the nearest tree, chirped at Norbert as the bird fluttered down, meeting him on his chest. Norbert getting onto his hands and knees, looking around as he got his sense of direction, looking around putting his thoughts of the night before in their place.


    Remembering the chase with the smoke, rushing through the jungle, dropping down the hole and nearly falling, climbing back up and passing out from sleep, and waking up again when the sun shining through just a minute ago.


    GRRRRMBLE


    Broken from his train of thought Norbert looked down to his stomach, not believing the sounds he heard from it. The pains hitting him from lack of food, having woken up later than he was used to before. Ruffling through his bag Norbert pulled out the food, seeing the bread as he scarfed it down, before reaching for the biscuits next and having those as well. Thirsty Norbert made his way to the flask, sculling the water down as it soothed his thirst.


    Placing it back in his backpack Norbert leaned backwards, resting his hands behind him as he started up Obsius.


    ¡°What is happening to me?¡± Norbert asked the bird.


    Obsius fluttering its wings came down and rested on his stomach, as she pecked at Norbert. Pecking at his shirt again Norbert stared down at his stomach. Nodding his head ¡°Good thinking, lets see the damage.¡±


    Taking his jacket off again Norbert lifted his shirt up, examining his solar plexus at the black spot. Nodding his head in understanding as the purple around it was even darker now, possibly the black spot about the same size or slightly smaller.


    ¡°Guess I cant push myself so hard for now until this goes away.¡± Norbert said to the bird as he lowered his shirt. Obsius chirping in response as Norbert went to his feet.


    ¡°Yeah, time to head back. Sure you can lead me back here?¡± Norbert responded. Getting a peck on his ear as Norbert rested there in response to his remark about her tracking skills.


    ¡°Ok, I leave the return trip in your hands. Now time to get some food and notify the others.¡± And with that Norbert made his trek back the village, taking out the compass to point him in the right direction. Not wanting to force the energy anywhere within himself to shorten his journey, just focusing on keeping it circulating around his body, feeling it move about his body as he walked, remembering what Azalea said about practicing magic with constant use and pressure. Well, now he had its own pressure, best to make use of the handicap.


    ***


    The sun starting to fall in the sky as Norbert stood on the outskirts of the village, waiting for Martitia or Dousan to come, having called one of the two already. The villagers around him staring, acting nonchalant as they made sure that he wouldn¡¯t enter any further into their domain.


    Whistling with Obsius, knowing it best not to push it any further, hoping that they would bring some food and water out as well, not knowing when next he would need to eat, as currently he wasn¡¯t feeling hungry at all, hoping to himself that he wasn¡¯t losing it, having no power and magic. He shook his head lost in thought.


    ¡°Never seen you so down Norbert!¡± A voice cried out from behind him.


    Turning around Norbert just smiled ¡°Just something personal that¡¯s all. And what are you even doing here Dobert?¡± he asked the man.


    Dobert stopping several meters back just sighed ¡°Been going through the jungle. Strict curfew not to be out at night so we all come back earlier. Makes the search take that bit slower.¡± Dobert replied to Norbert. ¡°But enough about that, your back early so you must have found something?¡±


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    Norbert just nodding ¡°Yeah found something. What seems to attack is this blue mist, only seen with magic and sends waves of itself out at you. Guess that¡¯s what hit me the first time.¡± Norbert said as he poked at his chest.


    Dobert just nodding ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know about you but I¡¯m starving. Haven¡¯t had anything since breakfast. I¡¯ll let the others know that you¡¯re waiting out here.¡± Dobert said as he started walking off.


    Norbert nodding ¡°Thanks for that. And tell them not to forget the meal and bring some torches for light. Don¡¯t know how long I¡¯m going to be away this time.¡± Norbert responded.


    Dobert waved his hand in confirmation as he walked through the village making his way to one of the trees as he began climbing up the ladder.


    Tapping his foot again on the ground Norbert continued his whistling, waiting for his food to arrive before heading out again.


    ***


    Raising his arm in the air in salute, spotting Martitia walking along the walkway above before reaching the ladder which she deftly slid down, Norbert seeing the sack on her pack as she slid down. Landing on the ground with a thud she made her way over to Norbert before stopping just out of arms reach. Staring at the villagers around the area Norbert noticing all slowing down in their tasks, some completely stopped as he could almost feel the ears trained on him.


    Throwing the sack to Norbert she stood there nodding as Norbert bent over, opening up the sack as a smile split his face. Taking his backpack off Norbert started moving the food over, adding the water flasks as well.


    At the bottom Norbert saw the torches inside as well that he requested to be added, taking one up to eye level as he examined, not seeing any spell there, just a simple rag wrapped around the end. Nodding his head in approval Norbert moved the dozen off over into his backpack, reorganising everything to fit.


    ¡°So, want to add anything?¡± Martitia asked him.


    Norbert continued to pack as he quickly explained what happened, leaving details out that he didn¡¯t want the villagers to know. Finishing his story of the chase and finding the hole he asked her ¡°And have you found anything at all?¡±


    Receiving a shake from her head Norbert just nodded in return ¡°Well, let me know if something does happen. I¡¯ll be heading in that neck of the jungle. Don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll be back but will be a couple of days.¡± Norbert said, pointing to the direction he just came from.


    Martitia just nodded ¡°Stay strong, we¡¯re all here for you.¡± She finished as she saluted him, index finger pointing straight into the sky.


    Norbert nodded his head ¡°And to you all as well.¡± As he copied the salute.


    Nodding off Norbert placed his backpack on his shoulders before turning to Obsius sitting on his left ¡°Well, guess that¡¯s everything. Time for you to lead the way.¡± Norbert said to the bird.


    Obsius fluting its wings as it alighted from his shoulder, brushing against his head as the bird shot forward. Hearing its chirps in response Norbert took off at a steady jog ¡°Yeah, yeah I¡¯m not going to lose sight of you.¡± He said, calling after the bird as he left the village behind, Martitia still staring at him, before turning around, not looking at the villagers staring at her as she made her way back to the command cabin, notifying what Norbert had found there.


    Now deep in the jungle, Norbert many a time checking to make sure that he wasn¡¯t being followed by anyone, that the villagers wouldn¡¯t be breaking into their conversation anymore. Staring up at the bird, fluttering ahead as it waited for Norbert to catch up, staring at him he asked it ¡°So, you see anything else following us?¡±


    Receiving a tweet in reply Norbert nodded along ¡°Yeah, didn¡¯t seen anything else either. And I did purposefully leave info out. Don¡¯t trust those villagers at all and neither does Martitia and the rest from what I gather.¡± Norbert replied back.


    Obsius chirped in response, landing on his shoulder. ¡°Yeah, I only told them what they wanted to hear. The villagers all stared back at me, tense when talking about the hole I found. So whatever happened is in those ruins with the smoke.¡± Norbert said back to Obsius.


    The bird tweeting in response ¡°And yes, you will be coming with me and we will be doing this all later. For now let¡¯s just get to the area then find a place to rest for the night.¡± Norbert replied.


    Following through the jungle Norbert turned his vision to darkness, wanting to still see in the fading light, not caring about if the smoke appeared this time.


    Finally making his way to the hole, leading to the ruins bellow. Staring about Norbert saw no smoke as he changed his vision to magic, confirming that there weren¡¯t any traps hidden by his sight in the increasing darkness. Confirming that it was just a normal clearing Norbert looked up at the trees, not wanting to sleep on the jungle floor at night again, not knowing what creepy crawlies could be about.


    Carefully Norbert climbed up another vine, slowly making his way to the branches of the tree far above his head. At the top Norbert poked his head out of the leaves, watching the starry sky far above him. Taking a piece of biscuit Norbert broke several pieces off, handing them to Obsius.


    The bird on his hand nibbling at the pieces as Norbert stared up at the constellations, mapping in his head where he would be in their position. Finding himself to the west of before and closer to the south Norbert broke a piece of bread for himself as he chewed on it, wondering what Luck was thinking about his predicament right now.

 Chapter 137 Something Interesting

    Stretching Norbert saw the sun starting to shine on the horizon, the rays piercing into his eyes. Staying up for most of the night, happy that sleep hadn¡¯t taken him, getting back into his regular rhythm. Petting the bird Norbert felt it flutter in his hand as it woke from its slumber, shaking her feathers as she chirped to the brightening world in greeting.


    Norbert continuing to pat at Obsius¡¯s head as he stared at the sea of green around him, staring back up at the sky the stars having fallen away, fading out as the blue sky returned once more. Gazing at the side to the bird, now awake, the two of them eating a quick breakfast before making their way back down to the ground.


    Thankful that they weren¡¯t attacked by anything during the night, Norbert walked towards the hole in the ground leading to where the blue smoke disappeared to. Sticking his face down into the hole, peering over trying to see what was down there. Only seeing several meters down before the darkness consumes the tunnel, taking a torch from his backpack Norbert lit it with the flint and steel he still kept from the start, before dropping the lit torch down the hole.


    Counting the seconds, watching as the torch quickly descend, before hearing a sharp crack as it bounced around on the ground, the torch rolling out of sight but the light it produced still illuminating the bottom of the hole, a yellow semicircle on the ground. Nodding his head that there wasn¡¯t anything down there to cut him up if he slipped, Norbert began uncoiling the rope from his backpack.


    Walking to the closest tree he walked one end of the rope around, before tying it off. Doing a solid tug, confirming that it wasn¡¯t going anywhere, remembering the skills from when he had to traverse the trees before, the skill still coming in handy to this day.


    Walking to the hole Norbert chucked the rest over, watching as it unspooled, before going taught. Staring down, watching as the rope swayed left and right far bellow. Breathing in deeply, picking up the backpack as he held the rope between his hands. Staring at Obsius, who joined him on his shoulder Norbert started shimmying down the rope.


    Stopping half a meter down, the light from the top still shinning against the walls as he brushed his hand against the pattern inscribed on them. The mark of his hand as he gripped into the stone he looked to the side, confirming his thoughts from the previous nights, it looked oddly familiar.


    Staring at it Norbert noticed the slight differences here and there, although it looked the same it had a different feeling to it, blockier than the flowing form of the last ancient chamber he found himself in. Making a mental note he continued going down the hole, deeper into the bowels of the earth.


    Gloved hands sliding against the rope as Norbert stared down, watching as the light grew brighter and brighter underneath him. Finally coming to a halt as his legs buckled with the force, touching solid ground again. Seeing the rest of the rope coiled in a rough pile on the ground, making a note of how far it was, some several meters but not too much as he picked up the torch, holding it as high above his head as he could, staring out at the area he found himself in.


    The cave around him completely square, the walls shaken and cracked, watching as roots came out from above him, the ceiling of the room twice his height. Looking back up the hole Norbert called to Obsius ¡°You coming down here?¡±


    Hearing the flutter of wings in response as he saw the bird shoot down from above, landing on his head as it pecked at his forehead. Brushing his hand against it he left the bird to its doings, watching the cave, making sure that nothing poked its head out of the crevices.


    Tilting his head in surprise, not seeing any of the carvings or marks like in the other temple, not like there was any of the purple flowers for him to test the walls. As he stared there Norbert remembered he had the purple liquid he ingested. Taking out a knife he held the torch in the crook of his elbow as he took his glove off.


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    Seeing the back of his hand, white in the dark stone around him, the contrast making him look alien with his near porcelain white skin. Holding his hand up Norbert pushed energy to the back of his hand, watching as his veins turned purple. Taking the dagger out with his left he held it to the back of his right hand, feeling pressure, a sharp pain as the blade sliced into the vein.


    Watching a small drop of blood form Norbert scooped it up with the tip of the dagger, before carefully holding it next to the wall before flicking the blood onto it. Staring Norbert held the dagger, watching as nothing happened.


    Sighing he pushed some energy to heal his hand completely, covering his hand once again with the glove. Holding the torch up again in his hand Norbert started walking around the room, searching for anything that could be a lead.


    Finishing his investigation, finding nothing at all standing out to him, just an empty room, some dirt and dust here and there but nothing pointing towards the blue smoke that caused it. Staring at the archway leading further into the earth Norbert looked at the engravings covering it.


    Small squares forming up, squished at an angle, reminding him of kites as they slowly wrapped around the poles on either side. At the top of the arch a simple rectangular shape, nestled with the kite shapes going up, meeting a circle before continuing down the other side with the kites.


    Tilting his head in confusion, Norbert held the torch closer to the archway, following it around as it came to the centre of the room again. Now looking past the archway, only a tunnel leading down, with stairs etched within the stone leading further down.


    Taking his first step, hearing as they echoed through the tunnel. Staring at the ceiling as it had the same steps etched into it; like the stone had been split in two and the two parts of the steps were above and below. Walking back up to the top, confirming that no special lever or grinding of the stone, not wanting to be crushed half way down or caught in some trap where nobody will find him.


    Changing his sights as well, hand on the side, trying to see or feel for anything. After a minute of searching, confident that nothing was hidden down the passage Norbert started his trek down the stairs.


    Walking down, watching the steps carefully as he stared at the walls. Counting Norbert confirmed, on every tenth step was a divot in the wall, stopping at one of them Norbert rubbed his hand within it, a slight graininess collecting on the glove, Staring at the finger, seeing it come back slightly black. The wall previously being used for torches, now long gone in the passage of time, only the soot the remains of what once was.


    Returning to the centre Norbert continued going down once more, taking it carefully and slowly as before, ears peeled in case something was coming his way. Stopping, Norbert stared down at the last stair, before it went into a hallway again. Slowly Norbert stood on the last step, putting his weight onto his left foot, before all of it was on the last step.


    Staring off into the hallway, trying to find anything else that could lead to his suspicion, anything that could trick hi out. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary still, the hairs on the back of his neck standing up on end as he stared, flipping his vision across, trying to find anything out of the ordinary.


    Stopping his thoughts, no need to get paranoid down here, sure that there would have been other people to trigger the traps if there were still any.


    Stepping down onto the hallway, Norbert whipped his head around, trying to spot anything different. But still nothing happened, the dark stone remaining the same as he stared forward into the empty hallway.


    Steps still echoing the pair made his way forward, watching across the bend. Making his way forward Norbert walked through the hallway, surprised as he saw no doors or branches off to the side, only the continued hallway.


    Watching the side of the hallway, seeing nothing on the walls. No markings, lines, diverts or crevices. Just the completely smooth blank wall, completely smooth from what he could see. Focusing ahead of him again Norbert made his way to the end, seeing an arch now jutting out.


    Happy that he wasn¡¯t in the constant never changing hallway as he made his way further across. Watching as he made his way over to it, seeing that it was the same arch as before Norbert passed through it into the next room. Now not even knowing how deep into the earth he currently was, no more signs of tree roots cracking through the stone down here, like it was at the top.


    Walking through the archway Norbert saw a massive dome, cut into the stone. The remainder all moved out as he stared, feeling small and insignificant.


    Staring around the dome Norbert spotted other cuts in the dome, darkness coming out of it. Looking to the centre Norbert found what he was looking for. On the floor below him Norbert saw the blue smoke curled around an object, slowly and steadily swirling around in a sphere.


    Looking up to Obsius Norbert spoke ¡°Well, looks like we found something interesting.¡±

 Chapter 138

    Norbert looked down at the swirling blue sphere, the smoke quickly moving around itself. Crouching down lying on the floor, Norbert just stared at the smoke, waiting for it to move, for something to happen. Obsius hopped around to the side, staring down at the sphere for a moment before hopping back across, staring at the wall before continuing around the level they found themselves on.


    Norbert stared back at the sphere, seeing it as before, just swirling around the place far below him and looking up to the other side of the chamber, I saw archways leading into darkness. Following it around with his head with the circle, he found the floor he was on.


    Staring up at the ceiling, the dome reaching its apex above him, staring around Norbert, unable to see any floors above him. Tracing the rings with his eyes, not seeing any way to get down from one floor to the next, not at least on the floor he was now, not counting jumping off the side and hoping he didn''t break anything or disturb the smoke as a way of getting down.


    Crawling back over the edge so the smoke was lost from view, Norbert went over to Obsius, leaning down as he examined what the bird was following along. He wipes the ground with his hand, seeing dirt spiral away into the air. Tracing the mark with his fingers, Norbert didn''t understand it, reminding him of the writings he saw at the entrance.


    Opening his backpack, Norbert felt around. Fingers grasping a torch as he brought it out, taking the flint out of the backpack with it. Norbert held the torch up with his feet before striking the flint with his dagger, sending sparks down on the torch.


    After the first attempt, the sound echoing around the chamber halls, Norbert stood back up as he walked over to the edge, staring back down at the swirling smoke, confirming that it hadn''t moved from its position in the centre of the room. Norbert walked back over, leaning down and lighting the torch.


    Picking it up, Norbert lifted it above his head, confirming that he could see around the area before putting it back down on the ground and wanting to have it marked which path to make it out if he had to make a quick dash. He stared around the room again, seeing all the other passageways he could get lost down. Norbert shivered at the thought of being trapped underground, slowly being drained.


    Clapping his hands on his cheeks, waking him from his stupor as Norbert looked around, his mind confirmed that he would need to pass through the passages to make his way down to the bottom, wanting to see why the smoke was down there spinning, and not moving around as he stared at the others around him.


    Reaching down picking up Obsius, Norbert placed the bird on his shoulder as he left the torch behind him. Walking around, Norbert went to the closest passage, taking another torch from his bag and lighting it as he raised it above his head. Staring into the darkness, now pushed back by the light, looking down the hallway, seeing no way of making it to a lower floor.


    Continuing several paces around, making his way to the next opening, he looked down this one as well, seeing the corridor lead further on, with no bend or twist to be seen, just a straight passage. Looking further, Norbert saw signs that something had once been here: gashes on the stone walls, dust and dirt on the ground, chips of stone on the ground. Not wanting to know what could damage the stone and leave or whatever traps could be down there, Norbert went forward to the next one.


    Around the circle he went, each one being a bust for one reason or another. Cave-ins, roots blocking the path, doors blocking it with rusted chains. All of them had some signs that he shouldn''t enter, no clear path down below opening up to him.


    Breathing out in annoyance, now standing next to the torch he marked for the exit out of this place, Norbert reached into his pouch, taking the coin out before gazing at the two sides.


    "Heads to find a path, tails just to jump down," Norbert asked as he stared at the coin, continuing to twist the coin between his fingers. With a grunt, Norbert flicked the coin into the air, watching it spin around.


    Thrusting his hand out, Norbert tried to catch it but could not, sending the coin tumbling down into the bottom of the chamber. Hearing it tink against the stone until it finally stopped, Norbert looked down at the ground, happy to see that the smoke sphere hadn''t moved from its spot the last time Norbert had seen it.


    Breathing out in relief, Norbert looked up at the top of the dome. "Well, guess that answers that question, huh," Norbert said to the air. A single mote of light appeared, landing on his nose.


    Snorting in annoyance, the mote of light spun around before it moved away, starting to drift down. Breathing in, Norbert flushed his body with energy as he looked down at the many meters before meeting the ground.


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    Closing his eyes, Norbert leaned forward, feeling Obsius flap on his shoulder, escaping from the free fall he would experience. Tumbling in the air, opening his eyes, the torch extinguished next to him as the ground came plummeting towards him.


    He held his arms before his head and curled up; Norbert braced for the impact.


    THMMMP


    Still curled up in a ball, Norbert looked around, happy that he was still in one piece. Groaning as he patted his body, confirming that nothing was sticking out where it shouldn''t and that there were no unexpected sharp pains.


    Standing up and dusting him off as he looked around the floor, he found himself. A twinkling on the ground, catching the torch''s light several meters away, Norbert walked towards the small metallic object, laughing at what he had seen. Facing up to him was the head''s side of the coin, the woman''s face staring back at him.


    Chuckling to him, Norbert pocketed the coin and called out to Luck, "You are a tricky one sometimes; now I see how people lose trust in you." Norbert said, wondering how the goddess would react when he next saw her.


    Popping the coin back in his pouch, Norbert walked over to the torch and picked it up, surprised that it hadn''t lost any of its light during the fall. Holding it up, Norbert looked around the chamber, spotting the light from above, marking the entrance dancing above him. Staring around, he could now see the chamber correctly, the three levels above him rings that slowly went smaller and smaller on each floor.


    I walked to the edge, where there were doors and stared up at the ceiling, knowing the next floor was just above the stone. Stretching as high as he could, fingers just missing the top even when he was on his tippy toes.


    Returning down, he lifted the torch, examining and seeing not the letters from before but the magic circles he was familiar with seeing dotted around the place. He walked along the ring, following it with his eyes as he stared at the centre, changing out of magic vision to see what the smoke was forming around.


    Obsius joined him as he stood near the chamber''s centre, staring at the ceiling, squinting as he tried to make something out. The stone at the centre of the chamber ceiling had something different, just a deep darkness compared to what the surrounding material reflected.


    Lowering his eyes back to the centre of the room, Norbert took a step closer, not wanting to go any further, so as not to touch the smoke he knew was just in front of him. Slowly walking around in a circle, Norbert held the torch in front of his face, seeing as the flames were pushed to the side, pulling away from the torch as it started to flicker.


    Taking it out of the blue smoke location, Norbert stared back at the fire, seeing it still before descending again, the light now a constant bright light.


    Looking back to the centre, Norbert spotted a podium standing a meter tall. Norbert gazed at it, shuffling ever closer, the material different from everything else.


    It is a dark black material, unable to see any light reflected or coming from it. Their eyes went higher and higher across the black statue as his eyes stopped at the top, the material thinning out, gaps appearing until it turned into a cage.


    Looking around, he gasped, seeing several of the bars meant to keep whatever it was in and secure were missing and sheared off. Eyes travelling down to the statue, he spotted black dust lying dormant and still.


    Walking around, eyes looking at the cage, wondering what type of item it could hold. Changing to magic vision, the blue smoke appeared in his vision; Norbert instinctively took a step back, not believing he was so close to touching it before. Calming his breath, he stared at where the obelisk would be with the cage on top.


    Remembering when he nearly blinded himself with Luck when he stared at the white room, he focused on the blue smoke, willing himself to see through it and the obelisk that he knew must be something here.


    Leaning ever so slowly forward, he continued to stare; after what felt like minutes, the blue smoke started not to be so visible, fading into the background, allowing the other obscuring elements to appear.


    The black material came into view as Norbert stared at the top where he thought the cage should be. Looking up and down the column, nothing showed in the magical vision, just a black, empty void.


    Noting it down to ask the others when he returned, Norbert scanned his eyes back to the top of the cage, staring at space. Going on his tippy toes, Norbert looked down and into the cage, surprised at what he found in the centre, blazing with glory.


    Sitting there was a plate made of the same material the goblet with the purple liquid was in. Face frowning in thought, he stared at it, seeing a square indent in the centre like it was meant to hold something. Whatever that something was meant to be was no longer there.


    Tearing his eyes off it, Norbert examined the chamber he was in, the runes he spotted before with the magic circles now alight with a green tinge to them. Taking his dagger out instinctively, Norbert began flickering it around as he paced the chamber floor.


    What was meant to be there? Who built this place? Was it the same people as in the last crypt he found himself in? Why were these scattered in random forests anyway?


    He continued to toss the dagger, catching it each time; Obsius came onto his shoulder, screeching at him. Norbert held the dagger in hand as he stared at the little bird, now alighted on his shoulder and pecking at his ear.


    "Ok, you have my attention; now, what do you want to say?" Norbert asked the bird.


    Receiving tweets in reply, the bird spun around, looking back at the obelisk. Spinning on his heels, Norbert saw it was the same as before; opening his mouth to reply, he was interrupted by the bird again.


    "Yes, yes, how could I forgotten." Norbert told the bird as he changed to magical vision, voice stopping in his throat at what he saw.


    The once-contained smoke was now bludging in areas, tentacles seeming to form out before retracting. It continued to move in random patterns as Norbert just stared at it, beginning to walk away.


    "Yeah, I think it''s time to go," Norbert said to Obsius, looking up at the top floor, trying to find the light up there and his escape from this place.

 Chapter 139 Whisked Away

    Norbert, without even looking behind himself, sprinted away from the smoke he knew lapping at his heels. Whipping his head around, looking for a way out, and seeing the level above him, Norbert leaping as high as he could, reaching for the next level above him. The rock came towards him, about a meter until the floor began. Norbert''s hands slammed into the stone, trying to grip it. Instead, his hands fell as he fell back to the ground floor.


    Rolling on the ground, Norbert continued forward, getting on his feet; the torch left behind him as he continued, with no time to pick it back up. Whispering to himself under his breath, saying a prayer, Norbert asked Luck, "Please, show me a path out of here."


    Eyes closed, Norbert continued to pump, getting to the closest entryway possible. Suddenly, light entered his eyes; a golden line came into his vision, skidding as he stared at where it trailed to, the path of light showing him entering one of the archways to the left of the one he was aiming for.


    Changing his course, Norbert sprinted as fast as he could, pumping energy throughout his body, not caring for the side effects that could now happen to him. Charging forward, one hand cupped over Obsius to protect her from the wind as they flew towards the archway.


    Turning his head slightly towards the blue smoke, changing to his magic vision, Norbert looked at the smoke. Nearly tripping in surprise, Norbert faced forward again as he stared at the archway, passing through, changing to night vision as he focused on his eyes, not wanting to miss anything in the dark.


    After realising that something was taken from the obelisk, he recalls what he saw, the smoke act, as he now wonders its purpose. The smoke seemed to grasp forward, like a young child interested in the world and trying to find its place. Tentatively, it reached out with its tentacles, tracing over the stone walls and floors, caressing the magic circles and runes that Norbert had found there.


    Inquisitively, it would reach out, trying to find the next thing it needed, and then going to that place. Thankfully, it didn''t seem to be leaving these lesser tunnels, just forming higher and higher as it tried to reach the ceiling. Norbert was sure it was going out the same way he came in, to expand throughout the jungle, searching for whatever was taken from it.


    Focusing on what was ahead of him; Norbert continued sprinting forward, following Luck''s path. As Norbert continued going forward, eyes gazing at the side, for instance, he saw a stick figure with a circle, sitting on a throne as one with a triangle lay beheaded next to the figure.


    Nearly tripping over something, Norbert continued going down the hallway, seeing as it started to get smaller and smaller, with no other passageways on it¡ªjust more murals and writing that he couldn''t read in his haste.


    "Hey, Obsius, if you could remind me to come back here and explore, that would be good." He said while puffing out his breath, watching as it formed in front of him in the light before disappearing. Continuing forward, Norbert made his way across, the light suddenly disappearing. Norbert, not stopping, not knowing what could have happened, but pushed forward too late to go back now.


    As he continued forward, the ground went out beneath his legs. He slid on the stone floor with arms out on each side. He tried to put his feet under him to continue running. But every time he did, he spun around instead, nearly tumbling before catching his balance and skidding on his butt again.


    As Norbert continued sliding, he felt his legs hit something, the change to now going flat, sending him spinning around as he protected his head from the strange room he found himself in. Still, Norbert felt Obsius sit on his head, chirping at him.


    "Yeah, I should have been more prepared instead of rushing in and out like a fool. You don''t need to tell me twice." Norbert said to the bird.


    Getting on his feet again, Norbert walked forward, staring at the room he found himself in now. He stopped before the archway in the centre of the room, black like the obelisk now far above him. Stepping closer, Norbert placed his hand on it, blue smoke instantly coming off it as he stepped backwards, taking his hand off the archway leading to nothing.


    As Norbert stared at the portal that formed in front of his face. Looking up at the ceiling, Norbert asked, "So Luck, I''m assuming you want me to go through".


    In front of him, a mote of light appeared. Nodding with the confirmation that he received, Norbert stepped forward, Obsius landing on his shoulder as Norbert stepped through, hoping he wouldn''t travel too far from the jungle.


    His foot first went through, feeling it stretch up towards the sky as the rest of his body followed. Going all the way through, Norbert felt his foot start to fall, visions flashing through his mind of when he first entered the world of Masanu. Feeling his body start to fall, he screamed instinctively as he began plummeting.


    AHHHHHH, Norbert screamed at the top of his lungs.


    After a moment of screaming, his body smashed into the ground; in shock, Norbert stared around, the room completely white within his vision.


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    "Hah, you should have seen your face." the words came from the room as he stared forward, Norbert moving his head about, turning off the night vision as he stared at where the voice was coming from. Getting on his hands and knees, he stared at Luck, sitting in her chair, sipping a drink with a smile on her face.


    Standing up, now realising he was in the white room where he met up with Luck. Walking forward, Norbert went to the free chair, removing his backpack as he fell into it. "How?" Norbert asked Luck.


    Smiling as she sipped her tea, the cup now to her mouth, taking a delicate sip. "Well, it was a bit tricky with the timings, but thankfully, all the others were fine with the slight minute delay. Need to share your reaction with the others as payment." Luck said to Norbert.


    Leaning forward, Norbert picked up his teacup and saucer, bringing it to his mouth and having a sip as well, the floral taste hitting his lips, happy that it wasn''t an elixir position, not wanting to live with the backlash at the moment.


    "So, what will happen when I head back over there?" Norbert asked the goddess sitting in front of him, still unable to hide her smile.


    "The same as any portal, just going to continue out the other side. I only snagged you in the passage. You will go where that is needed." She said. She took another sip before continuing, "But that''s enough about that; I have something important to ask you, a task from someone else." she said, not giving Norbert any details and remaining cryptic.


    "So, what is it you want me to do?" Norbert asked Luck, wanting to cut through it to the heart of what she wanted.


    "It''s not something that I want; it''s something from another god, the one of alchemy, Grosly." Luck said.


    "Wait, Grosly, doesn''t that ring a bell somewhere?" Norbert asked Luck.


    Obsius is twittering in response to Norbert, Luck just nodding in response. "So, his champion is in a tight pinch, so he asked me if we can assist. So, I said you would, but for a price." Luck said, flourishing a bottle out from between her legs. Leaning forward, she placed it on the table, spinning it as Norbert watched it slowly spiral towards him.


    "Is it worth it?" Norbert asked Luck as he leaned forward and picked up the bottle. Feeling the glass bottle''s grooves, he saw the same silver dragon that topped off the elixirs he had previously. Norbert stared at it, flicking the dragon stopper, seeing smoke waft out, the green liquid inside spinning around, swirling constantly as Norbert held it still. Curious, Norbert stared at it, with a different colour of green than the endurance elixirs he had previously. He knew it wouldn''t be just a simple elixir for Luck to give it so dramatically, especially after the several that he already knew about the reduced effects. Norbert looked up at Luck, seeing the look on her face, written all over it the single word.


    Duh


    "I believe it is worth it; what it does, I don''t exactly know. I wanted to make it a surprise, but all I know is that it is good." Luck said.


    Norbert nodded as he placed it to his lips. "And what exactly do I need to do?" Norbert asked her, lowering it back down.


    "His champion needs some help back on Earth; it was confirmed that you would be able to help them out, especially after having that." She said to him, taking another sip of her tea.


    "And how will this champion get in contact with me?" Norbert asked her.


    "Well, your phone number, of course; I memorised it. A handy little thing, those phones. So, you going to take it or what?" Luck said, her tea now finished as she placed it on the coffee table, Norbert hearing the saucer rattle on the table.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert said, "Well, you haven''t led me wrong yet." Norbert said, unstopping the bottle and downing the liquid as quickly as possible. Finishing it off, Norbert licked his lips, getting a drop off as his mouth filled with limes.


    "Whew, it''s good you took it. Would have been embarrassing otherwise." Luck said to him.


    Norbert just stared at her as he felt his stomach rumble; focusing for a second, he felt it settle, a tingling going to his muscles as they felt like they were finally relaxing after a stint. Clutching his heart, Norbert looked down as the pain fled him. Opening up his shirt, Norbert looked, the once black spot surrounded by purple now having a light green sheen around it. The purple that was once surrounding quickly fled from him. Looking back up to Luck, a tear rolled down his cheek as he wiped it away.


    "Say your thanks to him, even for what I know it has done already," Norbert said to her.


    "But that''s not all it does; if it''s Grosly, that little ball of black and green will have a few more surprises in store." Luck responded.


    Remembering what Luck said beforehand, "Wait, what do you mean that the good I drank it?" Norbert asked her.


    "It''s best if you start getting changed. I don''t know how long it will be until you need to depart. I cannot extend it to match you this time so that they could call it early." Luck said.


    Norbert, standing up, looked around for the clothes he had left there, took them off Norbert, changed his clothes, and dumped his backpack as he prepared to be taken. "You didn''t answer my question," Norbert said to her.


    "Well, that''s because I already said I would. How else would I have the position here?" Luck told him.


    Norbert stopped momentarily, hearing a chirp from Obsius, kicking him back in motion. "You are annoying. You come back with me again?" Norbert asked Luck.


    "As much as I would love to, sadly, not this time." Luck responded, Norbert, seeing her shoulders slump forward, the easy smile now slightly strained on her face.


    "All good, there''s always next time," Norbert said, now entirely changed clothes, as he placed the mask on his lap.


    "What are you bringing that for?" Luck asked him, pointing to his cheap mask on his lap, having removed it from the backpack, now his helmet sitting there.


    "Have a feeling it might be handy. And yes, I remember that magic doesn''t work over there, so no need for either of you to remind me." Norbert said, looking at both Obsius and Luck.


    Luck held her arms up in surrender as Obsius chirped at Norbert before hopping onto his shoulder, leaving a complete mess on the table. Norbert just stared at Obsius as he wondered what the bird was thinking.


    Picking his cup back up, Norbert continued to sip on it. "So Luck, thank for the light to get out of there ..." Norbert continued to sip and talk to Obsius, chatting as he relaxed, not knowing when the next time he would be able to have a pleasant conversation with someone, just for the sake of having a conversation.


    All too quickly, a circle appeared underneath Norbert. Quickly placing the cup and saucer on the table, Norbert stood up, donning the mask as it flashed red. Saluting to Luck, who nodded in return, he left Luck alone in a flash of light.


    "And once again, you''re whisked away to early Norbert." Luck said to the empty room, taking her tea back up, now cold and sipping.

 Chapter 140 The Call

    Landing on his bed, Norbert sat down in his pyjamas, wearing his mask. Staring at Obsius on his shoulder, Norbert opened his mouth. "Well, looks like we¡¯re back again" he told her.


    Receiving a chirp in response, the bird fluttered around, landing on the pillow before resting on it, curled up. Norbert just stared at the bird, opening his mouth to exclaim to the bird.


    BZZZZ BZZZZ BZZZZ


    His phone vibrates, taking him out of his train of thought. I stared at it and the number it was showing, not one in his contacts already. Just staring at it, Norbert wondered who could be talking to him. Remembering his conversation with Luck, needing to pay for the price, Norbert picked up his phone, taking his mask off so he could hear it properly. He held it to his.


    "Hello, this is Norbert speaking?" Norbert asked whoever was on the other end of the phone.


    "Thanks for the help, Norbert. My name''s Francesco, and I have asked for your help." Francesco said on the phone.


    Norbert just looked at his wall, waiting for Francesco to continue. After several seconds of silence, Norbert said, "Yes, what is it that you want?"


    "The mafia has captured my family, and I asked Grosly for assistance; said to call this number the last time we spoke, that the person would help me," Francesco responded.


    Norbert closed his eyes tightly as he rubbed at the brow of his nose. "I am aware; now, what do you want me to do?" Norbert asked him.


    "Save them." Francesco replied.


    "Look, pal, you want me to get your family out? Please send me a text with the details. I''m tired and need to go to sleep." Norbert said before ending the call before Francesco could respond.


    Hearing it buzzed again immediately, Norbert left it for a second before picking up Francesco''s voice. "Thanks for picking up, Norbert. I''m on a pay phone and will need to move off soon. They are currently being held in an Arnott''s factory in Placentia. Ask for me, and I will appear. Thank you in advance and Norbert." Francesco said before Norbert just heard the beeping of the call being ended.


    Flicking to his browser on his phone, Norbert searched, finding the town in the middle of Italy. Staring at his phone, he chucked it onto his pillow, the screen''s light shining into the room.


    "How the dickens am I getting to Italy?" Norbert asked himself.


    Leaning over to lock his phone, Norbert left the room, leaving Obsius on his pillow. He walked to the kitchen. Getting a cup and pouring himself some water, Norbert filled it, hearing the water''s tinkling. Chugging down the cup, he sighed as he finished it off. Placing the cup under the tap, he began to fill it up again.


    "So, Italy, planning on having a vacation there?" Sarah asked from behind him.


    Turning around, taking his glass with him, Norbert walked over to the sofa beside Sarah as he sat down, kicking his feet up. "Sadly, no holiday. Just the task needed for a potion I already drank, given by Luck from a god named Grosly." Norbert said to her.


    Nodding, she asked him, "So, how are you getting to Italy?"


    "Honestly, I have no clue; just get on the soonest flight, hope I have enough money, get the visa and hope I can get it over with quickly," Norbert said to her, taking a sip of his drink afterwards.


    Sarah reached into her pocket, pulling out her phone. "So, what did the potion do?" She asked him.


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    Pulling up his top, Norbert pointed to the circle on his chest. "Got this bad boy from some ancient tomb defence system. I was told this would help me more than just with this little incident." Norbert said, pulling his shirt down.


    Sarah''s hand reached out, stopping Norbert from lowering his top as she turned him around, leaning forward to get a better look. Staring momentarily, she poked it with her finger, holding her phone. Before nodding, he let go of the top, letting it fall, sitting correctly on his body.


    "Good thing you received that potion. That curse was slowly damaging you, but it would have been the end of you eventually. Now, it might be something that you can grow from." Sarah said, turning back to her phone as she began to type.


    Norbert opened his mouth before closing it again, lost in thought as he sipped on the water.


    After several moments of silence, Norbert stared at Sarah, still on her phone, the screen brightening up her face. "Watcha looking on there?" Norbert asked her.


    "Something to help you out. The Frontier wouldn''t leave one of their brightest talents completely helpless." Sarah replied as she continued to tap away on her phone. "And there we go." She said, placing the phone on the couch next to her. "You should have a look at your bank account." She said finally.


    Norbert looked quizzically at her before spinning his phone around and unlocking it. He frowned when he went to his app and waited for it to load in, wondering what could have happened.


    He was staring at his spending account, eyes wide at what he saw. An extra $10,000 had arrived in it. Unable to say anything, Norbert stared at her with an open mouth. All his thoughts go to what, the cogs in his brain unable to move correctly.


    "You might be thinking why and how. I asked Jack about the show before. Said I owed you some money for something else. The why is because, like I said earlier. You are part of the Frontier, and you need the support. Not like you need much over there." She finished painting off behind her head.


    "But what happened with you not influencing others over here, that entire rule?" Norbert asked her.


    "Hah, everyone gives money like this, makes tasks, and. deals on both sides. No rules broken as long as nobody is killed." Sarah responded.


    Norbert stared at her quizzically. "And what do I owe you for this?" Norbert asked her.


    "When we get back after your mission is when you owe back this favour, and more if you do a good job," Sarah said in response.


    Norbert looked back at her, turning his body to face her head-on. "And what will that task require of me?" Norbert asked.


    "Just do what you always do; the rest will work itself out," Sarah responded.


    Norbert just stared at her, shaking his head. "Whatever you say, Sarah, commander Sally," he said, standing up as he walked towards his room. Spinning around to look at her, Norbert saluted to her, finger pointed in the sky. Receiving a nod in return, Sarah also stood up, walked over to the kitchen, and began washing the cup.


    Turning backwards, Norbert entered his room, turning his computer on as he waited for it to fire up. With the device finally awake, Norbert browsed the web, looking for the quickest way to get to Italy.


    ***


    Stepping off the plane; he did not believe that Obsius could get through customs and onto the plane so quickly. As he walked down the tarmac to get to the airport''s main building, Norbert wondered if any strings were pulled to arrange it. He was not caring as Norbert continued forward, out of the Italian wind.


    Entering through the sliding doors, Norbert watched the writing, trying to determine where he needed to go. He planned to fly over to Italy, then drive or run to Placentro and rescue the people he needed to. Nodding in confirmation, Norbert looked around the strange airport; now, he needed to get out of this building.


    Obsius was twittering in his ear as the bird looked around the airport, the people bustling around them. Norbert is standing taller than most, just a sea of heads with his standing just that bit taller.


    "Yeah, that''s how it is in a different country; everything is just different from what you used to," Norbert said to the bird in response to her question. Stretching his arms over his head, Norbert continued, "Well, enough of me standing still; it''s time to get out of here." Obsius chirping in response.


    Walking through the crowd quickly, seeming to pass for him, Norbert went outside again, following the signs until he was at the cab rank. Others were already here, taking bags and pushing them forward. Norbert made his way forward in the line; at the front, a silver cab pulled up towards him, the passenger window rolling down as the man asked Norbert in what he assumed was Italian.


    "I''m sorry. Can you get me as close to Placentro as possible?" Norbert asked the driver.


    The driver, for a moment, looked confused before nodding and waving for Norbert to enter. Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert went in, the first leg of his journey now behind him. Hearing the cab''s tires screech as it quickly pulled away from the airport, Norbert looked behind and saw the next one pulling forward, the next person in line walking up towards it.

 Chapter 141 Unexpected Guests

    The cab stopped; Norbert looked at the meter, his eyes wide and teary at the cost. Swallowing, Norbert presented his card, tapping it against the pay machine as the cabbie smiled back at him. Opening the car door, Norbert stepped out and found himself in his destination, Placentia.


    Just at the outskirts, not wanting to be dropped off at the Arnott''s factory, let anyone there know of his presence. Instead, Norbert had asked to be stopped off outside of the town. Norbert looked down at the village, spotting the factory jutting out, looking out of place compared to the stone buildings on the side of the hill.


    Norbert turned to Obsius, who was also watching the scenery. "Is it just me, or does this feel like a trap?" Norbert asked the bird.


    Receiving a chirp in response, Norbert nodded. "Yeah, glad you agree as well," Norbert replied.


    Confirming his backpack on his back, Norbert looked down at the road ahead, wondering what the rest of the day would have in store for him. Looked around the hill he was on, the farms slopping down the hill, showing the vineyards that dotted the hills.


    Taking his first step forward, Norbert walked down the dirt path, watching the sign above his head for the streets he was on. Following the path, the trees overhead blocked the sun, the dust kicking up with each step as Norbert made his way down to the town.


    He waved to farmers along his way, hearing them speak Italian in return as Norbert just smiled and waved in return, trying to act friendly. As he was just on the outskirts of the first building of the town centre, Norbert knew that everyone by now would know about the stranger walking into town.


    Standing at the border of what he would call the town, hands on his hips, Norbert breathed in as deeply as possible, smelling the clean air around the town¡ªthe stone buildings behind him dotted the hill as he stepped forward.


    Taking out his phone, Norbert scrolled through his information, re-reading about the town and building he would need to find. The last bit was about Francesco, the stranger who had a relation to the other side. Remembering Sally''s words that it wouldn''t be a trap, Norbert steadied his nerves again.


    Passing through the town, Norbert looked over the buildings, mapping his way around as he looked for the hotel he had booked online. He looked up at the signs, trying to find the one with the three lines coming out of a circle; Norbert couldn''t find it no matter how hard he looked¡ªhe did not want to use his phone unless, in case of emergencies, that roaming data would be used quickly for him to find his way in this place. Sadly, his plan to use the free local Wi-Fi was blowing up in his face, as there was nothing to speak of on the waves.


    The sun is now setting for the day, and Norbert is annoyed at being unable to find his destination. Finding the first random store, Norbert entered, hearing the bell on top of his head. The stone interior feels instantly more relaxed compared to the temperature outside.


    Walking inside, the door closing behind him, Norbert looked at what he had entered. Everyone just stared at him, food in their mouths at his welcome. As Norbert stared at everyone, he noticed a common theme in their dress wear. Everyone was wearing formal clothes and sitting around tables.


    At one of the tables, who he thought looked like a bride and groom sitting there, looking to be in mid-conversation. Norbert looked down at his own dress wear, shorts and sleeve top and joggers, completely not matching what everyone else was wearing.


    Clearing his throat, Norbert exclaimed to the crowd, "Sorry to interrupt, but do you know where I can find this place?" while he flipped his phone around, showing a picture of the hotel he would be staying for the next night, best case or worst case, following several days.


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    He looked around the crowd, gazing at everyone there, hoping to see some form of reaction from someone there. Norbert gazed at the crowd, getting closer and closer to worry consuming him. When he looked to the end of the crowd, Norbert heard someone exclaim, "Oh, that''s right next to where I live!"


    Norbert turned his eyes to the person who spoke, the rest of the room nodding and confirming. Locating the sound, Norbert met his eyes with the bride, slumping his shoulders in defeat. Norbert just nodded. "Well, I hope you have a good night and a happy marriage to the lucky pair." As he turned around to leave the place and let the party and celebrations continue without him.


    He opened the door to the outside again, the wind blowing through his hair as he breathed in the sun setting on the horizon; the street lamps were starting to light up around the town. Stepping out into the street, the door closing behind him, a voice called out to him.


    "Wait, you don''t have to leave. There is plenty of room for one more." The voice carried out.


    Norbert turned around, seeing it was the bride, now standing up as the room divided in their reaction and half nodding along and agreeing, the other half grimacing of the uninvited guest. Stepping forward, Norbert closed the door behind him, the bell ringing again.


    Bowing deeply, Norbert spoke while looking at the ground, "Thank you for welcoming me into this great and special occasion and for your generosity and gift." Norbert said as he reached into his backpack on his back.


    Rustling around inside, Norbert was looking for anything to give them. Hand clasping around a coin, Norbert brought it from his backpack and looked at it. Eyes wide, not believing how a coin from Masanu could have made it over, but too late now, Norbert flicked it across the room.


    "For luck," Norbert said as he finally stood up, all eyes following the coin as it landed on the table and began rolling, Finally stopping and falling between the couple. Everyone stared at Norbert, eyes going to and from the distance so that he could fling the coin away from him.


    "So, any place you would like me to sit, or should I pick a table randomly?" Norbert asked around.


    Standing where he was, the staff moved to action, bringing a chair out and directing Norbert to sit down. Following the lead, he moved to the side, the conversation returning to normal, murmurings filling the room. As he sat down and pulled his chair in, Norbert looked around the small table he was on.


    As he looked around, Norbert waved to them all. "Hello, I''m Norbert. What are your names?" he asked them.


    One by one, they all responded; the last one to speak was a man. As Norbert turned to him, he realised he hadn''t spoken at night. Norbert turned to him, asking, "And you, sir, what is your name? It''s OK if you don''t want to give it."


    The man gulped one last time before he opened his mouth, saying, "No, that''s all good; you may call me Francesco." The man said.


    Instantly, Norbert turned towards the man, eyes peeled sharp as the sounds around him faded in the background; Obsius, on his shoulder, jumped off and landed on the table, looking at all the different types of food she hadn''t had before.


    Going to the centre, she began picking items and pointing to plates before returning to Norbert. Picking up the food Obsius was picking and placing it on his plate in the centre, Norbert turned to Francesco.


    "Oh, what a wonderful name, and Francesco, who is this around you?" Norbert asked the man who he was speaking to on the phone just a few days ago, the voice resonating around him as it went into his skull, sparking his memory of the conversation. He just smiled at the man, waiting for the response confirming to Norbert that the jig was up with whatever plan these Italians had been cooking up.


    "This is my family, as you have been introduced to them all already," Francesco replied before picking up his fork and eating.


    Norbert nodded, now looking at his plate and the pile of food on it. "Obsius, don''t you think you''re being a little greedy now?" he asked the bird.


    Obsius, turning around on the white table, chirped twice before looking back to the plate and nibbling away, taking small pieces off and nibbling away. Norbert picks up a fork and eats bits of the pastry and meat, not recognising any of the foods on the table.


    Placing it in his mouth, it burst with flavour as he realised he hadn''t eaten in three days. Shrugging, he nodded along, smiling at the others as the tense attitude slowly released around him. Norbert stared back at Francesco, who every second looked like he wanted to run away from the table. That anywhere would be better than where he was now.

 Chapter 142 Busted

    As the night started to wrap up, people started to leave, and he stared back down at his phone, seeing if the reply from Sarah had come through. Feeling it vibrate, he looked down at the response, only a thumbs up.


    Seething in annoyance at the no help he was receiving from her, Norbert put his phone back in his pocket. Staring around the table, Norbert saw that Francesco was getting more and more nervous as the night continued until now, looking almost as if he was going to die from a heart attack at any moment,


    Norbert looked to his wife, asking, "Do you know where the old Arnott''s building is?:


    After several seconds of silence, her face lit up. "Oh, that old building. I wouldn''t go there; it''s mostly run down now. It''s the only type near here at all. I''m happy that it''s gone, to be honest. If you continue down the hill, you will see the remains outside of town; you can''t miss it."


    Norbert nodded as he pulled his chair out. Picking up Obsius, having passed out from the food coma she had given herself. Holding the bird in his hand, Norbert left the building with a wave, others calling for him to have a lovely trip in town.


    Standing outside, backpack on his shoulder, Norbert looked around the town, the street he was on. People were still milling about, not wanting to leave after the long night and say goodbye to friends and family after the time spent connecting.


    Breathing deeply in once more, the cool night air filling his nostrils, Norbert headed down the street, repeating the instructions he heard before about getting to his place for the night. Walking down, following the street lights as he went on the cobblestone path, taking a right near the alleyway, petting the black cat standing over the crates and hopping over Miss Bonetti''s fence, Norbert could see the bright sign ahead of him.


    "Well, that looks like the place, and at least the lights are on. Let''s head inside." Norbert said to someone, unsure if it was Obsius or himself. He was heading inside before he started questioning his sanity or if he had finally lost it, all those positions and elixirs addling with his brain, the first signs of too much.


    But instead, Norbert just walked forward, looking both ways on the quiet street, the habit forming as he opened the wooden door, the bell on top ringing, sounding his entrance to everyone inside.


    He looked around the stone interior and saw someone wave to him from behind the wooden desk to the side of the entrance room. Heading over, Norbert placed his bag down as he started to pull out his passport. "Single room under Norbert?" He asked the man behind the desk.


    The squat man wearing a black jumper pushed up the glasses on his face as he began clicking on the keyboard. Norbert was happy that the man knew English, not wanting to learn another language besides what he needed for Morenas.


    As Norbert hummed to himself waiting, the man finally finished, going over to the drawers on the side and handing the key over to Norbert.


    "Here is your room key, room three; head up the stairs and on the right. Breakfast is served here, but I recommend going to the bakery across the road, next to Miss Boentti''s. They have the best croissants in town." The receptionist said.


    Norbert pointed to the name tag on the jumper. "Thanks, Luca, and did I hear that right, being croissants, the French food?" Norbert asked, wanting to clarify what he had just heard.


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    "You did hear me right; the croissants are to die for," Luca said, sitting back at the desk. Norbert stepped away with his backpack, seeing the conversation was over.


    Heading up the stairs next to the desk, Norbert went up the wooden steps, one at a time, hearing each creek as his hand went over the fence, feeling the smooth lines as he made his way up to the first floor.


    Looking up and seeing he could go higher, Norbert went to the right, seeing that his room was here and room number four on the opposite side of his. Staring at the wooden door, an eyehole showing, allowing those who knock to be seen before entering.


    Norbert knocked on the door. "I''m back." Chuckling at his stupidity, he placed the key into the lock, twisting it and hearing a thunk as the door unlocked. Holding the metal handle, green from time and use, Norbert swung the door inwards, looking at the room he would call his for the near future.


    As Norbert entered the room, seeing only a single bed, a cabinet and a bathroom heading through a door on the left. As he walked forward, a window showed the street he entered from; gazing down, he watched the empty street, having a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu with the window from his time back in Bursting Barrel.


    Walking back to the door and locking it, Norbert placed his backpack down, placing Obsius on the pillow, allowing the bird to rest before they ventured into the night. Undressed, Norbert went and showered himself, wanting to get the flight grime off his body, having not showered in over a day now, and the smell of his body was starting to get to him.


    In the bathroom, Norbert turned over to the shower, white tiled walls surrounding him; passing the mirror, Norbert nodded, confirming he would need to shave the stubble off his cheeks, having forgotten during his adventures in the jungle.


    Nodding to shave after the shower, Norbert turned it on, hearing the waterfall and steam escaping from the shower head. He held his hand underneath, feeling warm enough, groaning in anticipation of having a proper shower and not needing to dunk himself in a lake.


    Finished with his shower and shaven, Norbert headed out of the bathroom, heading over to his backpack, past the clothes he was wearing before and opening it up; he examined the clothes he had bought for the night. The leather, expensive to have so quickly, smoothly went over his body; he wore dark jeans, a leather jacket with a hood and gloves.


    The last piece was the mask he took, the less expensive one he brought. The light had died from it but still stuck to his face. Putting on the sneakers and socks rolled up, Norbert looked at himself in the mirror. He was laughing at what he saw.


    Norbert placed it back on like a person trying to go for a cool guy look but failing miserably, taking the mask off and wiping the tears forming. Norbert looked down at the bed, Obsius still sleeping on the pillow.


    Leaning over the bird, Norbert put his head down next to the bird as he whispered, "Come on, wake up. We have a business to do. Whoever is in the building isn''t going to wait all night." Norbert said to the bird.


    Obsius not reacting at all, Norbert gently shook the bird, not wanting to annoy her when she woke up, the pain that it could bring him if he did. Gently, over several minutes, the bird alighted from the food coma it put itself in.


    As the bird awoke, he got on the pillow and ruffled their feathers before looking up to Norbert, giving a quick chip before flipping and landing on his head.


    "Oh really, you weren''t asleep at all. Ok, whatever you say." Norbert said back, not believing the bird''s words, not being asleep, my ass.


    Looking out the room, thinking he wouldn''t need any knives or daggers, having packed nothing, slipping his phone, wallet and passport into his pants pockets, Norbert picked the last thing he needed, the key.


    Picking it up from the dresser, Norbert opened the door, noting where everything was. Closing the door behind him, locking the door, the thunk resounded out of the hallway as Norbert looked around the empty building, hoping not to wake anyone up at this hour.


    The lights in the hallway were still on as Norbert walked down the hall, looking down the stairs at the empty foyer. Walking down, each one still creaking under his feet as Norbert made his way to the bottom. Feet on the stone, the sneakers he was wearing plodding along on the floor.


    As they left the hotel, the door closed behind him, having been kept unlocked even at night. As he stepped out onto the street, fog formed on his breath as he made his way down the hill, pulling his gloves up and ensuring they fit correctly.


    Nodding with his head, he whispered to Obsius, "Best if you had a look around, see what you can spot." Receiving a chirp in reply and a flutter of wings, the bird took off.

 Chapter 143 Click

    Down the hill from where his hotel was stationed, Norbert looked down, listening to Obsius as the bird explained what it saw to him.


    Nodding, Norbert replied, "So pretty much we have a bunch of gangsters down there holding someone hostage? And the entire warehouse is filled with them?" Norbert asked as he looked at Obsius sitting on his knee and crouched, looking down at the warehouse from the tree branch he was on.


    Obsius gave him a look of annoyance before nodding her head. Norbert just smiled in response as he positioned his mask once again, flexing his gloves on either side of him.


    "Perfect, just the type of thing I''m after. Oh, did you see the weapons they used?" Norbert asked, knowing the bird had told him before but only half listening to the conversation as he tried to calm his breathing when he heard about the hostage.


    Receiving a look of annoyance, he brushed the bird''s feathers as the blackbird turned around on his knee, staring off at the warehouse as well. Chirp. The bird responded with a single sound.


    Norbert just nodded. "So there will be guns, thankfully no magic over here or else that would be doubly fun," Norbert said to himself. He felt the energy within his body; he spun it around and confirmed it wasn''t sluggish. After several moments of sitting there, making the energy rush within his body, confident that it wouldn''t have any drawbacks, leaving him half dead.


    The only question left was if he could take a bullet to the head and survive.


    Staring down as he asked himself the question, hands shaking, scrunching them up as tight as he could, flexing his arms until they stilled. Breathing out once more, he heard Obsius chirp at him. Nodding his head, he would need to move now or be stuck where he was for the rest of the night without moving.


    Breathing in once more, tasting the clean air of the mountainside, Norbert focused on his eyes, checking the area with magic once more. Darkness consumed the world before him, holding onto the branch, knowing it was there by touch and the world hadn''t gone dark. Happy that there weren''t any spells, Norbert changed his vision to see in the dark. The once pitch-black world turning into greys the details that weren''t there now popping out.


    As Norbert stared, he focused on his eyes, allowing the energy to focus there, pushing the darkness back even further, and the details pop out just a bit more. Waving his hand in front of his face, confident that there was no delay in his vision, Norbert hopped off the branch, Obsius flying off his knee and heading towards the warehouse with Norbert following on foot.


    He crouched down carefully, stepping on the stones on the hill, not wanting to alert anyone down there that he was here just yet. The sounds of the night around him, animals rustling about, and the wind moving the branches; happy with the cover, Norbert pressed forward, not spotting anyone on the perimeter so far.


    Now, within throwing distance of an average person, Norbert could spot the guards leaning against a wall, the two talking. Both of them relaxed. Norbert confirmed the pistols in each of their hands, unfamiliar with guns. Norbert just stared, trying to remember where he saw them.


    Not able to remember, Norbert made his way around the rectangular building. After going around the perimeter, sprinting as he crossed the road leading to it, Norbert confirmed the guard positions. On the ground were two on each of the four sides. Seeing on the roof was just a long gunman on each side of it, lying on the warehouse roof, staring at the rocky hill with scrubs surrounding him.


    Obvious, sitting on the bush in front of Norbert, was crouching behind, just staring at him.


    Norbert whisper to the bird, "Yes, I need to move. Ok, you shut your mouth."


    Obsius just stared back at him, Norbert seeing a glimmer in the bird''s eye. Before he could open his mouth again, the bird made as much racket as possible.


    SQWARK CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP


    Norbert sprinted forward without waiting for his cover to be blown, instantly pushing energy through his body, knowing that even covered up, there would be parts of the purple light exuding from him in the darkness.


    Reaching the two in front of him, both eyes comprehensive as Norbert''s fist extended and slammed into the one on the right. Fist-hitting the body, Norbert felt as if it hit a material; thankful, he pulled back at the last moment, or else his fist would have passed through it. First, hitting the man, the air getting knocked out of him as his body lifted from the ground. He was spitting out all over Norbert as Norbert looked at the man on the left.


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    Just staring mouth open, unable to process what was happening, Norbert stepped towards him, knee extended out as it slammed into the man. Doubling over instantly, the gun he was drawing clattering to the ground.


    Holding onto the body, stopping it from crashing, Norbert looked around him, hearing if anything was happening in the compound. Breath held, he stared around.


    "Hey Tony, you good?" A voice came from above.


    Silently cursing, Norbert thought if he should reply but decided not to; it was better to be quiet in this situation and use the few moments to enter the building rather than raise the alarm with everyone else and be peppered with shots. Between the two men, the light from above shone down, revealing to the night the entrance to the building. The door on the side is next to the massive roller doors used for trucks and large items entering the building.


    Stepping forward, Norbert looked at the handle, testing the chrome material, the lock not budging for him. Turning back to the men around him, Norbert bent over them, ruffling through their pockets and belts. In the first man''s pocket, Norbert pulled out a set of keys. He wanted to scream Euricha.


    "Hey Tony or Rothael, if you don''t respond, Tooki will be annoyed about coming down there." The man above said aloud.


    Stopping himself from crying, Norbert opened the door, hearing it click loudly at night. As he opened the door, a fluttering came from behind him, Obsius swooping down and entering the warehouse with Norbert; silently, Norbert closed the door, locking it as the thud echoed throughout the warehouse. Cringing from the noise, tensed up, Norbert looked to Obsius.


    "Where is the hostage located?" Norbert asked the bird.


    Obsius is staring at Norbert, nodding its head down to the bottom. He looked around at the centre of the warehouse and found himself on a metal catwalk on the level of the metal grating above and below him. All the machinery was stripped out, only wooden cargo boxes remaining, creating a maze throughout the place. On each floor, small down lights were located inside the building, though not enough and not placed strategically with the boxes, creating countless shadows and leaving the place only half-lit.


    Looking to the top, Norbert found a box jutting out of the side of the building; following with his eyes to get there, he needed to walk along the catwalk he found himself in and go up the stairs, continuing until he hit the box. Staring up, seeing the light inside and voices coming out of it, muffled through the door, Norbert backed away, not wanting to take on any unnecessary confrontations on here, especially not with the unknown damage from the bullets, and not wanting to hurt the hostage.


    Staring down where Obsius was indicating, Norbert heard noises from their bellow, quick, shallow breathing, two lights moving around the place, both in constant motion following from the door. Nodding his head in confirmation to Obsius, believing it would be down there, his target Norbert traced it back, trying to find a way down to the bottom as quietly as possible.


    Seeing a ladder heading to the lower floor, Norbert slid down it, hands and feet on the outside, watching as he grabbed onto it, stopping his feet from crashing into the metal below. Looking around, seeing the maze of crates in front of him, sticking to the edges, Norbert followed through, going down floor by floor. Feet landing on concrete as he stepped off the ladder, Norbert looked around from the darkness. This level is empty of crates, only the people scanning the torches around, chairs and other items out of place in a warehouse.


    The light shining forward passed over Norbert, staying still, hoping the guard didn''t see him. Sadly for Norbert, the torchlight whipped back onto him, his entire body exposed, the light shining in his eyes. Norbert cut off the night vision, not wanting to be blinded by the white light. The world darkened as colour once returned. Norbert stared through watery eyes, wiping them with the back of his hand to keep the liquid from running and blurring his vision.


    "FREEZE! And hold your hands up." One of the guards said from in front of him as Norbert continued to blink and wipe his eyes, disregarding the command the guard asked him.


    CLICK


    Norbert raised his other hand, giving one last blink before staring at the other ones.


    Now, looking, the guards seemed to have come out of the woodwork.


    CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK


    Norbert lost track of the amount; for several seconds, the only sound was guns being cocked, ready to shoot. Norbert is waiting for them all to finish.


    CLICK, CLICK, CLICK


    Norbert waited and counted. After reaching five, he looked around, projecting his voice and allowing himself to be heard. "Are you all?"


    CLICK


    "Done?" Norbert asked the crowd. He waited several seconds, and no other clicks happened.


    "TH-"


    CLICK


    "Norbert just looked around, locating the noise. Finding the culprit a man bigger than him, the size of a bear with hair covering his body. Norbert shook his head. Panning his eyes over to the centre, finding the quivering body bathed in the centre of a down light, Norbert looked at the person.


    Realising it was a boy he was staring at, crouching down, hearing everyone move their guns to position but disregarding the noise, he looked at the boy.


    "You Grossly''s champion?" Norbert asked the boy.


    At the name of Grossly, the boy''s face shot up, staring back at Norbert as hope sparked in the boy''s eyes for a second.


    "Norbert?" the shaky voice came out. One of the guards near the boy averted his eyes from Norbert, bringing his gun up and smashing the butt into the boy''s head. Instantly, he dropped to the ground. "You were told to be quiet, twerp." The guard said, looking back to Norbert.


    "You just want to be the stereotypical bad guy now?" Norbert asked around the room.


    He heard a voice shout out from far above him and stepped to the right so Norbert could see up above through the cracks of all the platforms and boxes. Standing next to the box above, a man leaned over the railing. "We all have our positions to fill, Norbert, Scout of the Frontier, not defeated by Arzlan and currently residing in a jungle doing who knows what." The man responded.


    Above, Norbert shouted back, "Looks like someone did their research." Norbert responded, gulping, wondering what mess he was now in.

 Chapter 144 BANG

    Norbert looked around, licking his lips as he started to form a plan in his head. He knew his goal was to get the kid out of there, protecting the kid as he does not knowing how bullet-resistant the kid would be would be the tricky part. Staring back at him, taking his eyes off the voice far above him, Norbert assessed the damage, the body caked with dry blood as Norbert wondered what he was doing after the escape.


    Tearing his eyes away from the hostage, Norbert looked up above. "And why did you gangsters get hold of this kid? Just to bring me in and shoot me?" Norbert asked above.


    Hearing the scorn in the voice as it replied, "Simple money, hired out to do a simple job, kill you. Nothing personal, kid, but business is business." The boss said in return.


    As Norbert stared back, trying to put the pieces together, "So, just to make sure that I''m getting this straight, you were hired to wait until this Norbert person appeared in this warehouse and ... shoot him?" Norbert asked, wondering if this was the group''s master plan, how he could face his end.


    "Yes, that''s right, now. Sorry to cut this little conversation short, but it¡¯s getting late and I have a busy day tomorrow. A million dollars isn''t going to spread itself." The boss from above mainly said to himself.


    All the guards around him raised their guns at Norbert, who, in return, just stared.


    "You''re getting a million dollars just to shoot me dead, sheesh where do I sign up. And what does Francesco have to do with all of this? I don''t see him here at all. And it doesn''t seem to be his family locked up either?" Norbert asked, head tilted to the side as he scanned above, wondering where Obsius was all this time.


    "Not here, but we protect his family as he owns a store. Wouldn¡¯t be in his best interest if that protection disappeared. You can''t have the kid down there saying anything to you. Orders are orders. Now, is there anything else you want to ask before you die?" The boss asked.


    Norbert tapped his chin. "No, that should be about everything. Oh, just wondering, will you kill the kid after me?" Norbert asked, hoping he would get an answer.


    "Doesn''t matter either way; the kid won''t be badly damaged; the client wants its bait back for next time." The boss supplied quickly.


    Norbert nodded as he rushed forward, not giving any time as he rushed forward, pushing energy around his entire body. He rushed past the first guard in two steps, leaving him wanting to get the kid and get out as soon as possible. Everyone was turning; Norbert felt the first bullet enter him before he heard the bang.


    As the pain started to blossom in his leg, the world quieted itself as Norbert took a shaky step before the energy within his leg coursed around the wound, the pain disappearing instantly, sound once more smashing back into him as more gunshots filled the room. Concrete and dust shot off into the air, Norbert''s next step solid once more as he dived forward, hand over his head.


    He might be able to operate with a bullet, but he did not want to see if his skull was more robust than the bullet rolled forward before sliding on the ground. Smashing into the kid, Norbert looked at the kid in a filthy piece of cloth, shackles around his arms going into the concrete, bolts appearing through the concrete. Grabbing onto the ends of the chain leading to the floor, Norbert held the kid in the other in one hand as he pushed with his feet.


    CRACK


    The concrete underneath him let go, the two of them on the move again, the bullets not stopping now as Norbert looked for a way to get onto the levels above. Bullets pelting his back, the clothes not stopping them at all. Norbert looked back; the only way he could see leading up was the way he came. Spinning around on his feet, Norbert ran back the way he came, hunched over, protecting the kid from above. Norbert hit the stairs leading to the next level.


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    "Keep shooting him. We all knew he could take a beating, but he isn''t immortal; don''t stop!" The voice echoed from above, bouncing off the items and crates within the warehouse. Feet smashing against the steps, Norbert made his way up to the next floor, the guards on this one already coming towards him. As the guards stared at Norbert, raising their guns, they began to shoot again.


    Diving off to the side, Norbert ran around, scrambling on the ground until he was protected behind a crate, seeing splinters come up from behind him, appearing over the crate as the bullets slowly ate away the wood.


    Looking down at the kid in his arms, Norbert asked, "Been hit anywhere?"


    Only receiving a shake from their head in return. Smiling Norbert felt one hand behind his back, feeling the holes in his clothes, the blood running down his back. Bringing it around, fingertips cacked with blood, a stream running down his glove and into his sleeve; wiping it on the ground, Norbert looked behind the crate again, wondering what they were doing all this time. He watched as the guards came rushing down, stopping him from using the closest ladder.


    Cursing to himself, picking up the kid, Norbert ran into the maze of crates, seeing if there was another way up above. Ducking down, Norbert made a perimeter of the level. Running this way and that throughout the maze of crates, shots slowed down as the guards waited for a line of sight, no longer peppering anything that moved after one of them shot their buddy.


    On the other side, seeing a way up, Norbert breathed a sigh of relief. The wounds on his back healed up, but he still felt the bumps of the bullets, knowing he would need someone to get those removed before he left the country; not wanting to explain this situation to anyone.


    He saw two more on the floor above before he was on the ground level. Running up the level again, climbing the ladder, happy it had one going up to the desired floor.


    Standing there, Norbert breathed in; through one more maze of crates, he would be outside, just a last sprint until he was far enough away not to be spotted, thinking of the warm bed waiting for him back in the hotel and then booking it with this kid finding his parents or a place for him to belong.


    Nodding to himself regarding the plan, breathing in once more, and feeling the energy rush forward, he entered the maze of crates again. Bullets were now coming from below, sparks flying around, in front of and behind him, each spreading shots, trying to get at him with high speed. Jumping on top of crates, Norbert made his way through.


    Seeing the door to the side of him, Norbert scanned, seeing a crate in the way. Leaping over this one cleanly, he saw the door, freedom and out of this place. Smashing through the door, flying in front of him, the wind hitting his face as he skidded to a halt.


    CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK


    Countless guns all turned towards him, these, not the pistols of before but some semi-automatic weapons; seeing the size of the clips in each one, Norbert quickly counted the twenty guns facing him.


    Gulping, Norbert stared at the door, having smashed into someone in front of him, blood pooling out of them onto the stone around him. Scrunching his face up, Norbert looked above, seeing the four on the roof all standing on this side now, guns trained on him.


    Gulping once more, Norbert looked around at the people in front of him. Twenty-four people, all with weapons trained on him, waiting for him to move; with a kid in his hands that he needed to protect, he looked forward, trying to spot the boss man again.


    "Whelp looks like I''m kind of screwed," Norbert said as he looked into the trees dotting the hill, wondering where Obsius was, hoping she wouldn¡¯t get caught in the cross fire.


    "I thought they were paranoid with insisting extra men and weapons, but it looks like they were right. You must have taken at least ten shots, yet your still up and running. Any way of telling me what you''re on before kicking the bucket?" The boss asked.


    Norbert now staring at the man about to end his life; all the others were tall, whereas this one stood out, only a quarter of his height, holding a cigar between his lips as he puffed it out. His white suit stretched the size of the man it tried to contain, more circular than anything else¡ªthe thick, slick back hair, not a wrinkle on his face from age or stress.


    Going through the party list and not recognising him at all, thinking how awkward it would be if this were the groom of the wedding he crashed earlier.


    "Just some good old protein shakes, nothing more than that," Norbert replied.


    The man in front of him laughed in return, Norbert joining in.


    "Do I get to see the face of the man that eats lead?" The boss replied.


    Norbert just shook his head, tapping the mask on the side. "You¡¯ll need to peel this off my dead body."


    "We can arrange that."


    BANG


    Norbert stood up for a second before liquid went down his face. The mask fell, and his vision expanded, the ground rushed before him.

 Chapter 145 Escort Mission

    Breathing in sharply, the air rushing through his cracked lips. Staring up at the ceiling of the room he rented; relaxing once more, he recounted yesterday''s events. Arriving in the village, entering the wedding uninvited and celebrating, making his way to his hotel before having a shower and then...


    The memory escaped his mind as he rolled around. Feeling a weight shift on the bed, Norbert stared at the guest he had. There, lying next to them, covered in filth, was a boy. Norbert just stared at the kid, thoughts flashing of him abducting someone or doing things with a kid.


    Jumping off the bed, landing on the ground, feet still on there as he stared up at the ceiling again.


    Obsius, descending on his head, pecked his forehead, chirping quickly. Just staring in response, Norbert moved his legs around, taking them off the bed as he stood up, Obsius hopping to the top of his head as the two stared at the new guest, still sleeping after the racket.


    Looking up at Obsius, who was leaning forward, just spotting the bird''s black head, Norbert asked, "So, do you know what happened last night after I made it outside?" Norbert asked. Memories of the night he could remember until then, the ground welcoming him, and Norbert couldn''t remember anything else.


    As he stood there wondering what could have happened, a suspicion arose, and reminding himself of the sand beast back in training when his body just took over with a simple task the last thought was. In that case, it was to defeat the creature.


    As Norbert looked over the boy, completely unharmed and sleeping peacefully but dirty, Norbert knew the last task: to protect the kid. Norbert stared forward at him, seeing his body slowly rise and fall. Norbert stepped to the bed, seeing where he was resting before.


    The once-white sheets are now painted red in sections. Looking down at himself, Norbert was shocked by what he saw; he had been wearing his shoes when in bed. That was a disastrous thing to do, only slightly worse than the much he strolled through.


    Not wanting to imagine the cleaning services for the mess he has caused, not even permitting the kid Norbert had also left, completely covered in filth. Taking his clothes, Norbert picked up the spare clothes he wore during the day, happy to bring a spare change. Heading into the bathroom, Norbert turned the water on, making the room steam up, feeling the warm water wash away the muck from the previous night.


    Once cleaned, Norbert began drying himself; rubbing his hand on his back, he felt bumps under his skin. Spinning around and looking at himself in the reflection, Norbert saw the pieces of bullet that had almost pushed themselves out of some areas but the skin keeping them in.


    I''m happy that he at least wouldn''t need to go to a medical practice to remove the bullets and explain what happened. Shuffling through the draws, Norbert found a pair of scissors. Taking them out, he held the point to his skin.


    Carefully, Norbert stabbed it, creating a hole as he forced the energy to surround the wound and push out the foreign matter. Watching Norbert saw his entire back veins turn purple before focusing on the wound he inflicted himself.


    TING


    Norbert watched as the wound healed after expelling the bullet and any extra shrapnel. Afterwards, all pain had left him, only feeling it when the blade first pierced his skin. Breathing in, ready for the pain he would experience, Norbert repeated the pattern until finally, the last bullet left his body.


    Looking down at the floor, Norbert counted thirty bullets and many more fragments. Picking them up and placing them in pieces of toilet paper, bundling the entire object up as he flushed it down the toilet, saying bye-bye to the issues of that night.


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    Donning a shirt with no holes, Norbert looked at himself in the reflection, the worry of the night before now not showing a mark on his face. Looking around the bathroom, happy that it wasn''t a complete pigsty, having cleaned most of it, Norbert left the room, heading over and seeing if his latest companion was awake.


    Opening the door, Norbert looked around the room, seeing it was much the same; the only change was that the boy now sat upright, compared to lying asleep when he left the room.


    The boy looked over at Norbert, just staring, mouth slightly agape. Norbert walks over, seeing Obsius now on the pillow. Leaving the bird there, knowing she was probably looking over the two the entire night to wake them up if something happened, left the bird to sleep.


    "You need to take a shower." Norbert said to the boy, indicating with his thumb the shower.


    The boy nodded, heading for the bathroom and closing the door behind him. The water came on moments later as Norbert looked at the bed, not wanting to lie down in the filth now that he was clean.


    Putting his shoes on, Norbert looked across the room, seeing his clothes strewn about the place. Packing it all up, Norbert sat down again, the water still in the shower. Having been some time, Norbert went to the door, about to ask what was wrong.


    Stopping as he heard crying from the other side, Norbert slowly rested his hand on the door, smiling at it as he imagined the boy balling his eyes out, trying to mask it with the shower sound.


    Moving away from the door, Norbert looked at the window, remembering his position from before, seeing the window was big enough for him to sit on.


    Resting one foot on the window sill, the other hanging off, Norbert watched as the town went about their day, wondering what the warehouse looked like now after his nightly activities.


    ***


    Norbert looked down the hill, seeing the tape all about it. Officers crawling the site, trying to look for anything. The other townspeople are also looking out at the site.


    The two stood with the crowd, Norbert looking over, feigning shock at what he saw. The body bags are in a line, counting all twenty-one, looking at how many on the roof must have survived.


    No other carnage was in the area, just blood splatters and his footprints in the dirt. As Norbert stared, remembering the footage of the last time, he wondered how he made it into the hotel. Believing he wouldn''t be able to operate a door, just catatonic in that state.


    Filling it in the back of his head for later, Norbert departed with the boy, getting out of town. The two of them holding croissants in their hands, the recommendation from the hotel receptionist the other night.


    Biting into the warm croissant, his tastebuds watering and dancing as it entered his mouth. The butter on it melted together and slid down his throat. On his last bite, he received a peck on his cheek. Turning to look at Obsius on his shoulder, he moved the last bit away from his mouth, leaning the food over, Obsius picking it with one of her feet as she pecked at it, nibbling on it piece by piece.


    As the two continued to walk, now the town behind them, no word had spoken to each other on their journey so far. Looking around once, confirming that nobody was near him, Norbert nodded before raising his hand in victory.


    "Looks like we got away for now. Best keep your ears peeled for anything. Have a feeling that they will come again." Norbert said to the boy.


    Continuing to walk, the boy did not respond as Norbert stopped, staring as the boy continued walking down the road.


    "Kids these days," Norbert said to Obsius before catching back up.


    Pulling on his shoulder, Norbert pulled him around to face him, stopping the boy from moving. "Going to respond? And anyway, what''s your name?" Norbert asked.


    Only receiving a look in response of confusion, Norbert squinted his eyes in frustration. Taking out his phone, Norbert opened up, thankful he had downloaded the languages before, not wanting to see the expense of roaming out here in the middle of nowhere.


    Selecting Italian, Norbert asked the question again, seeing the boy''s eyes light up with recognition. "Bartholomew", the boy responded.


    Norbert just stared at him. "You''ve got to be joking, ok Bartholomew, what''s your plan?" Norbert asked, putting it in the translator as he spoke.


    Showing the screen only received a shrug as the boy began typing. Waiting several moments, Norbert looked like the screen was given to him.


    Reading it aloud, "Home up north. Your company would be nice and will ask Grosly for something for your efforts." Whistling to himself, Norbert turned to Obsius.


    "Guess we''re on an escort mission now. Wonder what Grosly will cook up." Norbert replied, half thinking to himself and the position he already had that helped him out.

 Chapter 146 The Reward for a good deed

    Norbert looked at his motley crew waiting at the bus stop, knowing that he would be a sight for the others. The dusty road was empty even in the middle of the day as people went about. Looking over the fields around him, he tended but empty. Bored out of his brain, Norbert started to hum, passing the time as he waited for the next bus to take them to town.


    It was a day after they had left the village of Placentro; nobody had interrupted them on their journey up north. Over the rocky hills, the three made their way as Norbert sat there at the bus stop, wondering what else would be happening in his path. Norbert stared at the others, seeing as they were just idly chatting to each other.


    Norbert wondered how Bartholomew could talk to Obsius at all, only ever seeing the traveller able to talk to the bird and himself. But then again, for himself, it seemed more like he was just what he thought was being said, not understanding what the bird was properly trying to say.


    Shrugging his shoulders, he looked down the road again, standing up as dust began to billow from the road. Staring ahead, Norbert waved it down, thankful to see the yellow bus crest over the hill. Bartholomew stood up as the three waited for the bus to arrive. As the bus stopped before them, the doors opened, and Bartholomew stepped up first.


    Speaking to the driver, who nodded in response, indicating for all three to enter the bus. Norbert took out the money to pay for the ride as Norbert went past, sitting next to the seat that Bartholomew was already sitting in. On his way down the aisle, he looked at the empty busty.


    Shrugging his shoulders, thinking they must be busy, seeing the boy gazing out the window as the bus leached forward, taking them further on their adventure.


    People came and left the bus. Still, it continued forward, the sun once above their heads now on the horizon again, bleeding into the rest of the sky as it landed below the horizon, turning the sky orange.


    As it winked out over the horizon, Bartholomew moved, pressing the buzzer. The sound shocked Norbert, awoken from his stupor, jumping up in his seat. Seeing the sign and Bartholomew wanting to move, Norbert stood up, ready to exit the bus.


    With a screech, the bus driver punched on the brakes; Norbert moved forward from the momentum, catching himself on the rail and stopping himself from being flung any further forward. The three of them hopped off the bus, the doors closing shut behind them as it sped off once more. Dust followed it as Norbert looked to where he was staying.


    Finding himself inside another town, this one flat but of similar design to the last town he found himself. Bartholomew headed off without even saying a word. Looking to Obsius, now on his shoulder, Norbert just shook his head, following the boy as he made his way forward.


    Through the darkened streets, they were illuminated by the streetlamps and the houses, bright with families having dinner; the sounds escaped as the trio looked around at the houses.


    Walking down the street, Bartholomew stopped at a house with only a single light on the second story, the rest of the building shrouded in black. The lights around the yard were off, the entrance in darkness, the wooden door hidden in the darkness.


    The boy walked forward, stopping as he stared at the door handle. Moving his hand to the side without looking away from the handle, he rang the bell¡ªthe electronic sound bounced within the quiet house.


    A few moments later, I heard scuffling coming from upstairs. One by one, the lights turned on inside the house, showing how the occupant was making their way down. Hearing the stairs creaking, the trio waited patiently for them to come down.


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    Norbert heard some cursing, probably about getting disturbed this late at night. Pulling out his phone, Norbert saw the time, saying it was 10 p.m. Whistling to himself, not believing it was that late at night.


    As Norbert started leaning forward to show Bartholomew the time the door opened, the light from behind it poured over the three of them.


    "Whatever it is, it''s too late; come back tomorrow." The woman said.


    Bartholomew looked back, a tear forming in his eye. "Ok, whatever you say, mum."


    The woman, now waking up suddenly, saw who was there. Instantly, she stepped forward, embracing the boy as the two cried in each other''s embrace. From the stairs, a shout echoed from below, "Honey, who¡¯s down there?" He asked.


    The mother, unable to respond, continues to weep in response. The man looking down the stairs stopped, staring at his two family members embraced below. Storming down the stairs, skipping one at a time until finally reaching the bottom, the three reunited again.


    As Norbert just stared, amazed at what he saw, "Wait, Bartholomew, so for all this time you could speak English?" Norbert asked, placing his phone back in his pocket.


    The three family members, turning around, looked at Norbert. "Yep", Bartholomew responded, sticking out his tongue before embracing his family again.


    "But why? We wouldn''t have needed to sit in silence. And all that I talked to myself. Man, you must think I''m crazy." Norbert responded, now starting to talk to himself again.


    His mother, moving her head away from her son''s shoulder, responded, "He''s always been like that." She responded before going back to hugging him.


    Norbert just stared at them. The family closes the door on him. Seeing in the glass as they went to the family room just behind, Norbert followed the voices as they grew distant. Staring at Obsius still on his shoulder, Norbert just smiled. "And that''s another happy family reunited," Norbert said.


    Standing on the porch, Norbert stared across the road. Stepping off, Norbert looked back at the house; instantly, it started bucketing down. Staring up at the sky and sheltering Obsius under his hand, Norbert laughed aloud.


    Exclaiming with all his might, "Is this the reward for a good deed?" Norbert asked, his voice echoing off the street and houses in the lane.


    The door opened behind them, and he turned around, the rain coming toward him. Wiping his brow, Norbert stared, seeing Bartholomew there; the door opened, his parents behind him, smiling.


    "Come on, before you get a cold. Or maybe you can''t cause you to know. You stupid." The boy said.


    Norbert just stared, taken aback by the tone of his voice and its bite. Norbert quickly jumped back onto the porch, nearly slipping on the wooden flooring before taking his sneakers off and jacket, brushing the water off them before entering the house.


    As Norbert looked around, seeing the quaint tiny family home, Norbert made his way to the kitchen, seeing the sofa already out. The mother is over by the sofa, placing a blanket and a pillow on it. Norbert saw where he would be spending the night.


    He took his bag off his shoulder and placed it beside him; Norbert sat on it.


    "Well, not wanting to disturb you, but I''m calling it early. Had a hectic night last night. Just imagine I''m not here." Norbert said to the family.


    Receiving signs of confirmation, the talk continued but slightly quieter as the boy started recounting his story. Taking his socks off, Norbert laid his head on the pillow and closed his eyes as Obsius joined him over there.


    Obsius chirped to Norbert as he turned around before replying so the family wouldn''t hear. "Yeah, I know, but they need the time together, and they don''t need a stranger to interrupt." He said. Obsius chirped once more, Norbert grunting in reply, not wanting to voice a response, or else the family might start thinking he did lose it.


    ***


    Darkness had consumed the house, now the house was at peace and the united family departing upstairs. Norbert checked his phone, seeing that nearly two hours had passed since he arrived.


    Sighing, he sat up on the sofa. Taking out his phone, he texted Sarah, notifying her that the kid was now back with his parents. Waiting and hearing no reply, he returned it; the rain was now slowing down.


    A flash of something outside the window went past the screen, barely catching the light. Shivering like he was being watched, Norbert stood up, taking out his phone and shining the torch, seeing the reflection of the light in the window, and just past it, a face staring back at him, smiling¡ªtheir teeth reflected in the light.


    As Norbert stared, their canines went far below the gum of what an average person would have. Pointing to the door, Norbert just nodded, turning the light off for the phone as he walked to the wooden door.


    Standing there, a man in a jacket looked back at him. The lightning flashed behind him, casting a shadow.


    "So, you going to let me in?" The man outside the door said.

 Chapter 147 Nightly Vistor

    Norbert stared at the man before him. In his black coat, porcelain white skin and dirty brown hair. Tilting his head to the side, he tapped his chin, pretending to think.


    "What do you say, Obsius? Think he''s trustworthy?" Norbert asked the bird.


    Receiving a chirp in reply, Norbert nodded. "I thought the same." As he started closing the wooden door on the man. "It''s too late to be dealing with weirdos. Well, good night."


    The man¡¯s hand shot forward as the door was about to close, stopping it from closing further. "Wait, oh god damn it, stop being a fool and move out of the way." He said, pushing forward and entering the place. Stopping for a moment on the entrance as he shuddered, walking towards a seat and sitting down, hand covering his face, Norbert could only see the bottom half of his face, knowing it was showing annoyance.


    Norbert sat on the other table, the light still turned off, not wanting it to shine up to those upstairs; Obsius jumped off his shoulder and onto his hands on the table, insisting on being pet. Norbert complied as he petted the blackbird in his hands.


    "So, what brings you out to Italy in the middle of the night ¡­" Norbert asked the man, waving his hand out, waiting for a response, only to get pecked by Obsius for not patting her. He continued to pat back, looking down at his hand, making sure he wasn''t bleeding on the table.


    "Count von Count." Count von Count was saying before being interrupted by Obsius, who chirped at him.


    "I know, Obsius; what type of name is Count von Count? Like seriously, is he trying to hide that he''s a vampire? All he needs is a sign saying, ''I vant to suck your blood''. Like seriously, who does he think he is." Norbert said, poking his thumb at Count von Count.


    Groaning, Count von Count continued, "As I said, before I was rudely interrupted. I have been watching you for quite some time Norbert. And after your little stint the other day with those thugs, I needed to step in."


    "Wait, so you were the one that cleaned up whatever happened there. Well, thanks for that; it allowed me to have a good night¡¯s sleep. So you were the one that took me into the hotel room. He''s a bit of a creep this one." Norbert said the last part to Obsius as he hid his mouth behind his hand, failing to hide the conversation from Count von Count.


    "Why are you like this to me? You haven''t been like this to anyone else. Do I have a target painted on my face, a sign I can''t see over my head?" Count von Count asked, looking behind himself and above his head, confirming no words hovering there.


    "But seriously, what did you think would happen the other day? Just leaving twenty bodies everywhere, the rest running off into the hills, screaming that you''re a zombie. And you just running off in the direction of the town, passing out on the steps of your hotel bloody?" Count von Count asked, arms at his side, his voice getting increasingly annoyed.


    Norbert scratched the back of his head. "Well, I didn''t know I did any of that. The last thing I remember of that night was being shot in what I assume now was the head and my face hitting the ground." Norbert explained to Count von Count.


    Count von Count looked up, pointing with his finger. "It would be best for us to take this outside. Don''t want to disturb the residents." He explained as he rose out of his seat, walked towards the door, and opened it. The night air flowed down on him as Count von Count left. He was leaving Norbert alone with Obsius.


    Leaning back in his chair, holding Obsius to his face, asked the bird, "Well, guess we need to go and continue the chat with him." Obsius chirped in confirmation.


    Leaning forward, stopping the chair from slamming down, Norbert tucked it behind the table, lifting it so it wouldn''t scrape across the ground.


    Closing the door behind him, Norbert looked around, trying to find Count von Count in the darkness.


    ¡°HOT!¡±


    Norbert looked up, following the whistling he heard. Up on the roof stood Count von Count before disappearing behind the gutter. Walking into the yard, Norbert went to where Count von Count disappeared. Seeing it was on the second story, Norbert bent down, breathing out, the puff of air visible at night.


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    Putting energy into his legs, Norbert sprang upwards, shooting into the sky. Putting in just the right amount, he placed one foot forward, landing on the roof with only a slight bend to the knee. Stepping forward placing himself fully on the roof, Count von Count lying on the roof, staring at the moon.


    Norbert, sitting down next to the man, just stared quietly. The clouds pass over the sky, blocking and revealing the stars. Norbert stared at the night sky, now looking unfamiliar to what it was before.


    "This is the only time I can properly bask under the sun''s rays." Count von Count said to Norbert.


    "Really?" Norbert asked in response, still staring up at the nearly full moon showing itself, giving a white light to everything around him.


    "Oh, come on, I know you know I''m a man that walks in the darkness.¡± Count von Count said to Norbert.


    He was smiling in response, waving his hand, waiting for him to continue. "The people of the moon watch down on us every night, laughing as we blunder in our daily lives."


    Norbert just nodded, taking a coin out of his pocket. Flicking it into the air, he watched it spin out of the corner of his eye, catching it before he flicked it into the air again, slightly higher this time, watching as it stopped at the apex before coming back down again.


    "So, what is it that you want, Mr Vampire?" Norbert asked the man.


    Seeing out of the corner of his eye, a smile formed on the vampire''s mouth, the single extended fang reaching the bottom of his lip, seeming to glow in the moonlight.


    "Just to let you know of my presence. That''s the official reason anyway." Count von Count said.


    Norbert just nodded. "Well, thank you for the information, and I appreciate the help you did for me, getting myself and the boy out of that bind earlier. But what is it, the unofficial response?" Norbert asked him as he continued flicking his coin in the air.


    "Two things, one on both sides and the other just over there." Count von Count said.


    Norbert just nodded. "Wait, both sides. How does a vampire even cross over, to begin with, and exist in this magic-less world?" Norbert asked the vampire.


    Hiding now Norbert could not believe his eyes as they seemed to attract, "We hitch rides on the past champions to cross over here, like what you did with Luck." Count von Count said.


    Norbert looked at him, eyes growing wide. "Yes, we all knew. It''s not like you did anything that wrong. Good thing you didn''t let her wander alone; it would cause many headaches if she died here." Count von Count said. He stopped to rub his head; just the thought of it brought an ache to his head.


    "For the second part of your question, your media got that spot in." Count von Count said.


    Norbert just looked at him. "Blood?" He asked the vampire questioningly.


    Nodding his head in confirmation, the vampire continued, "That''s right, just like how you still have a bit of magic in you, allowing you to perform your feats, so does everyone else. Unlike where breathing it in or crystals are possible, we feast on blood, virgin blood is just preference." Count von Count said, playing into the stereotype at the end.


    Norbert just nodded along. "Makes sense, so you drink blood over there as well?" Norbert asked the vampire.


    "Well, now I''m going to end the point there due to the amount of time to explain the different vampires'' intricacies. We feast off blood for me and most others you see here. Need a lot less and can do a lot more on the other side." Count von Count said.


    Norbert just nodded, head swirling with what other vampires could be out there. Shaking his head to disperse the thoughts and ask someone else later, Norbert looked back to Count von Count. "So, what are the two things you would like me to do then?" Norbert asked Count von Count, flicking the coin up into the air.


    "Firstly, on the other side, the tournament is coming up. And we would like you to join our nation." Count von Count said.


    Norbert just looked at him. "Tournament?" he asked, wondering what the count was discussing.


    Count von Count sighed. "Well, guess that answers that question if Morenas hasn''t notified you yet. Think about it, and let me know when you hear more." Waving his hand to dismiss the question that Norbert was about to ask, closing his jaw, he waited for Count von Count to continue, "The other thing is your assistance in similar matters."


    Norbert just looked at him, catching the coin and placing it back in his pocket. "What do you mean by similar? To this? Having a conversation about random topics?"


    "No", Count von Count said, breathing air out of his nostrils. "Helping those over here keep in check."


    Norbert, not sitting up, looked over at Count von Count. "And what if I don''t want to join this organisation? I''m not Batman running around over there saving anyone you deem necessary." Norbert said, voice growing stern.


    "And you''re not expected to help over there, just here when needed. And if you don''t, then with your ability¡­" Count von Count let the sentence hang in the air.


    Norbert just nodded. "Give me a moment; I want to ask for someone''s opinion," Norbert said.


    Count von Count nodded in response, lying back against the roof as he looked up at the moon, a cloud starting to cover it. Norbert gulped in response, thinking Count von Count would have at least given him some time to think about it.


    Pulling out his phone, he went to the contacts, hitting Sarah''s name, hearing it ring as he placed it to his ear.


    "Hi Sarah, I don''t know what time it is over there, but do you have a minute ¡­ Well, I have this person here, Count von Count, yes, and he ¡­ ok ¡­ hmm ¡­ yes, that''s right. Well, I guess that fixes that. Oh, the tournament¡­ yes, ok, mum, I''ll wait after I complete the mission." Norbert said, hanging up the phone.


    "Well, it looks like sending me over here was part of her plan for us to meet, so I''m joining you."


    Count von Count smiled, standing up and holding his hand for Norbert. "Welcome to A Solution."

 Chapter 148 Between the Trees

    Obsius fluttered down, going after Count von Count. Norbert also stepped off the roof, landing on the ground with a thud. Staring back inside, Norbert looked to the Count. "Should I bring my stuff?" Norbert asked the Count.


    Count von Count just nodded. "That would be for the best."


    Norbert opened the door, staring at the quiet house and headed over to the couch, picking his things up and putting shoes on. Everything fits easily in his backpack, having not taken the destroyed clothes and looked over the place one last time, nodding that he had everything.


    Walking towards the door, he was about to leave when he stopped, Obsius chirping at him. Nodding his head in approval, he went into the pantry, taking out several biscuits for the birds with their travels.


    Looking around the drawers in the kitchen as quietly as possible, finding what he was looking for, a paper workbook and a pen, Norbert turned to a blank page. Tipping his pen to his mouth momentarily, he thought about what to say.


    Nodding only to write something valuable, Norbert just put his phone number and a simple message Norbert''s number. Call if you need anything, either here or there.


    Nodding to himself, happy that if Bartholomew needed anything in the future, it would be a more direct link than needing to use the gods. Everything was now together; turning off the light with a flick of the switch, Norbert closed the door behind him.


    Giving a piece of biscuit to Obsius, who was already sitting on his shoulder as the bird started munching away. Count von Count stood there, watching the moon through the branches, the clouds moving across the sky.


    Looking towards Norbert, raising an eyebrow, "That all?" The vampire asked.


    Norbert nodded his head. "Yeah, only meant to be a quick trip over here. It was only supposed to be a day trip, but things happened." Norbert finished, shrugging his shoulders.


    Count von Count nodded in response before turning off and looking down to the next house. "Keep up." He said as he leapt forward, coat flapping in the wind as he disappeared into the night.


    Norbert groaned in annoyance at the man disappearing without explaining where they were going. Leaping into the air, energy flooding his body as he focused on his vision, the world becoming composed of greys as he looked for the vampire before losing track of him.


    As he started to fall again, Norbert spotted sight of the vampire, the white head looking back at him, seeming to float in the night. Some distance on the way over, Norbert wondered how they could travel as fast, the vampire continued off again, now running down the road.


    Landing on the ground in someone''s backyard, Norbert jumped off, leaping onto their roof, climbing up, and sliding down the other side. Just before hitting the gutter, Norbert leapt through the air, hoping that nobody was up to see him fly through the air.


    On the ground, meeting him, Norbert rolled over his right shoulder, doing a cartwheel as he continued to run. He was checking and feeling Obsius still there, now hanging on for dear life, taking the bird in his hand, clutching it to his chest to protect it as much as possible.


    Down the road, Norbert leapt forward, steadily catching up with the vampire and feeling the shake with his steps, squinting as the air whipped at his eyes. Remembering his mask, Norbert reached into his backpack, slowing down slightly as he fumbled around.


    After several seconds, Count von Count started to get ahead; zipping his backpack back up, Norbert rushed forward, now able to see appropriately.


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    Catching up with the vampire, Norbert waved to him as he looked to the side. Count von Count stared back and smiled, nodding his head in approval. By now, the town that Bartholomew lived in was far behind, now in the hills and fields surrounding it. Continuing on the road, now turning into dirt, they marched forward.


    Clutching onto Obsius, Norbert, the bird, began to rest in his hand, likely sleeping as it waited for the next place to wake up again, unable to do anything as Norbert was led to wherever he was needed.


    Up ahead, Norbert saw trees start to come up, occasionally whipping past him, the path they were travelling on now, feet starting to slide along the path, Norbert seeing to his side Count von Count quickly navigating the path.


    Suddenly, the vampire slid on the path before dashing into the forest. Norbert slid along, dust and rocks billowing out behind him as he skidded, his hand trailing on the ground behind him, slowing down.


    Finally coming to a stop, Norbert charged into the forest, seeing the trees approaching him. Branches smacked against him, leaves rustling as he leapt past them. Norbert went through the forest of trees, trying to go as fast as possible and spot the vampire in the flashing trees.


    Hearing a crash to the side, Norbert whipped his head around, spotting the vampire from behind him. Still running forward, Norbert smashed into a tree, feeling his left shoulder make contact, the crunch of something being torn, not knowing if it was himself or the tree. Spinning around, Norbert instinctively flung out his left arm, Obsius flapping her wings to get away from Norbert, spinning now, not controlling himself. He smashed into another tree, this one square on his back.


    He felt his body bend around it to continue, but the tree was not budging as he slumped horizontally to the ground. He was making a U shape with his body, now groaning as he fell out of the tree. Landing in a puddle, feeling the water seep into his clothes, Norbert breathed in, spitting out some muddy water that tried to get in.


    "You good?" Count von Count asked from above him.


    Norbert looked up, seeing the worried concern on the vampire''s face. He pushed himself off the ground and onto his knees, patting himself down and confirming nothing was broken, only a few bruises. Getting to his feet, Norbert stared at the tree, surprised at what he saw.


    Splinters all around the base and bursting out of the tree, Norbert saw the indent of his back several centimetres deep. Rubbing his hand across his back, the pain started to come up as he realised what happened; after crashing into the first tree, his body spun around, hitting the one that stopped him before he fell to the ground.


    Turning his head, Obsius landed on his shoulder, pecking him. "Both of you, I''m fine; why did you turn off into this random forest?" Norbert asked Count von Count.


    Coughing, the vampire turned and pointed towards the direction he came from. "An entrance is over there. please come over; the sun is starting to come up now." Count von Count said before heading in the direction he pointed before.


    Norbert looked around, seeing no suns in the sky, looking just as dark as ever. Not wanting to argue with the vampire about the sun being up, Norbert followed him, walking as the two came together.


    They both walked in silence, Norbert feeding Obsius crackers when the bird requested them. A stone appeared ahead of him; the vampire stood as he pointed to the stone. "The entrance is behind there." The vampire provided.


    Norbert just looked at the stone, then at Count von Count. "And?"


    "Please move it; it should be easy enough for you." The vampire provided.


    Norbert stretched out his arms as he breathed in, Obsius flying from his shoulder to Count von Counts. Crouching down, Norbert wrapped his hands as far as he could into the stone, barely able to make it around. Norbert clenched his fingers, hearing the stone crack as his fingers made indents.


    Breathing in sharply and pushing against his core, Norbert grunted as he lifted the rock. Feet planted into the ground, pushing with his feet, feeling his bones starting to grind from the weight.


    Leaning backwards, he could lift the rock, sending energy coursing through him to give it the final shove as he stood up straight.


    Heaving with the effort, Norbert chucked it to the side, panting as it started to roll away from him. Looking down into the indent, Norbert saw the earth, grubs and worms crawling around him as he stared down. Turning behind, I saw Count von Count bent over, a trap door cacked with dirt and leaves, stuck on as it was opened, a metal arm keeping the trap door open.


    Staring back at Norbert, he smiled, "What are you doing? Come down here; we don''t have time for your tomfoolery." As he descended.


    Norbert was stunned, staring back at the stone he lifted, now several meters away, leaning against a tree.


    CHIRRP CHIRP


    He heard from bellow. He left his stupor, walking over to the trapdoor and seeing the concrete steps underneath. Stepping forward, Norbert headed down, closing the trap door on top of him as he spotted the first rays of sunshine between the trunks.

 Chapter 149 Into the Bowels of the Earth

    The trap door shut behind him as Norbert walked down the stairs. After the first few steps, they changed from wood to stone, cut out from the earth itself. Needing to duck down slightly, or else his head would scrape against the roof, Norbert clutched onto the rail on his left as he made his way deeper into the earth in complete darkness.


    The echoing of the steps ahead of him and his own rattled around, sounding like an army making their way through the stairwell. Step after step, Norbert made his way down, catching up with Count von Count as the two of them walked in silence.


    Obsius comes back over to his shoulder, eating another biscuit. Minutes went by, Norbert losing track of how long they had been walking down ¡°How much longer?¡± Norbert asked Count von Count.


    ¡°Just around the corner.¡± Count von Count replied.


    ¡°Hardy har har.¡± Norbert responded before continuing, ¡°But really, how long until we get down there.¡±


    ¡°You can just see the light at the end of the tunnel ¡±Count von Count said to Norbert, pointing at the bottom. Norbert looked over his shoulder seeing a white light at the end, previously, he couldn¡¯t see it as it was being covered by Count von Count¡¯s head.


    ¡°Not towards the light; don¡¯t walk towards the light.¡± Norbert whispered loudly, chuckling as he heard it echo around him.


    He was still chuckling to himself as they made it to the bottom. Norbert looked out, wondering what this base would be; instead, he was just disappointed. At the bottom of the great walk was a set of train tracks.


    Concrete on each side depicting where the station was, signs written in what he assumed was Italian showing with a red dot on a map. Walking towards it Norbert saw it was a criss-cross of connections making its entire way across the country.


    Whistling as he looked over the map wind starting to blow against his face. Sighing that the dead air had some movement, Norbert felt it cool himself down.


    SCREEECH


    Norbert turned around, looking at the source of the sound. From one side of the tunnel, lights were now shining on the rocky platform. Several seconds later, the light got brighter and brighter, the sound getting louder and louder until it started getting quieter again.


    CHUG CHUG CHUG


    Seeing the contraption appear from the tunnel, with a hiss, it stopped in front of Count von Count; looking down on the ground, underneath his feet was a painted yellow rectangle, with hazmat lines running across it.


    Staring at the train, it seemed to be just a motor cart with a carriage cut in half on the back with two lines of seats. Staring at it, Norbert saw Count von Count climb over the edge, sitting on the far side of the cart.


    ¡°You have three seconds to jump on!¡± Count von Count shouted to Norbert, Obsius having jumped off his shoulder and around at the bottom of the cart.


    Panicked, not wanting to be left behind, Norbert jumped forward, hand over the railing as he flung himself inside. Landing hard on the wooden seat, Norbert breathed in, as it started to rattle off slowly.


    Watching the train went into the tunnel, lights on the side flashing past them, the wind starting to pick up now that they moved faster and faster. Clutching onto the seat to stop himself from flying off the cart, wind whipping around his head, Norbert looked over to Count von Count, just smiling as he looked at Norbert, the vampire sitting there without a care in the world like he was just on a Sunday picnic.


    Looking down on the ground, Norbert found Obsius on the far left side, sitting still, eating her biscuit, only a few pieces left now, protected from the wind by the cover in front of them. Looking up at him, Norbert almost seeing a smirk on the birds face as he was battered around, before going back to finish off the biscuit.


    No longer increasing in speed Norbert seeing the lights on the side of the tunnel flash constantly, nearly being engulfed in light with the speed they were going. Suddenly they were bathed in light, before it disappeared again, having passed through another station in the blink of an eye.


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    Down the tunnel they went, changing tracks to the other side at what seemed like random; as time went by, Norbert heard carts zoom past on the other side of him, the wind buffeting him around as he held on even tighter.


    ***


    The train started slowing down, by now Norbert was used to feeling being pushed against the back of the cart, leaning off to the side, now feeling his body slowly right itself, the screech filling his ears. Norbert looking at the side and seeing the occasional sparks coming from the wheels of the cart in front of him.


    Slowly Norbert heard the cart screech in protest, opening up to him as he was bathed in light, now turning off his night vision so he could see properly, now out of the flashing tunnel.


    This one of the similar type as the one he arrived in, seeming to be cut out of a natural cave, looking up almost expecting to see stalactites above, but seeing none, just a smooth flat ceiling.


    Stepping out of the cart, Obsius flapping their wings and landing on his shoulder as they followed Count von Count out of the area. Seeing another set of stairs leading up the vampire turned to the right instead, leading down a corridor.


    Once inside the tone of it changed, gone was the natural look now to common, concrete walls and ceiling, white lights on the ceiling shinning the constant light. The still air cool on his face, Norbert took his mask off, seeing no reason to be wearing it now the wind wasn¡¯t making his eyes tear up.


    Opening his mouth to ask something Norbert closed it again, waiting for it to be finished. Now walking past entranceways showing other places, dorm rooms, meeting rooms, a food hall, weights area Norbert just looked, seeing duplicates of many, seeming to be copy and pasted from one area to the next.


    Finally at the end of the corridor, opening up to an entranceway, a long table taking up the centre of the room, countless chairs on either side of it. On one head of the table no chair was there, on the other sat a throne.


    On the throne, the red seat with big armrests, the satin fabric and gold embroidery Norbert stared up, squinting slightly at the distance.


    Count von Count bowing as he stood next to Norbert. Norbert just staring, not moving a muscle as he stared at the person sitting on the throne. White skinned like Count von Count, their raven black hair flowing down past their hips, falling off the side of the chair.


    In a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, clashing completely with the room and the position the man held. Squinting and focusing on his eyes, Norbert saw the twin points of fangs sticking out over the bottom lip.


    ¡°Glad to see you Count von Count. I¡¯m assuming this is the one that has caused the recent headache for our team over here. Norbert was his name?¡± The vampire upon the throne asked.


    ¡°That is correct.¡± Count von Count said, still looking down at the floor.


    ¡°Excellent, bring him over here and wait outside.¡± The vampire upon the throne ordered.


    Count von Count nodding, as he stood up straight, spinning on his heels and walked out of the room, Norbert looking around and seeing him wait in the hallway outside, no barrier stopping the sound from traveling over there.


    Seeing nothing more happening Norbert made his way forward, down the table. As he walked Norbert counted the chairs on this side, no food set or cutlery on the table, just the empty seats, the wooden table a cherry red, the lacquer sparkling, looking freshly done.


    Reaching the other end, counting sixty one chairs on this side, surprised at the amount. Looking up at the vampire sitting in the chair Norbert stopped, before smiling. The black eyes staring back at him. A grin forming on the man¡¯s face as Norbert gulped, starting to send energy through his body, the hairs on the back of his neck standing up.


    ¡°So, Norbert, welcome to a Solution.¡± The vampire said, arms spread out, showing the empty hall. Their words echoing around it.


    Norbert just nodding as he replied ¡°Ah geez thanks, just what I wanted, forced to join another organisation.¡±


    The vampire looking back at him, the grin forming even larger than before ¡°Oh, Count von Count did not lie at all about you. I like it.¡± The vampire said.


    Norbert nodding his head, gulping down his nerves, already in the lion¡¯s den and needing to continue forward ¡°Anyway, what can I call you and what do you want me to do?¡± Norbert asked the vampire.


    ¡°You may call me, Geoff. And you¡¯re going to fix all the problems between the magic folk that pop up. Now off you run. A Solution will be in touch when needed.¡± Geoff said to him.


    Norbert shivering at the voice, before darting back, wanting to get away. As Norbert reached the other end of the table the voice echoed out once more.


    ¡°Oh, and could you leave me some of your blood. I¡¯ve heard it is quite unique?¡± The vampire upon the throne asked.


    Norbert without turning back stuck up his middle finger, earning a cackle of laughter from Geoff, the sound echoing off the large ceiling room that Norbert just left.


    Seeing Count von Count ahead of him Norbert nodded, the count not walking away as Norbert caught up.


    Turning to Count von Count Norbert asked ¡°And where to now?¡±


    ¡°The airport. Time for you to go back home.¡± Count von Count replied.


    ¡°And how am I going to get to the airport from the middle of nowhere?¡± Norbert asked the vampire. Silence filling the room as the two of them walked back through the hallway. Stepping forward into the cave section Norbert saw the stairs, Count von Count pointing at them.


    ¡°Well up there of course.¡± Count von Count replied.

 Chapter 150 Airport Troubles

    Norbert stared up at the stairs, sighing at another flight they would need to climb. Turning towards Count von Count Norbert asked, "Is there an elevator?"


    Count von Count began walking up the stairs ahead of Norbert. "It''s good exercise." The vampire replied.


    Norbert just signed in response, beginning to make the climb back up. I thought there should have been a quicker way to their main base than taking the stairs.


    ***


    Finally starting to move horizontally, there are no more stairs to climb down in the concrete world again. Norbert stared at the entrance he was looking at, a ladder leading up. Heading up first, Norbert lifted the trap door again, the ladder going up, needing to be careful with his backpack scraping on the wall behind him. Lifting the door, Norbert climbed forward, finding himself in a closet.


    Moving to the side, he banged against something; looking down, Norbert saw a blue bucket with a mop inside it, the wooden handle leaning against the wall. Count von Count stepped out, closing the trap door behind him as he pushed past Norbert, opening the door, the bustling airport opening up to the two of them. People rushing past them trying to get flights, none of them looking at the janitors closet.


    With a hand on his back, Norbert was pushed forward, Count von Count staying within the cupboard, his arm out, a ticket in there. Reaching forward, Norbert examined the paper, seeing it was his boarding pass to get on his flight.


    "You better hurry, or you''ll miss your flight." Count von Count said to him.


    Looking down at his ticket while pulling out his phone, Norbert saw the time.


    "Last call for flight 321, please, last call for flight 321. Norbert, please come to gate 12." Echoed over the loudspeaker.


    He looks down at his ticket; Flight 321 written on it, its bold text staring back at him, a deer in the headlights.


    "SHIT!" Norbert exclaimed, spinning around and running away from Count von Count, trying to locate the appropriate gate. Hearing a final laugh from the vampire, the door closed behind him as Norbert raced through, shouting to people to get out of his way, the crowd parting for him.


    Glancing at maps, Norbert found hanging from the ceiling, seeing the numerals 12 hanging there, in blue font on a white background. "Please hold it!" Norbert shouted, unable to see the attendants if they had packed up.


    The person working there, in their red uniform, has a look of surprise rather than a smile on their face. Breathing in a final breath, Norbert calmed himself as he presented his flight ticket, it being scanned with his passport, a smile on the attendant''s face, hair neatly cut, slightly dusted with makeup, seeming not to have any on them but there.


    Norbert smelled himself, not having showered a day after his run in the morning through the forest.


    "Thank you for making it, Mr Norbert. Please go on board; the plane would like to take off immediately." The attendant said to Norbert.


    Nodding, taking his boarding pass, and jogging through the passage.


    "Please do not jog through the tunnel." The attendant came from behind him.


    Slowing down, Norbert waved his hand, confirming he had heard it. Obsius chirped to him, Norbert just shaking his head, not deeming to give the bird a reply.


    At the next set of doors, the two women, wearing the same uniform as the man before, smiled, looking over the ticket and showing him down one of the aisles.


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    Sitting in his chair, thankful for getting an aisle seat, backpack stowed above him, taking out his phone, he sent a text to Sarah, notifying her she was on the plane before turning it to flight mode.


    Obsius jumped off his shoulder, sitting on his lap as Norbert belted up. He was surprised that he was able to get the bird once more through customs without a cage and even onto the plane itself.


    As the plane did its final checks and began to take off, feeling his stomach beside him, he looked out the window, seeing the airport as he left the ground. The next time he would touch down again, he would be home again.


    ***


    The plane landed once more on the runway, Norbert pushing himself back into the seat as the wheels touched down again, once more landing on the ground. Obsius hopped over from the boy sitting next to him, the two of them playing and entertaining each other on the quiet flight while Norbert just read some of his textbooks and reading for the week, needing to refresh his information about them.


    The plane finally stopped on the runway, the announcement coming over the loudspeakers asking for everyone to stay seated until they were ready to un-board.


    Everyone stood up, a queue in the aisle as they impatiently waited to make their way off the plane, Norbert following behind them as they made their way onto the tarmac. Obsius says bye to the boy, now resting on Norbert''s shoulder. The sky above them was without a cloud; as the morning sun came down around them, Norbert made his way through the crowd, wondering how he would return to his place, needing to get onto the train to make it there.


    Through the doors, now far ahead of everyone else, shadows painted on the far side. The white hallways as he power walked, through wanting to get through the last bit of customs before everybody from the plane came behind him, hopefully to leave the airport with no complications.


    On the travelators, Obsius jumping around on the rails, Norbert just standing there, letting the bird burn off some of that energy it had, being all cooped up in the tin can flying through the sky.


    Off the travelators, happy that he rushed to make it where he was, nobody at the customs desk as Norbert walked straight up to one of the attendants.


    Passing it over and being let through, Norbert made his way forward, happy that he was now on home turf; for the moment, all the strangeness was away from his mind, and he could focus on his everyday life.


    The last turn, Norbert made his way, heading to the below-ground train station; the only focus was getting back home and his rumbling stomach. Passing by the people, reading the signs of the names, seeing them talk to each other and whispering if the person they were looking for had made it.


    Phones to their faces as they discussed what was happening, some in hushed whispers, others in loud voices. Some are looking to be paid and mindlessly scrolling through their phone, waiting for the person to seek them out.


    All through the list, Norbert found one, chuckling at the stupidity. All wrapped up from head to toe. He wore a hat, sunglasses and a trench coat with pants on the legs going to the floor. Snickering to himself, the person reminding him of the invisible man, wondering what he was doing, Norbert looked down at the sign; who was this weirdo waiting for?


    "Norbert, this is for you. Yes, you, now come over here; the sun is annoying."


    Stunned, Norbert stood there, staring at the sign and then at the man. Pointing to himself, the man only nodded in response. Standing before him, the sign between them, Norbert asked, "And who are you?"


    Norbert felt a grin behind the mask of the stranger standing before him, as his hand went to his glasses, moving them up. Norbert saw the eyes and bridge as the cloth mask over the lower mouth was lowered. The canines go over the lower mouth, a smile over them.


    Grinning at him was Count von Count. Letting the face mask go as it slapped back into place and lowering the glasses, the vampire turned around, heading to the stairs leading to the station.


    Norbert stood still as he closed his eyes, breathing in and out slowly, calming his nerves, not wanting to make a scene in a public place. As he followed after Count von Count, a thought occurred to him. How was it possible that a man was able to get under his skin so quickly?


    Going down the escalator together, ahead of everyone else who was far behind him. "So, how did you make it over here?" Norbert asked Count von Count.


    "Well, legally, I was always over here. An issue if your passport has a missing stamp." Count von Count said.


    Norbert nodded along. "So, why couldn''t I just hop on the same ride that you did, pop up at the airport and walk through customs?" Norbert replied quickly, not caring if anyone saw him at this point.


    "That''s because the entrance over here is on the other side of customs; it''s made that way so you won''t need it." Count von Count replied, stopping himself from adding duh at the end.


    Norbert sighed, rubbing his eyebrows. It made sense to him. "Ok, fine, but where are we going now?" Norbert asked.


    "Back to your place, of course. Also, what days would you be available for your assistance?" Count von Count replied, continuing before Norbert could respond, "Also, what¡¯z ya phone number."

 Chapter 151 To Rest

    Back at his apartment, happy that he could now finally relax for a moment, not needing to worry about any vampires, temples, mafia or kids being abducted; only what would be in the fridge for him to eat, hoping some pizza would be left over. As he opened the door, seventeen flashed from the light inside.


    The familiar sound of the TV was on; Norbert saw Jack sitting there, half a pizza sitting on the table, a plate near Jack with only crumbs and sauce marks left.


    Walking through his room, Norbert placed his items down, seeing it was the same as when he left it. He took his socks off and headed into the bathroom. Opening the water for the shower, Norbert let it get slightly warm before hiking up his pants and stepping in.


    He sighed in relief as he moved about his toes, feeling them getting cleaned from the runs and flights he was just on. Obsius hopped off his shoulder and landed on the ground next to his feet. Going into the water, the bird also washed itself, fluttering around and playing around in the shower.


    After several minutes, happy they were both cleaner, Norbert turned off the water, stepped onto the foot mat and carried Obsius over to the sink. Placing the bird on the hand towel, Norbert slowly and carefully dried it off, careful not to damage or ruffle the feathers.


    Looking around in the cabinets under the sink, Norbert pulled out his prize, Sarah''s hairdryer. Plugging it into the power point and flicking the switch, Norbert heard the device roar to life.


    Holding his hand into the wind, Norbert felt as it warmed up, ensuring it didn''t get too hot or blow too hard. After flicking the settings around and being happy with them, Norbert aimed the hair dryer at Obsius, the bird facing directly at the wind, raising its wings one at a time so it could be adequately dried. Spinning around, Obsius chirped at Norbert, turning off the hair dryer and putting it back.


    Norbert, now feeling the bird be nice and warm Norbert, picked her up once again, placing the bird on his head as he turned the light off, heading towards the kitchen table, the pizza waiting for them.


    Sitting down, Norbert opened the box, the cold half-eaten pizza. Moving to the kitchen, Norbert took a plate, moving the slices over and placing them in the microwave to warm up again.


    "So, how was the trip?" Jack asked Norbert, the microwave humming in the background.


    "Was ok, found what I needed and all wrapped up. Though something extra did come over, so who knows when I''ll be spirited away." Norbert replied.


    Jack just stared at him. "Did you really?" he asked.


    Norbert just smiled, the beep of the microwave turning him around. Opening the door, steam came out as he picked up the plate and headed over to the table; Obsius jumped off his head and next to the plate.


    While ripping the pizzas apart, Norbert put several pieces on the pizza box, letting them cool off for Obsius. Taking up a pizza slice, Norbert started eating through all of it. With the two of them finishing, Norbert cleaned up the mess he and Obsius made.


    Once finished, Norbert looked at the screen, seeing it was an old movie.


    "I''m feeling a bit out of it; going to hit the hay early tonight," Norbert responded.


    Jack just raised his hand in a wave in response, not taking his eyes away from the movie. Heading into the bathroom again, Norbert washed himself up, the shower steaming up and picking up Obsius, washing the pizza crumbs and sauce off the bird, making sure not to get the bird too wet.


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    Both now properly cleaned, Norbert headed to his room, leaving the light off as he landed on the bed. Staring up at the ceiling, Obsius chirped next to him on the pillow.


    "Just wanted a break, arrange my thoughts for the next day," Norbert responded to Obsius.


    The bird chirped again, Norbert looking away. "Just wanted a bit of space, that''s all," Norbert replied, knowing he was getting a grilling just now in the conversation.


    "Yeah, I know it''s been a bit of time, but for him, it''s only been a couple of days," Norbert responded, trying to explain himself.


    Obsius, standing up, chirped back at him.


    "So that''s what it''s about. You just wanted to play with him. For acting like a woman, you sure do act like a child sometimes." Norbert responded.


    Rolling back around, Norbert let Obsius rattle in his ear all the things he should have done better. Putting his head under the pillow, Norbert waited for Obsius to stop before taking his head out from under the pillow. The bird fell asleep next to him, finally at peace.


    His phone light flashed next to him. Picking it up, Norbert saw it was a text from a random number. Spinning around on his stomach, unlocking his phone, Norbert read it.


    "Dear Norbert, I hope this doesn''t come at an inconvenient time. You are probably just lying in bed, wondering what you will tell your friends and family. Well, worry not because you can say you have a new job. Aren''t I just a genius?


    Anyway, this Friday night, meet me at the location pinged, regards Count von Count." Norbert reread the text and the link.


    Placing his phone back down, he heard it vibrate again; picking it back up, Norbert read the text, "PS, bring your mask; you don''t need an overnight bag."


    Putting it back down, Norbert heard it vibrate again; leaving it, he turned to face the ceiling, wondering what Count von Count would want him to do next. Or a Solution, for that matter.


    ***


    "See you, Jack. New job needing me to do stuff out of town." Norbert responded as the door closed behind him. Jack just stared at him, mouth agape.


    "What is he doing out at this time?" Jack spoke to himself.


    Norbert rushed through, being late for his meeting, now wanting to get on the wrong side of a Solution before the solution would be his extermination.


    Running for the bus, hopping on as the doors closed, the sun has set. Looking at the nearly empty bus. Scanning the seats, Norbert just stared at the passenger in the back seat in the middle. Waving at Norbert, in a shirt with a vampire printed on it, written in white, the words "Halloween is Fang-Tastic."


    Walking up the bus, Norbert sat down next to Count von Count.


    "So, what was the point of you sending me the playground location if we were just going to meet on the bus?" Norbert asked him.


    "Well, we are going to the playground. I just wanted to see your reaction to seeing me. Warms my dead heart." Count von Count replied, holding his hand to his chest, wiping an invisible tear with his finger, flicking it off as he wrapped a shoulder around Norbert.


    "So, anything for a bite?" Count von Count asked him; opening his mouth, Norbert saw the canines expanding with the vampire''s jaw.


    Norbert pushed the vampire back, who just laughed in response. Coming back next to him, the vampire spoke quietly so nobody else on the bus could hear, "Reports of a large dog wandering around those parts. People have been injured by it."


    Norbert just nodded in response. When Count von Count didn''t provide any more, Norbert said, "So, there is a dog. What does that have to do with us?"


    "Ahh, great thinking, Watson; the reason is that the wounds have been infected with a similar black spot found on someone given to them in a certain jungle." The vampire responded.


    "But that''s just due to someone taking an artefact, nothing more and not by a creature," Norbert said.


    "But, what if, and this is an if, someone purposefully took it to weaponise it for the future and is using it here as a test case." Count von Count replied, tapping the temple of his head. "Just think about it." He continued.


    Norbert opened his mouth before closing it again. Nodding in confirmation, he shut his mouth, not wanting to annoy the vampire or get taunted by ''Sherlock'' any more.


    He thought back to the village and the strange behaviour of the villagers and the mention of war from Count von Count, having heard nothing about the sort since. The only thing he could think about being teased by people that he still didn''t know about was the tournament was going to be about, just that two different groups had recruited him without having information about it.


    As the bus rumbled forward, getting closer and closer to their destination, the lights on the streets came on. People were coming off and on the bus; slowly, as the night wore on, it was getting emptier and emptier until the only two people on the bus were Norbert and the driver.

 Chapter 152 Dog Box

    Stepping off the bus, Norbert looked around at the neighbourhood they found themselves in. Count von Count coming behind him, his white shirt beaming under the street lights.


    Sniffing the air deeply, the vampire exclaims, "Smells like chicken tonight."


    Norbert just stared at the vampire, wondering what chicken would have to do with hunting down a dog. Not wanting to question the man, knowing it would not lead anywhere good, Norbert shut his mouth as he left along the street.


    "This way." Count von Count said to him.


    Spinning on his heels turning to face the vampire, Norbert followed Count von Count, seeing the suburban area sprawled out before themselves. The street lamps are shining white lights, creating circles of light on the sidewalk. He walked into the darkness, feeling something was watching him.


    Spinning around, Norbert saw only an empty street, nothing else there staying still Norbert stared for several moments, confirming that nothing would jump out the moment he turned around. Turning around, Norbert began opening his mouth, only to be interrupted by Count von Count with a finger to his lips. Nodding in confirmation, reaching the end of the street.


    Pressing the button for the lights to change, Norbert whistled to himself, Obsius joining in. The two of them went in tune, singing from a show Obsius was watching the night before. Finally, the lights changed, allowing them to continue their crossing; it was unlike any cars or people around at these hours to interrupt them.


    Down the street they went; on the next crossing, Count von Count took a left, heading down the next street. Norbert looked down, seeing the row of houses stop, a small metal fence painted burgundy continuing across, Norbert catching a set of swings from his angle. As he went past the corner, Norbert looked at the street he was in. ''Lane Road,'' it read.


    Norbert turned to Count von Count. "I know this is meant to be serious, but where the hell is this ''Lane Road''? It¡¯s stupid for a street. It isn''t even a road." Norbert protested to the vampire, who continued to walk forward, dismissing the argument before it brewed up. Focused only on his prey.


    Count von Count turned to Norbert and, with a grin, tapped his finger to his nose before twirling around and continuing walking. Norbert shook his head in response to the flippancy of the vampire.


    Coming to the park, Count von Count stood in front of the gate, staring at the park. Norbert, next to him, looked at what was around. Seeing the swing set, a yellow plastic slide on a platform with a fire pole. Norbert looked at the rest, only a bubbler, some seats, and that was the rest of the playground; Norbert saw the four houses on each side and the next street opposite him.


    Count von Count leaning on the gate as he reached for the knob, pulling it up, the latch opening with klunck, the gate opening on its own with a screech, Norbert looking down at the hinges and seeing no rust on them, wondering what could be causing the noise.


    Count von Count, standing moving with the gate, holding it open to Norbert with a wave of his arm and a bow, "Ladies first."


    Norbert, about to take a step, just stared at the vampire; shaking his head, he continued into the park, not wanting to start the argument between them.


    Norbert heard the gate close behind him; the vampire joining him as well ¡°Thought you were going to stay out there." Norbert said to Count von Count, "You know, the whole vampire not going onto property thing?" Norbert asked.


    Count von Count just shrugged his shoulders. "There are rules for this, but nobody owns or lives here. There is more to us than meets the eye." Count von Count said.


    Norbert stopped, staring at the vampire. "Really?" he asked accusingly.


    Count von Count walks past Norbert without saying a word. Obsius chirped in Norbert''s ear before taking off and flying over to the slide. Sitting on it, Obsius flapped her wings slightly before sliding down, taking off into the air at the bottom, only to go to the top of the slide again.


    Norbert looked at Count von Count as he sat on the bench, Norbert taking a seat next to the vampire. "And now we wait." Count von Count said before Norbert could even open his mouth.


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    Norbert just nodded and stared at the cloudy sky, looking at the stars as he looked at the pattern they were making and pointing to every constellation up there, showing him feats of strength and dangers always lurking above.


    Closing his eyes, Norbert rested on the bench, only having brought the gloves and nothing else; taking the mask out of his jacket untangling the knot he made to secure it through the eyeholes, Norbert flicked it around before placing it on his face.


    The comforting weight on it once again. Opening his eyes, Norbert changed his vision, the world becoming black as he looked around the park. Obsius fluttering around a tiny white speck in the world of darkness and holding onto the park bench, not wanting to fall and get dizzy, Norbert looked at the vampire, seeing the blood-red lights swirling around its head and heart, all of its veins shining bright red, almost illuminating the area around him.


    Gazing off into the park to the other side of the road, staring at what he would assume to be bushes was instead illuminated in blue light, taking the height of half a meter in the air, like flames dissipating in the wind, a fire trying to hold on as much as possible.


    Changing his vision back to normal, the colour came around as Norbert stood up, Count von Count looking to the same bush that Norbert was as well. "Took you long enough." The vampire said to Norbert, Obsius chirping as well in agreement with the vampire.


    Norbert, not taking his eyes off the bush, spoke to them, "Ok, so how does this go down?"


    "You rush in there, apprehend the dog, put it down if you can''t and don''t let it escape. I''ll watch you and ensure it doesn''t get anyone else." Count von Count replied.


    Nodding his head in agreement, Norbert pulled on his gloves, ensuring they were as tight as needed. Walking forward, Norbert saw the bushes rattle, but no dog appeared. Breathing in deeply, pushing the energy throughout his body, the world seemed to slow down as he charged forward, diving headfirst into the bushes. Not knowing what could be on the other side as he crashed into something.


    Tackling on the ground, hearing the snapping of teeth on him, the two rolled out of the bushes, feeling the head of the beast wrestle around him, the crushing sound of its jaws trying to bite onto anything.


    Holding the head with both of his arms, feeling the claws of the dog dig into him, scratching at him. Norbert was on top of the dog as it was still under him. Breathing deeply, Norbert relaxed slightly, his body drenched in sweat after the brawl.


    Taking his eyes off the dog, Norbert looked over to Count von Count speaking, "It-"


    The dog spun around him, its back to the ground as Norbert looked deep into its eyes. The look of care for a moment as the growling stopped, and a whimper started to come out, only for a blue smoke to go behind it as the dog jumped up, mouth agape, landing on Norbert''s neck.


    Screaming out in pain and surprise as the dog shook around its entire body, trying to pull everything out of Norbert¡¯s neck that it had grabbed onto. Holding in his breath, Norbert forced energy to his neck, not wanting to die like this.


    Prying his hands into the dog''s mouth, Norbert pulled against the jaws, feeling the teeth dig into his hand, purple blood going everywhere over the two of them; with a resounding crack, the dog let go, dropping to the ground.


    Norbert landed on the ground, scrambling away, one hand clutching his throat as he started to choke on liquid. Feeling lightheaded, Norbert forced energy there, forcing his eyes to stay open. Feeling an itchiness around his neck, Norbert didn''t scratch at it as he waited, slowly counting.


    His stomach felt weird, and Norbert went onto his hands and knees, retching up everything within his stomach. The blood smattering the ground, a dark patch visible in the darkness. Staying on his hands and knees as his vision swam around him.


    After several seconds, his neck was itchy, and he almost felt the skin growing back on him. His vision was no longer swimming; Norbert saw Count von Count standing over the dog''s body. Norbert saw it was a brown Chihuahua.


    "Such a small dog to pack such a punch, and it''s still going." Count von Count said. Norbert stumbled up and forward as he made his way next to the vampire. He looked down at the dog, changing his vision to see the blue fire again. Now more subdued than before, the flames gushed out of its jaws without it being contained as it slowly lost its energy; Norbert assumed it was trying to heal the injury that he gave it but could not.


    As Norbert looked back to the vampire, "So what now?" Norbert asked Count von Count.


    "Now we wait, for the clean-up crew. They should already be making their way over; we must wait another hour." Count von Count said as he picked the dog by the tail, dangling in the air as he returned to the park bench.


    Obsius was already there, pecking at the dog lying on the ground; Norbert could hear its whimpers. Norbert made his way to the bench.


    As he sat down, the words came from Count von Count''s mouth: "So review time. You went well at the start but after you¡­"


    ***


    Norbert stumbled into his apartment, head bursting with everything the vampire told him about, both the fight he just had, improvements to like the problem with tapioca balls.


    On the bus ride back, the conversation continued, going into more mundane topics, until finally, the vampire stopped at the front door of the apartment complex, Norbert leaving Count von Count without even a word.


    Obsius on his shoulder, gliding into his bedroom, landing on the pillow already. Norbert followed close behind as he landed on the bed with a comfy.


    Closing his eyes, he digested what happened in the night. After some time passed, he heard his phone vibrate in his pocket, an alarm going off. Taking his phone out, he looked at the message; it was his regular alarm, the 7:15 blazing into his eyes. Groaning, Norbert got out of bed, ready to start another day, internally hoping he wouldn''t see Count von Count again.

 Chapter 153 Here we go Again

    Hopping out of bed, Norbert made his way out of his room towards the kitchen. Looking in the fridge, pulling out the loaf of bread, untwirling it Norbert took a slice out, put it on a plate, placed it in the microwave, and set the timer for thirty seconds.


    With a beep Norbert put it on the table, Obsius fluttering out of his room, the ding waking the bird up. Alighting on the plate Obsius began pecking at the slice of bread, taking it apart.


    Norbert just stared at the bird, processing his adventure from the night before. The others that came to clean up were at least normal, or what normal should be from some weird organisation. Silent and keeping to themselves.


    Count von Count was not like that, at least with the others around he would blend in with the quiet atmosphere, but by himself, the vampire wouldn''t stop.


    Finished with their breakfast, Norbert took a quarter of the slice left and popped it in his mouth. Washing up the plate and putting it away, Obsius washed herself in the sink, and the two of them made their way to Norbert''s room to prepare for the day.


    Several minutes late, he exited with his backpack over his right shoulder, Obsius on his left, and Norbert banged on Jack''s door.


    "Hey mate, gotta get up and at ''em!" he shouted; Norbert heard a groan from within in response, joined by a second. His fist was in mid-air as he heard two people talking to each other. Silently, Norbert walked away from the door.


    Entering the kitchen, he heard a knock on the front door of the apartment. Wondering who it was so early in the morning, Norbert walked forward, opening the door "Hello this is ¡­"


    "Glad to see you''re so chirpy this mornin''; time to head out on your next adventure." Count von Count said back to him, a smile on his face. Norbert, mouth agape, just stared back. Obsius pecking at his face and chirping, Norbert closing his jaw in response to the rudeness he was showing.


    "What are you doing here?" Norbert asked the vampire.


    "Well, you obviously weren''t listening. We have our next adventure to go on." Count von Count said to him.


    "But I have my classes to go to today? And that''s not the point; you said you couldn''t enter the apartment building." Norbert asked the vampire.


    Count von Count walks away, the door left open. "Well, are you coming?" The vampire asked.


    Norbert just sighed and closed the door behind him, taking his key out and locking it as he jogged to catch up with the vampire.


    ***


    "So what are we doing on the campus?" Norbert asked Count von Count.


    The vampire responds, "But you need to attend classes, can''t have you failing." The vampire replied.


    Norbert just nodded.  "And not because whatever we are looking for is here?" Norbert responded.


    Count von Count smiled in return. "So you do learn, so what''s your first class?" The vampire asked him.


    Pulling out his phone, Norbert scrolled through. "Looks like Cloudy Wowdy," Norbert replied.


    Count von Count just stared at him. ¡°You¡¯re not pulling my leg here; you in a subject called Cloudy Wowdy?"


    Norbert spun his phone around, showing the vampire, who nodded. "Man, that lecturer must have a weird sense of humour; take the lead." The vampire said, Norbert nodding as he walked through the ground; people are here now.


    Finally making his way to the class, a swarm of people behind him followed him and whispered to each other. Norbert knew the only thing on their mind: the strange fellow with the beaming smile behind him.


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    Sitting down in his seat, Jack next to him with Sarah on his other side, Count von Count on Norbert''s left. The four of them all looked at each other.


    "So, what''s with Mr Sparkles over there?" Jack whispered to Norbert.


    Norbert eyed the vampire at the corner of his eye, seeing the glitter speckled on his cheeks. "Yeah, he''s a weird one, and that''s coming from me," Norbert replied to Jack.


    "Hey, I''m not weird, I''m eccentric." Count von Count replied curtly.


    Jack, leaning forward around Norbert began opening his mouth.


    "Shhh, the class is about to start!" Count von Count whispered back loudly making his voice echo around the room, placing his finger on his lip. Norbert wiped his face from the saliva that landed on it.


    The room quieted as people took out their laptops to make notes on what would be said.


    ***


    "So, how did you two meet?" Jack asked, pointing between Norbert and Count von Count with his for. A chip stabbed through, a drop of gravy sliding down.


    "Well, we met up at Norbert''s trip overseas, his little stint in Italy." Count von Count replied.


    Jack now looking to Norbert "You never did tell me why you went over there." He asked.


    Norbert choked on his water as he tried to think something up. "Having a meet-up with a couple of people I met when I went on holidays last time and bumped into his fellow, and he kind of followed me back here," Norbert replied.


    Jack nodded along, biting into his chip as he took a He was cutting and cutting a piece of the chicken schnitzel and popping it in his mouth.


    "And why are you here?" Jack spoke through a mouthful of food "And what''s your name?"


    Count von Count shook his head "So rude of you to speak to someone like that and not even know their name. They call me Count von Count, and I''m here just cause I had nothing better to do. What I assume the lovely lady over there is also doing." The vampire said as he pointed at Sarah.


    Sarah just nodded in response, "Yeah, you got me. So what is the next class you two have together?" Sarah asked the two of them.


    Jack pulled out his phone, flipping it face up as the screen brightened. "Looks like its Networking 101 again." He finished, flipping his phone around and putting it on the table, the phone still spinning on its back.


    ***


    Norbert walked into the room, r once again packed with people rushing into their classes¡ªthe four-headed towards Norbert''s and Jack''s usual seats. The sun shone again on the right side of the boar; Norbert knew that he wouldn''t be able to see anything on half of the board again.


    Taking out his laptop and getting the textbook, Norbert looked through the proper file to see the notes that he had made already.


    The room filled with the clickety-clack of keyboards as people rushed to get their stuff out of their bags. Norbert is just trying not to pay attention to Count von Count on his side, knowing that it would be a mistake.


    Feeling a nudge behind him, Norbert turned around, seeing Casper leaning forward over the desk. Norbert''s face scrunched up as he wondered what Casper would want with him.


    "You training hard for the tournament?" Casper asked him.


    Norbert''s face was stunned. Staring at him, the only thought going through his head was what tournament he was talking about. "Uh, wh-"


    "In the back, can you please be quiet? Some of us here really want to learn!" The lecturer shouted from the front.


    Norbert turned around, wincing as he waved his hand; now everyone''s eyes were on him. Nodding his head sheepishly, he looked at his laptop and began typing notes.


    "And in three, two, one," Norbert heard Casper speak again. Before Norbert could even turn around, he saw the circle appear underneath him, quickly looking to the side . Sarah had a similar one. Obsius quickly hopped to his shoulder as he felt a hand grasp onto his left arm, Norbert nearly crying out.


    Looking to his left, he saw the sparkle in Count von Count''s eyes. "Oh, so that''s why you wanted to be here." Norbert said to him as darkness consumed his vision.


    Watching the specks move about, a darkness coming over them. Norbert once more landed in the white room, Luck already sipping on her tea.


    "Oh, looks like you brought a friend this time. Sadly, there is only one more seat so you will need to stand Mr?" Luck asked, staring at her two new guests.


    Norbert standing up, having fallen, Obsius already fluttering over to the table, a plate set out with a cookie already, the bird digging in and making a mess of everything, showering the plate in crumbs before eating them.


    Norbert looked to his left, seeing Count von Count standing crisp, sparkles gone from his face and changed from a white top to a full black leather coat with a red satin shirt underneath. Norbert could see the markings and symbols etched within the coat and pants, the boots coming up to the ankle, and a click to every step the vampire made.


    Walking forward, he stopped a meter away from Luck, still sipping her tea from fine china; bowing deeply, the vampire spoke, "Count von Count, at your service as well as your champions over on Earth, Madam?" the excellent words tickling the back of Norbert''s neck, hairs standing on end.


    "Lady Luck, no need for Madam." Luck replied. Looking towards Norbert, she directed him to the seat "Well, you''re going to need to change again, so best get going."

 Chapter 154 Smells like Bacon

    Norbert nodded his approval taking off his jacket and top, heading behind the chair with his sack of belongings. Quickly, he donned them as he sat down in the chair, putting his boots on. Looking down at his waist, confirming everything was where it should be, he looked up to Luck and Count von Count staring at him.


    "What?" Norbert asked the two of them.


    Count von Count stared at Luck. "Does he not know how to change clothes in the shift?" he whispered to Luck, leaning down to lower his voice, Norbert still able to hear the vampire.


    Luck, smiling behind her cup, whispered loudly back, "Has a hard case of magic-dysfunction, can''t make it come out properly; many people have tried, but none have prevailed."


    Norbert rolled his eyes as he leaned forward, picking up the teacup and saucer next to Obsius, still eating the biscuit on a saucer of her own.


    Taking a sip, the floral scent of roses and macadamia nuts filled his mouth. The warmth followed afterwards as the warm liquid filled his throat, filling his belly. Closing his eyes in contempt, he was whisked away to the hill near his town, the sun beating on his skin as he stared up at the clouds, wondering what the fluffy shapes could be.


    SMACK


    Opening his eyes, he saw Count von Count, a finger twirling around his ear, Luck moving her body away, Norbert seeing the ruffles in the vampire''s clothes, the faint marks of a handprint.


    "Really?" Norbert said accusingly to Count von Count in reply, Obsius chirping in confirmation to Norbert''s outcry before sitting down on the saucer, flapping her wings before getting comfortable and closing her eyes.


    "Anything you want to ask?" Norbert said to Luck, raising an eyebrow in question.


    Staring back with a distant expression before nodding, "Oh yeah, how did it go with Grosly''s champion? Said he''s talking with them now." She responded.


    Norbert nodded his approval. "Well, at least the kid is out of that sticky situation; he doesn¡¯t need much help on this side, I assume?" Norbert asked, half thinking to himself and the events of the night, instinctively shuddering as he felt his body peppered by bullets.


    "Oh, and let Grosly know that his potion helped me out." Norbert said while pointing to his chest. "Most of it is gone now or under control, and it saved me on this occasion." Norbert whispered, "Thought wouldn''t have needed it if I didn''t need to go halfway across the world and fight a bunch of gangsters."


    "So, what now?" Norbert asked, pointing at Count von Count, "You practically clung onto me to come with me, so there must be some reason for it?"


    Rubbing the back of his head, he said, "Well, it was just so boring being over there, and I wanted to get some magic in my lungs." He finished. Norbert just raised an eyebrow as the vampire stared back at him, knowing Count von Count had something else up his sleeve.


    "And you may be thinking, what else do I have up my sleeve? Well, that is very astute of you, for I have this!" He shouted, brandishing a letter with a wax seal over it, the red wax Norbert just catching what looked like a fang on it and some writing around the circle.


    Norbert nodded at the envelope as he took another sip. "So, what''s in the envelope?" Norbert asked.


    Count von Count makes it disappear up his sleeve again. "Oh, nothing much, just some updates on Earth for those over here, nothing significant, bureaucracy be like that."


    Norbert nodded in response, draining the rest of his tea, now had gone lukewarm and placing it down on the saucer on the coffee table. Picking up Obsius, Norbert leaned over, ruffling through his backpack, organising it together.


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    Pulling it over his shoulder, beaming at Luck before a frown appeared, "Well, I don''t know what I''m going to do in that tomb being trapped underground.¡±


    COUGH


    Norbert, taken from his thoughts, looked over, seeing Luck holding her hand over her mouth. Looking up, speaking, "Well, you remember how I led you underground to that activated chamber? Well, that was a teleportation, so good job, you''re not underground anymore."


    As a light appeared under his feet, Count von Count stepped quickly towards him, the two interlocking hands as darkness consumed his vision.


    ***


    The wind rushed through his hair, his coat flapping behind him. Staring around him, Norbert saw the once familiar sight of the ground rushing towards him as he stared at the trees again, covering the ground beneath him. Looking to the side, this time, there was no river cutting the forest below him.


    To the side, Norbert saw Count von Count shielding himself from the sun as it came down on him, his skin already starting to blister slightly. Norbert angled his body over there, Obsius far above the pair, taking its leisurely time to come down.


    Next to Norbert, the vampire shouts to him, "Give me some of your blood!"


    Norbert just stared at him as the wind rushed through him. "I know you don''t need my blood!" Norbert shouted back.


    "Dang it, was worth a try. Now hold on, this shouldn''t get too bumpy!" Count von Count shouted to Norbert as the two came together. Norbert is clinging onto the vampire, the wind rushing even faster.


    Going in head first like a torpedo, Norbert felt himself start to spin around. Closing his eyes, Norbert just waited, hearing Count von Count chant in his ear.


    The sun getting out of his eye as he felt himself slow down. Tipping around to be the right way around, Norbert opened his eyes; he saw a massive parachute coming out of Count von Count''s back, the red material Norbert saw undulating above him.


    The wind stopped rushing past them, only a gentle breeze on his face as they gently floated on the wind. Obsius landed on his shoulder, giving an amused tweet at the sight of them falling to their deaths.


    Ignoring the bird, Norbert looked over to Count von Count, a strained look on his face, his skin continuing to go redder and redder under the light, blisters appearing on the skin, each popping, leaving indents as the vampire was slowly being eaten away. He cast his eyes towards the ground, being hit with vertigo as the canopy slowly came to meet them.


    As the three of them slowly came down, the smell of bacon now wafting into Norbert''s nose from the vampire being cooked alive. Not wanting to look at what was happening to the man, his silence was the only support he could give.


    The leaves now brushed against his boots, feeling Count von Count wiggling underneath him; Norbert looked up, seeing the vampire nod in reply.


    Instantly, the red parachute disappeared, engulfing the three in light and hitting the trees first. Norbert let go and began tumbling through them. He spun through it, covering his head with his arms as he was whipped around, bashing through the branches, thankful for the backpack to protect his back.


    His shirt got caught in the branch as it dug into Norbert, pushing him around, cartwheeling him on the ground before throwing him back the way he came. Smashing into a tree, Norbert landed on the branch, looking up at the tear through the canopy he created during his fall.


    Looking down at the ground, through the branches, Norbert saw the jungle floor below him, seeing the same plants as before. Happy that he didn''t go to some far-off place, cupping his hands around his mouth, he shouted, "COUNT VON COUNT! WHERE ARE YOU!"


    The birds in the trees take flight from the noise. The flapping of wings, staring as they left him all alone. Listening for a reply as silence filled the jungle, the lack of noise making the hairs on the back of his neck prickle up. Counting to ten, after not hearing anything, Norbert looked to the floor, plotting a way to get down.


    Seeing the branch beneath him, Norbert stepped off, arms out as he grasped it, flinging himself on top of it. Spotting the next one, Norbert jumped off, quickly descending the tree.


    On the floor, Norbert took off sprinting, looking up at the scar in the canopy, confirming that he was heading in the correct direction. After heading back over himself in a zig-zag pattern, Norbert explored the jungle.


    ***


    Tweeting of a bird broke Norbert from his run, only half paying attention to the area around him. An object darted for his face, not caring about moving out of the way as it smashed into him. Smiling at the bird, the white specks formed on it.


    "So, you know where the vampire is?" Norbert asked the bird.


    Obsius gave a condescending chirp in reply. Norbert just smiled as he followed the bird. The two of them made their way through the jungle, swiping at branches and vines as they blocked their path. Smelling it before seeing the vampire, the cooked flesh filling the area around them. The bird chirping and taking off behind a tree, Norbert walked around.


    Looking down on the ground, exclaiming, "Look what the cat dragged in, you look like utter shit."

 Chapter 155 All Patched Up

    On the floor, blood and pus leaked all over the body, a trail of fluids leading from the top of the tree squinting. Norbert saw it come from the very top before making a trail down. Splatters here and there on branches, where Norbert assumed the vampire fell, tumbling from one branch to the next, until falling to the ground in a splatter.


    Hearing the wheezing breath bellow him, Norbert crouched down, looking at Count von Count, a question on his mind: "You good?" Norbert asked the vampire, a smile breaking the corners of his mouth.


    Woken from his daze, Count von Count looked up at Norbert. "Do I look ''good'' to you? And before you answer that, it''s no; I am not good."


    "Sheesh, you don''t need to be a grumpy bum about it. Is there anything that I can help you with?" Norbert asked.


    Count von Count licked his lips before shaking his head. "No, well. If you could give me some blood, that would be great."


    "Eww, no, that''s weird, and even my blood ain''t normal. I''ll look for a bird or something to take. And no, Obsius, I''m not going to take yours." Norbert said, looking up at the sky again, wondering where he would find this precious blood for the vampire.


    Climbing up the tree the vampire landed under, following the path the vampire fell, up one branch at a time, making his way up to the canopy. Finally, Norbert looked around, the birds darting above and below the sea of green.


    Taking his jacket off and holding it between his hands like a net, Norbert stared at the birds, wondering which would be the best. Norbert saw something flash past his vision; going on instinct, Norbert reached out with the jacket, holding it over whatever was there.


    Leaping forward, Norbert went down the tree, falling while clutching the creature in his arms. Holding it down, stopping it from escaping as the two plummeted. Smashing into a branch on the way down, slowing his fall, the creature in his jacket turning into pulp.


    Landing on the next branch, stopping himself from going any further down, Norbert quickly made his way down to the tree next to the one the vampire was leaning on.


    Standing next to the vampire, opening his cloak, Norbert let the body drop to the floor, staring at his bloody cloak, wiping it on itself, trying to get it clean as best he could. Wiping it on the ground, Norbert looked at the vampire, now covered in blood.


    As he stared at the bird being sucked dry, the blood coming off the feathers moving to where the vampire sucked everything the bird had, the fangs out . The blisters on him now receding, his skin now evening out, going away from all of it as the whiteness returned to his skin.


    Staring down at himself, still covered in blood, Count von Count spoke, "Well, aren''t I a complete mess."


    ***


    With darkness moving over the jungle, the last rays of light leaving for the day. The three made their way off to the village, Norbert watching the vampire shift around the trunk, staying out of the rays of light cutting through the leaves above.


    With a plan formed of giving the letter to the traveller to deliver it to whoever it needs to go to, they went through the jungle.


    Norbert kept an eye out for any blue smoke that could prevail, looking at the vampire in the corner of his eye, the now constant red pulsing through the vampire. Count von Count slapped Norbert on the back of the head as he pointed forward.


    In front of him, the jungle opened up, and Norbert saw lights on the trees above. The murmurs go through the villagers above, pointing at the vampire on his side. Count von Count bearing his fangs to the crowd, everyone backing off a step as they stared.


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    One of them ran off, Norbert assuming to go to the head villager or Dousan, as coming out of the jungle with a stranger when investigating a temple that was broken into would be alarming, especially when there was an entity running around at night.


    Whistling the two together, Count von Count just stared at them, wondering what they were doing. After several minutes of whistling, Count von Count joined in as well, just the three not even in tune or the same song as they twitted; by now, night had come.


    "Well, look at the three of you, with no care in the world, while everyone freaks out about a vampire in the midst." Dousan''s voice came from above on the platform on the trees.


    The three stopped making music as Norbert looked up, waving to the commander, a smile on his face. "Oh, this guy, he''s practically harmless," Norbert said, throwing his arm around Count von Count, tucking it under him and forcing the vampire to bend down. "See, totally harmless."


    As Norbert did this, he saw others starting to come up as well on the walkways above, more of the squad he came with lining around, seeing the gear and weapons in their hands.


    Unclasping from the vampire, Norbert said louder, "So, what''s with the warm welcome?" Norbert asked, indicating with his head to the others forming behind Dousan.


    Dobert pipping up from the crowd. "Well, when someone comes out of a haunted jungle in the middle of the night with a vampire, and the two are all chummy, it raises some suspicions."


    Norbert nodded along. Dousan interrupted before the two of them continued their conversation. "Yes, like, how does a vampire turn up in the middle of the jungle? Far from their continent?"


    Norbert turns to Count von Count. "Well, would you explain how you ended up in a teleportation room? I would also like to know?" Finishing with a bowl and flour, he stepped back and waited for the vampire to advance.


    Looking up, Norbert whispered loudly, "This is the part where you are meant to explain it." To the vampire.


    Count von Count shook his head as he moved his back, letting the muscles move, staring up at everyone, hands going to weapons on their hips.


    Reaching his hand into his sleeve, Count von Count brings out the envelope. "Just here investigating this jungle and the movements happening within." Moving his finger as a second letter appeared from behind the first, "And this one is to allow me to be within Morenas." He said, flicking both up into the air.


    Norbert watched as the two letters travelled through the air, Dousan catching it out, inspecting the envelopes, and seeing the seal on both. Picking one up and holding it in the air, Count von Count nodded his permission to look at it, the wax seal already broken and re-stamped with several, dotting the envelope on the back.


    Taking out the letter, Dousan read it quietly, after several moments nodding before putting it back in the envelope. "Well, welcome for some time, Count von Count. I hope you keep to the terms."


    "But of course, a creature of the night does keep to their word, for we are righteous beings." Count von Count replied.


    Dousan stared at the vampire. "I''ll get this delivered; anything else you need from us?" Dousan replied.


    Count von Count just shook his head and disappeared into the shadows, disappearing into the dark jungle behind Norbert and Obsius.


    Norbert looked up at Dousan, the others moving back, only a few staying, Norbert nodding to Azalea above. Looking back to Dousan shouting, "Can I have some more food?"


    ***


    Norbert, with his backpack now bursting with food, walked into the jungle, Obsius returning to his shoulder, nodding with the bird having delivered the letter to Martitia.


    "Thanks for that, buddy, really helping me out there," Norbert said to the bird, wondering why she was so helpful, remembering the traveller that the two of them were talking about before, Norbert shrugged his shoulders, and putting it in the back of his mind.


    Continuing to walk in the jungle, Norbert kept an ear out; tonight, the sounds of creatures moving were heard, the uneasy stillness from previous nights gone now.


    As Norbert continued walking, seeing Count von Count up ahead, waiting for Norbert, leaning against a tree. An insect was walking along his shoulder. As the vampire flicked it off, Norbert saw it turn into a puddle being blasted away.


    The vampire pushed himself off the tree and joined Norbert in their stroll through the jungle. "So, what are we doing now?" Count von Count asked.


    Norbert spins, walking backwards, replying to the vampire, "Whatever the villagers took from the tomb and what the blue smoke is trying to find is within the Brealk."


    The vampire replied, "A Brealk, well, that shouldn''t be too hard to take down."


    "That''s why we are out here, to hunt a beast that is greater than a man, multiple times even," Norbert responded.


    Count von Count just stared. "Was that the juice the blue smoke hiding? I should get some of that."

 Chapter 156 Down the Hole

    The sun peeking its head through the trees once more, Count von Count staring up at the canopy, a pained look on his face as the streams of light started making their way through the leaves. "Going to need to find shelter soon." The vampire said.


    Norbert nods, pointing ahead. "There''s the ancient temple over there; we can head underground and out of the light." Norbert explained to the vampire, watching as his face relaxed slightly at the news.


    Count von Count nodded and increased his pace to a sprint; Norbert caught up, remembering what happened to the vampire last time, understanding not wanting to partake in that unpleasantness once again.


    Norbert saw the hole with the rope hanging out, only seeing the vampire jump into the air before disappearing into the hole, clothes flapping behind him. Norbert caught up to the hole, looking down, seeing Count von Count having grabbed the rope halfway down, looking up at him, the white canines seeming to glow in the darkness, the vampire dropping down further on the rope, Norbert watching as it moved slightly to the side.


    Seeing it stay still, Norbert grabbed onto the rope, confirming there wasn''t any more movement around them before joining the vampire. Grasping onto the rope, he coiled his feet around it, letting himself slide to the bottom.


    Bending his knees at the bottom as he landed to absorb the impact, Norbert stood up, Obsius sliding down the rope to meet Norbert. The torch that he had left before now sputtered out, the ash marking the area that it spun around on the ground.


    Count von Count near it picked the torch up, flipping it like a baton in the air, not catching it but instead letting it crack against the floor. The echo, bouncing around the cave and the tunnel beyond. Norbert gave the vampire a look of annoyance, smacking him on the back of the head.


    "So, why have you brought us back here? I know we looped around the other side to make it here during the night." Count von Count questioning Norbert.


    Norbert looked at the cave once again, seeing the natural cave that he expected to find. "Well, I didn''t take us here; she did. Supposedly, there is something that I need to look at, and you as well. A second pair of eyes never hurts."


    Reaching in and taking another torch, Norbert started lighting it again. Count von Count walks up and holds his hand over the fuel, stopping it from catching.


    "No light; neither of us need it." Count von Count said.


    Norbert flicked the torch to remove the hand as he indicated to Obsius, sitting on his shoulder, "But our guide here needs to see." Norbert said as he continued to light the torch.


    Count von Count grumbled, conceding to it, "Always for the bird."


    Obsius turned around on Norbert''s shoulder before flying up to the vampire and giving a peck on his ear before returning to Norbert. Holding his hand up to his neck, the vampire moved it away, seeing the blood on it. Giving it a sniff, the vampire exclaimed, "I''m bleeding? But I''m a vampire."


    "You were bleeding plenty before, so hush-hush, and now you know why I light the torch. Now, Obsius, which way should we be going."


    ***


    Once more in the centre chamber, Norbert saw the blue smoke coalescing around the obelisk in the centre. Count von Count was lying beside him, watching as Norbert explained what he saw.


    "Well, I am of no help at all to you. Never seen anything like this on Grimm." The vampire explained.


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    Norbert turns to Count von Count, asking, "Grimm?"


    "Yeah, the continent all the creepy crawlies have been subjugated to. Vampires, demons, werewolves and many more things that go bump in the night." The vampire explained.


    Obsius tweeting in confirmation of the information. Norbert turns to the bird. "And how do you possibly know that? Never mind. But why Grim of all names? Seems a bit on the nose."


    Count von Count just shrugging. "It was a grim piece of rock before most of us fled there. Enough of us pooled in one section changed the landscape, allowing life to come from it. Twisted and unnatural looking but life nonetheless."


    "Huh, I guess I need to add it to my list of destinations, especially if you want me to represent you for the tournament. It''s not like I''m one of you," Norbert said.


    "Well, cheers to you if you can survive there. Most of those that take residency there aren''t as ¡­ civilised as the vampires you have interacted with lately." Count von Count said.


    Norbert stared at the vampire, nudging to the side away from it. "Guess there was a reason they were kicked off to their continent," Norbert said before turning to Obsius.


    "Now, what is it that you wanted to show us?" Norbert asked Obsius.


    Obsius takes off into the air, going around the topmost circle, going to the fifth doorway before going inside. Norbert followed after the bird, Count von Count going next to Norbert as the two of them made their way to the doorway.


    The bird landed on Norbert''s shoulder as the three stared down. Norbert looked to the bird, who nodded in response. Norbert holding the torch slightly higher, allowing it to show just a bit more of the room.


    Moving forward, Norbert saw a simple room with a single rock carving¡ªanother torch hole on the single wall. Norbert turns to the bird, presenting the lack of entrance to him.


    Norbert stared at the bird, raising an eyebrow, wondering what to do next. Obsius is not responding, just nudging her head forward. Norbert just scrunched his face as he placed the torch in the holder, feeling it click in place.


    The wall disappeared as the torch fell into Norbert''s hand again, catching it and stopping it from clattering to the ground.


    The two people looking at Obsius, who just flew down the hallway. Norbert followed after the bird, torch in hand, as he looked around himself.


    The first thing hitting him was the musty smell, the stale air unable to be moved afterwards. Stepping through, Norbert stared at the others, wondering what could be further done for him. As Norbert stared, not seeing the others that could have been.


    He walked past with Count von Count next to him, going past tables falling to dust as he walked by, the wooden tables turning to dust as the trio walked forward. Seeing the test tubes and glass shattering around them, the liquid they contained now dried up, ring stains of blues on the glass.


    Before he could even move to stop the table, the tables started to shatter around them. The sound of the glass shattering further along, Norbert stayed still, bathing in the symphony of destruction.


    After the last one came in contact with the ground, the glass now covering it. Norbert dragged his feet around, hearing them rattle next to each other. The more profound in the room he went, seeing more stains, all of the same colour but becoming more frequent.


    The last couple of tables Norbert saw, still holding up, were made of stone instead of wood, the liquid still bubbling inside. Count von Count walked forward, holding one of the beakers before swishing it, raising it to his nose and taking a deep whiff.


    He instantly put back down; the vampire reeled back as he waved his hand. Norbert, picking up the beaker, looked inside, the blue liquid bubbling around. Placing it back down on the table, Norbert looked at the other containers, trying to piece together what happened here.


    Seeing if any books could have remained intact, Norbert looked around, only piles of dust the only sign of work being done here. He looked around as he started to piece it together.


    "Well, whatever happened here probably has something to do with the blue smoke and whatever the Break drank that turned massive." Count von Count said.


    Norbert just nodded along as he looked around the room. Staring at the tables, Norbert saw the magic circles on the base, crystals underneath glowing faintly. Staring at the magic circles, Norbert wracked his memory, if he remembered anything. He was staring at the patterns; I saw them swirl around and form around him.


    Looking away, Norbert blinked, seeing the walls swirl around him. Moving his weight from one to the other as his head continued to spin, wondering what was causing him to react that badly.


    Catching himself on the stone table, Norbert breathed deeply, trying to stop his spinning head. Count von Count came beside him, holding his head up as Norbert saw his mouth move, only the faint sound making it to Norbert.


    Asking the vampire why he was whispering, the vampire responded by taking the bird and Norbert, holding the man over his shoulder as he bolted out of the room, Norbert being bounced around, the light being left behind as it quickly winked out.

 Chapter 157 Tis but a Scratch

    He felt something draped over his eyes, spots of white speckles covering them, remembering when he was young, when spots of light would dance over his vision in the dark, moving with his eyes and disappearing into objects. As Norbert moved his eyes around, the white speckles on the black canvas stayed still, not moving with his sight.


    Feeling something tickling his nose, Norbert blew on something over his lip, seeing the curtain above him ruffle around.


    "Obsius?" Norbert asked. The blanket of stars moving, the two over each eye coming over himself as Norbert leaned forward, his head swimming, the back of his throat dry, begging for something to drink.


    A water skin went to his lips; Norbert sucked on the tip and trying to swallow as much liquid as possible to wet his mouth. Before he could grab a proper hold of it, the water skin was moved upwards, only drops wetting his lips and mouth.


    Licking it and swallowing the drops as they bathed his throat, he felt it absorbed. Several more drops came after the first few, slowly increasing in speed until finally, to Norbert''s relief, he could suckle on the stopper.


    Swallowing it down, Norbert continued until it was empty. He popped the mouthpiece out with an audible pop, and Norbert felt correctly hydrated again, whatever was previously going through his body now clear.


    Sitting up, Norbert looked around where he found himself; dangling from a hole in the ceiling a rope, the torch set to the side, now sputtering after its time being lit, nearly coming to an end.


    His pack on the side, the contents spread out around the group. The biscuits had been taken as Count von Count leaned forward after taking the water skin, handing him a biscuit. Taking it and nodding, Norbert munched on the dry piece of food. Feeling his mouth dry again, he swallowed it down, not wanting to re-supply so soon.


    Count von Count leaned forward with a new water skin, and Norbert graciously took it as he took a gulp, swishing it around in his mouth, putting the stopper back on and throwing it into his open backpack.


    Swallowing it down, sighing in relief, stretching his arms above his head, feeling his joints crack, asking, "So, how long was I out?"


    Count von Count, standing up as he stretched his back out, heard no pops from the vampire. "A couple of hours, still daylight out there, so not that long, thankfully."


    Norbert just nodded in response, taking the answer as he leaned forward, picking his items up and placing them back. "Any idea what knocked me out?" Norbert asked.


    "Assume it was whatever liquid that was; the bird seemed fine but didn''t get as big of a sniff as you." Count von Count replied.


    Norbert packed everything else into his backpack, knowing they would have to move, having spent too much time already in the tomb. Everything packed back up, Norbert patted himself down, confirming everything was in its proper place.


    Norbert turned to Count von Count, who stared at the opening above them. Turning his head down to look at Norbert, the vampire exclaimed, "Have any spare clothes you could lend a friend?"


    ***


    The three of them standing around the rope going into the ground. The vampire wrapped up from head to toe, using Norbert''s spare items and taking his gloves. Norbert looked at the man wearing his second mask, the helmet version on himself now, his head fully engulfed within the metal, breathing out as he saw his hands in front of him slightly light up.


    "Gonna leave the rope?" Count von Count asked Norbert, his voice slightly muffled by the mask on his face, unable to fit correctly into it.


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    "Eh, not like we''re going to need it," Norbert replied, a grin forming on his face as he started jogging, following Obsius, who had taken flight, leading them around the village to the other side in a large circle, on the lookout for any signs of the massive Brealk.


    "Oh, now you''ve done it!" Count von Count shouted after the other two, snickering as he charged forward, catching up with the other two.


    ***


    Staring down from the tree he found himself in, the single sentence came to his mind.


    "How the hell is this here?"


    Spread out underneath them was the Brealk that they were after. Norbert stared into its eyes as it was lying on its belly, the trees around them shaking with the beasts snoring.


    Norbert asks the vampire beside him, "Think we can take it?"


    Count von Count leaned beside Norbert''s ear, whispering, "I think we''re going to need a bigger boat."


    Norbert just stared at the vampire, chuckling silently as he turned around and leapt for the branch of the next tree, taking out his compass as he retreated, seeing the position on the compass, hoping he would remember which direction to go, and if not then he would have Obsius to guide him.


    Landing on the ground, Norbert continued going through the jungle, not believing how the rest of the expedition could have missed the signs; in some areas, whole trees were uprooted, the roots showing in areas. Whole tracks set through the forest of the creature''s paths to get to this place.


    Having found the trail hundreds of meters away from the creature and still only taking them meters to find it, the signs of the jungle point the trio in the right direction. None of it added up to him; this should have been an open-and-shut case as long as there was no interference.


    ***


    Brushing the last of the vines hanging down and entering the clearing, the sun started rising after their run of the previous day. Not stopping, the trio continued into the village, hearing shouts from above and around him, the villagers knowing something was up.


    Not heading their words to stop, Norbert continued going forward, occasionally looking up at the bridges above him, confirming he was heading in the right direction.


    The shouting had gotten louder; as Norbert saw the ladder he wanted, an arrow appeared where his next step would be¡ªstopping, watching as the arrow quivered in the ground, pointing into the air at an angle. Moving his foot to the side, stopping his boot from touching it, Norbert reached down, picking up the arrow.


    Looking at the barbed point, it''s black metal shaped with an arrow, hooks coming off the back, making it tear into flesh if it was to be removed. The only way to do so would be to push it further through and out the other end.


    Staring at the direction the arrow came from, Norbert locked eyes with the man, a grimace coming out of his mouth, the villager frowning at him, another arrow already knocked. Staring at him, Norbert, holding the arrow, made the come hither with his hand, welcoming the confrontation.


    The archer pulled back once more as he aimed, Norbert stepping forward. Tried as he might, his feet wouldn''t budge; looking down, he saw vines coming out from the ground, slowly wrapping around his feet, barely touching him until he moved, now firmly rooting him in place.


    Whipping his head up, next to the archer was someone with a staff, raised in the air and halfway through chanting. A flash of light caught through the leaves, pain blossoming in his leg. Bitting his tongue to stop himself screaming out, he looked down, seeing an arrow blooming out of him like a flower. Seeing the point of not going through him, he ripped it out, not caring about the extra damage it would cause.


    Pushing energy throughout his body, Norbert leapt forward for the ladder, feeling his ankles pop as he lunged out of the vines holding him. Reaching for the ladder, Norbert scrambled up it, the ligament it was created from grasping out to him, becoming sticky, slowing his progress even more as he heard the rushing of footsteps above him.


    Scrambling up, Norbert saw something flash past him, a ball of cloth landing on the walkway above him. Scuffling for a moment, there was a stampede of movement. There was a moment of silence, and Norbert just made his way up; grasping onto the ledge, a gloved hand came down. Norbert grasped onto it, feeling himself pulled up, part of the ladder coming with him.


    Standing there, all wrapped up, was Count von Count, the villagers on the walkways on either side to continue the loop, slowly backing off at the sight of the vampire''s movements.


    Walking forwards towards the mess tents, he could see poking up around the trees, watching as they flashed in the distance. Pointing in that direction, Norbert saw the villagers quickly look that way before staring back at the vampire. One of them gulping, wiping his clammy hands on their legs before putting it on the spear.


    Turning to the vampire, Norbert asked, "How come they''re scared of you?"


    The vampire turns to Norbert, "Because they aren''t stupid." Count von Count replied. An arrow sprouting from the vampire''s heart, two more joining it in a tight circle. The vampire did not even flinch as he waved to the arrows. "See, tis but a scratch."


    Shaking his head, Norbert spotted Obsius far above and heading towards the expedition camp, happy that the bird wouldn''t be in the crossfire.

 Chapter 158 A Misunderstanding

    Norbert ran forward, going as fast as he could, not giving the villagers any time to react, not wanting to get hit by any more projectiles. Before meeting them, leaping as high and far as he could, cleanly jumping over the group.


    Continuing to run forward, Norbert slid on the ground, barrelling through the following line like a bowling ball. Everyone was on the ground as it became a mad, stumbling rush to reach their feet and gain the advantage. Count von Count ran ahead of Norbert, throwing anyone in his way over the barrier, the cries of people plummeting several meters down and the thuds they created resounding throughout the village.


    Norbert stood up, the villagers scrambling for his leg, kicking them forward, feeling their arms snap underneath him, only twinging slightly, but knowing this was ultimately caused by them hiding details about the Brealk and the reason why they wanted it.


    Rushing forward, Norbert ran on the handrail on the other side, feeling it groan out under his weight as Norbert chased Count von Count.


    Jumping forward, neither of them caring at this point about the villagers, all of them now just running out of the way, knowing, for now, there wasn''t anything they could do to stop the two forces of terror raining down on them.


    As Norbert saw the people running away, he wondered where the mages were from earlier, causing him to falter on the ladder, now so close they still hadn''t shown their heads. Dismissing it, Norbert charged forward, not caring about the consequences.


    A final line of people, Norbert seeing his expedition starting to move from the mess hall, mouths open at the site of Norbert and Count von Count charging. Waiving his hand in the air, shouting out, Norbert stepped forward, only to meet the air, the wooden walkway having disappeared.


    Falling through the air, Norbert looked up, seeing Count von Count falling several meters above him and smashing into the ground; a dust plume came around him as he crumpled to the floor. A thud appeared next to him. Norbert stood up, looking at the villagers staring down at him from the hole they just created.


    Staring up, seeing the expedition leaning forward, shouting up, Norbert screamed, no longer wanting to fight the villagers, only focusing on spoiling the ruse. "They knew all along, caused the Brealk to grow and want what caused it to!"


    Norbert sees Dobert leaning over, shouting back, "We know!"


    Shocked, Norbert, getting ready to jump back up, just stared back at him. "What?" Norbert asked.


    "Yeah, Dousan told us a day ago," Dobert said.


    Norbert was just shocked as Dousan appeared behind him. Norbert changed his focus to the commander, seeing him leaning forward. The two just stared at each other. Norbert relaxed his shoulders, shuddering slightly while looking at Count von Count.


    "Whelp, looks like there was a big misunderstanding," Norbert said.


    Count von Count just shook his head and said, "I doubt it." The vampire replied.


    ***


    Sitting in the command tent, which was too big to be in the trees, placed on the ground¡ªthe large round table with papers dotted around it. Small stacks of paper and a map covering the centre if the table with figures placed on it, the trees drawn in of the jungle and figurines on top, spread out, and one of the Brealk, far off the map.


    Sitting down in the chair, Count von Count standing behind him, Norbert almost felt it consume the back of his neck. On one side of the table was the villager''s head, and on the third point slightly to the right was Dousan, with Martitia and one of the mages there.


    Feeling all eyes glued on him, Norbert moved his own to Obsius, moving the figurines around the table, pushing them around it, and knocking them over.


    Swallowing, trying to wet his dry throat, Norbert turned back to Dousan; placing his hands on the table, he began tapping his finger on the edge, hearing it move around the room, the awkwardness so strong you could taste it in the air.


    Count von Count cleared his throat, all eyes jumping above Norbert. Dousan, just closing his eyes, broke the silence. "Please explain what you have been doing since last we spoke."


    Norbert stared back at Dousan, trying to remember what happened here. "Well, to sum it up, I returned to the tomb and found some blue smoke. Annoyed it and escaped through a teleportation sphere that shot me into the air. That''s where I found this guy." Norbert said, poking behind him to the vampire.


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    "Then, passed out from something in the tomb. I looked around and found the Brealk that way very easily. I would expect to take you a day to find it maybe a bit longer with the restrictions of not being able to stay out overnight, so I came back here ready to find out what was happening. Came through and was shot by an arrow for no reason, so they must be hiding something and came over here." Norbert summed up.


    Dousan just nodded along, leaning forward and picking up the figure of the Brealk, moving it over to the map and plopping it down roughly where Norbert said. Leaning forward, Norbert moved it slightly to the left, confirming the position to be correct.


    Turning towards the village elder, Norbert asked, "So, why did you attack me?" Norbert asked.


    "Because of the curse!" The elder shouted back.


    Norbert, putting his hand to his forehead. "That''s the other thing. That raised my suspicions; how did you know about it popping up and not have someone investigate that but the Brealk." Norbert said.


    The elder fumed back at Norbert, arms crossed over his body, muttering to himself. Putting the older man out of his mind, Norbert turned to Dousan. "So, what now?"


    Dousan rubbed the brim of his nose. "Now that you are back, we continue with the original plan. Find the break and put it down."


    "And also put the thing that the Brealk and the villagers were after back in its place," Norbert said.


    "No, we won''t", Dousan replied.


    Norbert tilted his head in confusion. "Why?" Norbert asked.


    "Because ¡­" Dousan looked around at the village elder, who nodded in response. "There are more people here than us."


    Norbert just stared, puzzled, back at him. He opened his mouth to respond and received a look from Dousan to close his mouth. With a chomp, Norbert closed his teeth, knowing at least when not to ask.


    "So, anything else you want me to do for now?" Norbert asked.


    "Relax, you''ve been out. Catch up with others on the expedition. We''ll move in several days, so you have plenty of time."


    Norbert just nodded as he stood up, positioning his sword to be accurate, saluting at the tent flap Norbert left, Obsius shooting out the flaps. Count von Count covered himself up before stepping out; with the tent flap closing, Norbert heard the voices start again from inside, changing in volume and going higher and lower.


    Outside, Norbert looked up, the others in the platoon staring down at him. Norbert wondered what the next thing would be. Nodding his head and waving, the others waved back at him. Seeing the closest rope ladder, he made his way up to them.


    Obsius was flying off and above him, Norbert wondering if she would find the traveller or do something else during her off time. Hand grasping the ladder, Norbert climbed up it to the top. The ladder moved underneath him as Count von Count followed him up.


    Reaching the top, Norbert pulled himself up to the last bit, stepping forward and allowing Count von Count to come up. Hearing the vampire step up behind him, everyone else stepped back, forming a ring around them.


    Norbert looked around his shoulder at the vampire, receiving a shake of his shoulders in response. Norbert just sighed. "Guess prejudice is everywhere," Norbert said.


    Count von Count laughed as he stepped forward, the crowd parting for him as the vampire descended the walkway. "Oh no, Norbert, it''s completely acceptable in this circumstance. Even what I have done to the people across the lands. Ahhhh, those were the good times."


    Norbert just stared after the vampire as the crowd parted around him. Norbert, seeing he was heading towards the mess tent, somehow fitting up in the tree. Walking forward, Norbert followed him¡ªPassing Mathaos, who pointed down at his sword and then back at the vampire with a flick.


    Norbert shakes his head, saying, "He''s fine. At least for now, I''m sure I can take him anyway." Norbert said.


    Count von Count is spinning on his heels. "Want to have some fun tonight?" He asked, almost hearing the reaction between the former student and teacher.


    "Oh, now, with a crowd, you want to? Being a bit of an exhibitionist I see" Norbert asked.


    "Yes, but first." Count von Count said, looking around the others. "I''m feeling a bit peckish."


    Norbert shook his head as everyone swallowed in response. Pulling his backpack to the front, he pulled a water skin with red on the mouthpiece. The vampire throws the pouch over, catches it out of the air and heads to the mess tent.


    Walking through, he removed the wrap around his head, protected from the sun by the tent canopy.


    ***


    On the ground, the mess tent above him, Norbert looked to Count von Count. His hands tapped over his daggers, his sword on his belt, and his helmet over his head, providing complete protection over himself. The torches having come out for the night, moved to the ground as well allowing the two fighters to see in the failing light.


    Norbert rubbing his foot on the ground, feeling the dirt underneath it give way, the stickiness of the mud encroaching on it. Lifting his foot up, seeing a small indent as he took a step to the side, testing there as well. His foot bumping into a root as Norbert changed his vision, staring out at the rough jungle floor. Switching it back to normal, not wanting to lose the reaction time against the vampire.


    "Weapons?" Norbert asked the vampire.


    "Whatever makes you comfortable." The vampire responded, Norbert visibly seeing the nails on his hand extend slightly, the fangs elongating as well, becoming pearly white.


    Norbert unsheathed his sword, the weight feeling weird in his hands after not using it, remembering what Count von Count told him before in his last grapple.


    Quickly looking up, Norbert saw money change hands, wondering what the bet odds were. The traveller has a large sack on him, all the money funnelling towards him. Obsius watched over from his shoulder, giving a slight nod to Norbert.


    Norbert nodded in return as he looked down at the vampire. Flexing his back, Norbert held the sword in the air, posed ahead of him like he had been taught, moving his weight onto the balls of his feet, slowly going back and forth.


    "Ready, and START!" Someone shouted from above him. Norbert could not register who it was as the vampire charged at him, mouth agape, irises glowing red.


    The sword lowered as he thrust it forward, the vampire stepping out of the blade''s way as a first came forward, aiming for his stomach. Norbert was unable to respond as it contacted his stomach, feeling himself go flying back, sword coming out of his hand as he smashed into a tree, winding himself.

 Chapter 159 You Win

    A wave of red slammed into Norbert, feeling it slither down his neck and bind to his limbs, trying to stop himself from moving. Knowing the vampire was rushing for another strike towards him, quickly moving his hands down to his knife, flicking it forward.


    THUNK


    The knife, having found a target, the red force dissipated, allowing Norbert to break free. Charging forward, he could see again the vampire jumped to the side, moving to the right-hand side. As Norbert left there, he felt the nails dig into the side of him, breaking through his clothes, a twang of pain shooting up his side.


    He pushed his energy towards it, confirming it would be there for it. Norbert leapt towards the vampire, grappling with the vampire, holding the dagger at the vampire''s belly.


    Lunging forward, Count von Count grabbed onto Norbert, dragging the two of them to the ground. Norbert somersaulted over the vampire, feeling the dagger catching into the vampire''s ribs, not letting go as it ripped through his body, coming clean out, a massive gorge now splitting the vampire.


    A trail of blood came out, splattering over the ground; Norbert saw it wither around on the ground, making its way back to the vampire.


    Kneeling, Norbert pushed himself forward, meeting the vampire, holding Norbert''s arms as he tried to force the dagger down into the vampire''s neck.


    Pushing his head forward, Count von Count leaned into Norbert''s exposed neck, feeling the memory of the dog ripping him apart. Norbert flinched back, receiving a knee to the balls in response.


    The surprise came over their face as he dropped to the ground. Trying to get up, a foot came flying towards his face, reeling back in the air as a clang resounded from within.


    He was feeling weightless for a moment before crumpling to the ground again. Head reeling in response to the fall, Norbert heard the vampire shout through echoing ears. "You throwing in the towel?"


    Norbert looked back at Count von Count, grinning from ear to ear. Closing his eyes for a moment, stilling his breath, he forced the energy around him, feeling it go faster and faster as he pushed it forward, forcing it to go around him.


    He started to feel it get out of control around him. Wanting to spin it out, he held it in place, forcing it around the proper channels. Standing up, Norbert looked up his sleeve, seeing purple light shining.


    Feeling his body knit itself back together, Norbert stood up to his full height, reaching down, taking the last dagger out, and palming it over to his right hand. Norbert whispered, "Could use a light show here, Luck."


    Seeing a single dome of light appear before his eyes as a path became visible to him, something that was obscured by a haze now showing. Only going a meter forward from his dagger blade, Norbert rushed forward, moving the blade in front of him in the path that was shown.


    Making it to the vampire, Norbert saw the light disappear, his path to victory vanishing before his eyes. Too late to return, he followed through, slamming down with all his might into the vampire, catching a part of Count von Count''s clothes as the vampire twisted to the side.


    An open palm spun him out of control as Norbert clipped it forward. A second hand grabbed him, claws tearing through his body, clamping down onto something, and he did not feel any pain shoot over him as he spun around.


    Grabbing his arm, Norbert slid it around his body, turning it around so he was now behind the vampire. Ramming his shoulder forward, still holding his arm around his body, Norbert continued pushing, making it around, and a crack echoed around the jungle.


    Hearing an ¡°ohhh¡± from above and a seethe of pain coming out of the vampire''s mouth. Putting his foot on his back, Norbert pushed as hard as he could, feeling it wanted to come out. The arm slipped out of his hand as the vampire went stumbling forward.


    Half reeling around, ready for Norbert, who slammed into him. Digging the knife into the vampire''s body, feeling it start to crunch under him and continuing forward, the two of them slam into the ground. Dagger still left in the vampire''s body, Norbert reached for the vampire''s throat.


    Pushing down as hard as he could, Norbert looked down, seeing the vampire pushing his throat out, hands grappling around his, trying to push it off. Norbert is not releasing the pressure. Panic shot through the vampire''s arms, taking hold of Norbert''s, and he pulled the human down.


    Head within reach, Norbert saw his arms flash forward towards his face; the last thing he saw was two thumbs blocking his vision.


    Darkness consumes it, Norbert flashes over to magic, still unable to see anything. Backing forward, a hand went over his arm as it pulled himself forward. He felt himself go over someone''s body shoulder as his body slammed into the ground.


    He forced his right eye to be healed as soon as possible, at too much of an advantage not being able to see. As he sharpened his hearing, he felt a body land on him.


    Light shone in his right eye, the vision blurry before as it returned. He saw a flash of movement before a thunck hit his helmet, reeling Norbert back. Collapsing to the ground, Norbert stopped pumping energy into his eye, the change slowing him down too much compared to the vampire.


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    He focused on his vision, trying to make it focus, and saw the vampire smile back, victory painted on his face. Norbert ditched the vision and focused on magic, the world around him snapping into focus now. The blues and green lighting of the forest clashes with the red figure in front of him.


    Seeing the vampire practically beaming with energy, Norbert wondered how Count von Count could produce so much, remembering the blood pack he had given earlier today for this.


    Charging forward, Norbert felt a swipe come at him, moving out of the way as he ran past, trying to grab the dagger in the back of the vampire. Using the vampire''s head as a turning pole, Norbert slammed around behind the vampire.


    Seeing the knife still lodged in the vampire''s back, Norbert grabbed it, wrenching it out of the back, a stream of blood neon red in his vision bathing him. Wiping it away, Norbert made it flick to the ground, seeing it start to move.


    Looking to the side, Norbert saw it form into a ring around the area they were fighting in. Panning his eyes back to Count von Count, "Clever girl", Norbert said to the vampire.


    Staring forward, Norbert saw the others already forming ahead of him. Nodding in approval, the vampire cast his hand down, the circle underneath him lighting up.


    The two stared as Norbert wondered what was happening; after several seconds, Norbert felt something trickle out of his left eye. He was wiping it but could not see the stickiness between his gloved fingers, assuming it was blood. Flicking it off, Norbert saw it shoot over to the vampire before it crawled up him, a dark patch on the red body before going into the vampire''s mouth.


    Norbert just stared as the light within the vampire pulsed for a moment before returning to normal. "Oh, that is the good stuff." Count von Count said to Norbert.


    The jingling of coins continued above the duo, Obsius''s chirps now reaching Norbert. Smiling at the thought of the bird up there making money one way or the other made him chuckle; maybe luck was in his favour today.


    Feeling the trickle of blood speed up, Norbert focused now on closing the wound in his eye. No matter how much energy he pushed into it, the blood continued to flow; with every passing moment, it sped up, now a trail in the air going straight to the vampire.


    Knowing he was on a timer now and unable to outlast the vampire if it was sucking the life out of him. Taking in a shuddering breath, Norbert closed his eyes, changing his vision to normal again, the flickering lights from above playing with themselves in the air, creating shadows around him.


    His vision was no longer blurry; he could now see his blood streaking to the vampire. A crunch came from his opponent as Norbert saw the vampire''s shoulder coming back into position, a groan of pleasure coming over the vampire as it was pushed back correctly.


    Scanning the ground looking for the sword, Norbert saw it to the left of him. Dashing to the left, Norbert scooped it up, spinning around and throwing the sword at the vampire.


    Whistling through the air, Norbert followed after the sword, the two objects slamming into the vampire with only a second of pause. The look of ecstasy on the vampire lost as he stared down, Norbert pushing the sword through the vampire as Norbert charged into him.


    The two flew backwards, only stopping when they hit a tree, the blade sinking deep into it, the pommel an inch from the vampire.


    Staring down at the sword now in him, Count von Count looked up, opening his mouth to say something when Norbert punched him square in the face. Feeling the bones crack underneath him, the vampire slumped on the sword, now using it to hold himself back up. The stream of blood was still going into the vampire from Norbert, now under the tree with a torch above him, and Norbert saw the slight tinge of purple within it.


    Pulling back his left hand, Norbert punched again, knocking the vampire over to the other side. Reeling back upright, blood trickled down him as Count von Count just smiled in return, his unhinged jaw coming back into position like a doctor was placing it correctly. It was back in position with a crunch and a muscle ripple.


    Spitting out a globule of blood onto Norbert''s forehead, the vampire smiled. "We can. Do this as long as you stand."


    "Oh really now?" Norbert asked in response, punching the vampire in the head again. Laughter erupted from the vampire as Norbert punched again and again. The head turned into mush, gore splattered all over Norbert as the jaw came back and the laughter once again.


    Pulling his arm back again, Norbert saw spots appearing in his vision. Norbert balanced on his feet as he swayed around. Stepping back from the vampire head rolling around, Norbert focused on staying awake, now feeling the life being sapped from him through his left eye.


    As Norbert looked forward, his vision flickered to magic again, the red lines flowing into the vampire. Standing now, Norbert saw a ball forming around the creature''s heart and head, the two centres where most of the magic flowed before pumping back to the rest of its body.


    His vision flickered back to average, Norbert transfixed momentarily, wondering what had caused that. His brain flicked over to action, and with no time for thinking, Norbert held the dagger in his hand, mostly falling forward and stabbing it into the vampire''s heart.


    Cutting around on the left side of its body, ripping out the entire chunk, Norbert left the knife half buried in the hole he created in the vampire. Holding his hands on either side of the vampire''s head, Norbert squeezed down on it.


    Panic fluttered over the vampire''s face as Norbert continued to squeeze down, seeing the flesh wriggling around its chest, trying to meld back together. Stretching his foot into the hole, Norbert pushed down, ripping the vampire in half.


    Continuing to push down, Norbert felt the skull start to crack, push back against him, and then crack again. The two of them locked eyes as the vampire gave one last grin "You win."


    Norbert crumpled to the floor as exhaustion overcame him, arms dropping to the side. The vampire slowly repaired itself as it pulled on the sword, unable to escape from his position.


    "Little help here mate." Count von Count asked Norbert.


    His vision was still spinning as he felt his eye start to heal, his blood no longer flowing into the vampire, the wound healing up finally. Holding his arm up, the vampire grabbed it by the wrist, dragging Norbert to standing.


    Putting both hands on the sword, Norbert pulled, only able to move it a smidge. Putting his foot on the tree, Norbert pulled out again, pushing against it. Still not budging, Norbert wiggled the sword around, the vampire hissing in pain.


    Norbert continued this until the sword finally swung free, the vampire toppling to the ground in a heap. Leaning on the sword like a cane, Norbert stared at the tree, a bloody hole cut out of it. Count von Count stood next to him, his clothes in tatters from the fight.


    The vampire picked up Norbert''s arm and, draping it over his back, the tow walked forward to the closest ladder. Norbert heard him, the exchange of coins and arguments above, and wondered who made the most out of the betting.


    "Could really use a drink." The vampire said.


    Norbert grunted in response, only focusing on moving one step ahead of the other.

 Chapter 160 The Target Spotted

    Several days had passed since the fight between Norbert and the vampire. After the fight concluded, everyone became at ease with the vampire. Assuming that someone could take him on if the vampire decided to turn on the group.


    Things were packed, and new clothes were brought out after the brawl for both of them. Norbert now needed two coin pouches. Obsius insisted on the coins she made not getting mixed with Norbert''s. Relenting, Norbert saw the silver pieces glittering in the pouch, compared to the one he had of mainly copper coins.


    Having found the daggers from the night slightly dull from the use, Norbert went to sharpening them, happy with how it was now.


    Norbert, wondering what else they would be doing, spent the rest of it recuperating both mentally and physically. Hearing what happened with the others. In the whispers of the night confirming what he thought, Dousan said there was another force in the jungle looking for something.


    The expedition initially thought it was chalked up to spotting Norbert running around the place doing who knows what. However, as the incidents increased more and more, it became impossible for one person to jump all over the place; they realised another force was in the jungle.


    Playing dumb, the expedition did not want to take on an unknown force from someone else, letting them hide in the shadows. Their primary focus is the Brealk and the mist, protecting the villagers from attacks in the night.


    All seemed odd to Norbert, of not just taking them out. Some others agreed, but it was Dousan''s call, and they would follow him through. Remembering what the man took him through, Norbert already nodded, understanding their sentiment.


    Now the tents are once more being packed up, everyone on the move to take on the Brealk, Norbert just focusing on getting out of the jungle and back to the city, the sweat brimming on his forehead, once more annoying him.


    Norbert sat down, kicking his feet off the side as he waited for something to happen. Norbert looked through his backpack, taking out the bestiary as he read through the contents, just passing the time as the last few tents were packed.


    "Head out!" The voice echoed around the trees, the sudden jingling of movement as everyone started to move off, ready for what was happening, the sun cresting over the treetops Norbert feeling his body warm under the rays.


    Jumping off the walkway onto the ground, Count von Count landed beside him, wrapped up in his clothes, the fabric seeming to shape and twirl around him, allowing only the smallest amount of fabric to be covered at one time, while breaking up his body and allowing him to move unencumbered.


    Seeing some of the symbols on the clothes, Norbert knew it was some magic, possibly even created by the vampires themselves for this very reason. Shaking his head in annoyance Norbert looked at his gloved hands, wearing new clothes, thankful that the expedition could give Count von Count some extra clothes so he could wear his spares.


    Only the mask on his head, taking the second part off as it was too sweaty underneath, wanting some fresh air reaching his hair. Now unable to smell himself after several days in the jungle, the only thing on his mind was returning and having a shower, knowing he smelt terrible to everyone else.


    Heading to the front, Norbert nodded to Martitia as she opened it up, letting him lead the way again. Obsius fluttered onto his shoulder as the bird pecked the mask, a clang resounding. Dismissing the bird, Norbert continued forward, sure that the others were also wondering how he knew where to go.


    He continued forward at a walking pace, knowing the others behind him would be searching ahead, not wanting to rush through unknown territory with some unknown entity after them. Knowing it would be several long days to make it to the Break, Norbert puckered up.


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    "So, how does it feel to beat a vampire." Count von Count asked next to him.


    Norbert opened his mouth to respond, before closing it, before opening it up again; at least this would entertain him for most of the trip. "I am the king of the world!" Norbert shouted in response, the jungle stopping momentarily, silence engulfing everyone as all eyes landed on him.


    "Next time, let''s do it in Grim. And man, your face sure was grim. I thought I had you ¡­."


    ***


    Creeping through the jungle, Obsius comes back from up ahead. Giving a single nod of her head, Norbert relayed the information to the others behind him, everyone silently going backwards, their target having been spotted.


    Everyone was quiet a hundred meters away from the sighting, not even the sounds of people sharpening weapons filling the air with a melody. Only the tense nerves remain with nothing to do to calm them down.


    Heading to Martitia, pointing in the direction, writing the distance in the dirt how far the Brealk was away. Receiving a nod of confirmation as she went over to Dousan, doing some tapping communication between them.


    Everyone rising to their feet as silent as the dead. Everyone stared at Dousan, who nodded approvingly and pointed the way forward. Heading around the perimeter, Dousan being the first to strike with the other heavy hitters in the squad, the scouts were meant to keep an eye out if a third party tried to interrupt their hunt.


    Count von Count sticking by Norbert''s side under his incessantness. Nobody wanted to annoy the vampire and deal with the repercussions, happy that if something goes out of control, Norbert, The person with the highest likelihood, will be able to rain him in.


    They were dispersing out around the fight ring, Norbert''s position as the primary attack''s far side, needing to cover the most distance from everyone. Faster now than before, not caring if the Brealk was alerted to their presence, Norbert went into position.


    Finding a tree, Norbert grabbed onto a vine and started to climb up it, Count von Count beside him doing the same. The two of them made their way up as a roar shook over the jungle. The sound buffeted him, the two quickly dashing up, getting to the lowest branch and looking out, able to see the fighting between the trees.


    Surrounded with light flashing everywhere, Norbert stare at the Brealk, already starting to flame. Changing his sight to see magic, Norbert saw the jungle alive. What was usually static now flowed around, picking up as it flowed into the Break. With a rush of movement underneath him, Norbert saw a heard go underneath him, running away from the fight that ensured.


    Battling through the jungle, they made their escape, nobody giving chase to the herd. Scanning the jungle around them, not seeing anything moving out there, Norbert turned back to the fight, seeing it as it usually would be.


    Vines were shooting around the place, and Norbert stayed still as the fire burned. Unable to see the fight, Norbert turned around, dismissing it from his thoughts; the vampire would alert him if anything went amiss.


    As the roars continued to go, growing more desperate, the time between them was drawn out until the forest stilled again. No more flashes of light appeared from behind Norbert as it stilled. Receiving a tap on his shoulder, Norbert nodded, confirming that the beast had fallen. Now, he just needed to get their prize and leave the place.


    Heading towards the fallen Brealk, Norbert watching the other scouts heading in the same direction. Convening at the centre, Norbert saw someone ruffling inside the guts, pulling out a glowing blue cube from its centre, pulsing with power. Norbert was able to feel it wash over them all.


    Putting the cube in a sack, Norbert instantly felt the effects disappear, wondering what that was about as a gasp went through the crowd. Pointing, Norbert moved his eyes over to the Brealk, shocked at what he saw. Quickly, the beast shrunk down. Norbert saw nothing change over; no steam or waste was going, and the mass turned into air.


    Quickly changing his vision, Norbert saw darkness, like any other dead thing with no magic left in it, watching as the darkness shrunk further and further down until it was a ball on the ground. Changing back to normal vision, Norbert stared, now seeing the typical depiction.


    Staring back to the sack, the mage with blue robes holding it clasped underneath as Norbert wondered what the ancient device it was used for was and why it grew so massive just for the sake of nothing. And what was the similarity compared to the past temple he found himself in?


    Staring at the mage, Norbert felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. He turned to Count von Count, who also looked around behind them. As the cheers went up around the expedition, they were finally able to return home.


    CRACK


    Splitting the air, a lightning bolt came down, hitting straight on the mage holding the cube. Following it up into the sky, Norbert saw darkness descend, a cloud blocking the sun for a moment high in the sky.


    THUD THUD THUD


    Repeatedly, people came crashing down; when they just hit the ground, charging forward, Norbert unsheathed his sword as he jumped back out of a blast, aiming to grab hold of the cube before these intruders did.

 Chapter 161 A Chase through the Jungle

    Sprinting forward and rushing through everyone, Norbert saw the sack fall. Bending over, Norbert picked it up as he continued to sprint past. Seeing the others were still being attacked, Norbert opened it up, feeling the presence of the cube wash over him. Closing it, Norbert was thrown into the air, an explosion appearing underneath his feet.


    Spinning his arms around for balance, Norbert was launched into the tree closest, the vines curling around him, keeping him in. A spell from the ground-launched above him, cutting through the vines and allowing him to drop to the ground.


    Hitting the ground, Norbert went into the fray again, locating Dousan on the next part of the plan. Holding on, Norbert skidded to a stop in front of Dousan, battling one of the enemies wearing full green camo clothes, making them hard to see in the jungle.


    His sword sliced cleanly through the opponent, the top half slowly sliding and crashing to the floor; the sword turned to Norbert, swallowing in response as energy crackled down the blade.


    "Where do you want it?" Norbert asked Dousan as he pointed towards the sack.


    Dousan went between them, a barrier appearing around the entire company as spells started pelting against it. Norbert breathed out as he looked, everyone on the outside smashing in with all their might, as a circle began chanting outside, Norbert seeing their staves raised as they moved their body in unison.


    Dousan caught his breath as he looked around, the vampire on the inside and to the side. Dousan pointed at Count von Count and indicated for him to come forward. Quickly pushing through the crowd, the vampire came forward.


    "You''re the quickest two; you need to run to the villagers, notify them what happened and move that cube through the portal. They would have attacked earlier if they had more numbers. You have half a rotation before needing to get out of here." Norbert nodded as he walked, patting himself down again, now a habit that everything was in place. Putting the sack into this backpack, he confirmed it was sealed tight as he reached in, taking the back piece of the mask and transforming it into the helmet.


    Count von Count stood beside him, slightly off to the side of the circle they found themselves in. Norbert kept counting as he turned to the vampire. "Have enough juice for this little stint?" Norbert asked the vampire.


    The humour generally seen within the vampire is gone, only a curt nod in response. Steeling himself at the reply, this was worse than Dousan let on as he patted himself again.


    Checking his knives, Norbert tapped him on the shoulder and leapt forward, pumping his arms as he ran ahead. Norbert realised he had stopped counting forced energy to pump through his body steadily, feeling that it would be a long run back.


    As the vampire was about to hit the barrier, it moved, allowing him to go through; the next moment, Norbert was running through, the sounds from outside now battling against him. Dust flew through the air as Norbert didn''t wait to turn around, shooting off into the jungle. Ahead of him, the vines closed around. Count von Count raised his arm and swiped forward, a blade of red blood coming out, cutting the tendrils and allowing the two of them to pass unhindered.


    Something rocketed towards him as he ducked down, a spear shuddering in the ground as the two ran past. Hearing the shouts of others coming for them, the two continued to charge forward through the underbrush, smashing through vines and ripping past plants, leaving an unmistakable trail of where they were going.


    After minutes of continuing, he did not care about the direction; he just wanted to escape from the expedition behind him. After minutes of going in that direction, no longer knowing if he was going straight anymore, Count von Count slowed down as the two jogged forward, no longer going at a breakneck pace.


    "They''re still following us, but we have some time. Which way to the village?" the vampire asked Norbert.


    Norbert spun around as he felt around, taking out his compass. Flicking between the positions, only showing the temple and the expedition behind them.


    "No clue, only know where the temple is located, but I know we can return to the village from there," Norbert responded as he showed the compass to the vampire.


    Shaking his head in response, the vampire looked to the sky. "If only Obsius were here." I almost wished the bird would appear around a tree. After a moment of silence and nothing happening, Count von Count looked at the compass and changed their direction, heading towards the temple.


    "Though what you say does make sense, it still feels like a trap." Count von Count said, primarily to himself.


    Norbert nodded in approval as he looked down at the compass, confirming that they were heading in the same direction.


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    ***


    Not hearing anyone else as they continued going forward, Count von Count said people were still following them just far away, now knowing they were being herded somewhere; as they came around, Norbert knew it was towards the tomb entrance they found.


    Looking around, the trees now seeming familiar to Norbert, spinning around on his heels, he nodded toward the village. "That way''s the village," Norbert said.


    Count von Count spun on his heels, nodding in response as he followed after Norbert. He knew that the two of them would be followed straight away. Count von Count tapped him on his shoulder, Norbert understanding that the circle of people around them were now closing in and charging forward, wanting to meet as few people as possible before they were surrounded.


    Up ahead, seeing a ball of fire appear, Norbert slid on the ground, Count von Count leaping into the air to move out of the way of the projectile. Norbert felt his helmet heat up from the heat as it was shot out, not wanting to get hit by that.


    Taking out a dagger, Norbert threw it in the direction, a mass of green falling to the ground, as a red flower plumed on it, covering the grass as well. The shapes broke as weapons were drawn. The vampire, not caring at all, charged forward, sending another wave of blood at the three ahead.


    A shield came over, the blood splattering harmlessly against it as another two came from the side, these holding staves like the other mages from before¡ªa fireball appeared again as it was flung at them.


    Norbert jumped over it as he smashed into the caster, bowling him into the ground as Norbert barrelled forward. Sprinting with Count von Count on his heels, they approached the village. Norbert remembered the path now, having traversed it in non-optimal conditions before.


    Cutting through it, Norbert now heard their attackers trailing after them, more insistent now than before, continuing to launch fireballs and other spells, pestering into Norbert as he just shrugged them off, able to smell his back burning, a faint tickling on it, having swapped his backpack to the front of his body to protect its contents from the barrage of attacks.


    As they continued, Count von Count blocked the stray spell that came his way. Suddenly, it stopped, Norbert not giving it any attention before it came from above. Trying to dodge to the side, they seemed to trace him, not just wanting to smash against his back like previously. He aimed for the ground and the trees in his path, now destruction all in his ears.


    Panning to the side to look at Count von Count, having nothing thrown his way, just running through the jungle, Norbert was given a slight wave as the vampire barrelled through a swarm of insects.


    Passing a familiar tree, Norbert opened up to the clearing of the village; what was usually in peace with a few was in ruins, not focusing on the smell of the fire raging within the jungle.


    Passing through, Norbert saw more of the attackers, fully garbed; Norbert was unable to see their identity as they ran around, setting fire to anything they could. Passing through the rest of the expedition already there, Norbert was thankful that the place hadn''t been attacked due to their detour.


    Running through, Norbert made his way to the portal, seeing the traveller standing by it, looking out tensely around at the situation; Norbert saw their clenched fist in annoyance. A stream of villagers heading inside, most with nothing but burns on their bodies, others needing to be carried in, a circle of other villagers there protecting them, the same druid spells as before, the trees and vines coming alive to protect them.


    Taking his backpack off his front, Norbert skidded to a stop, the villagers letting the two of them pass through. Heading to the traveller, Norbert passed his backpack over, not wanting to take out the sack the cube was in.


    The traveller looked curious at Norbert and his actions as Norbert shouted in through the cacophony of noise, "What they are after is in there. Don''t let them get it; run through the portal if necessary. I want it afterwards, and please keep Obsius safe!"


    Before waiting for a response from the traveller, Norbert pushed back, Count von Count on his heels again. Taking out his dagger, keeping the sword sheathed for these individuals, Norbert jumped into the air, past the wall of guards, crashing into one of the intruders mid-air. Pistoning the knife into them several times, the two of them dropped.


    Positioned so he was on top, Norbert landed on the dagger, digging it in even further. Seeing the life drain out of the person''s eyes entranced Norbert for a second, the thought forming in his head, interrupted by a bolt of lightning shooting forward at him.


    Locking contact with the intruder, Norbert leapt forward, one dagger out, his right hand free as he sliced forward, running past the attacker as a trail of blood came from them. Looking to the side, Norbert swapped to magical sight, seeing Count von Count creating the same spell on the ground as last time, his blood flowing everywhere.


    Pushing forward, Norbert continued to fight back, looking out for anyone who may need to be rescued in the chaos. Seeing the blood start to flow through the air in streams, the bodies of people writhing in pain on the ground as they became ghastly white, then turned to mummified corpses.


    Watching Norbert saw the blood go into Count von Count then above his head in a ball of swirling red mass, it quickly grew bigger and bigger. Finally, it stopped growing in size until it reached the tops of the trees.


    Dropping his hands from the air, so did the ball of blood. All of it falling to the ground, a tsunami hitting everyone to their ankles. Passing harmlessly around Norbert, he heard sizzling, followed by screams. The attackers slowly melted away as they toppled into the blood, the ones escaping in the air and trees before they were forced to retreat from the concentrated fire.


    Norbert turned around, seeing the villagers were safely together. Walking towards Count von, Count Norbert patted him on the shoulder. "Thanks, mate."


    The vampire just nodded in response, hearing him panting under his multiple layers of clothes, now wholly covered In all types of blood. The duo walked towards the traveller, fist no longer clenched as he held the backpack out for Norbert.


    Nodding in thanks, Norbert opened it up, confirming the sack was still in there; looking around, Norbert found a bench carved out of a tree sapling, positioned so it would grow upwards, the shade of the tree covering the seat.


    Sitting down, both of them groaned together as Norbert rested his backpack on his lap, waiting for the two friends to share the company as the villagers started coming out of the portal and cleaning up the village.

 Chapter 162 Though they do Produce Results

    Norbert sitting at the bar in the Alasium portal station, hearing the bustle of everyone outside making their way to their own subsequent assignments and adventures. The waiting room crowded, multiple groups in here at once. Coming back after their expeditions Norbert wondered for the tournament starting soon, the usual spread of the room now Norbert¡¯s expedition usually did now impossible, instead some members needing to stand up and circle around the tables to fit.


    Next to Norbert sat Count von Count as he carefully took off his bindings caked in blood. He placed them in a pile on the bar, one after the other coming off, the bandages making a small pool of blood around them. Next to the growing pile was another of clothes, covering his entire body again when he needed to go outside.


    As the vampires started applying prey, they slowly covered themselves up again from the sun. Finishing, Count von Count took his drink and gave a sip, sighing as it went down his throat.


    "How is that convenient at all in Grimm?" Norbert asked the vampire.


    Taking another swig of his drink, Count von Count replied, "It is super-inconvenient, but thankfully, it''s not needed over there."


    Norbert sat and asked, "So, why is it unnecessary?" Norbert asked, picking up his drink and taking a sip, the conversation around the two dying down as everyone began to listen in.


    Count von Count turned behind himself, quickly looking through the crowd before returning to his drink. Picking it up again and taking another sip, mulling it in his mouth before responding, "If you were paying attention earlier, it''s because the density of folk like us has changed the landscape. One of those changes being no sun to burn us."


    Norbert nods in response, opening his mouth to ask his next question. Count von Count sighing Norbert, "That''s enough of that. Need to keep some surprises."


    Norbert just stared at Count von Count in return, and putting his fingers into his drink, he flicked the liquid to the vampire. Count von Count shook his head in response as he downed the drink before standing up and sliding the barstool back to the bar.


    Obsius turns around, still eating the biscuit, chirping response before landing on Norbert''s shoulder and bouncing around. Norbert looked at the two of them, the door opening to the main lobby. The sound washed inside as it consumed the drinkers within.


    "May I ask Norbert and his companions to come with me immediately." The clerk asked.


    Norbert hopped off the bar stool, bent down, lifting the backpack onto his back, and picked up his leaning sword, catching up to Count von Count, who had left the bandages on the bar, strolling out with a mischievous smile on his face.


    The crowd parted for the three when Count von Count reached the clerk. Wearing the uniform with his hair slicked back, he started leaving immediately, forcing his way across them. As Norbert looked back at the others in the expedition, receiving nods of encouragement, Dobert gave a big toothy grin and a salute with his drink before downing its contents, immediately spitting it out onto Mackey, who instinctually turning around; he chucked his drink in return.


    Norbert closes the door on the scene, knowing that it will take some time for all of them to calm down. Obsius chirped on his shoulder, reminding Norbert to run forward to catch up to the clerk.


    ***


    Sitting down in the chair in the white room, Count von Count sitting in his chair next to him, the metal chair digging into Norbert. Obsius is on the table, eating the rest of her biscuit, making a mess.


    Norbert sat there, waiting for the interrogator to begin. The woman on the other side, her suit in perfect condition, seemed to be ironed right on her. Her collar came up at a point, the buttons gleaming as she looked down at her papers, writing information on it with a pen, nodding with a furrowed look as she continued her scribbling¡¯s.


    Norbert turned to Count von Count, mimicking tapping the table with his fingers, only receiving a grin and a nod in return. Placing his fingers on the table, he lifted them, his pointer finger descending about to make contact with the table.


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    "Please do not do that, Mr Norbert." The clerk said without looking up.


    Norbert stopped his finger mid-flight as he gently lowered it to the table without even a click being registered. The pen continued to scribble, the only sound besides Obsius chirping away.


    "And the leg shaking." The clerk said again.


    Norbert stared, wondering what she was talking about as he saw the table shake in front of him, now feeling his leg move underneath him without him realising it. Stopping it, Norbert placed both hands on his knees to stop himself from jumping from nerves and spinning his thumbs between each other to pass the time.


    After what felt like forever, the clerk placed her papers together into a neat pile, getting them neat by banging the papers on the desk before flipping them around. She placed it facing her and looked up to Norbert for the first time since they had entered the room.


    "Hello, Mr Norbert and ¡­" The clerk asked, pointing her pen at the vampire.


    "Count von Count", Count von Count replied, giving his usual grin, something flickering in his eyes for a moment before subsiding, the scowl on the clerk''s face only getting bigger.


    "Which one of you has the cube in their possession?" The clerk responded.


    Norbert raised his hand. "I do, Miss?" Norbert asked in return.


    "Take out the cube." She responded, not even caring to answer Norbert''s question.


    Norbert reached to the side of the table, shuffling through the backpack, taking a bit longer than needed to find the sack, and determined everything was as it should be.


    Taking out the sack, Norbert placed it on the desk as he opened it up, feeling the cube''s power again emerge. Picking the sack from the back, lifting it so the contents were dumped on the table.


    The cube hit the metal table, rattling like it was made of glass as it turned over and rolled across the table, finally resting on its edge, standing perfectly upright, completely defying the laws of physics.


    The clerk stared at it as she took her pen, poking the cube. Watching as it bobbed to the left, then back to the right in response, and finally rested on the edge, like a diver''s buoy in the water. Picking the sack up, she placed the cube inside without touching it; once inside, she closed the power, cutting off straight away.


    With a breath of relief, the clerk moved the sack next to her on the table, flicking the pages over as she began writing where necessary. The pages flicked around, and when she was done creating another pile next to hers, the pages were filled out repeatedly. Norbert saw her continue this, wondering how there was so much to write about a simple cube that they did no tests on.


    Not wanting to test the woman''s patience, Norbert just sat there, hands in his lap again as he waited as patiently as he could. Obsius on the table, having finished her biscuit, turning to the clerk, hopping over and staring at the paper as it was written on.


    The black splodge looked entirely out of place in the white room and white table, her claws rattling on the table as she found purchase on it, constantly clicking like a hand on an old grandfather clock.


    "Count von Count; reports say you have papers for being in this country?" The clerk asked.


    "And what if I do or don''t? Why would you like to know?" He asked in turn.


    "If you do not produce the papers, we will flood this area in sunlight and spray the room to eat through the clothes everyone is wearing." The clerk responded.


    Norbert shook his head at the vampire, not to test the scary lady who had them all by the balls. Count von Count shook his hand at Norbert to calm down as he lifted one leg to the table, flicking his foot as the envelope came out, sliding across the table to the clerk.


    She picked up the envelope, opened it, skimmed through it and nodded as she began writing down notes. Norbert just stared at her as she finally finished writing, putting the letter back in the envelope and sliding it over to the table and back to Count von Count.


    He picked up the envelope, placed it in his breast pocket, and patted it; Norbert saw dust puffing off his jacket. Norbert looked back to the clerk as she continued to write.


    The clerk, looking back to Norbert, "Care to explain what happened on this last expedition?" she asked him.


    Norbert nodded as he took a deep breath, the wind in his lungs audible in the room. "Well, it started when I was attacked in the middle of the night." Norbert began the recount of his past several days.


    "And then he said, why is there a snake in my boot," Norbert said. The clerk just stared, rubbing her fingers on the brim of her nose. Not even asking any questions, she began writing Norbert''s recounts, and minutes passed as she continued to write.


    Getting to the last page, she put the rest of it over to the second pile, flipping it over as she flicked through the pages; nodding at the page, she placed it again on the desk.


    ¡°Please go through the portal; there is someone there who wants you.¡±


    Norbert nodded, picking up his backpack and Obsius on the way. Count von Count was grinding the chair against the floor, the screech of the metal on the floor echoing through the room, making Norbert cringe in pain.


    Heading there, Norbert saw a portal appear in the doorway; nodding his thanks, Norbert went through, Count von Count behind him.


    The clerk sighed as she opened the drawer of the desk; taking out a device, she started to scan the pages of the writing, not believing the amount of time those two buffoons took explaining and contradicting what happened. What anyone would want to do with them was beyond her, but orders were orders.


    As she looked at the sack, the cube was still inside, "Though they do produce results."

 Chapter 163 Confusion

    Walking through the hallway, Norbert felt d¨¦j¨¤ vu, people passing on either side of them, going about their day. No guide to show either of them which way to go. Norbert turns to Count von Count, asking, "Any idea?"


    "Nope." Count von Count replied.


    Norbert sighed in frustration, turning to Obsius. "Any idea?"


    The bird gives a single solitude chirp, agreeing with Count von Count having no idea. Norbert sighed again, looking up at the ceiling. "Guess there''s nothing else to do." Norbert said as he walked to the first door.


    "Hello, are you after me?" Norbert asked; the man inside wearing a bib, eating a sandwich mid-bite, a pickle falling out the back covered in sauce, hitting his bib before falling flat on the ground with a plop.


    Raising his hand in forgiveness, Norbert slowly closed the door before going to the next one. "Hello, are you after me?" Norbert asked again.


    He heard a scream come from the other side of the door, quickly closing it as he heard something bang against the door, shattering in the process. Looking on the ground, something leak out from under the doorway, stepping back, Norbert tracked the liquid further down the hall.


    Learning his lesson from the last one, Norbert walked up to the next door, looking down at the handle, gaging the distance. Norbert nodded, moving his foot up, kicking it into the door, feeling the vibrations reverberate up his leg, giving him pins and needles.


    Lowering his foot, Norbert looked around; the entire hallway was completely quiet as everyone stared at him, the kick echoing down the hallway. Someone is walking up to him, tugging on his backpack. Turning around, Norbert looked down, seeing a dwarf of a man staring up.


    As Norbert stared longer at him, a thought came to mind: "That¡¯s a dwarf."


    Norbert closed his mouth again, not wanting to be rude in this situation. "Yes ¡­" Norbert asked the man far down.


    "Is there anything that I may assist you, sir?" He asked Norbert.


    Looking back to Count von Count, who raised his shoulders in a shrug, Norbert turned down to the little man, crouching down as he spoke eye to eye. "Well, actually, if you could, we just came from an interrogation room and were told to enter the portal, lining us up in this hallway, and now we don''t know where to go," Norbert responded.


    The little man nods. "Ah yes, quite annoying when that happens, the management of this place sometimes leaves a lot to be desired. Do you have your card on you so we can start the process of leading you in the right direction?" The little man asked.


    Norbert nodded in agreement. "Just give me a moment." Norbert replied, turning his backpack around as he ruffled through items.


    Looking for the card with his identity, looking all over three times, he finally found it, brandishing it up for the world to see.


    The little man, staring up at the card, far out of his reach, only left his hand open before him. Norbert slowly lowered the card to the helpful little man. Taking it, the helpful little man looked at it on both sides before taking out a device and scanning the card.


    Looking at the screen displaying to the man, he nodded as he held the card out for Norbert. Walking down the hallway while talking, "Don''t know what you did to earn the privilege of meeting the Commander, but judging from your looks, nothing good."


    Norbert nodded along as he heard the name. "By Commander, do you mean Sally?" Norbert asked.


    Only receiving a puff of air in response, Norbert was surprised about the attitude change of the helpful little man, thankful that he was at least still being helpful to the group. The three heading along, Obsius now on Norbert''s head as she looked down on the crowd, parting its way like the red sea.


    Continuing down the hallway, passing doors one after the other, the wooden doors looking the same as the other, some people walking, entering and leaving, slowly getting less and less busy the further they went down.


    The little man stopped at one of the doors, looking the same as any other doors continuing down the hallway. Nodding to Norbert, the little man left the three of them there.


    Wondering what to do, Norbert raised his fist, about to strike it; as he rapped his hand, the door slowly opened, a loud creak falling into the hallway. Walking through, Norbert looked around the new room, wondering what Sally would decorate her room with.


    At the desk sat the commander in charge, the throne-looking chair made entirely of white metal, clashing with the mahogany desk she was looking at. On the other side of the desk sat three wooden chairs with no cushions or armrests, just simple chairs you would expect to come flat-packed.


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    Walking further inside the row of books on her library shelf, Norbert quickly looked at it; the entire shelf was wholly packed with books, not an inch spare except for one spot on the right-hand side, a black cavern in the paper forest.


    Heading towards the chair, Norbert took a seat in the centre, Count von Count taking it on his right-hand side. Obsius hopped off his head and landed on the table, staring at what Sally was looking at.


    Looking up, she nodded at the three of them, moving a finger out to pet the bird''s head, Obsius shaking her feathers in response and chirping out of pleasure. Looking down at her notes, she continued to pet the bird.


    Norbert just waiting, not wanting to interrupt as Sally continued her musings. Finishing up, she placed the pen down, leaning back as she picked up the paper and read the contents. Placing it down, she looked at the door. Norbert heard it slowly creak again.


    Turning around to see who the third guest was, he was shocked at seeing the woman come through, wearing the leathers he remembered before, the hood covering most of her orange hair visible behind the hood.


    Closing the door, she hopped over to the free chair, landing in it with a thud, leaning back as she placed her feet on the table. Sally, leaning forward, flicked the feet off her desk¡ªa thud echoed around the room as they smashed into the ground.


    Picking one up, Lily rubbed the heel of her shoe, turning to Norbert. "Can you believe what she did to me?"


    Norbert leaned backwards on his chair, also putting his feet up on the desk. He received the same punishment a moment later, causing his feet to fall off. Turning, he replied, "Yeah, I can."


    Lily just nodded as she began whistling, Norbert joining in with Obsius, the three making a complete racket and not in harmony at all, somehow able to produce four tunes between them.


    Sally just shook her head. "Don''t you want to know about the tournament?" She asked Norbert.


    Instantly, the whistling stopped. Norbert sat up straight as he looked intently at the commander, waiting for a response.


    Sally nodded. "Well, it''s just a tournament between the countries of Masanu; the top winners get a prize donated from all countries," Sally responded.


    Norbert just nodded, waiting for her to continue. "And for that, I would like you to join. But to do that, a scout scrub just can''t be one of the top hundred people in the country; no, we must have our tournament."


    Lilly interrupted Sally, "Yeah, you want Mr Purple man here to run for it, for whatever reason, cause you know him from over there. But why are you telling this with a VAMPIRE in the room!" She said, the last part pointing her finger at the vampire, leaning back to get around Norbert.


    "Lily, it doesn''t matter; he already tried to poach Norbert for the Grimm continent; either he will be fighting with them or us in this, no two ways about it," Sally responded, sighing as she came to terms with what she said.


    "But why is he here with us, in this room? Don''t tell me he ¡­" Lily asked the room, letting the question hang in the air.


    Count von Count leaning forward, looking past Norbert and to Lily, "That''s exactly what I did, and worked out to a T, I would say."


    Norbert looked between the two. "What did you do?" He asked.


    "Hitched a ride with you when I knew about your association with the commander; that way, I can stick to you wherever you go. But with the tournament coming up, they won''t want to throw away a key piece to hide info from me, or they will lose you to another country." Count von Count said to Norbert, his voice becoming increasingly pompous as he talked.


    "I should smack you for this," Norbert told Count von Count.


    Grinning, the vampire responded, "But you won''t cause you l-o-v-e me", the last word just leaving his mouth as Norbert slapped him across the face, the sound of flesh hitting flesh echoing around the room, the chair rocking to the side from the force, the vampire saving it before it toppled over.


    "You two can do your little bromance later; times are ticking, and this is the only time I can relax," Sally said, spinning around in the chair, looking at the bottom of the bookshelf as she opened a drawer, taking out several wrapped objects.


    Turning around, Norbert saw the item: several chocolate bars. Sally slid them to each of the three on the other side, Count von Count shrugging his shoulders as he unwrapped it, Norbert reading the package, trying to remember the last time he had the plane chocolate. On the other hand, Lily ripped the packaging open and began devouring it, chewing with her mouth open.


    As Sally savoured every bite in her mouth, Norbert ate it as she talked, "So, was there anything you didn''t add to the report or didn''t tell me earlier about your jungle adventure?" Sally asked Norbert.


    Thinking about what he said to the clerk earlier, he shook his head before remembering the details. "Other than the similarities to the other tomb I got the purple lights from," Norbert said as he shone his hand, letting his veins glow momentarily before fading to normal.


    "Similar how?" Lily asked as she licked her fingers, not missing a single bit of chocolate.


    Norbert remembers the difference, the slight rigidity of this one compared to the flowing nature of the previous. "Well, this one looked more lived in than the other, and the script used was more blockish, not flowing as much," Norbert said, nodding his head and remembering all the details.


    Sally nodded, picking up the wrappers as she placed them back in the draw behind, nodding as she looked at Norbert. "Oh, there is also a tournament within the Frontier to decide who will go, so you''re going to need to get through that first," Sally said.


    Count von Count whispered to Norbert, "If you sided with Grimm, you wouldn''t need to do no extra tournament, just straight to representing the country."


    Norbert, dismissing Count von Count, stared at Sally. "So, what must I do to be eligible for the pre-tournament?" Norbert asked.


    "You already are. It''s a vote between the leaders of each expedition who would be the best fit to represent that group, and you were chosen, so congrats," Sally responded, adding joy to the end of her speech.


    Norbert looks between Sally and Lily, voicing his next train of thought, "So, what do I do now?" Norbert asked the room.


    The silence was deafening; Norbert could almost hear the cicadas outside like in the springtime. He stared around the room without windows, knowing he was imagining things.


    Lily stood up and wrapped an arm around his neck. "Time to call me instructor again." She said Norbert, gulping, remembering the last time she was an instructor, the grip on his neck showing it wouldn''t be the same treatment.

 Chapter 164 I was Crazy Once

    Norbert looked at Lily as she stood up from her chair, walked away and opened the door. "Well, you two coming?" She asked Norbert and Count von Count.


    The two men looked at each other before shrugging, standing up, and leaving; at the door entrance, Norbert saluted Sally, "Until next time." He said to her.


    She only giving a nod in response as she picked up the papers again, starting to comb through the information. The door closed behind Norbert as he followed; Obsius made it through it before it closed on her, pecking Norbert on the head for nearly forgetting her.


    Walking through the hallway again, Norbert noted it was getting busier and busier the further along they went; Lily unexpectedly stopped at a doorway, presenting her card as he heard it unlock with a thud before opening it and walking in.


    Norbert looked around, seeing the wooden desk he had seen last time and the two seats with the plush cushions. Sitting behind the desk, she kicked her feet on the table, instructing two guests to sit on the other chairs in the room.


    Sitting down in the chair, it creaking slightly under his weight, Lily stared at him before leaning forward, placing her elbows on the table, one of her hands idly fiddling with the controls of the display on the table to change it to what she wanted.


    "So, you still can''t do magic or use devices?" Lily asked Norbert.


    Nodding in response, Norbert waited patiently for the next question.


    "Then how are you the most voted in your group, or able to do half the stuff you can? Before the purple, I remember that whatever was good but not that good." Lily asked him.


    Norbert nods in confirmation. "You''re right. Justly relying on that would not allow me to take on this guy." Norbert said, patting Count von Count back before continuing, "My secret is a lot of elixirs. And before you ask, a lot as at least fifteen; I lost track now, though of the exact number."


    Lily stared at him, mouth agape. "Man, you went hard with that, and no side effects were noticed?" She asked him.


    Norbert just shook his head. "Still as fit as a fiddle, and I haven''t turned into a sludge monster yet or gone crazy, or at least I hope I''m not crazy. I Was Crazy Once. They Locked Me In A Room. A Rubber Room. A Rubber Room With Rats. And Rats Make Me Crazy." Norbert finished, tilting his head to the side as he rolled his tongue out of his mouth.


    Lily just staring at Norbert. Obsius pecks Norbert on the head in response to his clowning. Sitting straight, Norbert consoled Lily, "Ah, only pulling your leg. But seriously, I haven''t found any issues with it."


    Lily nodded in response. "Ok, time to test how good you are", Lily said, pushing herself out of the chair and exiting the room. Norbert and Count von Count quickly followed behind, Norbert making sure not to leave the bird out this time.


    She was heading down the hallway to the far end, reaching the portals. Lily typed into the terminal there, selecting the coordinates needed. Turning to Count von Count, he says, "You should probably rap up vamps; don''t want to get sunburned." She said, before the portal opened before her, the blue lines were shining. Stepping through, Norbert quickly followed her, not wanting to be left on the other side. Count von Count quickly wrapped himself before also joining.


    Norbert stepped through, feeling himself extending again toward the right, feeling his footstep out the other side. Walking through, Norbert instantly felt the dust and sand picked up in the wind pelt his face.


    Turning around, Norbert donned his mask, stopping the worst of it from hitting him, pulling his clothes, and covering all skin. Norbert looked across, seeing Lily running off in the distance. Besides him, Count von Count stepped out of the portal, and a second later, it closed behind him, only the gate being present.


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    Both looking at the figure of Lily as she disappeared, Count von Count turned Norbert. "The last one to reach her buys the other a round." He said, not even waiting for a response from Norbert before the vampire shot off through the desert.


    Norbert grabbed hold of Obsius and tucked her in his backpack; not wanting to lose the bird in the wind, he took off after the vampire, thinking of the free beer. Pushing the energy through his body, Norbert quickly caught up with Count von Count, looking ahead, the figure of Lily still far off and getting slowly further away.


    "Looks like you need to up your pace," Norbert said to Count von Count before shooting off; the vampire breathed hard before catching up to Norbert, not wanting to be beaten in their race.


    The two competed with each other, pushing themselves further forward. Norbert continued to push energy throughout his body, not knowing how long he would be running out there.


    The ground was now a blur on his feet; when impacting the dirt, he did so with such force that it became solid underneath him, allowing him to be propelled even further. Norbert lost himself in the act of running, the freedom as he remembered this was his job as a scout, to purely scout and look upon the world. Not facing off against anyone, him and the wind blowing through his hair, a simple objective to find the target, and that''s it.


    Before he realised it, Norbert and Count von Count had caught up with Lily, just seeing her several meters ahead; what surprised him was how she was travelling. She wondered why it had taken him so long to catch up, not realising. With each step, a wave of dust blew below her, swirling around like the air going out of a turbine, pushing her forward.


    Now, tasting the dust on the back of his throat, his eyes tearing up the dust into them. Closing his eyes, Norbert pushed the last bit of energy through him, ensuring he would get in front of Lily.


    The wind now abated. Norbert opened his eyes, and no more dust pestering him. Continuing to jog, Norbert didn''t see Lily ahead. Turning behind himself, he saw Lily, Count von Count, beside her.


    Norbert jogged back, waving at her. "Took you long enough," Lily said to him.


    "Hey, I still made it first, and anyway, what was it with you boosting yourself with the wind?" He asked her.


    Lily turned around, whipping her hood off and brushing her hand through her hair. Shaking it out, she turned to Norbert. "Not everyone has over ten elixirs in their system; we all need to do what we can. And anyway, everyone else will be doing stuff like that in the tournament." Lily explained to him.


    Norbert raised his finger to interject, only to lower it, knowing that she would be correct with the assessment. "So now what?" Norbert asked her.


    Lily chucked a cube on the ground; Norbert saw the dust start to swirl around, forming in size as it grew, until he was face to face with a giant squirrel again. Staring down the scharve, the familiar site to the last time he fought against the creature.


    Resting his hand on his blade as he sized up his opponent, trying to remember the details about the scharve the last time he faced it. Coming up with a blank, Norbert switched his vision to magical, wondering if anything was enlightening.


    Nodding his head at what he saw, the cube the creature came out from now as clear as day in the duller sand. A brown colour comes out of the cube, a bright colour compared to the rest, the brightest part being the cube bouncing around inside the creature.


    Leaving his sword on his belt, wanting to grab the cube out of the creature and squash it. A plan having formed in his head, Norbert charged forward. The scharve noticed him do the same as he charged forward.


    The two met in the centre, Norbert holding the head of the scharve out of the way, keeping track of the cube as it bounced around the back of the creature. Bringing his arm back, Norbert punched forward, feeling like he had just smashed into a brick wall and not hit the dust.


    His other arm slipped on the scharve, and Norbert dashed backwards, out of the way of the charging scharve. Ducking to the side, Norbert saw the cube bounce over to the other side of him. He was leaping into the air, following after the cube as it made its way to the back of the picture.


    Landing on the ground, hand reaching out to grab onto the cube, seeing it dash out of the way to the head again. Going back and forth, Norbert waited for it to continue to see if neither of them was getting an advantage.


    Fed up with it, Norbert slid under the creature, standing up as he lifted it into the air, feeling it crawl against him, keeping track of the cube, and seeing its light start to dim. His arms felt heavy from the weight, seeing it extend out, trying to encase himself in the dust.


    He was staring up at the scharve, seeing as it started to boil, dust billowing out of the creature in plumes. The creature now feels lighter and lighter, shrinking in size underneath him. Norbert held it up until an object plopped into his open palm.

 Chapter 165 Sit Down

    He was staring at her, not believing what he was seeing, wondering what had happened to her to result in that appearing on her skin. Norbert stared at her, watching the white ivory pattern go up her arms and legs, reminding himself of the runes he saw earlier. She watched it go up to her face as it circled, growing whiter as it continued forward, his face showing a mask around it.


    aTurning his vision to normal, the marks disappeared from her face. Staring down at the cube, he dropped, looking completely grey with no colour in it. Bending to pick it up, Norbert dusted it off before placing it in Lily''s hand.


    Lily went on her tiptoes and whispered to him, "Talk, later." Norbert nodded in response as he stepped fast, looking at the horizon.


    Taking his mask off, Norbert ruffled his hand through his hair, cleaning the dust out of it and freeing up the stuck pieces of hair from his scalp. Feeling the grit in his hand, Norbert took each glove off. Seeing the dust pooling in his hand, he let it drop to the floor.


    He was brushing out his hands on his pants, seeing them being slightly cleaner now. Putting his gloves back on, Norbert turned around, looking at the three staring at him. "What?" Norbert asked them.


    Count von Count just shook his head, the rags falling around him. "So, what''s next?" Norbert asked them.


    Lily stepped away from Count von Count, Obsius hopping onto the vampire''s head. Norbert followed her as she continued to walk forward, watching as she turned around. Norbert stopped looking at her, seeing her dagger no longer on her waist but in her hand.


    Unsheathing his sword, Norbert went into position, holding one arm in the air and the other with the sword thrust out in front of him. The tip held perfectly still as he stared down the blade, half seeing Lily''s reflection.


    Opening her hand, the dagger flew out, coming right at him, moving the sword to the side, a clang resonating as he brushed it past him, watching it go to the side. She stepped forward, slashing to the side, unexpectedly feeling the clang of metal again, and saw another dagger appear in her hand.


    Stepping forward, Norbert kicked into Lily, sending her flying; as he stepped forward, he felt a sharp pain shoot down his leg. He faltered in the knee, coming down as he looked behind himself, seeing a dagger lodged into his calf. Reaching down, just before his fingers grasped, a wind buffeted it away, taking the dagger, the weapon shooting in front of him into Lily''s outstretched hand.


    Pushing energy through his body leg, he felt the flesh knit itself as he held the clothing out of the wound. Not wanting to rip it out later, remembering stories back on Earth of bandages and stitches getting integrated into the body needing to be dug out.


    Healed up, Norbert, standing up again, rushed forward, and Lily threw the dagger out towards him. Sliding on the ground, Norbert felt it clang against his mask, Norbert keeping an eye on it as he rushed forward.


    Swiping at her, Lily ducked under as she punched up at Norbert. Not even feeling the impact, she reached forward to grab her arm. Holding onto her, Norbert whipped her around, slamming into the ground on the other side.


    Lifting her at the top of her arc, his hand reflexively letting go, sending her arching through the air. Looking at his arm, seeing two lines of blood going down his arm, the wound already healed. Flexing his hand, Norbert confirmed that it was functional.


    Staring at Lily, Norbert leapt forward, pushing his energy into his body, not wanting to get distracted by the daggers flying at him. The sword came. Norbert swung it up, waiting for it to impact. Only for it to stop mid-way, half a meter from her body.


    Staring down at the sword, I saw the wind moving around it, creating a force that stopped the blade from moving. Kicking the dust into the air, watching as it wrapped around Lily before being chucked around.


    Norbert turned to his magical vision and saw the white barrier form around the sword, a shield, constantly moving towards the sword and blowing it out. Swapping back to typical, Norbert let go of the sword, letting it fly far into the air.


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    She was crumbling forward, feeling himself getting pushed back before he went too far forward, and his body was thrown forward into Lily, the two of them in a ragged pile. Lily was on top, straddling him. Norbert flipped the two around, grabbing her arm as she was flung to the side.


    Spinning himself around Norbert, he latched his legs around Lily''s shoulder, placing his feet on the other side. Holding the arm, Norbert leaned backwards, flexing his body up.


    Continuing to put pressure on it, starting to feel the joint bend, "Give in, or it''s broken." Norbert said to her.


    Only hearing the groaning from Lily, Norbert bumped his hips upwards, thrusting into the air as a crunch shook around them. Lily''s scream followed afterwards, only to be silenced by herself biting on her tongue, Norbert seeing her eyes water.


    Letting go of the arm, Norbert leapt onto her, straddling her as he removed his knife from his belt, holding it under her throat. Through teary eyes, she nodded as Norbert pressed the dagger into her neck.


    Removing the knife, seeing a faint line of blood on it, Norbert flicked the knife to remove the blood before shedding it. Lily is lying there; Norbert walks towards Count von Count, picks up his bag, and brings it over to Lily. Looking inside his medical kit, he was happy with what he found.


    Pulling out the red potion, Norbert held it out to Lily; looking at him, she took it, groaning as she did so. Holding it up to her lips, she downed the potion the moment it stopped, holding her arm in the correct position with the other.


    Norbert watched it rippled, the bone sticking out and returning into place. After several seconds, the movement stopped, and Lily rested as she breathed heavily; after a minute, her breath calming down, she went to her feet and began walking back.


    Norbert picked up his backpack as he walked with her. Count von Count following behind, the rush of before now lost, the three idly walking towards the portal.


    ***


    In the medical ward, Norbert watched over Lily as one of the nurses looked at her arm. Twisting it around as she looked at the arm from all angles, confirming the joint movements were still functioning correctly. Holding their hand over the joint, a green light appeared where the two people connected, lifting their hands off Norbert, seeing a faint glow on the skin before disappearing.


    Changing to magic, watching it spread around the wound, wrapping around it before disappearing. Seeing the white swirls over her body before changing it back to normal again. Looking at the wound again, Norbert confirmed it looked better now, more normal than compared to the way it was before.


    Feeling Lily staring into him, Norbert looked around the room, seeing it was the same as before. Count von Count turned around, leaving the curtained area and closing the curtain behind him. Norbert turned to Lily, seeing her stare at him, going up a bit higher on the bed, patting next to her.


    Norbert sat down where he was instructed to. Lily holding her arm out, Norbert feeling the air moving around the bed, a slight disturbance seen on the ground. Changing to magical vision, clearly seeing a circle around them of whiteness, Norbert sees it is whipping around them, originating from Lily looking.


    Looking back to Lily, he took out a coin and started flicking it in the air, half seeing it spin, catching it before seeing it and through the air again.


    "What did you see?" she asked him.


    Norbert caught it as he thought, changing his vision to magical. Norbert explained, "One of the elixirs I drank allowed me to see magic in the air; the other strange one was for night vision." Norbert said as he flicked between the two before returning to the magical site.


    "The white lines going up your body, starting on the arms and legs, slowly winding its way upwards and seeming to go around the face, creating a mask around your cheekbones," Norbert said as he started to trace up the arm, lifting his hand as he pointed at her face.


    Lily just nodded. "Makes sense. When you have fifteen or more in you, it makes sense to have the non-usual ones¡ªjust wondering how you bought so many?" she asked him, perplexing.


    Norbert just shrugged. "Gambling a bit; the rest is just given to me in a case by a stranger. I have no clue who the stranger was or could be, but it is useful, very useful. What''s with ¡­" Norbert finished, waving his arm up and down.


    "Oh, just the usual mad mage experiments. Trying to merge a human and a wind spirit after both are born. Resulting in this." She finished, waving down at her body. "One of the spirits broke out; the Frontier came, stopped the madman and brought me in," she explained to Norbert.


    Nodding along, speaking his thoughts, "And I''m assuming that you don''t want this spread to others?" He asked. Lily just nodded her head in response. "But how did that work? Do you know how the pieces fit?"


    Lily just shook her head as she raised her hand; Norbert, seeing the wind around her, stopped and changed to normal, twisted her feet around her, got out of bed, and looked towards Norbert.


    "And you saw nothing else?" She asked him.


    Norbert just tilted his head to the side, trying to think. Coming up with nothing, replying with a single "Nope."


    Lily nodded as she unfurled the curtain, seeing Count von Count leaning on the curtain next to the entrance. The hospital staff moved around the vampire, Count von Count waving in response, baring his fangs.


    Lily just shook her head as she walked past him, Obsius hopping over onto Norbert, the two men following after Lily. Wondering where they would be going next, Norbert once more stepped through the portal, feeling himself being stretched out.

 Chapter 166 The Halls of the Mountain King

    He stepped out the other side after feeling his body elongating towards the left, wondering what place he would find himself in now. He looked out, finding himself what he believed to be underground, as there were no windows in the large common area. Looking like the hub he was in before, but the similarities only minor. There were only several gates next to him; occasionally, someone would step out or walk towards. Not at all like the constant sea of people moving in Alasium.


    Norbert looked around the room that he found himself in now. The grey stone reminds me of granite, with black dots throughout it. He was staring at Obsius, chuckling to himself, reminding him of the opposite pattern that Obsius was.


    He caught Lily walking away from him, speeding up his steps to catch up to her. Only several other people were in the hallway with them. As Count von Count stepped out, most turned around, walking the other way with rushed steps. The others running to their respective portals. One Norbert noticing as they saw the vampire just after exiting leaving straight away through the portal they just arrived from.


    Seeing their change in behaviour with the appearance and the vampire, people moved away; thankfully, no guards appeared at the moment, rushing towards them and investigating the vampire''s appearance and the problems he was inevitably causing.


    Following through, he was walking through the large open double doors. On the other side, the hallway extended, walkways cut in from the wall, and stairs came out of the centre, evenly spaced across it. Staring down, Norbert saw they also went below where they were standing.


    Stopping momentarily, taken aback at the amount of space carved out or built up. Staring at the wall, Norbert took an instinctive step forward, squinting his eyes as he stared at the walls. Whispering to himself, "No marks at all."


    Lily walked up next to him, nodding. "That''s correct. All under here, it''s the same pattern, constant and unwavering."


    "And where is this place?" Norbert asked her.


    "In the Halls of the Mountain King. Will take you days to walk through these halls." Lily said, pointing to one of the staircases in the centre, Norbert following after her. On the other side, two doors opened out of the boxes, and people got out before they closed again. Getting to the stairs, Norbert saw the box open again, seeing some elevator being used.


    "And even has elevators here. Neat." Norbert said to himself. Obsius chirped in response, alighting off Norbert to investigate the hallway they were in. Norbert hit the first step, the smooth stone underneath him as he made his way up.


    His hand glided across the handrail as he rose into the air. Lily is ahead of him, taking each step with care. Norbert looked down at those underneath him, with the vampire now out of reach to them, continuing with their day.


    Halfway up, Obsius came back to the staircase. He was landing on the top step, sticking her head out to the centre of the circular stairway, chirping to Norbert and the others to hurry up. Norbert nodded in confirmation as he started to take them two at a time. Lily needed to jog to catch up as Count von Count came up behind them.


    As Norbert made his way up, Obsius hopped down onto his shoulder. Norbert stuck his head up, wondering what they were looking for. As Norbert stepped to the top, his head stuck up and saw what they were after. Stopping his mouth agape, Norbert stared at the little thing he could see.


    Taking a small shaky step up, now on the new floor correctly, Norbert could not close his jaw. He was staring at the humongous amount of books. The ceiling goes as high as the previous floor. Norbert looked around, seeing that the bookshelves didn''t go up. These massive structures seemed closer than the hallway should be.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Lily came up next to him, standing at the top and breathing deeply before continuing to walk forward. Norbert followed after she saw a desk on the ground, someone sitting on it, passing through papers.


    Norbert saw the woman''s glasses extending past her face on both sides. The black metal frames twirl in a pattern like tree roots. The grey hair flowed far down her back. Norbert stood on his toes, seeing the hair twirled around the chair on the floor.


    Norbert stood before Lil, sliding her card over to the librarian. The librarian took the identity card, nodding in confirmation as she slid it back to her.


    "Will you need assistance?" The librarian asked Lily.


    Smiling and shaking her head, "No, thank you, I''m all good today. But are there any study rooms available?" She asked the librarian.


    The librarian nodded as if that was the most apparent request to make. Pulling over a different book, Norbert saw the pages within them yellowed and cracking. Norbert stared, wondering what the librarian could be looking for within the old crusty book.


    "Number seventy four will be available for the rest of the day. Would you like that to be under your name?" The librarian asked.


    Lily nodded in response. "Yes, please, that would be lovely. Thank you." As she started walking away.


    Norbert nodding deeply in response, catching up with Lily, wondering what books she thought in this vast library. Norbert wondered how the library of Alexandria would have compared to this.


    Lily looked at the bookshelves, whispering about the contents, before heading towards a bookshelf. Norbert, craning his head up to see the top of the bookshelf and looking around the side, saw no ladders or devices to pull the books down for those out of reach.


    Norbert turned to Lily, opening his mouth about to ask what to do about the book height, closing his mouth as he stared at her open hand, seeing a book slowly fall towards it and spinning it around, looking at the front before handing it over to Norbert.


    The title is "Magic for Kids, the Basics for Casting." With the depiction of a kid on the cover, a fireball comes out of their hand. Norbert looked up at Lily, raising an eyebrow, but for nothing. Lily walked over to the next shelf, staring up and down as she scanned it for the next book on her list before removing it again.


    In the end, Norbert had five books in his arms, all about the magic of some part or another. Walking away from the bookshelves to the other side of the hall, Obsius joined Count von, sleeping on the vampire''s head as he walked with a stiff back, not wanting to annoy the bird or shed more blood.


    Following through the sea of bookshelves on the other side to the back wall, Norbert sees alcoves here, spread out and cut into the granite wall, seeing flecks and flakes in the wall, not the complete smoothness of the previous level.


    Stepping through, Norbert saw a wooden rectangular table with several chairs around it, the previous people not putting them back correctly. Norbert placed the books he was carrying on the table, spreading them out as he looked at them.


    Norbert traced it with his finger over each cover, wondering if it would just be a superficial reading of the books and understanding what was inside, not seeing how it would be helpful.


    Lily took her time as she slowly sat in the chair beside Norbert, groaning beside her. As Norbert stared at the books in front of him, Lily picked up the first one she picked up, opening it up for Norbert and pointing to the first page before letting it go, the book staying open.


    Norbert just nodded his head, knowing exactly what he was doing here. Wanting to voice his opinion to make sure, Norbert asked the room, "This is to fill in my lack of magic?" He asked.


    Count von Count chuckles at his response. Lily shoots the vampire a dirty look before shaking her head. "Not exactly. You are learning this to know how magic works, to try and counter it better than just smashing your fist as hard as you can." Lily said.


    She picked up one of the books and flicked through it as she looked back to Norbert. "To get through even your first fight, you need to know how to properly see magic being used against you and know how to either incapacitate the person before it is too late or get out of range."


    Norbert just nodded in response, wondering how much he would need to be reading to get all of this knowledge crammed into his head. Taking a deep breath forward, Norbert began reading through the book, quickly skimming through it first to see how it would be.


    Seeing pictures and symbols of the spells in use, items needed and motions needed to use the spells properly, Norbert nodded his head, almost not even needing to read the text, getting most of the information from the pictures.


    Closing his eyes for a moment, he hoped his reading skills would be enough to go through all of the books he would need to read through. Taking it one page at a time, Norbert flipped to the start and began reading the pages.

 Chapter 167 To Read a Book

    Closing the final book, having completely lost track of the days he had spent in the study room. The only way Norbert could tell the passage of time was from Obsius and Lily going to sleep and when staff would come in, seeing if they were still there, only to leave again when they saw Norbert staring down at the book as he tried to cram as much of it inside.


    Nudging Lily awake, Norbert turned to her, seeing the groggy eyes slowly come into focus. Slowly lifting her head, she gazed around Norbert, eyes still not focusing. As she continued to stare, her face half fixed in a yawn, hood falling her as he hair stood up on ends.


    Rubbing her eyes, her posture slowly stood straight as Norbert saw the woman fully wake up. Looking down at the books, the backs showing as they were spread out around the table, I looked back up at Norbert. "So, you finished all of them?" She asked him.


    Norbert nodded in response, watching as she stood up with a stretch, picking up the books before heading out. Norbert stood up to follow her, only to be waved back down. Resting back in his chair, Norbert sighed in relief, still hearing the words of the magics in his head.


    Closing his tired eyes to rest them, Norbert reviewed the information that he went through and placed it on the fights he had been through, reviewing back to the first one with the wolves. Thinking of how he would now do it differently, he wouldn''t have stopped running, knowing he could outpace them, and if he didn''t, then the sword would give him an increased range and to charge in, not getting swarmed by them.


    Skipping over several more, the magic needed to be applied as he recalled his fight with Count von Count. Now, knowing why the vampire had just sat there at the end, allowing himself to get beaten to a pulp. Reminding himself of what he saw next, the utter blood bath the vampire inflicted on the attackers of the village to never let a spell build up, to find a way to disrupt it whenever possible.


    Opening his eyes, Norbert looked at the vampire, Count von Count feeling a gaze on him, opening one eye a smidge as he continued to rock backwards and forwards. "You let me win." Norbert told the vampire.


    A grin came over his mouth, one side rolling up as the vampire flashed a fang. Leaning forward, the chair slamming on the ground, no longer rocking, the vampire spoke, "I wondered how long it would take for you to realise it."


    Norbert, now awake, mind started brimming with possibilities, none coming to anything or seeming stupid enough. "Why?" Norbert asked the vampire.


    "At first, you were going to win. The others in the camp wouldn''t sleep well, and not even the hero, Norbert, couldn''t defeat the vampire. They would want me out of there immediately with nobody able to control me." The vampire said, stopping as he looked at Obsius; the noise had woken up the bird as she bustled around the table, heading to the plate of food on the far side and munching on a biscuit.


    Count von Count continued his explanation, looking back to Norbert, "Well, that was until you had ripped my heart out and squeezed on my head. Unbeknownst to most, but if you cut a vampire enough, you can kill using normal means as the sheer damage does make it hard to heal." He said to Norbert.


    Nodding his head, he opened his mouth to ask a question before Count von Count interrupted him, "But you did have me going in the end. Somehow, your blood was interacting with mine, giving too much of a boost in the healing, making it uncontrollable, like a cancer." Count von Count said.


    Norbert, now bemused at what he was saying, "So, you''re saying you tried to heal using my blood, which caused you to heal so much it was damaging you. Meaning you had to control it, limiting the healing effects?" Norbert asked him.


    Count von Count nodded in response. Norbert rocked back in his chair, waving his hand in the air. "You nearly made me pass out!" Norbert shouted to the vampire.


    Count von Count laughed, "And you nearly killed me!" replying with even greater volume, their voices echoing out of the room and down the hall. The two instantly shut their mouths as they stared at the door, looking to see if anyone had come to investigate the commotion.


    Tense moments drew on as nothing did appear before the entrance. Together, they released the breath they had been holding, slightly chuckling at each other.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "Guess we both made assumptions leading to mistakes in that fight," Norbert said.


    Count von Count nodded in response. "Yes", the vampire replied before becoming steely cold. "And that is the danger of it. A lesson that will be taught multiple times, but hopefully, when it matters, you will remember this fight." Count von Count explained to the human before him.


    Norbert swallowed the saliva as he nodded, feeling the tense moment around him. Lily returned with an even greater pile of books before setting them down again. Norbert quickly counted and saw twelve books now. Lily slid the first one over as Norbert quickly skimmed it. The children''s pictures were no longer there, looking more like a manual someone would use.


    Lily left as Norbert opened the first book, reading the first chapter aloud, "What not to do? Well, that seems like a good start." He began reading, slightly chuckling as he read the first sentence to himself: "Stop reading the book."


    Norbert closes the book, showing it to Count von Count. "Is this book serious?" He asked the vampire.


    The vampire looked up at the book Norbert was holding, having taken one for himself and started to peruse the pages before he began reading. "Never read it." The vampire responded before putting his nose back in own book.


    Half-reading the pages, Norbert asked the vampire, "So, you normally read?"


    Receiving a shake of his head in the negative to the question, Norbert nodded in approval, getting down and reading through the book like he was asked to do.


    ***


    Opening his eyes, Norbert pulled himself off the book, having fallen asleep with his face in the book. Not being the first time to wake up like this, Norbert looked down at the page he was reading, happy to see no smear or drool on the page. Not knowing what would happen if he damaged one of the books.


    Looking around the room, the vampire is in the same position as last time; Obsius is no longer in the room, and Lily is nowhere to be seen. Wondering where the woman could be off to, Norbert started to stand up, feeling his joints ache after sitting in the chair for so long. Stretching his arms as high as they could go, feeling his joints pop as they were finally moved. Windmilling his arms around several times, the tingling in his fingers stopping after several spins, his arms and upper body have warmed up.


    Stretching his back out, leaning backwards, hearing it crack, the last to stretch his legs, lunging out to either side. Feeling a little bit nimbler, Norbert sat down again, his butt feeling the soreness of sitting for so long.


    He stood straight away, picked up the book, and began walking around the table in the room. Nose down as he paced around the table, like a hunter stalking a beast, waiting for the best place to attack it.


    Circling Norbert, he continued this motion until he finally completed the last book, closing it with a satisfying smack.


    Count von Count looked up from his book; Norbert did not know what number the vampire was up to. Looking at the empty seat, Norbert asked, "What has she been doing out for so long?" Norbert asked the room, not expecting a response.


    "It is strange, taking us here and not returning for nearly two weeks." The vampire said, primarily to himself.


    Norbert stopped pacing, spinning on his heels to look at the vampire. Placing the book on the table, leaning forward, Norbert asked in a raised voice, not believing what he had been hearing, "What?"


    Count von Count closing his book, "Two weeks as I said."


    Norbert just looked around, not believing what the vampire was saying. "But how, how am I not hungry, or dead from no water and sleep? I only went to sleep twice in that period, and you¡¯re also completely fine?" Norbert asked the vampire.


    "To answer the last question, I am a vampire doing nothing for two weeks. And to answer the first two in one statement, something you had has given you a boost without you even realising it." Count von Count said to Norbert.


    Norbert opened his mouth to ask before closing it and did not want any random passer-by to know his connection with gods yet. He did not know the implications of what it could cause if others overheard it.


    Count von Count shouted as he looked out the room, "The imbecile finally realised what was happening; you two can come back!"


    Instantly, both Obsius and Lily entered the room. Obsius flew to Norbert and repeatedly pecked him on his head without stopping for several moments. He looked down at Norbert, having flown on his head, chirping incessantly.


    Nodding his head in confirmation, Lily stopped by the door, waiting for the tirade to stop before butting in. The bird flew off, landing on Lily''s shoulder before turning around, not even facing Norbert.


    "Sally wanted to see how long you would last now, with the extra kick you have been given," Lily said to Norbert.


    Norbert stared at her. "So this entire thing was to test my endurance?" Norbert asked her.


    "Oh no, you needed to understand the multiple spells and some of the intricacies of magic. In our last fight, I could have had you locked up, unable to move instantly, with a blade heading for your throat." Lily said.


    Norbert gulped, running his hand over his neck like a dagger had visibly appeared there momentarily.


    Lily walked out of the room. "And collect the books." Her voice echoed from outside. Count von Count got smoothly like he hadn''t stayed for two weeks. At a loss of words, Norbert followed the command, placing the books on a pile together. Doing a count, Norbert saw the pile go past the original ten, stopping at thirty-seven books; Norbert could not see where he was going with the books covering his vision.


    With shaky steps, Norbert left the room, following Obsius''s chirps to direct him in the correct direction.

 Chapter 168 Get Good

    Stopping at the librarian''s desk, Lily instructed Norbert to place them on the table, having arrived at their destination. Norbert placed it down, seeing the tower wobble for a moment before they stilled; Norbert stepped back thinking he saw the desk lean under the weight, wiping his brow and flicked his wrist at the end, pretending to move the sweat that accumulated when moving the great tower successfully.


    He poked his head around, seeing the annoyed look at the librarian as she stared at the looming tower of books, not wanting to touch it or send the entire tower toppling to the ground. The trio walked away, Norbert bowing apologetically at the mess he left the librarian.


    Catching up to Lily and Count von Count, asking, "Is it ok to leave them with that?" Norbert asked them.


    Lily turned around before shrugging her shoulders and continuing towards the stairs. Norbert is standing on the steps going down. Lily, Count von Count and Obsius going to the stairs leading upwards, already several steps up.


    Backing up the stairs, Norbert followed, wondering where they would be going this time, if not back to the portal room. Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert followed them upwards, his curiosity peeking with every step, wondering what could be up here.


    As he continued further up, until he was just at the top of the room, Norbert gazed down at the library, all neatly organised. The sea of books is on the left-hand side. Staring down, they continued as far as the eye could see, row after row of bookshelves until they all formed into one.


    Whistling to himself at the sheer quantity of books, not even able to see all of them at once, Norbert began to think, would there be even more books on the next floor?


    Making his way to the top step, the others continued forward as Norbert looked around, seeing square marks out and walls dividing the area. The hall is once again primarily empty, stretching as far as he could see. As Norbert looked around, on his second sweep of the room, he spotted several people, all by themselves, flinging spells against lone targets. Norbert would see a dome light up before him when a spell missed¡ªa dark blue circle formed on the dome before dissipating.


    Norbert watched as the runes around it turned down, slowly dissipating until they weren''t there. Norbert turned to Lily, and an idea started to form in his mind of what she would want from him. Walking forward, Norbert went to the closest one, standing with his arms crossed as he observed the man throwing spell after spell.


    The dummy being chucked at, staying completely still as it was swarmed with spell after spell. Norbert watched as he examined what was happening, piecing the information he had just crammed into his brain. Going with the first basics, Norbert watched the red waves shooting out. Not feeling any heat from behind the barrier, Norbert gazed at how the man conjured the spells.


    Norbert saw the pattern as the man went through his stances. He started with his finger out; a single jet of flames shot forward before he withdrew it, opening his palm and letting it go continuously, with no pause between the adjustment changes. He was moving his left hand in an underarm throw; a firewall engulfed the dummy and went around it. Half the sphere the user did now lights up in a faint blue colour.


    Norbert watched the man as he changed position, imagining the dummy couldn''t see correctly, his vision being engulfed in flames. The man began to run forward, unable to catch up with the flames that he used. When Norbert imagined the vision would be clear for the dummy, the man would come forward, kicking off him and shooting himself backwards.


    Fire on his foot propelled him back to the normal position. As he kicked forward, Norbert could feel the heat it generated, the flames changing from red to white hot as they concentrated on the target; Norbert saw the dummy start to smoke slightly before it was snuffed out. The heat caused the object to char as it would slowly repair itself before Norbert''s eyes,


    Going back to the man, Norbert saw he was breathing hard, panting at the exhaustion of what he had just undertaken. After several moments, what Norbert would call half a rotation, the man stood up straight, wiping his brow as sweat dripped off it, forming a pool where he was standing, seeming to bleach the stone under him a darker colour. Norbert wondered how many other people had stood in the same position,


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    As the man started the circuit over again, Norbert changed his focus to the magic being thrown, trying to review all the books he had read about the spells being thrown at the dummy. He pondered his thoughts on how to go about this fight and how he would stop it. Going through his options, he thought he might survive if he just sat there and took it, but he was unsure of its visibility.


    Having no way to block the fire, needing to run out of the way as the man once more changed to the kick, a wall of flames charging forward, that idea within Norbert crumpled.


    His fingers glided over his weapons, resting on the dagger as an idea came to mind. He was reaching down as he tapped his fingers over the blade''s hilt like a gunslinger tickling their weapons to jump into their hands.


    Pulling up, Norbert whipped the dagger into his hand, flicking his wrist forward as he sent his right arm away, not letting go of the dagger, feeling the jolt going up his arm in response. Norbert felt the other side, seeing that they were only on his right side so he couldn''t throw anything.


    If he had his sword turning back to thought and saw the wall of flames coming towards his way, Norbert shook his head, for against this fire wielder, he would need some way to close the distance.


    Nodding his head that an idea was at least forming, Norbert walked away, going to the next person practising and walking several paces away, looking at the next fight before him, and once more, he stood there as he watched the woman go through her stances like the man before.


    From what he could tell, using lightning, the bolts of electricity jumped out from her staff. Each one has a longer draw time compared to the man before. Also, this time, a circle formed in the air as the woman concentrated before tapping it with her staff, activating it and sending lightning out.


    Norbert watched as the woman repeated the same spell repeatedly. Norbert wondered what she was doing, not moving and just standing there doing nothing different. He shrugged, not knowing anything about magic and spells; he had nothing to stand on.


    Norbert wondered if he had a way to take it on, seeing the lightning not arc at all, just going straight like a charging bull where it was directed. The points on the dummy changed slightly when the mage changed her position.


    Nodding his head, he would have to stare down the charging bull and move out of the way at the last moment or be hit with however many volts she was producing. As he looked, he counted the time the lightning sustained for and how long until the next one.


    Staring at her, counting, seeing it sustained for two seconds and took four seconds for it to be charged back up, Norbert tried to gauge the distance of how soon he would be able to react¡ªstaring down the beam, seeing if it moved slightly or if it was in a fixed position. Whatever changes were small enough that Norbert could rely on it moving by itself out of the way, arching like a drunken man that electricity chose to move through sometimes.


    Nodding his head, he formed a plan of what he would need to succeed in battle, seeing that no matter the distance, if he had the right timing, he would be able to make it to the mage and take her down, as long as they didn''t have another spell up their sleeve to counteract someone quickly rushing.


    Shaking his head, Norbert started walking to the next person he could see, only for Lily to tap him on the shoulder. Spinning around, Norbert looked down at the woman.


    "Yes?" Norbert asked his guide.


    Smiling back, "Any idea what you need to work on?" She asked him.


    Norbert nodded as he looked back at the fight he had just left. In his peripheral vision, Norbert stared at the man, throwing another stream of fire. "Two things to work on. First is a range attack, to throw an opponent off." Norbert said.


    Lily nods, not giving any other form of positive or negative feedback. Norbert was breathed out as he thought of the next thing, saying, "How would people usually protect themselves from spells?" Norbert asked Lily.


    Lily just laughing at the remark. "That''s a convoluted question, and why did you do all that reading before? So put that knowledge to use and answer it yourself."


    Norbert nodded as he stared back, thinking over the texts, remembering a common theme in some. Norbert answered, "Two common ways: either use a spell to take the brunt of the force, either dissipating it or changing the trajectory." Norbert said, looking down at Lily, who nodded in approval, waiting for Norbert to continue. "Or, to have some protection, I''d assume in the form of armour to help stop it from blasting on you?" Norbert asked as he looked down at Lily.


    Nodding her approval, "Full marks to you." She responded.


    Norbert gets an annoyed look. "But I can''t do either of those things. Well, with the assumption that gear to offer that protection would require the user to pump mana into it?" Norbert asked.


    Only receiving a nod in return, Norbert threw his arms up in annoyance. "So what am I supposed to do?" Norbert asked her.


    She grinned as she looked behind Norbert, following her gaze at Count von Count, who grinned the same grin on his face. Norbert stared as he walked over to them. Stopping before Norbert, he leaned in, whispering two words to him.


    "Get good."


    Norbert just stared at the vampire, using all of his self-control not to strangle him.

 Chapter 169 A Good Shove

    Norbert walked over, knowing what he would need to make it work for when the tournament came. Turning to Lily, Norbert asked, "Is there a dummy here that shoots spells?"


    Just a shake of her head, Norbert looked out at the hall., "Guess I need to ask to be the dummy for someone then?" Norbert asked her.


    Lily just shook her head. "Not here; other sections are more designed for that sort of thing. And anyway, around here are the ones not in the tournament." As she began walking off.


    Norbert followed after her, wondering if they would change their floor again. They continued to walk forward, finding themselves heading past the stairs. Norbert looked at them as Lily continued. Norbert did not want to interrupt her or else get berated for the entire walk.


    Following silently down the hall, going deeper and deeper inside turning back, Norbert could no longer see the wall on the far end that they came from. Watching as it disappeared into a white haze.


    Turning back around, Norbert felt a change in the air. Gone were the rows and rows of magic circles, that were sparsely occupied. The domes were still there, each one bigger than the previous one, some ranging in size from enough to have two large groups battling each other to the size of a telephone box. The barriers that formed it constantly pulsed a light colour, creating a shimmering haze on anything inside.


    As Norbert passed, seeing some here having groups of people inside, especially the larger ones, seeing almost complete teams available. Norbert watched as the groups clashed with each other, spells flying everywhere. Norbert watching in silence, the sound not exiting the dome. Norbert asked Lily, "What are they training for?"


    "Same thing you are, for the most part. It will get busier soon when the announcement reaches all the expeditions, and they are able to finish off their assignments." Lily said, continuing to walk past.


    Thinking over her words, Norbert said, "Was it just luck that I came back when I did?" Norbert asked her.


    Lily just smiled. "Was it luck or Luck? We shall never know." Norbert shakes his head.


    Turning to her, she asked him, "So, how did you know?"


    "When the rumour came about of statue of Luck''s water flowing again in Alasium. As well as a report Sally had on the area." Lily explained to him.


    "That was a mighty fine leap in logic," Norbert told her.


    "That and your vampire friend over there, as he put it ''spilled the beans''." Lily said, pointing to Count von Count on her other side with her thumb.


    In return, Norbert glared at Count von Count, the grin appearing on the vampire''s face again. Norbert focused on removing the thought it had, which would only distract him from his goal to come here and have a competition to see who was the best.


    A question: "If everyone is battling against each other here, what is the point of the first tournament?" Norbert asked Lily.


    Lily pointed out a desk clerk sitting with a leader board beside her. "It''s unofficial and helpful with the tournament for rankings, for this is entertainment, and the creators of this one want to have the best fights. Don''t want your best facing off against each other too soon, possibly losing in the next tournament." Lily said to him.


    Norbert nodded, seeing that this was just a process to give anyone a chance that an expedition group would seem worthy. He opens his mouth to ask another question, but Lily smacks him on his arm.


    "You need to register, so get your identity card out, and make sure it''s out before you get to the front desk; the clerks on this floor don''t appreciate the tardy," Lily said to him, the last part dropping off, not wanting anyone to overhear her remark about the clerks.


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    Norbert did not respond as he ruffled through his bag, checking the pouches inside for the card. Shuffling through the line, Norbert grasped it, pulling it out as his heart stilled. He started back up again as he confirmed it was the card he was looking for.


    Looking up, the queue he had been in now disappeared, only one person in front of him as they received their card in return and a plaque. Norbert stepped forward, placing his ID card on the desk.


    The clerk slid the card towards her, not even speaking to Norbert as she looked down at the card and then back at Norbert. The only change in her demeanour she recognised was a faint eyebrow raise before reaching for a plaque and giving it to Norbert.


    Picking it and his card up right away, Norbert looked down, the only words being his name and number. Stepping to the side, finding himself in front of the leader board, Norbert looked at the rankings. Seeing only a wooden board with static writing, Norbert watched as it glowed.


    Norbert turned to Lily, who just lifted a finger; Norbert watched as the static started to move, scowling down to the bottom. Landing on number 1573, Norbert saw his name next to it.


    Looking at the plaque, Norbert confirmed the number to be the same, shaking his head in annoyance as he looked at the rank, now on 1573. Seeing the order of things, Norbert watched as Lily brought it to the top; seeing the person in the top rank being number 101, dismissing the name, Norbert turned to Lily.


    "How do you move up the rankings?" Norbert asked her.


    "Simple, move one rank up per person you defeat who has a higher rank than yourself. You lose ranks for every battle lost against someone below you. Someone below can challenge anyone above without repercussions, and people need to accept challenges."


    Norbert nodded in response, thinking there should be more rules to stop spamming people. "And what stops someone from inundating someone else with rankings?"


    "It doesn''t matter; this is only to help the rankers for this one. There isn''t any point in doing that." Lily says to Norbert.


    Nodding in response to it, Norbert looked around. "So, how do you challenge someone?" Norbert asked.


    Someone tapped him on the shoulder; Norbert looked around and saw someone behind him. Looking down, Norbert saw the man wearing similar gear to his, not seeing any weapons on the man, the distinct feature being his bald head shining back at him in the light. "Heard you want a challenge?" they asked.


    Face scrunching up as Norbert looked forward. "What''s your ranking?" Norbert asked the man.


    Waving, responding to the question, "Guess it''s your first time. I''m your matchmaker. Gloober."


    Norbert just stared back at the man, not believing his name. Just nodding as Norbert looked around, "Norbert, number 1573, so anyone you think I should go against?"


    Gloober pointed out one of the challengers, standing around. "That one is a good one."


    Norbert just turning to who Gloober pointed out, suddenly being pushed from behind, stumbling forward hearing a shout behind him ¡°This one challenges you!¡±


    Everyone turned to him as Norbert pointed his arm at the man, gaining his balance as he looked at who he was pointing to. The man rolled his shoulders as he nodded, walking away from Norbert toward one of the domes. Norbert looked around as everyone went quiet, a crowd forming around the dome the person went through.


    Scanning the crowd, Norbert looked for Gloober, unable to find his shiny head in the background. Gulping, Norbert walked forward, Lily coming up behind him, taking his backpack off his back. Norbert opening his mouth to ask a question, only to receive a shake of her head. Staying quiet he ruffled around, taking out his helmet, and holding both pieces, Norbert looked down, seeing her hands flash for a moment before nodding and handing it over to him.


    It was now, knowing how deep he was getting, Norbert stepped forward, donning his helmet, clipping the two pieces together as he entered the dome, feeling like he was walking through the smoke before it cleared again.


    The man standing there, with no weapons, looked towards Norbert. Norbert placed his hand on the hilt of his sword before taking it off, holding his hands on top of it. As Norbert just stared at the man.


    Norbert waited as the man flicked his hand forward, Norbert unable to see anything before his body slammed into something. Norbert looked forward as he went down the barrier, surprised that it stopped his body and he didn''t go flying through.


    Norbert looked down on his body, and there was nothing wrong with it as he stood up, brushing himself to ensure nothing was wrong. His hands moved as he felt them crack back into place.


    Turning to the crowd behind him, Norbert asked, "Does that mean I''m out?"


    The crowd shook their head in negative, pointing to another dome. Norbert stared as someone was blasted away, the dome turning red before someone stumbled out. Norbert looked at the dome, seeing it was the same colour as before, not counting him as yet from being eliminated.


    Brushing his clothes off once more, Norbert stepped forward, pushing energy into his body and eyes, trying to increase his reaction time for the next spell coming his way. So he wouldn''t make as much of a fool as he did the first time.

 Chapter 170 Third times the Charm

    Changing his vision to magic sight, Norbert watched the man before him. Seeing around him darkness surrounded the man, almost to the point that he was utterly obscured and unable to see him.


    Focusing on the vision, Norbert turned down the magic sight to stop it from obscuring it so he could correctly see his opponent. Seeing the darkness come towards him in a fist, Norbert rolled to the side, feeling it hit against his feet and making him slide on the ground.


    He saw the man standing there, not moving from his position. Looking around, not seeing the darkness consuming after him, he went, rolling forward. Halfway through the roll, something hit his feet, causing him to skid outwards, tumbling around on the ground.


    Scampering to his feet, Norbert looked forward, seeing a wall around the man, stopping him. Norbert rushed forward, leaping into the air, spinning around, pushing off the dome''s ceiling, and launching himself to the ground.


    Tensing himself up, knowing there would be a barrier he would impact first. Feeling him hit something, then as it crumpled inwards, Norbert fell several centimetres before stopping again. Staring down, grinning at the man below him, Norbert raised his fist, waiting for himself to be carried off into another section again.


    He was nodding. He felt something grasp his waist before lifting him into the air. Norbert felt his body go weightless as he felt it go further down, the wind whipping through his hair before he impacted the ground.


    He groaned as he leaned forward, seeing the crater in the ground that he had created, feeling cuts in the back of his head, brushing the pieces of stone out of his body as he felt it heal closed underneath his fingers. Standing up, Norbert brushed himself off before staring at the man.


    "You could have killed someone!" Norbert shouted to him.


    Expecting some reaction from his comment but receiving nothing, not even a shrug or a note that he even heard him, Norbert picked himself up, stepping out of the man-shaped hole he had created. He looked at the crowd and saw them still, just staring at the beat down he was experiencing.


    He was shaking his legs loose, feeling bits of stone hitting the ground. Looking towards the ground, wondering how they would fix the mess this guy was making. Placing his hands over his daggers, Norbert weighed up whether to use them or if he should try a third time.


    Whispering to himself, "Third times the charm." Norbert rushed forward, going straight at the man.


    Pushing energy throughout his body, building up as much speed in the shortest amount of space possible, and sliding on the ground, Norbert saw the darkness appear above him; taking out a dagger, Norbert threw it, sending it flying ahead of him.


    He was closely following behind, watching as the dagger hit something before bouncing to the ground. Foot extended, feeling it buckle, before smashing through it, knowing the second barrier would be there. Norbert held firm, feeling his foot once more collide with something.


    Leaning forward, Norbert punched, feeling the barrier shatter. With his left hand outstretched for the man''s neck, Norbert grasped onto it, the two of them falling onto a heap on the floor.


    Locking his legs around the man''s torso, Norbert raised his fist; as he brought it down onto the man''s face, Norbert felt something in case his hand, going tighter the further down he went.


    Dismissing the concern, Norbert followed through with the punch, feeling his hand squeeze tighter and tighter. Not stopping, Norbert continued down, surprised at what he felt. Instead of a closed fist impacting the man''s face, it was the pulp of a hand, blood covering everywhere, the bones ground to dust.


    Hearing the wet smack, Norbert stared at his fist, not believing what happened. Stunned, the man pushed his palm flat against Norbert''s chest. Before he realised it, Norbert felt himself rushing through the air again.


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    Focusing on healing his left hand, Norbert waited for himself to start to fall again. As he impacted against the dome ceiling, waiting for it to start to fall, he was surprised when he stayed out there. He focused on his hand healing, seeing the nubs of the digits start to poke through, the purple blood flowing through his body, the energy crackling inside of him, trying to be released.


    Norbert flexed his arms, trying to move them but unable to. Norbert counted, unable to twist his head around, pushing with all his might to break free. Unable to move anything to gain momentum, seeing the darkness holding him up, not even budging, Norbert went limp, nodding to the man underneath him.


    Seeing the barrier behind him turn red, the force keeping him up disappeared instantly as Norbert started falling to the ground again. Landing on his feet, Norbert flexed his left hand, seeing the fingers fully grown, the last of the flesh covering it.


    Waving towards his opponent, receiving a nod in return, Norbert walked through the barrier, the crowd dissipating as he left, the entertainment going.


    Scanning around the crowd, Norbert looked for his companions, spotting them as they started to thin. The three of them unmoving, Lily holding out his backpack for him.


    He took it from her grasp and slung it over his shoulder. Obsius landed on his other shoulder, twittering into his ear. Listening intently, noticing patterns the bird was able to pick up as a third-party observer rather than being flung around the dome.


    Nodding his head a final time to the bird, reaching up as he brushed against her feathers, Obsius pushing against his palm, trying to get as close as possible. He changed his focus to the two others, people staring at the vampire, a few pointing and whispering at Lily.


    "Looks like we have a couple amidst us," Norbert said to the two.


    Count von Count just smiled at the crowd, waving his hand like he was the queen of England to her followers. "They just all love me." He said, pretending to wipe a single tear from his eye.


    Norbert just shook his head at the drama queen, turning to Lily and waiting for an explanation.


    She shrugged as she stepped forward, removing his mask and wiping it on her sleeve. Norbert realised some of his blood had stuck to it on the fight. I handed it back to him, noticing the sleeve was completely clean, the same as the mask, not seeing any hints of the grime even existing in the first place.


    Leaning back, Lily explained, "It comes with the position. Those in Sally''s group are famous and infamous in other parts."


    Norbert opened his mouth before closing it again, agreeing with Lily''s words. Seeing someone as the best of the best, he would assume, as he wondered what she was doing instructing people in the first place, much less scouts.


    Knowing he wouldn''t get an answer here, with too many other people around, starting to feel their eyes dig into his back, turning around and feeling them all move off him; only when he would return his attention to Lily and Count von Count would they appear again. It was a game of cat and mouse, and Norbert wasn''t sure which one he was supposed to be.


    "Just realised, where is that bastard Gloober?" Norbert asked the two of them.


    Both of them shrugged as they walked away. Stepping forward, Norbert caught up with Lily, speaking behind her, "That happens all the time. People are being thrown at others trying to see what will stick, finding out which ones are those to keep an eye out for and who can just be dismissed." She said.


    Norbert nodded along. "Then why did he pick me of all people?" Norbert asked.


    Obsius pecked him on his ear for his stupid question, rubbing it, happy not to see any blood on his hand. Count von Count perked up, wrapping his arm around his neck. "Listen here, my friend, look out there; what do you see."


    Norbert followed his hand, looking upon the crowd. About to open his mouth, Norbert looked again, seeing everyone looking at him and each other, eyes peeled. Some were nervous, others cocky, some just wanting for it to continue, and others mingling with the crowd, going through it like what Gloober did with him.


    "They''re all alone," Norbert said.


    Count von Count nodded. "Bingo, and what about you?" he asked, pointing to Norbert now.


    Norbert looked around, seeing Lily just a step ahead, the crowd parting for her, a vampire on one shoulder and a bird on the other. They looked at the crowd again, wondering if anyone even had a pet with them, but nothing.


    "I''m not alone," Norbert said out loud.


    Count von Count nodded. "And that''s what makes you different; everyone else is alone. No matter how good they are, they have nobody to fall back on. But look at you, having three people to fall onto."


    Obsius chirped up in agreement. Norbert nodded his head, a feeling coming off his chest. "And so me not being alone, or more importantly, having others here not even competing, makes me ¡­ special," Norbert said.


    As he was grinning to himself, Count von Count took his arm off Norbert''s neck before he felt a blow to the back of the head, smashing him into the floor.


    Obsius took into the air, landing when Norbert alighted himself. Again "Now, don''t get cocky now. Remember what I said last time." Count von Count asked him. He was wiggling his pointer finger at him, like a little boy being scolded.

 Chapter 171 Rest

    Norbert having completed several more bouts after his loss with the 101 man, they swarmed to have their turn with him. All being pointed, as the man said in a gruff voice, "Those who defeat him can then challenge me."


    Those above him in the ranks challenge Norbert first, just for the challenge of ranking up and the chance to face 101. The first several being cocky, thinking that someone of such low rank would be an easy feat. This resulted in Norbert quickly gaining ten ranks.


    The rest is more hesitant, the number few and far between. As those ahead of him dwindled, already not wanting to lose their ranking to him, those underneath him rose. Norbert was swarmed in fight after fight, becoming a challenge for those new rankings.


    He did not even have time to leave the dome; in the end, he just stood in the middle as a line formed on the outside. As he went further along, he saw that those in the queue were just idly chatting to each other, like waiting in line at a fast food restaurant before getting your order taken.


    As Norbert saw more and more people joining the line, it grew as more people came to add themselves to the tournament. Most of the people he fought could not leave a scratch on him.


    Their magic could be crushed with a single fist, and whatever physical strength or speed they had was ultimately useless compared to him. Norbert watched as people tried different tactics against him¡ªthe meta-changing on how to take him best down.


    As it went further, it started to be only range attacks, his opponents trying to unleash as much as possible on him before he caught them. Ultimately, it was useless, as everyone would get caught, slammed against the dome as it turned red, signalling another defeated foe.


    As time passed, Norbert saw people leaving for some time, returning cycles later. Norbert started to count these as he continued, pushing back any sleepiness he would have experienced from it, recognizing his energy intake slowly tick more and more for him to continue dominating his opponents.


    The last one finally came through, Norbert swaying on his feet, waiting for someone else to enter his dome. When none did, Norbert looked around, seeing the line that had been there for so long disappear, everybody going elsewhere for their fights.


    Norbert, breathing a sigh of relief, walked out of the bloody dome, his feet squelching in his blood, sweat, and the opponent''s fear. Spotting Lily, Count von Count and Obsius sitting on a bench to the side of his dome, not knowing where they acquired a bench in the first place.


    Walking forward when he was several meters away, Norbert saw Count von Count pinching his nose as he talked to Lily, waving his other hand in front of his face. Lifting his arm, Norbert smelled where his pit was, the stench wafting out of the area. Slightly gagged at the smell, Norbert dismissed it from his mind and continued walking forward, watching Count von Count lean backward, wanting to escape him.


    Norbert continued to walk forward; about to open his mouth, Lily held out her hand, watching as a rune appeared before she tapped it. An onslaught of water gushed over him, pushing him several steps back.


    The water was waning; as he blinked the water out of his eyes and began to open them, gusts of warm wind hit him. Feeling like he was standing before an air dryer, Norbert slowly spun around, ensuring he was dried.


    After completing two spins, the air died down. He opened his eyes and saw the pool of water still on the stone floor behind him. Those in the area have moved away, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire.


    Turning back around, Norbert sees Lily scooching to the side, allowing him to sit down. Unbuckling his sword, Norbert sat on the bench, draping the weapon over his legs. Having not used any of them in the fights after the man that used darkness, Norbert did not even check to see their condition.


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    Sitting down, Norbert closed his eyes, the dome events rushing together. Having versed so many opponents, he couldn''t put his finger on one of them anymore; it was just a big blur.


    Feeling himself sway slightly, leaning to the left, Norbert felt sleep take over him. He accepted it as it embraced him, a warm blanket to cover his body.


    ***


    Stretching his arms above his head, Norbert opened his eyes. He twisted his head around and felt his neck pop from his sleeping position. He yawned almighty as he dropped his hands to his lap, banging against the sword still there.


    Opening and closing his mouth, hearing his lips smack against each other, he looked at his neighbour, Lily, just staring at him. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he asked her, "So, how long was I asleep for?"


    Lily looked around, the ground in front of the bench still wet. "Only several cycles."


    Norbert nodded his head in response, his brain starting to wake up. Nodding in response, Norbert asked, "And how long had I been in the dome for?"


    Count von Count chuckled, interrupting Lily before she could respond, "Three weeks, dude."


    Norbert nods his head before twisting his body around. "Wait, what?"


    "Yeah, three weeks. People made it a game to see who would stop first, the contestants or you. And guess who won." Count von Count said.


    Obsius chirped from the vampire''s shoulder, the vampire nodding in response as he brought out a pouch from Norbert''s backpack. I saw it bulge, knowing that the little bird had somehow made even more cash out of setting up the bets.


    Turning to the bird, who puffed out her chest with pride, Norbert questioned her, "And I thought you were meant to be the responsible mum of the group. And I''m your child that you criticize?"


    Obsius spent staring at Norbert, giving a sharp tweet in return before turning to Count von Count, continuing to chirp in the vamp vampires. Norbert shook his head at the attitude. Lily looked at Norbert as he sighed, letting the bird''s response out.


    "She said she is the parent, but that doesn''t mean she can''t have fun. Before turning to Count von Count and saying how much trouble I would be in, I''m the only one to have fun around here." Norbert said to Lily.


    Lily stared at the bird. "Is that right?" She asked Obsius.


    Obsius nodded in response, still not looking at Norbert as she went to the other side of Count von Count''s shoulder, hidden from Norbert''s view.


    Chuckling to himself, the secret that Norbert could talk to the bird was slowly becoming known by others. Turning to Lily, she asked, "How did I outlast everyone? Wouldn''t they go again?" Norbert asked.


    "Rule states can only fight an opponent once," Lily responded.


    Norbert nodded. "And as someone above cannot challenge in that sort of scenario, did I just clean out everyone below me in rankings?" Norbert asked.


    Receiving a nod in return, Norbert whistled to himself, not believing the outcome of what happened. Shaking his head, still not believing the following question on his mind, "So, what now?" he asked her.


    "Now, with the trials nearly over, most people are doing a last bit of study before going to the next floor above us." She said.


    Norbert looked at her, a quizzical look on his face. "Next floor?" he asked her.


    Lily nodded in response, "Yes, the next floor. That''s where the tournament is held."


    Norbert stared at the ceiling. "Inside a mountain?" He questioned her. The thought slipped from his mouth, "Then what about the roof collapsing?"


    Lily just stared at him in return, shaking her head before clapping her hands together and opening them apart. "Magic" she whispered to him.


    Norbert nods along, her actions reminding him of a particular yellow sponge in memes with a rainbow.


    Turning to her questioningly, Norbert asked, "How do you know about memes?"


    Lily looked around before turning back to Norbert. "What?" Norbert asked her. "Not like anyone is going to know what that is. Just going to sound foreign to them." Norbert told her.


    Lily just shook her head, not even responding to Norbert''s antics. "We will be moving to the top floor in several cycles." She said.


    Norbert put his game face on as he removed his mask, placing it on his knee. He removed his gloves and placed them on the other. Rubbing his face, getting the wrinkles out and moving the muscles around, feeling the skin touch skin after so long of neither having appropriately breathed.


    He looked down at his clothes, surprised he hadn''t felt any chaffing from his con. He looked worn, taking it up with the purple healing factor he now had, repairing anything.


    Stuck in his musing, Norbert felt movement on the bench. Seeing Lily stand up and head to the stairwell, most others were already heading in that direction, and everyone else was starting to move. The only ones not moving were those still looking at the leader board.


    He stood up, donning his gear as he picked up his backpack from Count von Count, feeling its increased weight from before. Curious, Norbert opened it up, seeing several sacks inside and rustling his hands between hearing the jingling of coins. Shocked, Norbert looked at Obsius, sure he saw the bird sticking her tongue at him. Shaking his head, Norbert slung it over his shoulder, wondering what the bird could need too many coins for.

 Chapter 172 Number 23

    As the trio walked up the steps, Lily in the lead, with Norbert following and Count von Count taking the rear. Obsius is still on Count von Count''s shoulder, not wanting Norbert to look at her. Trudging up the stairs, the crowd made room for them without asking.


    Walking up the spiral stairs, the people there looked familiar like he had seen most of them somewhere before, but all combined into a blur. As he continued, the feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ vu grew ever worse until it hit him, like he did so many of these here. These were all the people he had defeated or possibly saw him defeat the massive congregation.


    As Norbert went through, whispers followed him, asking if he was one, feeling it drift out of range for Norbert to hear, only to be replaced by the same conversation from a new group.


    Drowning the noise out as he climbed, he could now see more of the hall than before between the people''s heads on the side. Seeing the domes, now emptying, slowly being deactivated one by one, the runes on the ground, tilting his head in thought, he viewed the veins through the granite connecting them all.


    From above, Norbert could see the pattern painted on the floor before him, the entire hall a set of flowing magic circles, the points all connected into one massive network. As Norbert stared, the entire thing way out of his knowledge, a single thought came to his mind. What is it for?


    Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert continued up the spiral staircase. Leaving it to people who knew much more about the topic than him. Nearing the top, Lily got to the next floor; the only thought on Norbert''s mind was what the next fights would be and getting through them.


    Stepping up and continuing to walk forward on the level, the opening differed from what he had expected. With all the other floors, they had been different, vastly different. But this one looked the same: a carbon copy of the hall he was on.


    Spinning around in a circle, Norbert looked about; the more he looked, the more he could pick the differences. Here, the ceiling was a lot lower than before. Norbert felt like he would be able to touch the ceiling.


    Norbert saw a lookout along each wall, some people staring down, talking and mingling with each other. Looking up there, reminding him of the people in the hall, he journeys through to see Lily and Sally in their offices.


    As Norbert stepped on the floor, people on the watching platform pointed to him, feeling their stares burn into him. Norbert and Lily looked back at them before looking forward on their path.


    Leaning forward, Norbert whispered, "You know I don''t need to be babied around?" Norbert told her.


    Lily did not respond, just flicking her raised hand, dismissing the question as they continued walking. Spotting the rings on the ground, the domes in the air, these of the same size, not differing in size, all of them the size of the giant domes on the floor below, the size not being a constraint on the fight.


    Lily stopped several meters from the stairwell they entered; Norbert stopped beside her. Looking around, trying to see the reason why but unable to, the place they stopped looking the same as everywhere else.


    He was moving his sight up to the onlookers above; he saw a familiar face. He nodded to Commander Sally up there before she looked away from him, talking to someone else above. Tapping his fingers on his dagger, Norbert waited for the waiting speech to come. The last dregs of people finally made their up the stairs located in the hall.


    The crowd started to push around him, bumping shoulders with each other, though not with the trio. People give a wide berth to the vampire, not wanting to get near him. Norbert turned around, not surprised, Count von Count barring his fangs from the entire crowd.


    She was shaking his head at the stupidity behind him, knowing why Lily hadn''t turned around once while waiting. Quickly, the crowd grew quiet, and all the shuffling stopped as everybody looked up.


    Joining them, Norbert saw Commander Sally stepping forward as she looked down on the crowd before her. Nodding, she said, "Thank you all for coming here. Some of you are new to this, but mostly are familiar faces."


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    Commander Sally let her voice hang in the air, dying down before she continued, "For those that will make it through, I thank you and to represent Morenas in the tournament to come."


    Backing away, Norbert and everyone looked around the crowd, expecting a longer speech from the commander to be heard. As Norbert felt the people around him look around in confusion and about to open their mouths, someone from the viewing platform stepped forward.


    "Thank you, commander. Now, everyone will be battling each other, only a hundred people can make it through the competition. Fights will be called out to everyone. Prepare for your fights, and don''t forget the number given previously. The first battles will start in ten rotations." The commentator above said.


    Everyone looked at each other in response, wondering what their fate would be next. Lily turned around, reaching out her hand to Norbert. Unslinging his backpack, Norbert handed it over to Lily, watching as she opened it up, taking out the back half of the mask and handing it over to Norbert.


    Combining the two over his head, he heard it click inside as it clicked into place. Hearing it all come together. Touching all his weapons, kicking himself that he didn''t have any time to practice throwing daggers, touching his blades, the knife still on his belt.


    Hand going over his coin pouch, Norbert looked down, unbuckling it from his belt, letting the coins rest in his hand before they continued forward, dropping out of his hand and into the backpack, hearing the clink of coins hitting each other before settling in the backpack.


    Patting himself down again, confident with everything he had, Norbert nodded to himself, trying to push the butterflies in his stomach down, nervous about what was happening. Remembering all his previous fights, the hundreds he did, now amounting to nothing as they didn''t matter.


    The next few would be the ones that mattered; could people have been hiding their information and secrets from him, waiting for this moment?


    Norbert tapped his hand over his dagger hilts, feeling them hit around as he waited for the timer to tick down.


    The time ticked down until, finally, it hit the mark. The commentator, before stepping forward, voice echoing around the hall, "The first contestants will be ¡­"


    Norbert drowned the voice out, only listening for his name and number to go out. Names and numbers are going through, hearing the number 101 and as being called.


    "And last but not least, 1543 Norbert Scout against 23 Aster Mage," the speaker above spoke, stopping as his voice echoed throughout the hall, falling to silence.


    The domes appear, the numbers appearing on top of each one. Norbert continued down the line until he saw his number scribbled above it. The other is already standing inside, looking over the crowd, waiting for this person to appear.


    Count von Count patted him on the shoulder before pushing him inside; Norbert felt himself through the barrier, the dome ceiling above him. He locked eyes with his contestant, not having seen her last time.


    Norbert unsheathed his sword, hearing it slide against the bundle, before going into his stance, sword pointing at the woman''s head and looking at the mage, wearing the expected blue robes. Her staff in hand raised, pointing at Norbert.


    Seeing her mouth move, he chanted to himself. I looked at the dome, saw it flash red, and realised it was counting down. Steadying himself, Norbert breathed in again, holding his breath and keeping the air in his body.


    He pushed his energy through his body, not wanting this to go over longer then needed to. Seeing as the dome''s flashing stopped, Norbert wondered what to do next as a rune appeared before the mage.


    Leaping to the side, Norbert throws his dagger in the general direction. Skidding to the side, looking to see if anything was coming his way. Seeing nothing, his opponent continued chanting. Taking his dagger out with his left hand, Norbert threw it towards the mage, watching as it spun through the air.


    She followed it; Norbert came to the mage and watched as her eyes opened before she touched her staff to the rune. Norbert saw the blue rune disappearing before a torrent of water launched at him.


    Seeing the small jet shooting towards him, moving his body to the side but not fast enough, the jet of water ripping through his arm. His arm flapped to the side as he pushed the energy into it. Norbert watched as the dagger continued, missing the mage.


    Norbert did not stop himself as he rushed forward, sword in front as he gutted the mage. A barrier appeared, the sword sliding to the side, a blue barrier holding it off. Norbert stepped past as he swung the sword around, hearing it whistle, and it crashed again.


    The mage held her hand up in a cross brace, a barrier around it, as she caught the blade. She felt herself pushed back under the force of his strike. Dropping the sword, Norbert rushed forward, hand forming a fist towards the woman''s head.


    The mage was looking, eyes going wide before he made contact. His fist sent her flying into the barrier on his right. The barrier lit up red, showing Norbert''s number only, the other disappearing.


    Norbert looked at the mage and saw someone from the side walking forward, a rune already appearing. Taking the mage through the dome and placing their hands on her face, Norbert watched as the face started to go down, the bruise disappearing.


    Norbert turned around, looked at the other domes, and saw them continue to fight, and one by one, they stopped. Norbert is looking at a new number now next to Norbert''s 1543. Not caring what it said, Norbert picked up his dagger and sword, sheathing them as he walked back, waiting for his next opponent.

 Chapter 173 And on we Go

    He stared at the number next to his, having now appeared at the top of the dome. Seeing it was over two thousand, dismissing the rest of it, one of them likely already defeated this opponent. Watching the crowd, seeing who would make their way towards him, nodding his head as one person stepped through.


    They were looking down; I saw their slumped shoulders at having caught eyesight with Norbert. Their golden tinged armour glistening in the light. As Norbert continued to stare almost seeing sparkles start to shine off it, pixie dust almost falling off, when it touched the ground would disappear. The area smelling like sugar, getting stronger with the warriors every step. The hilt of a sword poking behind his head, sword strapped to their side over their back. Norbert rubbed his head as he tried to remember.


    The barrier flashed red around them. Norbert''s opponent is just standing there.


    "Can''t believe you were a scout." The man said to himself.


    "What?" Norbert asked him, trying to hear what he was saying.


    Only receiving a dismissive wave before unsheathing their sword, Norbert followed suit, pointing it at the man. His opponent had two hands on his sword, pointing it towards the air.


    Seeing it stop flashing, Norbert pushed himself with energy as he charged forward, viewing the man''s blade as it slowly came down, like in slow motion. Norbert swung his sword into his opponent like a baseball bat, watching as a golden barrier erupted around the man, centring around his armour.


    The sword slowly goes down, Norbert spinning to the side, having their two weapons clanging together. His opponent''s sword went backwards; Norbert watched as it went backwards, a look of acceptance appearing on his face. Norbert went forward, slamming his shoulder into the chest of the man.


    His opponent stumbles backwards, passing through the barrier. Norbert is watching above him, seeing only his number stay up there, his opponents having disappeared. Norbert returned his eyes to the man, watching as he shrugged his shoulders, sheathing his sword and walking away from the dome.


    Norbert watched the crowd ask him about it, shaking his head as he continued through them. The others around him are just making way, some patting his back. I wondered what they were discussing, but no sound was going through the barrier.


    He was waiting for the following number to appear, sheathing his sword again, not wanting to hold it for so long. As he waited for the next opponent to appear, his sense of fear stopped, and the butterflies were no longer in his stomach. Taking over its place was one of dread, for him to fight one after the other for days.


    Shaking his head, Norbert looked up at the numbers, seeing the next one appear. Not even paying attention to the number now appearing, "Enjoying the battles, Luck?" He asked. Watching as the crowd parted, his next challenger appeared.


    ***


    He no longer keeps track of the number of fights he was up to after the fourth, not even seeing the point of drawing the sword and rushing in towards the opponent, only changing his pattern if they seemed to be charging a spell beforehand. He let a dagger fly from his hand, dodging to the side before rushing forward and moving them out of the dome.


    When his number disappeared, I breathed a sigh of relief; his fate would be out of his hands if he made it through. The precise record has to be helpful for his chance to continue to the next tournament; I''m wondering what it would be about that one compared to this one.


    Walking through the crowd, I see Count von Count standing there, Norbert''s backpack in his hand, watching over the dome. Obsius is on his shoulder, looking towards him. Norbert is happy that the bird is finally out of her funk.


    He walked forward, rolling his shoulders, not realising the tightness he had during the battles he had just gone through. Breathing out, his shoulders slumped, Norbert grabbed his backpack from Count von Count''s outstretched hand.


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    Turning around, not seeing Lily around them, asking the question in his mind, "Where''s Lily?"


    Count von Count swirled his hand to the stands, "Somewhere up there. Had some important business to attend to or whatever." The vampire said.


    Norbert looked up to where he was pointing, not seeing Lily, though surprised at who was staring back at him. The commentator, still announcing the next fights the same as before as they concluded, constant noise in the air.


    As Norbert stared at him, the commentator speaking, the noise drowned out, to Norbert''s lips moving, without any sound coming out and wondering what the man had to do with him. Standing at him, Norbert did not want to break eye contact with the man as the hairs on his neck stood up.


    Feeling a breeze come up the back, not paying attention, just continuing to stare back at the commentator. Seeing a hand reach behind his opponent, tapping them on the shoulder, turning around to speak to whoever was there, currently blocked by the balcony rail.


    Turning around, I saw Count von Count staring between them, raising an eyebrow, asking Norbert what that was about.


    Stepping closer, Norbert just replying, "Heebee jeebies. Anyplace to rest for a bit?" Norbert asked the vampire.


    Obsius twittering in his ear before taking off into the air. Norbert walked forward, following the bird after him, wondering where she was leading them and continuing to the centre of the room, seeing the stairs leading down.


    Alighting on the railing, Obsius chirping appeared before him. Norbert went forward, hopping onto the railing, his backpack still slung over his back. He was kicking his feet in the air, whistling to himself. Count von Count joined beside him, whistling too. Obsius, the last in the trio, also joins in, the three singing three different tunes, none mixing, just clashing together and becoming an ear-sore.


    The crowd slowly walked away from the three of them, Norbert keeping an eye out for Lily, wondering when she would return, as he wondered what the next part of his journey here would be.


    Or was his time in the Halls of the Mountain King over?


    ***


    The speaker read out all hundred names and made it through the round. Norbert was still resting on the rail, listening as he half-paid attention to the proceedings. He was listening in, having heard his name come and go.


    Nodding his head in approval, Obsius turned to him now and chirped for him to succeed. Count von Count, and Obsius trailed behind him, holding his backpack over his back. The bird landed on his shoulder.


    Walking forward, Norbert headed over to the section intended for him. Meeting the group there, right in front of the commentator, the others around them with each name passing sighing, pain shooting through them on every word.


    "And last but not least, 101 Finekus Mage." With the last name being called out, the others looked around, already heading towards the stairs leading to the lower levels and the portal rooms to leave the Halls of the Mountain King.


    "Thank you all for the other contestants who failed. Luck will be with you for the next time and your future journeys. Please head towards the portals and exit here; it would be much appreciated." He said as he stopped talking, waiting in silence as those not in the circle with Norbert were already making their way down.


    As the final one finally went, Norbert noticed it was the warrior in the armour he had fought before, the gold trim and sword¡ªthe two of them locked eyes. With a nod of his head, he departed as well. Norbert nodded in return, saluting him with his hand lowered, receiving another nod as they went together.


    Norbert turned around, facing the announcer again far above. Watching as the announcer stepped over the balcony, falling onto the floor with them. Landing on the stone, dust going everywhere, much more than what should have been created.


    Quickly changing to magic vision, Norbert was hit with a wave of colours. Some sparkling and pulsing right under his eyes. Before changing it back to normal, the dust could still be seen with his magic vision before it slowly disappeared.


    "Now, follow me, all of you." The announcer said. Norbert noticed his head wholly lost in the crowd, unable to see him between everyone else''s shoulders.


    Following the rest of the group, Norbert looked back and saw Commander Sally standing on the balcony edge, hand grabbing over the side; Norbert saw a bit of dust coming down. Wondering what could have made her so uneasy, Norbert saluted to her, hand far above in the air.


    Only receiving a nod in return, Norbert went forward, following through with the others. Count von Count was already looking behind, seeing the interaction between the two before turning away, leading forward as he looked at them. Norbert is catching up, jogging to make it there.


    Meeting up with the group, Norbert saw another staircase leading further above. Wondering what would be there, Norbert continued walking in silence.


    After several minutes of this, Count von Count started whistling. The guide stopped, and so did everyone else in turn. Norbert saw their eyes bulging and appearing on their forehead. Norbert, grinning, opened his mouth and joined in the whistling as well.

 Chapter 174 Up up and Away

    Norbert looked forward, nodding his head in tune with the whistling and seeing out of the corner of his eye Count von Count grinning as he continued to whistle. The announcer entered the crowd; Norbert could almost see steam from the man''s head.


    The crowd finally parted as Norbert saw the announcer, wearing his suit, a black tux with a bowtie; Norbert was surprised to see the fashion here and on this tiny man out of everyone. Norbert looked down on the announcer, not small enough to be a dwarf but small for a human.


    The announcer turned to Count von Count, asking the question, "Why, are you still here?"


    Count von Count stopped his whistling with a start, pointing his thumb to Norbert. "Cause of him." He said before starting to whistle again immediately, picking up from his tune like he had never stopped.


    The announcer now turned to Norbert, who continued whistling, looking past the man at the crowd just staring at the interaction; Norbert looked ahead as he squinted, noticing another staircase leading up again.


    As the announcer began to open his mouth, Norbert just walked past, sidestepping the man entirely as he continued walking forward. As Norbert walked through the crowd, those parted and followed behind him. Breaking through, Norbert started walking towards the stairwell.


    Hearing a flutter of clothes by his side, Count von Count having joined him, looking up and flicking to magic vision, seeing a trail of red coming from where the vampire was before. Looking forward, seeing the lines of the granite now being shown to him, the magic coursing through them constant but not intense, just a steady trickle down.


    Changing back to normal, the usual colours returning to his vision, Norbert heard a voice shout, "Hey you! Come here!"


    Norbert heard the announcer''s voice from behind, not even turning around as the pair continued walking forward. Hearing steps following him, the group followed Norbert and Count von Count as the pair continued forward.


    Obsius, on Norbert''s shoulder, spinning around, looking at the precision following after them, chirping, notifying Norbert that the announcer had pushed forward, now between the large group and their much smaller group.


    Norbert just grinned, not wanting to say anything in case someone overheard, losing the cool factor he was trying to grow with this stint. Those behind him would be the best that Morenas would be willing to show. Seeing that Lily wasn''t in the competition, there must be some rules for this.


    As Norbert continued forward, he finally saw the stairwell leading further ahead. Continuing at the same pace as before, the closer he came to the stairwell, the easier it was to see something standing beside it.


    He went forward, smiling as he saw who was finally showing up. Waving his head, he saw Lily standing next to the steps. Seeing someone from behind come forward, Norbert nearly accidentally hit them as his eyes came forward.


    As Norbert saw the announcer stop, he stared at Lily, "What are you doing here?" He asked her.


    He was looking towards Norbert, pointing at him with her thumb. The man turned around, now furious again, as he stared at Norbert.


    He was walking forward; Norbert once again moved past the announcer, pointing up the stairs. Lily responded with a nod as she started walking up to them as well. Norbert follows her, Count von Count standing at the foot of the stairs, with his finger and his thumb in the shape of an L on his forehead to the announcer before following Norbert up the stairs.


    Norbert asks what the vampire was doing back there, responding after hearing the explanation, "Do they even know what the L stands for?" He asked back.


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    Count von Count cackled at Norbert''s remark, "Well, with a little voice in their ears telling them what it means, of course." The vampire made him forward.


    Norbert looked ahead, suppressing the grin on his face, knowing the announcer would realise it was about him and catching up with Lily as she made her way up the stairs, meeting her halfway up the spiralling staircase.


    As he made his way to the top with Lily, Count von Count was behind him as usual. The announcer cannot catch up with them. Norbert thinks he heard snickering in the crowd underneath him, still climbing the stairs.


    I looked up once more, wondering what would be on this floor. Seeing a smaller corridor with doors and numbers etched on them, looking through, they seemed to be a random amount, with no order or rhyme.


    Seeing them jump around the place, Norbert started walking down the hall, trying to puzzle it together. There was only a meter of distance between each doorway, its white wood with black veins going down them, all identical in design, like they were all cut from the same section of a tree.


    Walking down the hallway, the doors blended into one another before the design changed. The entire theme of the hallway changes. The cleanliness he saw before was gone; the neatness and order had disappeared.


    Slowly, it came onto him, piece by piece. Something was misplaced; something felt wrong. He stopped his walk, feeling like somebody was watching over his shoulder. Turning around, he saw nobody there; the only people in the hallway were the group meters behind, just crowding around the stairwell.


    Turning back to look further down the hallway, a shiver ran up Norbert''s spine. Staring further down, I see the black veins from the door slowly coming out of the doorways, creeping onto the stone like a fungus growing, sapping the life away.


    Focusing on his vision, as Norbert was about to change it, a female voice whispered, "You won''t be lucky if you stare into the abyss."


    Whipping himself around, Norbert looked back, seeing a golden mote of light in the air, staring as it hopped towards his nose, and when it touched his, it disappeared.


    Taking a shaky breath, Norbert started walking back, feeling something trying to crawl onto him, latch onto his body, and make its way out of there with him. Norbert pushed energy into his body, stepping forward as fast as he could. Turning behind and still seeing nothing, he turned to look forward again, smashing into the back of Count von Count.


    The vampire stumbled slightly as he tried to gain his footing again, successfully doing so and turning around, looking down at Norbert. He watched the hallway for several seconds before staring at Norbert and beckoning with his head to where the announcer was, tapping his foot on the floor.


    Norbert righted himself as he looked at the announcer. Having finally received Norbert''s attention, he began, clearing his throat as he opened his mouth, "For the future, you will be here in these halls. Each door has a number attached to the one given earlier. This will be your home; the resources of the Halls of the Mountain King are at your disposal."


    The announcer gave Lily a look before going down the stairs, Norbert wondering where he possibly could be going and what Lily did to him in the past to have that kind of reaction.


    Everyone''s eyes followed after the announcer as he disappeared down the stairs. Everyone looked at each other for a moment before they started to disperse. They were going down the hallway, looking at doors.


    Norbert stared at the way he had come, the doors looking the same and cutting off after several meters. The doorways stopped as the hallway opened up into something else. Count grabbed him by the sleeve before he could correctly see Count von, nodding further down the opposite end of the hall.


    Following his gaze, Norbert started walking, wondering what the vampire wanted to show him. Passing others who were opening their doors and not the room Norbert expected to see. Opening them up, Norbert saw the portal shining, its blue light bathing the floor near each one.


    Looking back at them, Norbert saw his doorway, painted purple with a slight metallic red shine to it. Seeing the number 1543 printed on their number system and the lines going across, Norbert imagines it showing a house getting destroyed.


    Looking for a door handle and seeing nothing, Norbert rested his hand against the doorway; feeling it push against his hand, Norbert lifted it, feeling the door swing towards him. He looked at the side and saw no hinges, his face bathed in the blue light.


    He shrugged his shoulders, taking it as part of the magic of this place. A shiver went down his back as he remembered the black fungus hallway he had just come from. His skin suddenly felt itchy under him, like something was crawling under his skin. Norbert stepped through the portal, wondering what his room would be like if it was connected via a portal. The usual feeling of his body stretching to his destination engulfed him, lessening the chill he couldn''t quite get rid of.

 Chapter 175 And Another Guest Arrives

    Stepping through, his body finishing its elongating, going straight up this time, Norbert looked at the room he just entered. The most surprising thing that Norbert saw was the sky outside. Walking forward as if in a trance, Norbert made his way there, seeing a balcony overlooking a mountain range.


    Norbert stared for longer, amazed at what he saw. The snow coming towards him stopped by the barrier there. He reached forward, and his fingers popped the barrier like a bubble, the wind blowing through his clothes.


    The white snow tickled on his nose as it blew forward; moving his hand back, Norbert heard the barrier snap back into place, the wind and snow cutting off once more. Norbert sees it hitting the barrier. Brushing the water off himself, he sees a mini puddle on the ground from the snow melting.


    Obsius fluttering around the room, Norbert turned around, seeing his two other guests enters the room he found himself in. Count von Count unwrapped himself completely, leaving a pile of clothes coming off him with every step, before turning to Norbert and seeing the balcony and the sky outside.


    He groaned to himself as he turned around the way he came, picking up the clothing and wrapping himself up again, grumbling as he did so. Lily walked past him into an area Norbert hadn''t seen before. As Norbert stares around, seeing the purple and red motif continuing throughout the room.


    The granite base within the rest of the halls was still here, the floor and furniture made out of the material. All the accessories, however, are dotted around the place with the purple and red theme.


    As Lily sat at the table, pulling a chair out and landing on the seat, the purple cushions with crimson thread joined the two together; with a huff, she leaned forward, putting her face in her arms, muttering to herself.


    Norbert walked back inside, hearing his wet steps on the stone floor. Sitting beside hers, she saw three other empty chairs at the circular table, each evenly spaced apart. Taking the seat on her left, he could see the balcony and the entrance to the abode he found himself in.


    "What''s the deal with you and that announcer dude?" Norbert asked Lily.


    Lily reeled back, looking at Norbert, her cheeks flushed red. "You mean Stumpy? He''s just a power-hungry, annoying man who is too big for their shoes." Lily replied.


    Before Norbert could answer Count von Count, having wrapped himself back up, plopping into one of the empty chairs beside Norbert and opposite Lily, "What kind of name is Stumpy?"


    Lily chuckles to herself at the name, likely remembering the past interactions with the announcer. "When a parent doesn''t like their child." She responded to the vampire''s question.


    Count von Count snorted. "You can say that again, and why does he have such a stick up his butt." Count von Count replied, leaning forward as he picked up the jug on the table, looking inside as he swirled it around.


    Turning around, Norbert exited his seat and headed toward the kitchen area. Walking towards the cupboards, Norbert opened them, the purple handles calling out to him. Looking through the cupboards, he found, taking four out, he walked towards the table, placing them in front of each chair.


    Count von Count takes the jug, filling the three cups with water. Norbert points to the third one, the vampire raising an eyebrow, questioning Norbert. In return, Norbert nodded as the vampire continued filling the fourth cup.


    Norbert picked up his cup, swirling the water around, lifting it to his mouth as he drank it, wetting hit. All three placed their cups down on the table, the stone of the cups reverberating.


    Count von Count pointed to the empty seat. "Have a guest coming?" he asked the room.


    Lily turned to Norbert, waiting for him to respond. Norbert just shrugged his shoulders as he took another sip from his cup. "Call it instinct. That someone will walk through that door in five."


    Norbert said as he pointed to the door.


    "¡­ four" as Count von Count raised an eyebrow at him.


    "¡­ three", Norbert continued, Obsius looking up from what she was doing, looking around the room at the commotion that would be happening.


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    "¡­ two" as the three turned around, looking towards the door.


    "¡­ one," Norbert said, now everyone in the room staring at the door.


    "¡­ zero." Norbert finished, clicking his fingers and pointing his index finger to the door like a gun.


    Everyone was in silence for a moment, waiting for the big reveal of who would be behind the door. As the seconds ticked, everyone held their breath in silence, waiting for the fateful person to appear.


    As the four of them waited, nothing happened. Count von Count cracked a grin. "Can''t believe you had us going there." He said, unable to hold in his straight face, letting it go with a round of laughter.


    Lily just shook her head, sipping her drink to quiet herself. Obsius rustled her feathers slightly as she turned towards Count von Count. Norbert knew she would join in with Count von Count''s antics.


    As the laughter slowly calmed down, Count von Count wiped a tear from his eye, flicking it over to Norbert. Blinking in response, Norbert just leaned back in his chair. Count von Count smiled in response, "Guess you''re not that lucky." He responded, just smiling as he took another sip of his drink.


    SLAM


    The sound caused Count von Count to jump in his chair as he looked towards the door. The portal light pooled into the room as someone stepped through. The bootleg came as the chestnut hair flowed forward, and the door closed before the person entered the room; Count von Count looked towards Norbert, mouth open as Sally entered the room. Without looking around, she made a beeline towards the empty seat, plopping herself in it as she took the cup. She gulped the water before placing the stone cup back on the table.


    Opening up, she looked down at her jacket from inside one of the pockets, pulling out a glass bottle. Popping the cork, she poured herself some before placing the glass bottle on the table, Norbert smelling the alcohol wafting out of the neck.


    She took her cup to her lips, wafting it under her nose before taking a sip, sighing in comfort as Norbert saw her keep it in her mouth for several seconds before swallowing it.


    Gently place it on the table, not a sound coming off as the two pieces of stone made contact. Count von Count turned to Norbert, mouthing the words, "How did you know?"


    Norbert smiled as he took another sip of his drink, starting to wonder what the drink tally just poured into it was.


    Norbert placed his own, not as quietly as Sally''s, as he leaned back in his chair, starting to rock in it. "What brings you here to this neck of the woods?" Norbert asked her.


    Still looking down at the cup, Sally tilted her eyes upwards; Norbert felt the wrath behind them of what she wanted to do to him if he dared to cross the line.


    Rubbing the brim of her nose, she sighed again, placing her hand on her leg before looking back up to Norbert. "The pain that you three have caused me." She said, nodding each at Norbert, Count von Count and Obsius.


    Obsius jumps towards Sally, chirping at her. Sally just staring at Norbert, waving an open hand at the bird.


    "She''s saying, how dare you compare me to these two ruffians, placing us in the same boat. Are you mental?" Norbert said to Sally.


    Sally just raised her eyebrows as she stared down at the bird. "I''ll get to you later."


    Staring at Norbert, stating "Now you''ve caused me the biggest headache of them all." Sally said accusingly.


    Norbert placed his hand over his chest, mouth open as if he were gasping for air after being stabbed through the heart. "Shot through the heart, and you don''t care," Norbert said, starting to reel backwards in his chair, feeling himself tip precariously backwards, teetering on the edge of falling.


    "Yes, you, your stint at the training area, just smashing through everyone, pretty much made the entire second half null and void for you," Sally said.


    Norbert just shrugged. "Can''t be helped if I''m just better than everyone," Norbert said, feeling the grand chutzpah growing inside him.


    Staring forward, Norbert felt the look drowning down on him; leaning forward, the chair no longer rocked as it landed on all four legs; Norbert caught himself with his feet, stopping the chair from slamming into the floor.


    "It wasn''t that you beat everyone; it was the fact you did it without stopping. But even that could be excused. Why did the two constantly annoy Stumpy with your whistling and everyone else around you." Sally said, turning between Norbert and Count von Count.


    The vampire raises his hands in the air in surrender. "If he can''t take a bit of whistling, that''s his issue." The vampire said, trying to defend himself.


    "Well, when you do it for hours on end, in an annoying mush and purposefully antagonising the announcer and shower of it the entire thing, someone is going to get annoyed. And let''s not even begin with your entire mental projecting." Sally finished leaning forward.


    Lucy asked Sally, "But isn''t Stumpy full of himself?"


    "Oh, he is," Sally said. Smiling at the thought, "Worth it every time to annoy him, for what he''s done to all of us." She said. Lily just nodded in approval.


    Norbert stared between the two. "So, what did Stumpy even do?" Norbert asked her.


    Sally just smiled at him. "What''s your next plan?" She asked him.


    Norbert groaned in response, waving his hand in the air. "The first is to wait for the person I thought was coming," Norbert said, standing out of his chair, pacing around the room, walking back to it, sitting on it, feeling something underneath him.


    Feeling hot breath on his neck, he felt whatever was now on his chair, leaning forward. "Guess you''re more excited than I thought ", Luck said.


    Norbert turns around. "What took you so long?" He asked her.


    Scrunching her face, she replied, "A wizard is never late, nor early, but arrives precisely when they mean to." Lily to Norbert.


    Turning around in Luck''s lap, "But you''re not a wizard." He said accusingly.

 Chapter 176 About to Hit the Fan

    Luck smiled back at him, tapping her finger on the side of her nose before tapping her finger on the tip of his. Norbert turned around, looking around the room.


    Count von Count stared at the two of them. "Well, that explains how you knew we would have another guest." He replied, picking up his drink and finishing off the water before reaching for the bottle in the middle of the table, sniffing it before nodding and pouring himself a drink.


    Lily looks between everyone else, mouth wide open, head panning constantly. Norbert saw a bit of drool coming out of her mouth; before he could point it out, she clapped her jaws shut, wiping her mouth on her arm before asking the table, "Is that ¡­"


    Sally nods. "Yes, that is the one goddess you don''t want to interact with. For you never know when your luck will turn and leave you high and dry, the one and only Lady Luck." She finished, waving to Luck, who Norbert was currently under.


    Dropping her hand to the table, she dragged it backwards, picking up her cup and wetting her mouth again. "Why do I always find myself in situations like this?" She whispered to herself.


    Luck leaned forward, pushing Norbert onto the table as she took Norbert''s cup. "Well, honey, that''s because you''re just so fun to hang around." She beamed at Sally.


    Lilly leaned to Sally as she locked onto Luck, not letting even a single moment of her go undetected. "Is she here for Norbert?" She asked Sally.


    Count von Count just laughing at Lily''s comment, "Oh, for the likes of us, a god won''t descend. Only for their favourites." He said Norbert, turning to the vampire with an accusing look.


    Norbert turned around the table. "But I had no idea that Luck would be here. I thought Sally would be coming, but that''s all. So why are you here, Luck, showing your face in the mortal world." Norbert asked her before taking his cup out of her hand and sipping his drink. The moment it touched his tongue, he realised it wasn''t the water it was before but the tea he usually drank with her while waiting.


    Luck just shrugged her shoulders in response. "The whims of the gods are not for you mortals." She said. Moving Norbert up, he stepped out of her lap as she left the chair, taking the cup out of his hand and walking to the balcony. Standing there looking out of the mountain range they found themselves in.


    Turning back, she made eye contact with Norbert before looking back into the snowscape. Norbert just sighed, excusing himself with a wave as he headed out to the balcony. Standing beside Norbert, he leaned forward on it, looking at what could be seen.


    I saw the same mountains as before, the snow still blowing everywhere, no sign of humanity down below. As Norbert continued to stare, he picked up one sign: a waving road going over the landscape, twisting and turning like an angry serpent coiling around, waiting to pounce on anything that moved near it.


    Still following the road with his eyes, Norbert said, "So, why did you come down here and not communicate in your usual way?" Norbert asked her.


    Hearing a sigh from the goddess, Norbert looked to the side, the woman that looked so on top of it having a tired look in her eyes, seeing the bags underneath them, just slightly there, two dark half-circles under them.


    Luck smiled back, a mirage appearing in front of Norbert before it disappeared, showing Luck as usual without any imperfections on her body. Norbert just looked back out of the landscape underneath him.


    The simple question formed in Norbert''s mind, knowing it would lead him to many problems. if he asked Bitting his lip to stop himself from talking, knowing within himself it was futile and that Luck knew it was futile, he relented, asking her, "What can I do to help?" He asked her.


    Luck chuckled to herself, "You''ve already asked that question, and do you know the answer," She asked him.


    Norbert just nodded. "Continue what I''ve been doing," Norbert said, the energy draining from his voice.


    Luck nodded in return, "Precisely. Out of everyone that was moved over, you were chosen. And that choice was for a reason. If you know of it or not, then it doesn''t matter." Luck said.


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    Norbert snorted at the explanation. "So I was just some random person you chose on a whim. Thanks that makes me feel exceptional." Norbert said.


    Luck laughed with delight at Norbert''s explanation, "Oh, I needed that. But no, the reason why ..." Luck finished, her mouth remaining to be before closing it. "Those sneaky dogs." She said.


    Norbert turns to Luck, "The reason why?" Norbert asked her.


    "Others don''t want to say. But I will tell you this: what happened the first time you came over, what was different." She asked him.


    Norbert opened his mouth to answer the question. Luck leaned forward, holding her finger to his lip. "Don''t answer it now; wait and think it over. You still have plenty of time." Luck finished saying to him.


    Staying close to Norbert, she turned around, looking out into the darkness beyond, standing between Norbert and the railing. Norbert leaned forward slightly, grabbing both sides of the railing, planting Luck squarely in the middle.


    He leaned forward, whispering to her, "You''re all g?" unable to stop the grin from spreading on his response.


    Luck just shook response, ¡° I''m all good now. Well, best for me to go, and I''ll see you when I see you." She said to Norbert as she reached her hand forward, passing through the barrier.


    Norbert felt the cold wind and snow hit his face as Luck started to disappear, turning into hundreds and thousands of motes of light before going forward against the direction of the wind and down into the valley below.


    Norbert stood, a hand reached forward, stopping the barrier from closing, drowning himself in the cold wind as he stared out there, tracking the light as they slowly disappeared. The lights followed the winding road that Norbert had spotted before.


    Moving his head back, he felt the barrier close around him with a snap of warmth, thinking about what Luck said and what made him different. Staring at his shaking hands, Norbert went and gripped the railing, feeling the blood pumping through them; his fingers ached slightly with how hard he was gripping the bar.


    Holding it there for several seconds, Norbert let the railing go, feeling his fingers click at unclenching them, Norbert flexing them in and out to get some life back into them.


    Idly talking to himself, Norbert asked, "You''re still there, Luck?" Waiting expectantly for a reply. Sighing and turning around, Norbert chuckled as he saw two golden motes of light appear, trailing after each other before disappearing.


    Walking back inside, Norbert sat back in his chair, looking around at the table for his cup. Remembering Luck took it, Norbert looked outside, seeing no signs of it. Shaking his head, Norbert stood up, grabbing another cup from the cabinet behind him, annoyed that he couldn''t have any tea.


    Leaning forward, Norbert grabbed the glass bottle, poured himself some, and placed the glass bottle on the table. Raising the stone cup to his nose, Norbert swirled it around as he breathed in deeply, the alcohol hitting him like a truck.


    He was reeling back from the smell; Norbert raised the cup to his mouth and took a sip. The burn flowed down his throat as the liquid followed, knowing the alcohol would generally be hitting a person very quickly.


    Sighing, Norbert placed the cup on the table, everyone else staring at him, waiting for an explanation. "Shits about to hit the fan," Norbert said.


    Count von Count groaned in annoyance, Sally just rubbing the brim of her nose again, eyes crinkled shut, Norbert able to see the cogs within her head turn visibly. Obsius chirped at Norbert as Lily continued to, making the silence, "How did you come to that conclusion."


    Norbert nodded, seeing the others stare at him, waiting for him to explain his logic. "Two reasons: the fact she even came to see me. The only other time was at her fountain, her temple, I think it was called. And secondly ¡­ the fact she didn''t stay." Norbert said.


    He stared at the drink, spinning the cup around between his fingers. Feeling eyes digging into him, Norbert looked up, the four others at the table staring at his response.


    Norbert shrugged, "What? Gods normally don''t show up unexpectedly to bring cookies. I don''t know exactly what''s happening, but it riled her up. More than I think this tournament would have or whatever might happen." He said.


    The others, not letting up on him, Norbert points towards Sally. "And what about you, arriving here out of the blue? What''s your reason?" He asked her.


    The three others looked over to Sally. Norbert was no longer under the magnified glass. Sally just nodded. "For whatever reason, it''s been decided to push the tournament forward. You only have three weeks to prepare. Twenty-one days, so make the most of it." Sally said.


    Lilly and Norbert both breathed in response to the words, Norbert just sitting there, wondering what the issue would be.


    Lily turned to Norbert. "You need to get the daggers you want immediately" " she said before moving the chair out from under the table. Norbert winced as he heard it scrape before she exited through the portal. Obsius takes flight and follows after her.


    Norbert watched the two depart, shrugging before leaning backwards.


    Count von Count looked at him and said, "Why so relaxed?" HE asked Norbert.


    Norbert just shrugged. "Well, I have beaten Arslan before," Norbert said.


    Sally just chuckled. "Technically, you didn''t." She rebutted Norbert.


    Norbert shook his. Technically, I was interrupted and would have escaped if not for a certain age," Norbert said, his body shivering, remembering his fights with the lion man.


    Remembering the Asian girl he helped escape with, forgetting her, "Oh yeah, how is she doing anyway?" Norbert asked.


    Before he could relax, Norbert felt the hairs not standing up at the back of his neck for the first time that day.

 Chapter 177 Revelations?

    bert looked behind his back, twisting himself around as he looked at the cupboards leading towards the kitchen; switching to magic, Norbert scanned, only seeing the magic in the air, permeating from those around the table, the slight signs of the goddess''s presence disappearing, ever so slowly but getting quicker and quicker. The tap¡¯s sigils are used to create the water for washing, and the respective ones on the hot and cold tap for their appropriate temperature.


    Turning back towards the table, the hairs on his neck still standing up, reaching for the water, Norbert tried to look behind himself. Picking the cup up, he threw the contents over his shoulder, hearing a stuffed murmur from behind.


    "So, how long have you been following me, Hyeon?" Norbert asked, reaching forward and taking the jug, filling his cup with water, a satisfied smile on his face.


    "Since you returned from the jungle expedition," Hyeon said, stepping behind Norbert, heading to the other side of the table and standing behind Sally. Norbert''s face, on hearing the response, dropped the smile from his face at the discovery. The weeks the lady would be following him without him even realising.


    Norbert, looking at Hyeon, asks her, "How did you stay up so long?" He asked her, remembering his multiple all-nighters he had taken over the past weeks.


    "You didn''t move around a lot, so it was easy. Unlike your whistling, I wanted to shove pencils in my ears whenever I heard the three of you to stop the horrendous noise you created." Hyeon replied; Norbert saw her face twist up in pain at remembering what she had heard.


    Norbert shook his head. "You don''t understand the beauty of what is being done here." He said to her, Obsius and Count von Count shaking their head in turn as well.


    Hyeon glared at Norbert and the three, "Purposefully whistling horrible tunes to get on people''s nerves. I understand that completely." She said to him. Breathing out, leaning forward on the chair, "You three have taken to new levels of annoyance, and the worst part is the three of you enjoying it. No wonder Stumpy wanted to strangle you." Hyeon said to them.


    Norbert leaned back in his chair, quickly reviewing what had happened over the past few weeks; if he had done anything, he would need to be wary of her finding out. Nodding to himself that nothing could be found, having always been in public, most of the time reading.


    As Norbert sat there, lost in thought, he came over him.


    Thinking of his stints just reading or doing the same thing repeatedly, he was reminded about his views of the black door, the ink going out of it, and the creeping feeling going over his shoulder. The eminent warning that he felt there. His body shivered by itself, what Luck had said about something wearing on her shoulders, a tinkling of a thought connecting the two.


    Turning serious, Norbert turned to Hyeon. "Did you see that in the hallway?" He asked her.


    Hyeon gave him a weird look, not understanding what he was saying. Perplexed about the thought, was it just in his head the black doors he saw, the infection taking place? The purple veins in his blood and his elixirs were finally showing themselves that he had been losing it.


    Dismissing the thought, not having had any elixirs recently or pushing himself, he believed it would be showing its signs quicker than weeks later.


    Looking around the table, Norbert wondered, "So, what will happen now?" He asked.


    Hearing silence from around the room, shrugging his shoulders, Norbert stood up. "I''ll assume it''s what I''ve always been doing, then," Norbert said, getting quieter as he started walking away.


    Sally looked over to Norbert. "Where are you going?" She asked him.


    Norbert turned, looking between Hyeon and Sally, jumping between the two women. "Just to have a look at this place." Norbert said, walking off to the door he saw before, hearing a step following him, roaring, "And it would be appreciated if I could be by myself."


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    The footsteps behind him stopped, heading towards the door. Norbert opened it up, quickly closing it behind him. Breathing in profoundly, Norbert thought about what was happening; looking in the room, he found himself chuckling at the spiral staircase that looked back at him.


    He was surprised not to see the usual spiral staircase but a standard straight one going to a floor above. Norbert walks through, seeing a door at the top of the staircase. Holding his hand to it, feeling no resistance as he pushed it forward, walking into the next room.


    Stepping through, I felt it close behind him with a slam, turning around and confirming the door was still there. Holding the handle, Norbert pulled it, confirming seeing the same stone staircase. Closing it silently, Norbert looked around the room he found himself in.


    Seeing another balcony pushed inside compared to the other one, Norbert walked towards it, seeing the same view as the one underneath him. Looking over at the snow falling away, Norbert looked around the room, finding someplace to sit down.


    He saw the room sparsely occupied. Only a chest at the foot of the bed, a chair next to the bed with a cushion and two bedside tables on either side. The same white stone with grey and black veins throughout. Norbert looked forward, nodded at it, and looked at the purple bed covers with red pillows. Norbert wondered who was the designer to choose these two colours being forced together.


    Picking the chair up, pushing his energy to make the stone light enough to move quickly, Norbert brought it out onto the balcony. Setting it down, Norbert sat on it, looking at the barrier stopping the snow from going further in.


    Unbuckling the sword from his hip, Norbert laid it against the balcony rail, angling it steeper and steeper until his face was hit with the cold wind.


    Giving it a shake, confirming that it wouldn''t move, Norbert leaned back in the chair, breathing out as he felt the cold wind hit his face. Closing his eyes, the snow hit him as he relaxed, slowly relaxing each muscle, the tension he felt before leaving his body.


    He dropped his hand to the side, letting them both hang, feeling the excellent stone touching his fingertips through his gloves. Norbert thought about what he had seen in the hallway, a nagging suspicion always there that it was leading to something, a key to whatever issue Luck was dealing with.


    Thinking about Luck and the issue she was going through or the thing on her mind. Wondering if whatever was affecting her would soon affect him as well. Letting it go, Norbert thought about the plan he would need to do.


    As he thought about what to do within the Halls of the Mountain King, he thought: why didn''t Sally trust him? After jumping for her every whim and everything he told her, he knew she would be fact-checking him on everything he had gone through. He looked around for his backpack, realising he had left it downstairs, remembering the bestiary she had given him, the amount of time it would take and allowing him to be there.


    I thought about his time on Earth, how they went together around the place, seeing Luck over there and that she had picked Jack out of everyone, his roommate and best friend. Feeling the paranoia closing in around him, Norbert breathed out, thinking about it rationally.


    As known, the most obvious answer was likely true. Mulling the thought, Norbert wondered what could explain it all. I came to two thoughts: Lily and Hyeon both being there and Count von Count, the vampire, still following him around.


    After sticking with him for so long, the vampire was nowhere to be seen; the reason for him to stick so close to him was not to be left behind, and now he couldn''t even be seen. It was too far away if he was called to the other room without knowledge.


    Why would they have three people watching him and one he didn''t even know about following after him? Knowing they knew about his vision, and if he couldn''t, he doubted that others doing scans would also be able to see her.


    The only thing coming together would be if someone were after him, not even thinking about the list of people that could be, the amount baffling him and growing longer. He was astounded as the list continued to grow of the people in mid to high places that he had annoyed throughout it.


    Wanting to push it to the test, Norbert stood up, picking up his sword as he stood on the balcony rail. Looking up, Norbert saw the mountainside above him, slick with ice and snow, the rocks seeming to have no traction.


    Stashing his sword on his hip, Norbert took a coin out of his pocket. "Head, I go up there; tails, I go downstairs," Norbert asked the air.


    He flicked the coin in the a and saw it rise into the air before he caught it. Palming it to the top of his left hand, Norbert looked up, seeing the queen''s head looking back at him.


    Nodding in confirmation, happy that the both of them were thinking the same thing, Norbert placed the coin in his coin pouch. Taking a dagger out of his belt, Norbert pushed energy into his legs, jumping into the air and latching onto the rock wall. With struggle, Norbert dug the daggers inside, hearing the ice chip under it. Knowing he would need to sharpen the blades after this.

 Chapter 178 Atop a Mountain

    He hoisted himself up the mountainside, the snow falling onto his eyes, feeling his eyelashes grow heavy with the weight. Norbert continued his trek, in places digging into the ice, surprised it was thick enough to support his weight.


    Occasionally, Norbert looked down, seeing if anybody was following him, confirming nothing was coming for him. Norbert started to feel stupid but continued his climb up the mountain. Norbert could see other places of light dotted around, now far above his balcony.


    Going closer to the first one, Norbert kept an ear out, unable to hear anything. As he came just below the balcony, Norbert saw someone''s hands leaning on the balcony railing. Going ultimately still, Norbert waited for the hands to disappear.


    Not hearing any conversation from above him, wondering if the person was staring off into the valley beneath them, down the mountainside. Considering himself just before doing the same thing, never looking down throughout the time, Norbert grasped onto the edge, not daring to move.


    And so there he waited, his cause of concern slowly disappearing from getting caught, the next due to his muscles crying out, starting to beg for him to move. But he dared not to, or else be found out. Not knowing the trouble he could find himself in.


    With Sally and the others either not trusting him or something coming for him and the sight within the halls, Norbert couldn''t know who to trust besides Obsius. The bird had followed him for so long now that he almost couldn''t even imagine his time without the bird.


    Feeling his hands shake, Norbert tensed them, sending a bit more energy throughout them, not wanting the blades to slip out of the nook he had created for them. Looking up one more time, Norbert saw the hands recede.


    Starting to count the seconds, Norbert waited and waited. Ten minutes passed, or roughly that and he no longer saw the hands reappear over the fence. He heard his limbs click as he climbed up, going around the side, not wanting to go close to the opening in case someone spotted him.


    Continuing to climb up, Norbert spotted more lights on the mountainside, realising they were the same openings as before, the balconies where the contestant''s rooms were. Looking around at the lights, he sees a haphazard layout with no structure, reminding him of a kid needing to add seagulls on a sunrise in a drawing.


    He continued his climb up, the last balcony far below him now. He started to crawl as he climbed up, the mountainside becoming shallower and shallower. Crouching forward, Norbert pulled his weight from the daggers, happy to see himself not slip down the mountainside.


    Taking the two daggers up, Norbert placed them in their sheaves while he stood up. He felt the snow pelt against his back, the wind trying to grab and fling him down the mountainside. Bending slightly lower, wrapping his jacket over himself, Norbert continued to trek upwards.


    Looking below him, changing his vision to magic, Norbert could quickly see the barriers glowing in the darkness of the night. Staring down at the mountain beneath his feet, he saw the ice he was standing on shining a dark blue up at him.


    Stamping down with his foot, he saw the coloured ice fall down the mountainside before the dots were lost in the snow far beneath him and the other ice. Continuing upwards, I wondered how the very ice of the mountain, something that should be separated, would also have magic imbued in it.


    He was looking around at the snow hitting his face, confirming that it didn''t have any magic inside of it. And if it did have magic within, it wasn''t to the quantity or quality seen in the ice beneath his feet. Perplexed by the problem, Norbert continued up the mountainside, now wondering what was contained within the mountain to have this much spill out.


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    Continuing his climb upward, what would be at the top? Norbert wondered what mysteries he could find about the Mountain King, wondering if it would uncover what he wanted to do with it.


    He took a step down, feeling his foot slip on the ice. He smashed his fingers into the ground, feeling the ice crack around them as he slid down, his hand stopping him from going further down.


    Norbert pulled himself to crouch, fingers still dug into the ground. Looking down, Norbert changed his vision to see in the dark. He was seeing the blueness of the ice underneath him, looking to the side of the rocks that sometimes stuck out of the ground, ruffing up the ice and allowing him to have some purchase, where he currently was utterly smooth like a Zamboni had just gone over the ice rink.


    Following up the path he saw, he saw the stone underneath the pavement; when the ice would be gone or was gone, not knowing if the tips ever melted at this height. Norbert looked up, the mountain''s edge disappearing into the darkness above. I could only see the ridge where it ended as the stars began to shine there.


    Knowing that somebody must have known he was missing by now, a possible search party was being sent out to find him. Not wanting to get caught up, Norbert started scrambling up the mountainside.


    The higher he climbed, the more it started to flatten out, his breathing becoming more laboured, starting to force the air into his lungs, and he could not breathe easily. Wondering how high he was, Norbert was surprised when his foot went down instead of up.


    Stopping, Norbert looked to either side, seeing a line wiggling along it. Looking on the other side, Norbert saw the sun rising and could see the clouds beneath him. He held his breath, watching as golden rays bathed the sky.


    Standing at the mountain''s apex, half his body bathed in light and the other half shrouded in darkness. Breathing in the fresh, cool air, knowing the air around his university would never be this clear. The crispness refreshes and revitalises him.


    As Norbert stared, just standing still as he looked down the mountain range, the spine of the mountain rising and falling until suddenly it dropped off. Norbert followed it with his eyes, surprised at what he saw.


    There, at the edge of the world, before it dropped off into the clouds, was a small stone hut. Seeing it was far ahead of him, Norbert started walking forward, careful not to fall off either side.


    He squinted his eyes from the glare of the ice shining towards him, trying and failing to cover it with his arm. As he stepped forward, black tendrils snaked from the ground and rocks, coming from the two sides of the paths.


    Forming higher and higher, Norbert noticed them standing still. On either side of him, Norbert saw the same doors he had seen in the hallway form upwards again. Norbert saw figures walking forward, dislodging themselves from the doorways as they rose higher.


    Swallowing, trying to wet his dry mouth, Norbert stared down, seeing as more and more came out. Standing completely still, hoping they wouldn''t be able to see him, form and go away like before. Disappearing into the nothingness that they came from.


    As Norbert looked forward, seeing them continue to rise ahead of him. Waiting, the creatures start to stroll around, bumping into each other and not moving. Holding his breath, Norbert took a step back, turning around slightly.


    Seeing the figures forming there, just strolling around behind him as well. Hesitantly, Norbert stepped forward, holding his breath, expecting to be charged by hundreds of figures.


    Hand instinctively dropping to his sheath, Norbert looked forward, confirming nothing was happening. Stepping forward, Norbert passed the first figure, going past them, the creature not even seeing his presence.


    Continuing forward, Norbert matured not to touch a single figure, not wanting to see what would happen if he touched one of the creatures, not knowing how he would combat them, not even how to defeat a single one.


    Halfway through the crowd, Norbert stared forward, seeing a creature of darkness stepping forward, a giant among them; Norbert craned his neck up, seeing the towering giant on top of him. Stepping backwards, not wanting to get crushed by the creature, half unable to stop, he stared as the creature''s skin wiggled around, pulsating with something.


    Feeling his foot slip, Norbert lifted his hand, catching himself on something before falling. Gaining his balance and standing up again, Norbert looked forward to what caught him.


    Norbert stared his hand through a figure, wondering what would happen to him. He felt his eyes roll up the back of his head when he realised what was happening, his knees growing weak as darkness consumed him, his hand falling next to him as he felt his body start to slide down the mountain.


    Halfway In the air, Norbert stared at his hand, seeing black lines creeping around it, trying to invade his veins. Pulsing energy through, he saw the black ink being burnt off before he was swarmed in darkness.

 Chapter 179 Inside the Gingerbread House

    His eyes fluttering open, Norbert stared up at the ceiling, taken in the stone structure above him. Hearing a fire crackling in a heath to the side, Norbert closed his eyes, breathing as he processed the strange ceiling above him.


    Remembering what had happened before, surrounded by creatures of blackness, Norbert bolted up.


    "The grand warrior is finally awoken from their slumber." A crackling voice from the side, near the fire, echoed around Norbert''s room.


    Sitting up, propping himself on his arm, Norbert looked to the occupant, the voice matching that of the old lady who stared back at him. Her grey, almost silver hair, thinning with age as she knitted something, Norbert now hearing the clacking of needles against each other.


    Norbert looked forward, twisting his body around as he removed the covers. Leaning forward, picking them off the ground, Norbert placed them back on the bed. Stepping forward, Norbert passed by the heath and the old lady before walking towards the door.


    Norbert''s hand resting on the handle started to push when the old lady''s voice once more came out of her, "Best to wait inside." She said.


    Norbert took his hand off the door, stepping backwards, hearing them rattle in its hinges. Turning around, Norbert looked inside the hut, seeing if he could sit somewhere. Looking about the single-room cabin, a kitchen off to the side, no table to be seen, and the only pieces of furniture were the bed Norbert was on before, the rocking chair the old lady sat in, and the wooden cabinets in the kitchen.


    Walking towards the fire, Norbert crouched, his sword angling itself so as not to be in the way. Warming up his hands, Norbert spoke, staring into the fire, "Don''t have many guests up here?" Norbert asked as he stood back up, looking over the old lady, stepping backwards towards the bed.


    The lady continued to track him with her eyes as she continued clicking the knitting needles together. Staring at the mess on the bed he made with the covers, Norbert picked them up, placing them together as he folded them up, swiping his hands over the sheets to smooth out the wrinkles. Picking up the pillow, Norbert fluffed it upwards before placing it back in its position. The pillow slightly deflated as it settled.


    Facing back, seeing the old lady still staring at him, the needles clacking away like a clock. Looking down at what she was knitting, Norbert saw a simple cloth patch. The simple brown yarn forms into a rectangle. Norbert wondered what the woman could be making.


    Following the ball of yarn, Norbert saw it go into a basket by the side, the ball slowly spinning around as she picked up more and more. Norbert took off his sword, resting it on the bed as he sat down, flicking his feet back and forth on the floor, watching them break the light, the shadows falling through.


    "Can you be so kind as to get a glass of water for me?" The old lady asked.


    "Of course, granny," Norbert responded in kind. Standing up, Norbert heard the old woman chuckle at his comment, thinking he heard her say, "Nobody has dared to call me that in a long time."


    Norbert sensed apprehension at what had just slipped from his mouth. Heading towards the cabinet, Norbert looked around, opening one up after another. I found plates, glasses of wine, champagne flutes, and shot glasses. I was surprised at the amount. It was all clear; not a single drop of air imperfection it.


    Plates and cutlery were found, intricate patterns that Norbert glossed over with his finger, feeling it rise and fall underneath it. Looking from one to the next, it depicts scenes from nature, mountains and forests, fish jumping out of rivers and vines wrapping around the edges.


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    The most surprising thing was that the tallest cupboard was filled with books. I saw them have splatters of food, mould growing off the spines, and funguses everywhere. Taken aback by the sight of the otherwise clean cabin he found himself in.


    Quickly closing it off, Norbert breathed while leaning over the sink, wanting to remove the smell from his nose before he threw up in front of the owner of this place. Knowing doing so wouldn''t be a wise move.


    Seeing the last cupboard, Norbert opened it over the sink, revealing the cups he was looking for. Taking two out, Norbert stood over the sink, trying to find a tap. Changing his vision, Norbert saw the two magic circles in their normal position as he would expect, one for hot, the other for cold.


    Turning to the granny, Norbert asked, "Can you use the taps? These gadgets don''t work too well for me?" He asked her.


    Placing both cups on the sink, Norbert turned around after not hearing a response. Seeing the old lady sipping from one of the cups, she sighed in relief as the liquid went down her throat. Turning and going back to the sink, Norbert saw only one cup filled with water.


    Staring at the cup, his reflection looking back at him, Norbert carefully took it, raising it to his lips, letting a slight amount trickle down. He felt the ice-cold water. He felt lips, shocking his throat, feeling it travel downwards before losing it in his stomach.


    His feet moving by themselves, Norbert heard the clacking resounding around the cabin again as his body hit the mattress. Feeling the covers underneath him, the old lady''s water was on the side as she continued knitting.


    Not wanting to disturb the strange woman, still coming to grips with how it was possible to move that quickly, Norbert found an oddity. There were no windows or blinds in the cabin he found himself in. There is no way of seeing the outside world. The only way out is through the door.


    Eyes casting over the floor, Norbert confirmed no trap door was cut out of the floorboards. They turned to the old lady, who no longer looked at her knitting but back at Norbert, her eyes piercing into Norbert, almost begging him to ask any question and get the ball rolling.


    Norbert just smiled in response, not wanting to go into the whims of the strange woman. Placing the glass on the floor, Norbert went over to the cupboards, wanting to have something to do while he waited that wasn''t talking with the woman.


    Finding the books again, Norbert held back his horror as he looked at the condition. He looked through the books, trailing his finger just over them as he read the titles, not wanting to touch and that he didn''t need to. Stopping on one in the middle, the one in the best condition compared to the others.


    Tilting his head to the side, Norbert read what it had, nodding to understand what was on there, reading aloud instinctually. Norbert broke the constant rhythm the knitting needles created.


    "To the Moons and Back." Thumbing the top, Norbert turned it around and looked at the cover. They depicted two moons crashing into each other. A line is going around both celestial bodies. Bringing it closer to his face, Norbert was sure a ship was creating the line.


    Opening it up, Norbert headed back to the bed, sitting in his position as he turned to the first page. Being careful not to damage the Yellow Pages, Norbert started to read, starting with chapter one.


    Reading through the first chapter, something has changed in the air. Keeping his finger in the book as he closed it as a marker, Norbert looked up, dawning on what had changed.


    Gone was the constant clicking. The old lady now admired her work as she held it up for herself to see. Norbert looked at the piece of fabric, the monotonous brown going back and forth in a constant pattern.


    The two''s eyes met as she opened her mouth, taking the victory of speech from before. "Enjoyed it?" She asked.


    Norbert looked down at the book, remembering how he said the title before. Norbert said, "Seems similar to another, er, I''ve read. But it''s only the start, so who knows where it will go." Norbert said, keeping it as non-judgemental as possible, not wanting to annoy or offend the owner of the strange cabin.


    The old lady nods. "It is a tad generic, but still an interesting read nonetheless. Was quite hard for me to procure it, even in that condition." The lady said.


    Having a strange look, Norbert flipped it to the start, thumbing through the preface until he found the page "Don''t understand why. Only came out in 1990," Norbert said. "A bit old, but nothing to explain the current condition," Norbert said.


    As he closed the book, Norbert felt jaws clamp around him, the covers he was sitting on seeming to wrap themselves around Norbert, stopping him from moving. Looking up at the old lady, the creases of age on her face changing from kindness to harshness, gone was the loving old grandma he first thought of her, morphing into a bitter older woman.


    As Norbert stared there, the old lady just stared back at him, reminding Norbert of the story of the witch using the gingerbread house to lure her prey inside.


    "So this is what Hansel felt like," Norbert said to himself.

 Chapter 180 A Meal for Two

    Norbert swallowed, looking around the room as he placed the book on his lap; leaning forward, Norbert took the glass of water, downing the rest of the water. Placing the empty cup on the ground, Norbert looked around the room, ensuring it was the exact amount it had been before.


    Nothing has changed physically, but it still changed for him, the invisible air around him now filled with something, almost tasting it on the tip of his tongue. As Norbert looked around, confirming that it was the same as before. Norbert stood up, his legs going out from under him as he landed back on the bed.


    He was staring up at the old lady; Norbert''s mouth was growing dry even after the water he had just downed. He stared at the woman, starting to feel the hairs on his neck prick up, suddenly feeling alone in this cabin. As Norbert looked across the room, the old lady started rocking in the chair again. Norbert hears the needles pick up again with their clicking.


    "I''ll only be a moment. Always like to finish something properly before starting a new project." The old lady said.


    Norbert looked around, panicking, knowing he was now well and truly out of his league. He was trying to move his body, resulting in his arm flopping to the side beside him. Moving his head freely, Norbert looked down at his hand, trying to move it and only wriggling slightly to the side. Panic started to force its way through his body, and he was surprised it was impacting him.


    He was pushing energy through his body, remembering the techniques that Azalea had forced down his throat. Letting calmness take over him, Norbert felt the energy flowing around his body and felt it slow down around his body when it entered his stomach. Norbert drilled into the part, feeling whatever was blocking it slowly trudging through his body.


    "No point in trying. No matter what you do, it will take hours until you are back to normal." The old lady said. Her voice echoed around. Norbert felt something dark around the voice.


    "Just because you think it''s impossible doesn''t mean I do." Norbert replied. I am not hearing a reply from the old lady and just continuing to clack the needles together.


    As this time went by, Norbert stayed there, feeling it push out of him. He flexed his fingers slowly, feeling it come naturally to him and feeling his body coming back again. As Norbert felt the last bit of it start to come free, his hands were now moving as they should have been, and the constant timing of the knitting needles stopped. The rhythmic sound faded slowly in the cabin.


    "Ah, it''s always wonderful seeing your creation come to mind. Now, what to do with you." The old lady said. Norbert heard the chair spin around, facing him.


    "A name would be a good place to start?" Norbert asked her.


    "Tch tch tch, Didn''t your parents teach you manners." The old lady said.


    Norbert looked at her, wondering if she was going there. "My name is Norbert, but you already know if you had that liquid ready for me," Norbert said.


    Her knitting was sitting on the side. Norbert looked forward, awaiting her response.


    "I am known as The Great Witch. Others call me Baba Yagga. But you can call me Granny." Granny said, warmth seeming to come into her voice.


    Norbert was gulping, starting to feel his body move. Spinning around, Norbert landed on the bed, lying on it and crumpling what he had made before.


    "Granny, what are you making that for?" Norbert asked her.


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    "The question isn''t what, but who." She said as she continued to gaze at it.


    "Sorry for repeating myself; I will rephrase myself. Who is that for?" Norbert asked her again.


    Grinning, Granny lowered the item onto her lap and told him curtly, "But for you, of course." She said as she threw it over to him.


    Norbert gazed as it seemed to flutter in the wind before landing on his stomach. Norbert leaned forward as he picked it up before lying back on the bed, holding the knitted piece of clothing above his head.


    Putting it on his chest, Norbert took the gloves off his hands to feel the fabric truly. As he held it, running the material through his hands, Norbert was taken back to his bedroom, of being a child on his bed with the blanket he used to sleep with. The memory flooded over him as he stared at the blanket; as he continued running it through his fingers, Norbert saw a pattern forming.


    Like a snake slithering through the desert as it made its way through, like a fire flickering its flames around. As Norbert continued to move it, lost in a trance, he stopped his hands, a picture forming in the knitting.


    Staring at him, Norbert saw the logo in the temple with the chalice; Norbert just stared, transfixed, surprised to see it.


    Quickly getting up and facing Granny Nor, Bert held the pattern to her while exclaiming, "Wh, ere did you see that?" He asked.


    The old lady just gave a puzzled expression, "It''s just knitting, nothing more to it." She said. As Norbert turned it around, showing that the pattern was once more lost on him, he looked back at Granny, seeing a slight twinkle in her eyes.


    "Anything else I''m needed for?" He asked her.


    Granny breathed in sharply. "But you can''t leave now. You all have skin and bones. Stay, stay and have something to eat. I''ll be a moment." She said.


    Before Norbert could rebuttal, the old lady leaned backwards then forwards on her chair, stepping off of it as a walking stick appeared in her hand, Norbert not even seeing where it came from. Stepping to the kitchen, Norbert saw her putter around, looking in the cabinets and taking out plates and saucepans.


    Puttering over to the right, Norbert saw her open the pantry, ruffling through items. The door blocked his sight, only seeing as she pulled more out of it, piling it on the kitchen bench.


    Seeing sauces, flour and spices all around, Norbert wondered what she was cooking. Looking around for a table in the room, not remembering seeing one or a place to eat, Norbert found it sitting in the centre of the room as it had always been there, and he had only just seen it now.


    Eyes panning over to the kitchen, Norbert saw a turkey out, over the fireplace and slowly turning. Norbert smelled it as he watched it cook, the skin slowly turning brown, the glaze on it coming out, spitting on the fire.


    Granny moved over to look at it. When she turned around, it was done, steam coming off it as she placed it on the table. Norbert did not believe what had happened. In a minute, a full-course meal had appeared out of thin air.


    Norbert looked at the old lady as she puttered around the kitchen at her usual speed, her walking stick echoing on the wooden floorboards. Getting onto his feet, Bert asked her, "Do you need help with anything?" He asked her.


    "Sit, sit. The only help I need is with eating all of this food. And it looks like you need it anyway." The old lady said, making her way to one of the two chairs at the table.


    Norbert was about to rebuttal, but hearing his stomach grumble in response quieted him from arguing with her. Stepping forward, Norbert towering over her, he leaned, taking the chair out and holding his hand to assist her in sitting down.


    "Your parents tried to raise you well it seems." Granny said in response to his action.


    Norbert looked forward towards the table, Norbert nodding as he went to his seat. Sliding the chair out, it gliding without a sound, Norbert looked around the table. Seeing the turkey sitting there, small bread with butter on the side. A potato salad in a bowl, tongs on the side and a jug of water in the centre.


    Seeing the knife for the turkey next to it, Norbert waited, seeing that Granny wanted him to cut the bird. Norbert nodded and stood up, picking up the fork and knife as he shaved the first slice off.


    Staring at the moist turkey, the knife effortlessly glided through the meat as she cut piece after piece off. Norbert started placing half the turkey into slices, and she held out for him in the old lady''s place.


    She placed two pieces until she took her plate away, placed some potato salad and a bun, sliced a chunk of butter, and rested it on the bread. Norbert watched as the heat from the bread melted the butter, letting it soak within, not needing to cut it at all.


    Norbert took the rest of the meat he sliced, a bread roll, and a mountain of potato salad and looked at his plate and food. As Norbert went forward, he placed the first piece in his mouth; he felt it go around it.


    Norbert swallowed, getting the next bite to follow the first. The convey of food starting to be devoured.

 Chapter 181 Back Down we go

    Walking several steps forward, the wind around him tried to battle him away. As Norbert walked along the spine of the mountain, trying to remember where he came from, he saw a mote of light appear before him.


    Seeing it make its way forward, Norbert following behind, wondering where Luck was taking him. Following the path, the light suddenly veered off to the left, Norbert watching as it descended the mountain.


    Looking at the steep veering off coming, Norbert stared, wondering if Luck was severe. Norbert shouted, "Your little stint better stop me from spilling this." Norbert said indicating to the pot in his hands as he stepped off the trail and started to walk down.


    Leaning heavily to keep himself from falling, Norbert made his way down the mountain, ensuring each step was safe as the wind and snow battered his face. Seeing the mote of light start to speed up going further away, Norbert wondered why, until his foot slipped.


    Sliding down on his butt, Norbert tried to balance himself as he went down the mountain, catching up with the mote of light again. The mote of light went to the left and right, as Norbert tried to follow as best he could, kicking his legs into the ground, moving him from side to side, as he bumped around.


    As Norbert went, seeing the mote of light speed up again, going further down and at a steeper angle. Feeling it suddenly becomes more profound, Norbert held on, pushing energy through his body as he tried to see ahead of what was to come.


    Only seeing the open area, there was nothing else for him to go as Norbert went ahead of them. The ice falling away from him, Norbert felt the world stop. Looking down the mountainside, he noticed the path leading away from the mountain again. The falling snow tried to obscure it but was unable to as Norbert watched it fall past him.


    The weightlessness quickly stopped, Norbert feeling himself begin to plummet towards the ground, far below him. Unable to control himself, Norbert looked, seeing him falling further away from the mountainside.


    Unable to stop himself, Norbert screamed as he plummeted down, stopping his arms from falling around, not seeing a way he could come out of this one and holding onto the pot in his hands, tucking his neck in to keep the scarf in place.


    He started pushing energy through his body, getting ready for the impact, bracing himself and relaxing his body simultaneously. As lights started to flash behind him, Norbert realised they were the contestants'' balconies as he passed them.


    Unable to count them, Norbert wondered when he would go past his balcony. As he looked around, darkness instantly consumed him, all motion exiting his body as he sat there.


    Holding onto the items still, not wanting to lose them, Norbert wondered if he was being transported somewhere, feeling it was the wrong time to talk face-to-face with Luck. He was nI did not realise how it could be the wrong time. As he looked around, Norbert realised he couldn''t see anything, not even his body.


    Sitting still, Norbert waited, feeling his stomach lurch behind him until it stopped suddenly.


    Instantly, Norbert was hit with light, feeling his body start to fall again; Norbert screamed out, only to land straight away on something solid.


    Eyes adjusting to the brightness, Norbert looked around, finding himself on his balcony looking at several sets of legs and looking up at the owners; they found Sally, Count von Count, Hyeon and Lily looking down at him.


    His voice coming out in a squeak, Norbert held up the pot. "Anyone hungry?" He asked.


    He finds himself sitting at the table again, everyone in their seats from before. Plates out and the pot in the centre. On top of Norbert''s plate were the daggers that Lily procured for himself.


    He saw the six daggers there, thinner and lighter than his other one and the knife at his hip. The thin pieces of metal had a similar leather handle to the one he was used to. Looking at the leather straps with which the daggers'' sheaths came, Norbert wondered what Lily''s plan was.


    Placing it behind himself on the floor, Norbert reached forward, opening the pot. Surprised to see steam coming off the lid. Carefully putting it on the table, Norbert wondered what was in there.


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    I saw the yellow broth within and pieces of meat and noodles throughout it. He took the spoon that Hyeon held out to him; he nodded his appreciation as he took the first bowl handed out¡ªthe silence was everywhere as he handed each one a single ladle worth. Sitting back down, Norbert went and dug for a piece of meat, picking up his spoon.


    Biting into it, Norbert nodded, exclaiming without realising it, "It''s just chicken soup."


    Count von Count looked at him and said, "Ah yes, just go and eat the random food you don''t know about." He said as he placed it in his mouth as well.


    Norbert watched as the vampire finished the first spoonful before taking a second one. Nodding his head in approval, he reached for his head, "Thought it is good."


    With the vampire''s approval, everyone else started digging in as well. Obsius jumps over to Norbert''s bowl, bending in and eating some of it. Norbert looked forward to the conversation after this, shaking his head and thinking of what would come.


    Shrugging internally to himself, at least he could push it off for a bit more as he took another spoonful. Making a mental note of the next time he saw Granny to get the recipe. As he continued to eat, looking at all the ingredients, nothing looked strange or weird, a dish he would be able to recreate back on Earth.


    The last bowl of soup goes to Lily, Norbert not wanting to contend with it. Placing the lid back on top, Norbert watched as it disappeared when Norbert released the lid. One moment, it was there; the next, it was gone before their eyes.


    No effect or trail showed where it was, no flash of light or weird feeling. It was just disappearing from all of their eyes. Norbert pushed his hand where it would be, confirming it wasn''t invisible and gone from this place.


    He looked around the table and saw the signs of the soup still in the bowls and the dirty cutlery; he confirmed that he hadn''t just made the entire thing up. Everyone else was looking at him, Obsius chirping at him as Count von Count nodded.


    Norbert shrugged at the question, "Well, I went walking around the mountainside, just cause. Then, I found a shack on the top; a nice Granny went inside. Had a meal and a chat and gave me the food, the scarf, and a book to read." Norbert said as he pointed to the two items he still had.


    "Afterwards, she sent me on my way; I went down the mountainside, slipped and started plummeting when you probably heard me and caught me. Which I am eternally grateful for." Norbert said the last bit, looking at Hyeon, giving a half bow as best he could to Hyeon.


    Sitting back down in his seat, Norbert looked around. "Now then, why were you following me around, or more importantly, why did you give the order out?" Norbert asked. He was first; I posed the question to Hyeon before looking over to Sally.


    Norbert just shrugged his shoulders, not hearing a response from any of them. "If you want something from me, you know where to find me," Norbert said as he left, picking up the book and daggers as he went to his room.


    Finding his backpack, Norbert dragged it towards the bed. I looked through the items, confirming that everything was there as before. Seeing the bestiary, Norbert opened it up, flicking through the pages as he remembered the creatures from the other day.


    Tagging through the sections, Norbert couldn''t find a trace of them. He wondered what was happening here and if they were related to what Granny had done or if she could control them. Seeing no reference to them here, Norbert turned to the book he acquired from her.


    Thumbing the cover, Norbert traced the words, flicking it forward as he looked at the publication page. As he continued reading through, he realised what confirmed his suspicions. It looks like the regular books he was used to, with its neat printing and, at times, a new Roman font.


    Reaching for the bestiary again, Norbert confirmed his thoughts, the handwritten writing he was usually shown here clashing with the normality of this world.


    Surprised that he was still caught up by such detail even after being here for so long, Norbert shook his head. He thought about the interaction; he remembered the water she had acquired for him. He shook his head with a smile that he was still affected by whatever that was, either drug or magic.


    Picking up "To the Moons and Back", Norbert thumbed through, confirming it was an ordinary book. He turned it upside down, confirming that nothing had dropped out of it, and there were no book cover sleeves; Norbert placed it in his bag. Not having the time to read an entire book or keep it always under his eye, Norbert wondered what Granny had for the reason for him to take it out of all of them.


    Not seeing the impact if he left it for someone else, Norbert took the daggers and their sheaths, looking at the rigging and the two holes through it. Holding it up, Norbert saw it drop down, the buckles on it with the extra leather straps around, forming two leg-like slots for him.


    Stepping through it, Norbert took his coat, scarf and other weapons off as he tried getting in. Fiddling with the leather while sitting on the bed, Norbert brought it up to his hips.


    Looking at the buckles, Norbert pulled it through, getting it and seeing two more straps just looped. Threading them over his belt, Norbert tried standing up, the entire rigging too tight.


    Standing straight, Norbert loosened them and retightened the ones that were needed. Finally, after an annoying ordeal, it was sitting nicely on him, the three daggers going down the outside of each leg, where his thigh was. Jumping up and down, Norbert was happy it wouldn''t fall off and trip him; now needing to test it, Norbert went down the staircase again, heading towards the portal and wondering where he could find a dummy.

 Chapter 182 Back to Training

    He was walking through the portal, and Norbert appeared in the hallway again. Looking both ways down the corridor, nobody else was there. Norbert wondered where the other one hundred contestants would be this time.


    He walked down the corridor until the centre stairwell was in front of him, pondering whether to go down to the other floors or see if the same thing could happen as last time. They remembered the figures atop the mountain and how they just abated, going away like they weren''t even there.


    Knowing he couldn''t do anything, Norbert descended the stairs to the floor below. Norbert could hear signs of people fighting below as he went down, still descending the spiral staircase. Norbert dismissed it, not caring a mind, knowing it was a practice area anyway,


    The barriers bellow up once again as he looked out across the hall. People were fighting against each other as Norbert continued to descend. Some people stopped momentarily as he walked, pointing at him before continuing. Others just glanced at who the newcomer was before going back to whatever they were doing. And then some didn''t even give Norbert the time of day.


    Not seeing a reason for interacting with them, not knowing how much time he lost, they all probably now spent training instead. Hitting the floor, Norbert pushed energy inside his body, sprinting to the next staircase to go to the floor underneath the one he was on. Looking for the dummies to train against.


    Making his way to the next staircase, Norbert also went down there. Halfway down, Norbert sat on the outer rail, letting himself get swooped down the rail, the wind going through his hair one more time. Smiling to himself, Norbert landed on the floor, his feet skidding as he went into a jog, feeling the daggers jostle around as his pace evened out.


    Getting straight to the next stairwell, Norbert went down again, now having seen the outside, wondering what else this place had to offer, needing to be more than just these several halls, remembering the snaking road far below his balcony.


    Leaving the exploring for later, now wanting to see how the knives would function, Norbert went down the staircase again, sliding on the railing again, shouting to people to move off the side as he went down.


    Holding on to the railing behind him to slow down, Norbert plopped onto the ground with a light jump in his step. He looked up the stairwell he had just come from, far above him, and imagined how deep he was now in the mountain. Walking, Norbert went to the most enormous dome he could find, empty and with a dummy.


    Needing to walk far down the corridor, Norbert found one that met his liking. Most of the other large ones on this floor are already occupied. Most of them were occupied by a single person; Norbert rarely saw two people together fighting the dummies.


    Norbert strolled through, seeing the barrier come down around him. Norbert headed towards the dummy; seeing the dummy stay still, Norbert stepped closer until he was a meter away.


    Breathing in, Norbert took one of the throwing daggers out, tossing it into the air before catching it. Feeling the weight, he bounced it in his palm. Facing off against the dummy, Norbert lifted the knife behind his head as he threw it forward, grasping onto the hilt like a ball.


    BANG TING


    Norbert heard it bounce against the floor. Happy that he at least hit the target, having it be enough distraction, Norbert took a step back, reaching down for a knife on his left side and throwing it.


    Watching as it hit the dummy, Norbert stayed where he was and unloaded the other four daggers. Having missed the last one, Norbert walked forward, picking up the daggers as he returned to his position. As he walked around, Norbert started to feel them on his legs.


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    Needing to bend down, Norbert looked at his straps, tightening them between each dagger as he secured them. Trying to wiggle them to the side, happy that they weren''t moving, Norbert squatted down, only feeling slightly restricted when he was at the bottom.


    As Norbert entered his position, unleashing the daggers, he saw them hit, throwing the last one as hard as he could, watching as the dagger once more joined the others on the floor. Walking towards the dummy, Norbert saw a scratch slowly disappear on it.


    Nodding his head, satisfied at making it forward, Norbert took a step back from his position, now roughly three meters away. Norbert knew he would be in for a long time.


    ***


    Count von Count stood outside the barrier, staring at Norbert as he threw the daggers several meters away. Most of them could hit, but only a few were missing, and none stayed within the target.


    Watching as Norbert shook his head, walking towards daggers scattered around the dummy as he bent over, placing them each back in their sheaths. Working his way from the bottom up. Walking back over, still lost in thought, Count von Count waved at him.


    As he watched Norbert, a smile appeared on the man''s face. He waved back to his friend from Earth, Norbert, who walked through the barrier.


    "What made you come here and bless us mortals with your presence?" Norbert asked Count von Count, bowing as Count von Count saw a dagger start to slide out of a sheath.


    Norbert came back up, looking at the scowling vampire. Looking down at his body, not finding anything wrong with what he was wearing, he looked back up, making eye contact with Count von Count.


    He raised his eyebrows as to why the vampire scowled him. Bending down, Count von Count kneeled as he dragged Norbert forward.


    Clicking his tongue as he adjusted the straps, Norbert looked down, wondering what the vampire was doing there. He felt the tightness that he was used to come out, the feeling of them disappearing on his legs. He looked down, confirming that he still had them on, not believing how the vampire set it up.


    As he moved around, Norbert, moving to the right-hand side, reached up and took the daggers off the straps. Norbert changed his vision, seeing the magic holding them in place as Count von Count examined the magic circle before nodding his head and attaching the dagger back on.


    Norbert watched as he adjusted the dagger, a strap that Norbert didn''t know what to do with as he just placed it under the others. Count von Count took it off and tied it around the handle before securing it with a button click.


    Norbert watched the angle being nearly pointed directly towards the ground and watched as the vampire went further and further up his leg until finally reaching the top dagger. He only slightly adjusted the angle before he turned Norbert around, working on the other side.


    Now both sides in unison, Norbert looked down, seeing the daggers at the bottom pointing to the ground, the ones further up pointing straight ahead and the top one where he would expect it to be like the other dagger and knife he had.


    Pointing to the weird angles, Norbert waited for an explanation.


    Count von Count was already opening his mouth before Norbert could even move. "It was designed for you to lift your leg to get the knife, not bend down." He curtly explained to Norbert.


    Norbert nodded as he lifted his leg, moving it forward. Naturally, he found that each one would come into position depending on how far up he raised his leg.


    "So I''m meant to do high knees with this?" Norbert asked Count von Count.


    He turned his head as he spoke to Norbert, "The point is when you''re running forward. This is not standard equipment, and I have only seen several people use it effectively." He said, the last part mostly to himself.


    Norbert nodded in response as he imagined he was quickly drawing with a gun. Taking a significant step forward, leaning naturally forward as well, he could unclip the dagger easily, feeling his arm come naturally above his head.


    Sliding to a stop, Norbert looked around, nodding his head to Count von Count as he stepped inside the dome.


    Norbert walked forward, dismissing the vampire from his head as he ran towards the dummy. Far away, Norbert grazed his legs over the knives, confirming that what Count von Count said was right. Them being angled in what seemed like a weird way was the correct position.


    Now close to it, Norbert unleashed the six daggers at the dummy, needing to halt before smashing into it.


    Skidding on one foot, brushing the daggers on the floor, Norbert stopped a meter away. Seeing that most of them had missed Norbert was satisfied with himself, seeing a single dagger sticking out of the dummy''s chest.


    Pulling the dagger out, Norbert collected the others, going over to position. Seeing Count von Count standing there, the man nodded, approving of what Norbert did. Norbert, standing on the other side of the barrier Norbert, breathed in, knowing he would need to be doing this a lot more.

 Chapter 183 A Guest in Tow

    Norbert walked out of the barrier, now unable to stumble on his feet when running and trying to draw the daggers. His accuracy would still have much to be asked for, but it was good enough to land in someone''s general area.


    Standing beside Count von Count, asking, "How long was I training for this time?" No usual sense of time was found within the halls. The place had no windows, and the lights always stayed the same consistency. Norbert would lose track of time if he weren''t careful about it.


    "Three days, and your progress has been expected so far." The vampire said to Norbert.


    Norbert just nodded as he walked away, Count von Count catching up, asking, "Where are you going?" He asked.


    Norbert pointed down, "To the library." Norbert replied.


    "And what are you looking for in there?" Count von Count asked, his curiosity piqued


    "To find out some information about these residences," Norbert responded as he ran to the closest stairs.


    ***


    "Are you able to assist me in searching for books?" Norbert asked the librarian clerk. The lady continued to look through her documents without looking up at Norbert.


    Taking her silence as confirmation, Norbert continued, "I am looking for books in two areas. First is about these halls, and the other is about Babba Yagga or the Great Witch?" Norbert asked, finally getting the librarian''s attention. As his question finished escaping his lips, Norbert felt the curiosity coming from behind him, dismissing the vampire''s questions even before they left his mouth, not wanting to deal with any more extra annoyances today.


    "Ohh, that''s a first. Everyone else here, including you, only wanted to know how to fight or spells to fight." The librarian said, standing up as she started to walk to the bookshelves behind her.


    "Well, for me, the latter would be pretty useless," Norbert said as he followed the librarian, the two entering the corridors of bookshelves filled to the brim with books. The footsteps of Count von Count behind him echoed on the ground as they continued to make their way forward.


    "Curious, then why so many books about magic previously?" The librarian asked as she went down a corridor off the main branch. Norbert looked up at the books around him, seeming to be a completely random assortment with no rhyme or reason.


    As Norbert peered closer, trying to read the titles, the writing on them was unreadable at speed; not wanting to annoy the librarian, Norbert continued walking¡ªthe names he could make out had no order.


    "That''s to give me a bit of magic knowledge, so if I run up against something, I have somewhat of an idea of what I''m dealing with," Norbert answered.


    "And this is also for the tournament?" The librarian asked Norbert.


    "Oh no, this is just for my perusal," Norbert replied, stopping with the librarian. Looking up at the shelves, she nodded before walking further down.


    Stopping at one of the ladders, she glided it over to where Norbert was, locking the wheels before climbing up the wooden steps.


    Going about halfway up, the librarian stopped, flicking through the books, leaning on both sides of the ladder, trying to find the book she was looking for; Norbert had no clue what exactly this book was about.


    Pulling two off the shelf, she descended the ladder, passing the two books to Norbert before climbing back up again. Norbert looked at both books, the cover of each looking dusty and ratty, unlike the books that Norbert had read before, which were clean, almost pristine.


    Flicking one open, Norbert looked at the yellowed pages as he turned them, almost imagining them crumbling to dust. Carefully closing the book, leaving what secrets they would hold for later. Placing the two books on each other, the librarian added a third book as she continued walking off, coming the way they had come.


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    Holding the three books in front of him in both hands, Norbert followed along, whatever questions the librarian had now answered, wanting the library to return to its previous quietness.


    Norbert added another book to his pile before the librarian started returning to her desk. Norbert followed until he stood in front of her again. She already had the pages open, flicking through as she continued what she was doing.


    Norbert waited expectantly as she said, "Read through those, and come back to me when you''re done."


    Norbert saluted as he spun the three books in hand on his heels, looking for a nook to sit down and begin reading through the books.


    ***


    "When were these books written?" Norbert asked the librarian sitting at her desk again.


    She looked up, pushing her glasses slightly down her nose, waiting for Norbert to continue.


    He placed the books on the desk in front of him, all side by side, as Norbert leaned on the desk, looking down at the librarian. "Exactly what I said," Norbert said, annoyance filling his voice. "I can only half read every third word. The rest is completely lost in the translation. Whatever the culture was back then, to find the nuance of the words these entire books is completely lost." Norbert replied. The energy is going out of his voice.


    Only receiving a nod in response, Norbert just looked at her. The words were uttered out of his mouth with a shaky jaw. "Then what was the point of having me read through these?" Norbert asked her.


    "Why do you think I''m here now?" She asked Norbert.


    "Because it''s your job?" Norbert responded, almost including the duh into his reply but holding back his tongue.


    "But why this job out of all I could do?" She asked him.


    Norbert sitting there, thinking for a moment before shrugging his shoulders, waiting for her to reply.


    Tapping the centre book with her fingers, she spoke, "You don''t know what is here, do you?" She asked back.


    Norbert just nodded. "Books?" He replied questioningly.


    "But not just any books or any archive. But some of the oldest, rarest books can be found in Morenas, even Masanu. It''s a researcher''s dream." She said to him.


    "Then why not be a researcher and find what you want?" Norbert asked her.


    "Because you just can''t." She said in return, Norbert sensing anger and annoyance now coming from her.


    Looking around, seeing the others who aren''t part of the tournament, people coming and going, especially on this level, the busiest out of all the levels. Norbert leaned forward, almost whispering in her ear, "I don''t think that''s what happened." Norbert said.


    Feeling Count von Count tapping on his shoulder, Norbert spun his head around, seeing in reply a shaking head in the negative. Dismissing the reply with a wave of his hand, Norbert looked forward to the librarian.


    "I think it''s because of something you did or believe in finding why you couldn''t be a normal researcher but a librarian and bury your head in books and the like all the time," Norbert responded to her, looking at her as he tried to size her up, wanting to confirm his theory.


    "Well, if you are such a detective, please tell me what I was trying to discover?" She asked him, leaning backwards in her chair, arms crossed as she looked through the tops of her glasses, waiting for Norbert to respond.


    "Well, if I am, as you said, a proper detective, then it would be with whatever these three books have in common," Norbert replied, playing the books over with his hand, drumming a beat like they were the keys of a piano.


    "Something to do with this place and their residence, a long time ago and whatever this third book was about. As this was just a cookbook with some extraordinary recipes." Norbert responded, pointing to the book on the far right as he finished.


    The librarian looked at the book Norbert pointed to as she picked up the three books before placing them down.


    "Never took you to be the detective type." She said as she stood up from her desk, heading over to a trolley on the side.


    Before Norbert could say anything, Count von Count butting in from the side, "He isn''t; most of that little show back there was what I thought of."


    "Uhhh, come on. I tried to act super cool then, and now you''ve blown it all." Norbert responded as he followed on behind the librarian.


    Count von Count whistled in the air as he strutted behind the two. Norbert felt the cheeky gaze on him.


    "So, what now, Mr Mastermind?" Norbert asked Count von Count.


    "Just continue as I said before. Hasn''t everything else been correct?" Count von Count responded.


    "Whatever you say. So, Ms Librarian, want to return to my room to discuss this further?" Norbert asked her.


    Placing the books on the trolley, she smiled back at him. "Why not? You''re just in luck and have also finished my shift for the day." She responded. Norbert wondered what she meant as he looked back at the desk, another librarian knitting there, filling away and looking over documents again. Shaking his head, wondering where this person came from, not having seen them enter, Norbert walked towards the staircase to the upper floors.


    Norbert waved for her to follow without turning around, hearing the two sets of footsteps behind his own, confirming that she was following him back.

 Chapter 184 Another Member Joins the Club

    "This your fan club or something?" Hyeon asked him as he stepped through the portal, having met his latest guest.


    I looked around the room, seeing that everyone else was still there, and I was surprised to see Sally still there.


    "What are you still doing here, Sally?" Norbert asked her. The commander turned to the side of her seat, papers strewn about the dining table. "Looks like you''ve made this place your home." Norbert continued in afterthought, from looking at the mess on the table she created.


    Norbert sat at the table as Sally looked up, staring at the newcomer. "She''s here because ¡­" She asked Norbert.


    Norbert turned around, seeing Count von Count and the Librarian standing beside the portal. The Librarian''s mouth was agape as she stared at the congregation within the room. Breathing in, the Librarian took the form of herself before she continued walking into the room, standing beside Norbert.


    Norbert took the seat he was there before, and Count von Count also returned to their seat. As Norbert looked around the table, seeing the two people now standing, one over two sides.


    "Looks like we''ll need more chairs if people keep coming here?" Norbert asked around the room.


    Count von Count just shrugging in response, Obsius not even caring about what Norbert was saying, off on the balcony, looking towards the snow still falling outside. The sky lit up from the sun; Norbert notes to look down at the valley again.


    "We''re only going to need more chairs if you keep inviting people," Lily said.


    Norbert turned to her, patting the daggers. "Oh, thanks for these. Believe they will be instrumental."


    Lily nodded in response, a slight smile tugging on her lips as she swished her hand in the air. Norbert watched as she flicked her hand in the air, using it as a come hither motion to some of the bites on the table.


    The food now caught his attention, so he reached out with a single hand, crawled forward on the table, and grabbed a pastry before flicking it into his mouth and swallowing it in a single bite.


    "Did that even touch the sides?" Count von Count asked him.


    "Nope!" Norbert exclaimed back as he licked his lips, confirming that everything that possibly could have been eaten.


    "Ehem hello?" The Librarian asked from behind Norbert.


    "Oh, that''s right, we were going to talk about the subjects," Norbert said, moving the chair out from under the table. Going to the staircase, Norbert turned back, seeing the Librarian still following him, all other eyes from the table tracking him.


    Waving back to them that it would be fine, Norbert went up the stairs, taking two at a time before opening the door and entering the bedroom area.


    Seeing his backpack in the same spot as he had left it before. Norbert walked towards it, ruffling through before taking out the pendant, buffing it on his leg before passing it through the air toward the Librarian.


    "Ever seen something like that?" Norbert asked her.


    The Librarian took the pendant out of the air before she spun it around, examining both sides. Spinning it around, she stopped it at the logo. As it finished turning around, she made it forward, seeing the pattern as she traced it with her finger.


    "I haven''t seen this exact thing, but things similar are out there." She responded, walking forward and sitting on the bed next to him.


    "And are these things earlier or later than these halls we now reside in?" Norbert asked her.


    "Oh, these are ancient. There are no written books for this. Only on stone and the ancient buildings you have most likely received this from." She explained before flourishing her arms to the room around her, "These halls, though, are fairly new in comparison. The fact we know of the Mountain King who made them is a testament to that." She said.


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    Norbert nodded along. "And what about The Great Witch?" Norbert asked her, wondering where this would form in the story.


    "Nobody knows. One day, she just popped up, a reference to her." The Librarian said.


    "But wouldn''t that mean that''s when she appeared, whenever that was?" Norbert asked.


    "If only it were that simple. References first started appearing a hundred cyclicals ago. Then people started discovering them earlier and earlier." She said.


    Norbert interrupted her, "But that just means you didn''t look properly the first time?" Norbert responded.


    She shook her head as she continued speaking; she said, "That''s what we thought at first. That we missed it; when texts we know, that the author knows they never put in, they appear overnight, all trace of when she first came is lost." The Librarian said.


    "So what, books just appeared there? What was the first recorded time of this happening?" Norbert asked.


    "A children''s book of things that bump in the night. I meant to spook them. When they turned the page, it just appeared there one night. Of course, at first, people thought it was. They didn''t realise it until it kept happening. And now it''s just a fact of the Great Witch, Babba Yagga herself, and we have all moved on." The Librarian said.


    Norbert nodded, saying aloud, "Mental note, don''t annoy Granny." Norbert said.


    "Granny?" The Librarian asked, head tilting to the side.


    Norbert just dismissed the question with a wave as he looked at her. "Don''t mind me. With all this discussion, there is one thing we haven''t done yet. That is, introduce ourselves." Norbert said as he stood up, taking a bow. ¡°I am Norbert, and you are?¡± Norbert asked, still having his head down.


    "Oh, I know who you are, and you may call me the Librarian, something which I''m sure you''ve already called me." The Librarian said in a tone that she already knew about it.


    Norbert looked at her. "And how do you know about me?" Norbert asked, hand fluttering down to his hip.


    The Librarian followed his hand with her eyes for a moment before shooting them back up to Norbert''s own. "Someone doesn''t take chances." She said, grinning slightly, her left canine showing through her pursed lips. "Well, you have this nasty habit of only raising your guard when it''s too late, which forces you to force your way out like the brute you are." The Librarian said, starting to stand up and walk off to the side of the bed.


    Norbert looked around the room, wondering if a trap surrounded him. I didn''t hear anything from downstairs, hoping she didn''t do something to stop the sound. Norbert didn''t give her any more time and brought his hand down to the daggers on his belt. The blade flew forward, and Norbert went backward; grabbing his backpack, Norbert headed towards the balcony.


    Watching the dagger, heading towards her body, stop just before hitting her, the blue runes dissipating in the air, cracking with energy as it fell apart, another taking its place to hold the dagger in the air. Turning around, Norbert jumped onto the balcony, thinking at least his plan to use the daggers would be effective. Out on the balcony, the sun creates shadows on the rails.


    Leaping into the setting sun, Norbert grabbed onto the railing, stopping himself from being catapulted down the cliff. Moving his body back in, Norbert landed on the central balcony below him. Looking around, I saw four people at the table. Stepping forward, Norbert stopped as one turned around, the black figure staring back at Norbert.


    Looking towards the door, Norbert turned around, not knowing where that could take him now or even if it still worked with the place compromised. The black figures start to shuffle out of their chairs. Norbert ran for the balcony again. Placing his foot on the balcony, Norbert launched himself against the cliff. Flexing his fingers, Norbert slammed them into the mountainside. He was pumping his energy into his hands; he felt it slide through the earth. Flexing down, Norbert halted, feeling his body lurch forward before stopping.


    Looking up, having fallen several meters, one of the black figures just pointed at Norbert, wondering what was happening; Norbert saw their finger elongate slowly towards him. Relaxing his fingers, Norbert continued his drop downwards. Looking around, seeing nothing that could be of note, Norbert continued to drop, finding something to land on.


    Turning around, looking off at the winding road Norbert made his way across. As he looked there, another of the creatures came falling past him. Letting his fingers go, Norbert dropped with the creature a second later.


    I watched as the two fell, ensuring that it wouldn''t try to do something to catch up to him or attack him in any way.


    His coat now flapping in the wind, Norbert needing to slow down, not wanting to impact with the ground or any outcroppings at this speed. Angling his feet to the side, directing him to the left and away from the creature as it continued to fall underneath him.


    It was spotting far below a ledge to sit on, running further to the left before it crested around; Norbert lost sight of where it continued across the mountain.


    Slowing down, Norbert landed on the ledge, thankful it was wide enough to stand comfortably. Looking both ways on his path, Norbert continued on the left around the mountain, the direction he was heading when falling. Looking up at the balcony he dropped off from moments before, Norbert was shocked to see the wave of black figures coming his way.


    He first thought that he couldn''t find the balcony due to the inky blackness they created as a single rolling mass. Norbert pushed forward, not wanting to be found there, going down the path and hoping for some way into the mountain or safely onto the ground far below.

 Chapter 185 Bathed in Crimson

    Walking along the ledge, keeping one hand to the side to make sure that he didn''t lose his balance and start falling down the mountainside again, but this time with no control. Walking forward, Norbert stopped as he was hit with two paths. One leading into a fissure in the mountainside, its darkness encroaching, hiding what awaited.


    The other pathway leads down towards the valley below. Looking between the two paths, Norbert pulled out a coin, whispering to it as he kept it close to his lips, "Heads to go down the path, tails to go into the fissure." Norbert flicked the coin into the air, flicking it too far forward, leaning over into the drop below.


    With his fingers, Norbert caught the coin before flicking it onto the palm of his left hand, with a satisfying smack, the coin being nestled between the two hands. Breathing out a sigh of relief that he didn''t fall, Norbert opened his hands to see what his fate had in store.


    Seeing the tails looking back, Norbert looked into the fissure''s dark confines. Hearing the rumbling from above him, Norbert placed the coin back in his pouch, removed his mask, put the back end on, and completed the helmet.


    Changing his vision to see better in the dark, Norbert stepped slightly into the fissure. Not wanting to light anything so close to the entrance, not giving an even higher chance of being spotted by the black glob still descending towards him.


    Turning to the side, taking his backpack off, Norbert squeezed through the fissure. He had his left hand in front of him, tapping on both sides of the wall as he shuffled forward, his body blocking most of the visible light from coming in.


    Deeper into the mountain, Norbert went, the path leading straight as his feet crunched through the dusty ground, dust clouds slowly filling the cave. He held his breath, trying to stop himself from coughing and breathing more dust in, feeling like a spider was crawling down his throat.


    Darkness consumes him; Norbert needs to change his vision to see entirely in the dark to get a hint of visibility.


    His hand started to slowly go further and further apart as the ceiling started to descend on him. Ducking down, Norbert put the backpack on his back again, taking as many steps as possible while crouched down and getting forced lower and lower into the ground. Occasionally, he heard his helmet scrape against the rock ceiling above him when stepping, the sound causing him to freeze as he heard it echo around the tunnel he found himself in.


    Taking his backpack off again, the tunnel having gone so small, he pushed his backpack in front of him, crawling on his stomach as he continued forward. After several meters, Norbert stopped feeling the presence of the rock above himself.


    Continuing to crawl forward, Norbert started to stand up, hand above his head slowly. Norbert stood up, able to stand more as he extended his hand, unable to reach the top. Putting his hands on his waist, Norbert leaned backwards, feeling his lower back pop as the tightness of the muscle was released with an audible POP.


    Leaning back down, Norbert ruffled through his bag, taking out a torch he had from so long ago. Going even deeper to pull out his flint, Norbert struck it against his dagger, creating a spark and letting the torch roar to life.


    Holding it up, Norbert looked around the cave where he found himself. Holding in his breath, Norbert slowly let it out, with any aspirations that could be interesting. I only see a usual cave with stalagmites hanging from the ceiling.


    Disappointed, Norbert looked around the cave, wondering if there was an exit somewhere to go deeper down. Not wanting to get trapped in the black ball of mass Norbert knew was slowly rolling towards him, Norbert went deeper into the cave, looking down half the time, making sure he wouldn''t slip or trip on the uneven surface.


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    Jumping down to the bottom, looking up and seeing the entrance that he came from¡ªa tiny pinprick of darkness, only slightly darker from the darkness surrounding it. Walking back, Norbert kept his eyes on it, seeing something move up there.


    Hearing a splash at his feet, Norbert looked down, taking his eyes off the tunnel and looking down to see what he had stepped in. Lowering the torch, Norbert saw liquid reflecting up. Leaning down, Norbert touched a bit with his gloved finger, rubbing it against his thumb and watching as it dried up, crusting before flaking off.


    Going for it again, Norbert lowered his finger into it before bringing it to his mouth. When it touched his lips, Norbert instantly spat it out, the metallic taste of blood filling his mouth. Taking out his water skin, Norbert quickly washed his mouth, leaving it clean and completely removing the taste.


    Following the stream forward, Norbert saw another fissure in the rock that was slowly trickling from. Turning his eyes back to the entrance he came from, he saw the darkness slowly move towards him, not even bothering with the coin. Norbert headed up the river of blood.


    A thought filled his head as he squeezed through the rock opening, torch in front of him, that Count von Count would like this place.


    Sticking his head out of another fissure, Norbert looked around; the splashing of his feet slowly quieted around him. Slowly crouching down, Norbert looked in at the small room he found himself in.


    In front of him was a tower of stone bricks, each rectangular object seemingly carved out of the room he found himself in. On top of it, Norbert could see the blood bubbling up, flowing over and down the tower into the floor.


    With the torch, the entire room seemed to be bathed in crimson. Moving the torch around, the shadows on the wall moved in the opposite direction, wanting to reach towards the flames rather than run away from it like normal.


    An unsettling feeling crept over Norbert, shaking himself at the thought of the unnaturalness of the room. His skin felt itchy under his clothes as he stood there, trying to look for something else.


    Walking towards the small tower, having a closer look as Norbert leaned over the top, looking down at what was inside. Seeing something glowing at the bottom, Norbert reached out his hand before grabbing his hand with his other.


    Dropping the torch, Norbert looked at the dancing shadows, trying to grasp at him from all around. Bending down, Norbert scooped up the torch, leaving the glowing tower by itself; the more he looked at it and remembered the artefact, the more it reminded him of himself being trapped in the hallway. The same creeping feeling consumed him as it tried to root him in place.


    He looked around, knowing he couldn''t go back out and down the river of blood the way he came. The passageway started to fill with the black mass following him that the Librarian sent his way.


    Looking around, Norbert sees no more exits from the room. Crossing his fingers, Norbert looked up, relieved at what he saw.


    Far above him, there was a hole in the ceiling, a skylight leading somewhere else in the underground maze he found himself in. Carefully, Norbert threw the torch into the hole in the ceiling, confirming as it became illuminated. Norbert, watching, confirming nothing, followed the torch down as he caught it.


    Taking a dagger out of his belt, Norbert looked at the wall, imagining himself running up it, sticking it into the hole as he climbed up. Norbert followed his plan, nodding his head, not seeing any other way of doing this.


    In the square walled room, Norbert ran at the wall opposite from the fissure that he had come from. Bounding up, Norbert ran up the wall, his first step propelling him into the air, the second pushing off as he felt his body become weightless.


    Spinning around, Norbert faced the hole in the ceiling as he reached his arm up, the blade catching into the stone as it yanked his entire body into the air.


    Scrambling slightly, Norbert swung back around, his weight going forward again as he swung around, finally stopping. He looked at his hand holding the torch, grunting as he placed it between his legs, holding it with his knee.


    Taking the other dagger out of his belt, Norbert smashed it into the rock hole he found himself in, pulling himself up as he climbed outside.


    He pulled himself up with only his arms; the torch banging against the wall sent a shower of embers below him. He looked down, confirming that nothing down there would alight, turning him into bacon.


    Smashing the daggers into the rock wall, slithers of stone fell on his face and tickled his nose; Norbert carefully climbed up, ensuring each handhold was secure before continuing.

 Chapter 186 The Dusty Halls

    He was pulling himself up Norbert''s hand, passing through the air. With one hand outstretched, I felt a ledge curved and going higher up to the left. Carefully, Norbert placed the dagger of the outstretched hand back in its belt before raising it again.


    Fumbling around, Norbert grasped onto the ledge, shaking it, confirming it wouldn''t crumble under his grip. Norbert hoisted himself up, taking the dagger out of the wall and quickly placing it in, getting the elbow over the ledge as Norbert held his legs together, still grasping the torch.


    Looking around in the dark confines, Norbert carefully pulled himself up, flopping on the ledge he found himself. Now properly illuminated, Norbert looked around the room he found himself in.


    Siting up on the ledge, leaning to the side so as not to fall, Norbert looked at where he was now. Leaning forward, Norbert saw steps cut out of the stone. Looking up and down the spiral, Norbert realised he was on a staircase, specifically the handrail for the staircase.


    He looked down at the steps, each going halfway up his torso, seemingly being made for giants and not someone his size. Standing up carefully, Norbert looked up at the centre of the staircase, seeing it spiral around him.


    They looked back down and saw the crimson glow bellow him, licking up the sides of the hole, flicking out into nothing, darkness consuming it. Confused for a second about what happened, Norbert quickly scrambled up the railing, seeing the black ooze still following him.


    Holding the torch over the side of the stairs, Norbert continued to clamber up, not to get dizzy. As he climbed further up, particles of dust in the air would catch alight before blazing out to be replaced by the next one.


    The steps, no longer mainly looking clean, were now covered in dust, bits and pieces cut and chipped out of them, rocks fallen over, blocking parts of the steps as Norbert continued to run up the railing. Happily enough, the railing was mainly intact, the dust only making it slightly slippery for him, only slightly more difficult than normal to gain some traction and continue his trek.


    Continuing to clamber up, Norbert occasionally checked on the other side, unable to tell his progress, whether the torchlight illuminated enough to see the black creatures following after him. Since he could still climb up further, the path leading down, he was sure, was now blocked. Norbert continued his revolving around and around the passageway.


    Finally, Norbert made his way to the top; on the way up, he needed to put a piece of fabric over his mouth to stop the dust from coming in, causing him to cough endlessly.


    The fabric tickled at his nose, Norbert hopped off the railing; looking around the room as he continued to battle with his nose, not wanting to sneeze and disturb the dust even more so. Realising that his previous thought hadn''t been the correct word for where he was. Norbert looked around, darkness and dust blocking his vision as it extended in both ways.


    Standing still, Norbert held the torch high up into the air. Walking along, following his nose as he looked at the hall he found himself in.


    Finding himself in the centre of the hallway, Norbert ran to one of the sides closest to him, holding the torch out as he looked around at the wall.


    Nothing out of the ordinary shows itself to Norbert, just a blank wall with no writing or inscriptions. Kicking the dust on the ground, watching it puff up, Norbert wondered if whatever he kicked up just then used to be on the wall. Brushing his hand along it, the trails of dust swirling around as Norbert coughed up, as it tickled his lungs.


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    He backed away and continued to cough, bending over as it wracked him. Norbert tried to compose himself as he started stumbling away. Regaining himself, Norbert looked at the dust swirl he had created.


    Instinctively, Norbert''s body shook under him, the feeling of someone watching you, hidden away and trying to be inconspicuous. Looking around the hall, he found he did not see anything that would arouse his suspicions. Dismissing the feeling, Norbert looked lengthwise down the hallway, wondering which route would be best for him.


    Spinning around on the spot, Norbert looked both ways, neither looking any different compared to what he had seen before. Remembering the outside of the mountain and trying to imagine where his position would be within the range, Norbert chose a direction, taking the path he thought would be the longest, wanting to cover the most distance away from the black sludge possible.


    He jogged down the hallway, not going as fast as he could, or the torch, his only slight source, would be snuffed out. Continuing down the hallway, Norbert found the same hallway across, no changes in the distance as he ate through the distance.


    He looked up at where he assumed the ceiling would be, imagining that there would be another one of these halls above. Norbert was surprised that he hadn''t hit any stairs so far in the centre, leading further up or lower down than where he was now.


    Not wanting to turn back, Norbert continued, going close to either wall as he continued down the hallway, not wanting to miss any offshoot that he could find, a way to move off this floor and onto another one¡ªat this point, he did not care if it was either up or down, mostly wanting to get away from the dust that was constantly attacking him.


    Norbert found his reprieve, another staircase spiralling up into the ceiling. Coming to a halt, Norbert looked up, following the spiral with his eyes as it steadily climbed into the air.


    With a nod of his head, a decision was made. Norbert quickly climbed the staircase, hoping to leave the dusty confines below him. Reaching the top, Norbert lifted the torch, hoping that nothing would come for him.


    He was looking above and seeing his dreaded enemy still there. The dust on this floor seemed even thicker than the one he previously went on. Carefully, Norbert, holding his breath, climbed up, looking at the state of the hall he found himself in.


    This one, Norbert could see destruction rampant here¡ªsigns of a scuffle of a large magnitude are shown here.


    Half in a trance, Norbert walked forward, imagining what this hall would have last seen. Walking through, the dust following him, Norbert saw pieces of metal jutting out of the stone.


    Walking forward, Norbert tapped it with his hand, hearing the solid thud of the massive piece of metal. Looking around, Norbert confirmed that it was still there and not something else.


    Stepping back, Norbert grasped what he saw: a massive axe head embedded itself into the stone; Norbert imagined whatever was using it as a weapon, smashing it into the ground, missing their target.


    Walking further down, Norbert saw the remains of a helmet, large enough to be a hut for Norbert, pieces of it having rusted through, the brown metallic of it bumpy on his skin.


    Taking a dagger out, Norbert hit the pommel against the metal helmet, watching as it flacked off, the water in the air or something having deteriorated the metal to such an extent.


    Climbing on top of the helmet, Norbert looked around at the hallway he found himself in; holding the torch up into the air, Norbert could finally see it.


    A battle had taken place right where he was; Norbert did not know how long ago it would have been, but as he looked around, spinning atop the helm, other equipment came out to him.


    He previously thought rocks were spearheads or other weapons sprinkled about and covering everything. Sliding off the helmet, Norbert traipsed through the dust, kicking pieces into the air, hand earing something go with it.


    Running after it, Norbert saw it was a splinter of bone; as he picked it up, Norbert watched as it disintegrated under his fingertips. Taking a step back, Norbert looked across the battlefield, the graveyard for so many, having been forgotten far below the mountainside.


    Looking back at the stairs he came from and comparing them to the size of the helmet, whoever or whatever used them could not have used those stairs or followed the same path as him. Norbert hadn''t seen unless there was some magic to change the size of a group of people.


    Dismissing it out of his head, believing he would have seen some other signs of something like that by now, Norbert went to the next possibility. That there was some way to escape from the mountainside and the hallways he found himself in.


    His confidence rebuffed Norbert, walking forward down the hallway, following the armour before stopping and turning around, going the other way. His curiosity improved as he thought he heard a voice whispering, "Come hither."

 Chapter 187 Between a Rock and a Hard Place

    Following the lines of men, the soldiers there before are now crumpled to dust. The voice still in his head, beaconing him forward, whispering sweet things to Norbert about what he could find there. A part of himself knew that the voice whispering to him was not his own but something otherworldly. Something outside of his mind.


    But the part of his mind telling him to stop was dismissed; there was no reason for any course of action, for right now, there wasn''t any reason to be concerned about what it was saying, as Norbert wanted to go that way without any prodding.


    With his mind set up, Norbert continued forward down the hall. Walking past the stairwell he came from, Norbert held the torch above it as he looked down, wondering how far up the black beings had followed him.


    Turning away, Norbert continued forward, starting at a jog again as he threaded through the fallen equipment. The further Norbert went, the more he could recognise, seeing a pattern as he almost imagined what these people were grouped up before being left here to rot and for the next person to find.


    Norbert continued through the hall, wondering what the giants would be fighting against, and I did not see any sign of a force whose weapons were facing the other way to attack or defend against this force that now lay strewn about.


    Following forward, Norbert made it to the end of the hall; calling it the end wasn''t that precise; as Norbert looked over the current obstacle he found himself in, he could see the roof going on further ahead.


    Towering above him, almost touching the ceiling, was a maze. A giant maze as Norbert looked out at the entrance, a single path open in the flat wall, showing a passageway that turned left later on.


    Standing on the helmet, Norbert saw more bodies strewn inside, reminding Norbert of a defence in a castle. Purposefully weakened in sections to funnel the invaders into areas the defenders desired.


    He slid off the helmet, forgetting about the dust as he landed, causing the cloud to come up. Slowly walking, Norbert stared at the maze as it towered over him. Stopping right where it would start, Norbert looked around the maze entrance, confirming that there weren''t any markings or anything of the sort outside.


    Changing his vision to use his magic eyes, Norbert looked at the wall, confirming that there wasn''t anything weird or strange about it that pointed to something being added to it. Walking off to the left, Norbert takes a throwing dagger out, sending it flying into the wall of the maze.


    Missing the point he was aiming for on the corner of the maze, the dagger bouncing within. Watching it, Norbert confirmed that nothing seemed to happen around him.


    Stepping forward, Norbert reached down, picked up his dagger, and sheathed it in its place on his leg. Standing up, Norbert took another step forward. A pulse of light ran through the maze walls, ending at the end as it went through the wall. Norbert watched the brown light wash throughout the hallway.


    Turning back to look at the maze, Norbert heard groaning from within, the sounds of something coming out. The voice in his head once more coming out.


    "Enter", It commanded him.


    Norbert backed away, trying to as his back hit a wall behind himself. Looking up, Norbert couldn''t believe where the wall came from; it was only jutting out from where he was. A sense of dread was now coming up within Norbert; whatever wanted to move him forward wouldn''t take no for an answer.


    Looking up, trying to see a way above the maze, Norbert felt himself getting pushed forward. His feet skidded on the ground as he was forced forward. Looking behind at the wall, steadily pushing him faster and faster, Norbert saw a magic circle appear there.


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    He saw the brown line interconnecting on the wall, pushing him forward. The wind started to whip at him, and the torch snuffed out as Norbert was surrounded by darkness.


    In the dark, Norbert could see the light around the walls light up, the brown light showing Norbert where the walls were before and how they were all connected¡ªnot having time to investigate what was zipping past him.


    Pushing off the wall behind himself, Norbert sprinted to get ahead of it; as he looked at the pathways, seeing a T junction ahead of himself, Norbert curved around to the left, intending to go through the right path while trying to keep as fast as possible.


    Running through, Norbert heard a crash behind himself, hearing metal being pulverised as it met with stone, a scraping noise coming out of the maze section following him before, now coming to a standstill.


    Breathing out, Norbert looked at the wall, resting his hands on his hips in satisfaction of having easily survived the hurdle, knowing that he would be a pancake if he weren''t fast enough. Looking down the pathway he was on, the way back being blocked off, Norbert saw a left turn only up ahead.


    Hearing something groaning behind him, Norbert turned around, seeing the section of the wall following after him again. Norbert started to run, pushing energy into his body. He looked around.


    Getting near the wall, Norbert hopped onto it, running vertically for several meters before he dropped, rolling on the ground. Norbert continued running forward, looking longingly at the walls and the salvation they would provide him.


    Continuing to run forward, Norbert skidded to slow down as he descended the left path. Instantly seeing another left turn, Norbert ran down it, coming the opposite way he had just gone.


    Trying to keep track of where he was in the maze, Norbert continued running forward, passing through several branches on the right leading further into the maze. He turned around and saw the wall poke its head out and start coming towards him again.


    Looking back at the passages he passed, Norbert pushed ahead, unsure about those decisions. Ng the fourth passage on ahead, unsure or up ahead, and surprisingly, even one to the left, Norbert took the next one on the right as he continued barrelling forward.


    Quickly taking stock of the branch of the maze that he found himself in, Norbert continued ahead, passing both ways on the left and right and once more, he heard the wall behind him picking up speed. Norbert ran even faster.


    Arms pumping on the side, Norbert pulled the straps of his backpack tight against his body, stopping it from banging against his back. Hearing the wall now right behind him, Norbert was diving to the first opportunity, not caring anymore; if he slowed down for even a moment, he would get swallowed up.


    Putting on another burst of speed, Norbert dived to the left, smashing into the stationary wall of the part of the maze he dived for, trying to escape the moving wall with his dive but was unable to do so completely.


    His feet got clipped in the process, spinning Norbert out and causing him to spin around, his backpack hitting the wall. Norbert thought he heard something break inside after the repeated times it took his fall.


    Pushing energy into his legs, Norbert cobbled forward, feeling them crack under his feet until, finally, he could run properly again. Pushing off, his ankle slightly to the side, Norbert continued running forward.


    Hearing the wall start moving again, following him, Norbert now knew that despite himself, he couldn''t correctly navigate the maze, needing to slow down to make the turns and avoid the wall chasing after him. The wall was seemingly able to increase its speed as fast as Norbert went, exponentially going faster and faster until it hit something.


    There was a time limit for how long Norbert could go on a single path until he was forced to decide. Counting down to himself, Norbert continued to run forward. Hearing the wall again coming up behind him, Norbert dived for a path on the left, able to make it out without being clipped.


    Taking another left turn around, Norbert continued, taking a right as he remembered what he was trying. Going down the path, Norbert, now wholly lost with his sense of direction, remembered that he had ten seconds until the wall would catch up with him.


    Following forward, taking a right turn, Norbert going forward, and finding himself on a single path, Norbert started counting.


    Ten, nine, eight, still, he went forward, starting to hear the rumbling of the wall behind him, finding the path he was on and chasing after him.


    Six, five, four, Norbert now becoming desperate, looking further down the path and unable to see anything popping up on either side.


    Three, two, one. Norbert instantly saw a path to his right; not having time to look, Norbert dived for it, the wall missing him as he looked at where he was.


    Running forward, Norbert smashed into another wall, too busy looking behind himself. Surprised to see it, Norbert turned to the direction he was running in, seeing a solid wall reaching up. Turning around, Norbert saw the moving wall come up, blocking off the entrance so he could get out and continue the maze.


    He spun around Norbert, seeing that he was trapped between a rock and a hard place, desperately searching for a way out.

 Chapter 188 Trapped

    The stone wall slowly inched towards him, his exits now closed off. It''s almost like this part of the wall was conscious, or someone controlled it. It knew he couldn''t go anywhere and was trapped in the passage he was now in.


    Looking around the confines, meters apart from wall to wall, the entire thing was seemingly designed for people much more significant than himself to navigate through. He stared at the top of the maze, the only salvation he could find. The wall''s ceiling was far above him, seemingly stretching to get even further away as he stood there.


    Dropping his eyes back down to the wall section, slowly moving towards him, Norbert stared it down, wondering how much time he would have. Not giving any more thought to the idea, Norbert turned to the wall behind him, walking to one of the corners where they met.


    Remembering the videos he saw of people parkour up walls, jumping from one corner to another, and slowly climbing up. Leather gloves rubbed against each other as Norbert imagined the path he would need to take. Hearing scraping from behind himself, Norbert saw the wall picking up on an object, dismissing the sound as he looked back at the corner.


    Running vertically along the back wall, aiming for the corner with the least discarded objects on the ground. Blasting into it, Norbert landed with one hand and both feet as he jumped off the corner, landing on the next wall. Unable to make purchases, Norbert felt himself tumble off and fall back onto the ground.


    Looking at where he fell off, the wall looked the same as before in that area, with no slippery spots or indents along any of the maze''s walls. Staring back up, Norbert counted that he would need to do it several times in quick succession to make it up the several-meter-high wall.


    Dusting himself off, he dragged his feet against the floor as he wiggled around, confirming the feel of the boots was correct. Norbert did not know how many times he would have to attempt it.


    He is running again at the same corner, Norbert leaping onto the edge of the wall, clearing meters underneath him. On the side pushing off with an arm and a leg, the others already out like a crab, ready for the impact with the back wall.


    Foot bending in as Norbert hit it, pushing off again, sending him higher this time, but not as much as the first leap. Landing on the wall, Norbert continued pushing against one side and then the other, slowly climbing to the top.


    Losing energy, Norbert jumped forward, now several meters above the ground, not wanting to look down at the dizzying height as he stretched. With his fingers just grasping the top, Norbert heard the wall starting to speed up, the scraping instantly rising in pitch.


    Not wanting to get squashed, Norbert pulled up as hard as he could, shooting into the air Norbert, leaving the maze behind, far beneath him.


    Looking at the track that he went through, seeing the rest of the maze stretched out before him, the same twisting turns going over themselves, the further he watched, the more dead ends appeared until finally, nearly at the end, they all conjoined to a single path, an object sitting the hear daring the voice call out to him, whispering at him sud, deny "This way."


    The voice was more vital than ever as Norbert tried to memorise the pathway there, working his way back to his current location. No, Robert''s body was suddenly dropping to the ground, not feeling his legs as he plummeted towards the ground.


    Looking down at his body, Norbert sees a hunk of metal sticking out. Following the trajectory with his eyes along either section of the walls, Norbert saw rows of crossbows following him, angling downwards with his body falling.


    Landing in a heap on the floor, the metal object stuck into the ground, not moving around. Staring down at it, Norbert saw that it destroyed his entire mid-section; his guts and stomach now turned into a liquid scattered around the tunnel.


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    Ripping the small amount of skin left connecting his body to the metal shaft, Norbert started to see black spots as he forced his body to heal again in the mid-section, pumping the energy into it.


    Scrambling around, Norbert found the two stumps of his legs. He twisted his body around, and Norbert attached them to it, far too high up his body. Forcing the bone to grow, his lower body now alighted with purple light, seeming to burst out of him as he forced it to repair, not caring about the quality, just needing to move before the wall started following after him again.


    Holding it in place, Norbert looked up, seeing the wall moving slowly back out, having crashed into the dead end, crushing everything before into dust.


    Forcing his toes, Norbert could feel them wiggle in his boots, thankful that at least he had that going for him. Continuing to stay still, Norbert looked around for his belt or whatever remained that could be.


    Feeling his backpack grow lighter, Norbert looked around, seeing a hole in the bottom corner, having been snagged by the metal.


    Cursing to himself, Norbert took the backpack off his back, flipping it around before putting it back on again. Stuffing the medical kit that fell out back in.


    Having the backpack on his back again, it felt awkward just sitting there upside down, scared that something would come out of the opening at the bottom.


    The wall still coming forward, Norbert got to his feet, unable to wait any longer for his body to heal, hoping it would be enough for him to move.


    Seeing his belt, daggers, sword and coin pouch somehow still attached, Norbert hobbled forward, feeling his body twist underneath him. Picking it up, Norbert, using the sword within the sheath like a walking stick, started moving again at a jog.


    Looking behind himself, seeing the wall starting to speed up, Norbert tried to remember the path out of the maze. Grunting in pain at the memory and the sudden loss of limbs that happened to him.


    Turning back around, Norbert moved slightly faster to a quick hobble, feeling his body getting slightly taller, wondering how much mass he had lost in that mistake he had made earlier. He continued to stumble forward, threading through the items strewn about, thinking about the wall chasing after him, wondering how items would even be here.


    Stumbling on a piece of metal, not giving it any thought, Norbert went back the way he had come, heading right, seeing if there were any more options that way; keeping an eye on the wall behind him, Norbert turned the corner, seeing the crossroad, that he was on before.


    Continuing down it before he changed his course, Norbert heard the wall start to speed up behind him now that it was out of his way. Hearing it crash behind himself, Norbert imagined the bits of gore that left his body now well and truly gone, now being plastered onto the opposing wall.


    I almost imagined a face on the moving wall, just grinning at him in reply to his question. Norbert walked away as slow as he could go. He heard the wall slowly move, chasing after him, only going slightly faster than himself.


    Now, realising what happened before, if he were going as fast as possible, it would only take ten seconds before he would get crushed.


    Going slightly faster, Norbert saw the pathway to the right and skipped past it. Norbert saw a right turn; being forced to take it, Norbert sprinted forward, his body now repaired enough for the run that would be happening.


    Charging forward, he heard the wall rumbling behind him, like the angel on death riding its chopper, ready to cut him off if he stumbled even once. Sliding around on the ground, Norbert turned around, confirming that the wall had sped up again.


    He forced himself to walk down the corridor, purposefully going slowly as he heard the wall behind him start to move, just ever so slowly, faster than himself. Looking in front of himself, Norbert knew he wanted to move to the left of where he was, the general direction is better than anything else, not wanting to go back out the way he had come in case the black mass had reached the start of the maze.


    He was turning around; Norbert now jogged before running, heading towards the first path on the left and beginning to run down it.


    In this nature, Norbert continued making lefts and rights, going back over himself and running past items strewn on the ground. Dust being kicked up into the air all around him, Norbert wondered what it would look like from behind.


    Sliding on the ground, pushing off the wall, Norbert ran through the corridor ahead. Getting Deja Vu from the last time, there was a single straight corridor. Norbert continued to run until he reached the end, with no other pathways to continue down.


    Looking back at the long corridor, the moving section of the wall blocking him off once again from running back out and turning around to the end of the wall, sighing in annoyance of needing to climb up and over for a way to get out. The thought of the crossbow bolt smashing into his stomach made him queasy.

 Chapter 189 A Deadly Surprise

    Running forward, Norbert stared down the corner he was aiming for; hearing the wall start to speed up behind him, Norbert gaged the distance up, believing that he could make it up there in time. He tied his belt back on, difficulty with the sword still banging against his legs as he pelted forward, not wanting to slow down as he needed all the time he possibly could to scale the walls around him.


    Rushing forward, turning against the back wall, running his hand over it, confirming it was as flat as the other maze walls. Quickly looking up at the top of the maze, the moving wall still rumbling towards him, Norbert flung himself up into the air with a giant leap.


    Scrunching his leg forward, he jumped to the other corner he was in just when he hit it, leaping off once again like a crab. Hearing the wall behind him moving ever closer, still rumbling forward, Norbert kept leaping from side to side, scaling up the walls.


    Feeling the vibrations of the rubble, he went through once more, leaping forward, now at the top of the wall, Norbert''s hand once more grasping the top. Pulling himself up, Norbert stopped himself with the other hand, flipping around upside down as he looked around at the walls, seeing the crossbows starting to move towards him.


    Still grasping onto the wall, Norbert slammed down before leaping to the side, expecting the crossbows to shoot at him. Regaining his balance, Norbert looked for a pathway, pushing energy throughout his body. The marathon had just turned into a sprint.


    Sprinting forward, Norbert heard the ping of a hunk of metal coming his way. Jumping into the air, hearing it slam into the stone he was standing on, Norbert rolled to the ground, feeling the contents of his backpack shake around as he risked something falling out.


    Running forward along the top of the wall, Norbert looked toward the wall he was on. Travelling across the top, Norbert heard the moving wall underneath him and started to backtrack out of the dead end he found himself in previously, scouring for the next part that he would fall.


    Dismissing it from his head, not intending to fall there, Norbert continued forward, seeing those around him, looking for a path to the exit.


    Making a left, Norbert needed to slow down to not fall off the wall, hearing a PING from one of the crossbows on the side. Continuing to slide across, Norbert leapt into the air, travelling the distance to a wall on the other side. Gripping the edge as he felt his body lurch to a stop.


    CRANK


    Looking up, Norbert saw the metal missile rusted over from years of derelict the place had received and was surprised that the crossbows were still working, to begin with, and not just piles of broken pieces. The cables used and the frame''s wood would now be destroyed.


    Pulling himself up, Norbert continued running, heading toward where he saw the end of the maze. Hearing another PING, Norbert leaping forward, hearing the bolt smash behind him.


    Continuing to run forward, Norbert looked to the side where the metal chunks were coming at him.


    I was surprised to see just the point of the metal shaft slowly retracting before going back with a PING sound before being shot forward. Norbert slid on his knees before continuing to run, the piece of metal blasting past his clothes, his coat flapping in the wind it created, slightly pulling Norbert in that direction.


    Rushing forward, Norbert looked around, seeing where it was before another piece of metal appeared from above; watching as it was slowly pulled back, hearing a PING from the other side, Norbert moved his attention forward.


    Looking around, Norbert saw a gap coming; the distance was just too far for him to leap forward and past it. Looking on the side, Norbert saw he was running atop a corridor. Leaping to the left, towards the bolt of metal shooting his way.


    Norbert flew high into the air, feeling the wind flap through his clothes. Coming back down, he overshot the landing. Reaching behind himself, grabbing onto the edge of the corner, fingers bit into stone, Norbert fell over the side.


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    Hearing the piece of metal rushing overhead, his eyes dragged along as it smashed into the stone wall of the maze on the other side. Seeing the wall crack under the force, the piece of metal just hanging there, jutting out of the wall.


    Swallowing, Norbert heard another PING coming from the wall on the right. Leaning to the side, Norbert flung his body, grabbing the ledge again with the other hand.


    THUD CRACK


    Fingers slightly slipping, Norbert grabbed on; the wall now had a chunk missing from it, right where he was holding onto it before. Looking down at the ground, Norbert heard the metal projectile clanging to the floor.


    Pulling himself up, Norbert continued to run, not wanting to hear another PING of the machine cocking and getting ready to shoot at him again.


    Turning around, Norbert headed back in his intended direction, whipping his head to the left and right constantly, waiting for the sound that would mean he would need to dodge quickly.


    Leaping into the air, Norbert looked to the side, crossing the gap before him. Seeing more slots from the side going down the entire wall, Norbert was thankful that only one on each side was being fired at a time.


    The moving wall slid underneath him, trying to hit him. But Norbert leapt too high into the air, the wall unable to leave the ground and reach him. Stumbling for a second as he landed, Norbert caught himself before continuing.


    Their arms are pumping to the side, hearing the constant rumble of the wall chasing after him. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled. Norbert ducked down, crawling on his hands for a second before running again.


    A metal projectile appeared in front of him, embedded in his path, the wall crumbling slightly in that section. Running past Norbert, pulling on the metal object, he grabbed it, sticking out of the maze to see how deep the foreign object had been embedded into the rock.


    Grasping on Norbert, he felt his hand give out, slipping from the object as he continued running forward. Pain shot up for a second before it disappeared. Norbert turned back to the object, seeing a slight crack on the top of the maze wall he was running on.


    Leaping forward once again, Norbert just tried to go as fast as possible, unable to hear the PING of the bolts being shot at him with the moving wall right next to him. Crashing into the other walls of the maze and pulling everything else out of it.


    As Norbert continued forward, seeing the pieces of equipment occasionally on the ground, Norbert wondered how they would have been left there. As in his predicament, he would have thought it would be turned to pulp.


    Looking around, leaping forward once more and taking a left on the wall as he travelled slightly closer to the left wall, trying to see if there were any enchantments on it.


    As Norbert continued to jump, leap and roll forward, ever getting closer to his goal, he came into a rhythm. A dance, if you would, between himself, the maze runner and the designer. Who would do it better and come out on top?


    Webbing and flowing, in sync with their design, Norbert Cowas could not even begin to fathom how long ago it was. Diving back down, Norbert could now see the opening back up. The walls he was running on were getting thicker and thicker, leaving him more chances to move around.


    He looked around with a smile on his face, thinking it would be easy the last bit, with no more space constraints.


    PING


    PING


    PING


    PING


    Norbert heard several projectiles become ready to be launched out of their holes. Hearing the moving wall whip off to the side, Norbert dismissed it as he looked ahead, the smooth wall he was running on and the bottom riddled with holes, nearly filled up but still visible the scars from the metal projectiles.


    CRACK CRACK CraCK


    Leaping to the side, a bolt appeared where he was, while two others appeared in his previous position.


    CRACK CRACK


    Norbert stared, seeing two more following after he leapt to the side; no longer having time to stop, Norbert charged forward, pushing as much speed as possible.


    As he ran, Norbert imagined football players in front of him, trying to tackle him down and get the ball he was carrying. Needing to roll and dodge out of the way Norbert did, the bolts seemed to appear out of nowhere and had a purpose.


    Leaping and sliding, Norbert made it through, seeing in his periphery all the paths starting to converge, allowing him even more space to run.


    Seeing it there, the blue light emanating in the clearing of the maze, the other side showing his salvation.


    Seeing the last bit of it, Norbert leapt as far as he could, ready to land on the ground several meters down, having no time to scale the wall properly.


    Leaping forward, his last foot touching the ground, a smile on his face after beating the maze, although unconventional, most definitely, there was nothing else it could throw at him.


    PING


    The sound of hundreds of bolts ready to launch. Free falling through the air, Norbert turned around, spinning as he fell, eyes widening at what he saw.


    Norbert saw cutouts throughout the wall; bolts had already dropped into them as they started moving forward. The time he seemed to slow down as Norbert looked across the wall, seeing all of them trained on him.


    Looking up at the ceiling, Norbert said a quick prayer, hoping Luck could hear him, "Show me the way." Norbert asked.


    Flipping around, facing forward in his trajectory, Norbert waited for the golden path to appear. With a blinding golden light, a path was shown to Norbert.


    Looking down, Norbert could see that it was following his trajectory before it disappeared on him, leaving just motes of light as they dissipated.

 Chapter 190 A Familiar Ceiling

    "Our late arrival is finally waking up again; it''s time to change the subject." Norbert heard an old ladies voice come out, echoing around the room as he came to consciousness.


    Opening his eyes, Norbert saw the wooden ceiling above himself, one that seemed familiar, but with sleep still grasping his mind unable to know where he had seen it. Resting back into the bed, he found himself on. Norbert closed his eyes, remembering the last thing he saw.


    The wall of projectiles flashed through his mind. He was sitting up, wide awake, as the memory of falling flooded him.


    "And he''s back ." Norbert heard the voice again, followed by a single chirp. Looking around the room, Norbert saw the wooden table with Granny sitting on it. In front of her were three cups: one in front of her, one in front of an empty chair opposite and one on the side.


    As Norbert looked at it, he spotted a little black bird with white flecks drinking from the cup. "Obsius!" Norbert exclaimed, "What are you doing here?" He asked.


    Quickly realising where he was, he turned to face Granny. "And you, Granny, what are you doing inside this long-forgotten dust ridden hall?" Norbert asked her.


    Turning around, Norbert gets out of bed and makes it, pulling the covers and blankets taunt, ironing out the wrinkles while listening to her speak.


    "Can''t I have a look through the halls that I once travelled long ago?" Granny asked, taking a sip of the liquid in her cup.


    The smell filled the room, a floral smell with a hint of cinnamon. Walking over, Norbert took the chair out, carefully picking it up and not dragging it on the floorboards before sitting down. Taking the cup and saucer, Norbert carefully moved the whole cup to his lip, taking a smell, letting it fill his nostrils until he could almost taste the cinnamon on his tongue.


    Moving it to his lips, Norbert swallowed it, the sweetness filling him up, revitalising him. Norbert did not realise how parched his throat was and how tired he had been from his activities. The stress of always being on edge for hours was only now released from him.


    Lowering it, Norbert gave a content sigh before placing it back on the table.


    "Thanks for that; I really needed it," Norbert said, nodding to Granny.


    Granny just smiled in return, moving the cup a loser and taking a tiny sip of her tea.


    "Oh, and thank you for the soup for earlier; it was magnificent," Norbert said, kissing chefs with his hands.


    Granny responds, "That''s all good; whenever you need a hot meal, you can always come to Granny''s." She replied.


    His neck''s hair tingled at the thought that something had happened to him. In those simple words, His entire body shacked over Norbert, sitting in silence before hearing a chirp from Obsius.


    Turning to the bird, Norbert asked, "And you still haven''t explained what you''re doing here? Last I saw, you were sitting outside on the ¡­" Norbert trailed off. You remember Obsius sitting outside there.


    "Have you been following me this entire time?" Norbert asked the bird.


    Receiving a chirp in reply, Norbert shook his head in bewilderment. "But what about the black men that formed into a ball chasing after me?" Norbert asked the bird.


    The only response was Obsius flapping their wings before stopping, not wanting to blow anything off the table with her demonstration.


    Norbert just shook her head in response to the bird, not believing that they followed after him.


    Being awoken by his thoughts by Granny saying, "I see you putting the scarf to good use."


    Norbert looked down. The scarf she had given him was still wrapped around his neck. He was looking at the bit; he used it as a face mask to stop the dust from getting down his throat and aggravating him.


    Nodding in response, responding, "Yeah, it has been beneficial down here. All this dust makes my nose run constantly without it."


    Granny nodded in response like she knew it was happening from the beginning. He would find his way down here and need the scarf to breathe correctly.


    Taking another sip of his tea, Norbert looked up to Granny. "No test to lock me down this time?" Norbert asked her.


    The cackle escaped from the older woman before him as she carefully placed her tea down before rolling back in her chair. Norbert was surprised at the change of attitude from before. The quiet and kind-looking woman is now gone.


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    Before him sat an old lady, having seen too much and too far down her whisky bottle, the whips and jokes she brings out at Christmas when all the rest of the family has disappeared, and you''re the only one left.


    Shocked, the old, caring woman who has only shown you the best has lived a wonderful with some rule-breaking sprinkled on top. Or the more you learn about her, you realise it''s more than just a little.


    Granny''s voice died off, taking Norbert back to reality and out of his thoughts as he looked at the woman. "That was never a test, as you think it was." She said to him.


    Norbert turned his head to the side, comprehending the woman''s words, "¡­ what do you mean by that? A test that isn''t a test I''m thinking of?" Norbert asked her, now utterly confused.


    "It was a test, but of will and determination, not one of skill or talent that you might show." Granny responded before whispering, "And one of faith." Like the wind was carrying the words away, Norbert just heard the faintest tinkling of something before it was taken away.


    Before he could properly understand what she said and take it in, before he could ask a question about the last part, Granny interrupted his train of thought, "How did you get down here?" She asked him.


    Norbert pointed to Obsius with a finger. "Didn''t she already tell you what happened?" He asked Granny.


    "But I want to hear it from you," Granny responded before scooching her chair slightly forward, leaning back as she took the cup and saucer and had a sip of her tea.


    "Well, after having your soup, I went down to the library and asked for recommendations about books on the halls and more about you," Norbert said while nodding to Granny, sitting opposite him.


    Leaning forward, Norbert took a sip of his tea, nearly half of it gone already as he tried to quench his parched throat. Feeling the gaze on him intensify, Norbert continued his story.


    "Received some books. The one about you was just a children''s book about being careful going too deep into the woods or else your moving house will gobble children up," Norbert said.


    Granny smiled at that as a glazed-over look took over her. Norbert continued with his story, and seeing his voice snapped her out of it. "We talked and said that writings about you just started appearing and going further back," Norbert said, clearing his throat as the older woman before him narrowed her eyes at what he said.


    "Then, I showed her this pendant I ¡®received¡¯ once.¡± Norbert said, making air quotes ¡°And after that, those dark creatures appeared; I escaped from the balcony, down the mountainside, being chased. I found a ravine, then these sets of halls where a weird voice called out to me." Norbert said.


    He drummed his finger on his chin as he thought about what happened, "Then the maze hall and you, in the centre of it." Norbert said.


    Turning to Obsius, asking "Is there anything else I missed?" He asked her.


    Obsius chirped angrily, responding, "Well then, you can tell the story next time. Oh wait, she wanted me. Though you were right about me missing the blood room with the weird ball emanating crimson light and blood." Norbert said to her.


    The older woman in front of him, sipping her tea, suddenly stopped. "What do you mean, blood coming out of a crystal?" She asked him.


    "Exactly as I described it. I went past a fissure into a cave, and a river of blood flowed down. I went back up and, going through another fissure in the rock, found a room with indents similar to the pendant I had found but bathed in red light emanating from it. Above had a hole in the ceiling I crawled through, leading to some massive stairs leading to the hall network I assume I''m in now." Norbert explained in greater detail to Granny than before.


    Granny nods to herself, "The relic is likely what your friend is here for." She said.


    Norbert thinks for a second. "You mean Count von Count? Yeah, I can see why he would want something like that."


    Granny halted for a second. "Did you say, Count von Count?" She asked him. Norbert nodded, but she started laughing again before he could say anything. Norbert wondered how it could be so funny, as Granny waved her hand before him. "It''s all good, child; just happy to hear he''s still out and about and not trapped on that island of theirs." She said to him.


    Norbert just nodded, wondering what the vampire did in the past that someone like Granny would know about him. "And how do you know of Count von Count?" Norbert asked her.


    "Why don''t you ask the man yourself," Granny responded. Before Norbert could rebut, she held out her hand. "Do you still have that pendant?" She asked him.


    Norbert nodded in response, looking around for his backpack. Turning around, Norbert saw it next to the bed. Watching, seeing as it was the right way up, Norbert flipped it around before searching for it at the bottom.


    "Oh goodness, what happened to you? Is the book I lent you okay?" Granny asked, creaking out of her chair as she rattled around, grabbing Norbert''s face as she twisted, pinched and pulled it out.


    Opening an eyelid, leaning forward and staring into his eye before she started patting down his body. "Where did you get hit?" She asked him.


    "In the waist," Norbert said, standing up undoing the button on his coat while he held it up in the air to allow Granny to look at his stomach and confirm he was fine with her own eyes.


    Feeling her cold hands touching his stomach, she looked closer, not even seeing a scar.


    "Where were you hurt?" She asked him.


    Norbert goes from below his rib cage to his hips. "From here to here." He said.


    The older woman looked up in confusion.


    Norbert explains further, "One of those projectiles hit me here in the stomach, taking out all of this." Norbert said as he drew a rough circle on his body.


    Granny whistled in response as she walked away; Norbert was surprised by the response, not even thinking the older woman could whistle at all, the feeling he received from her not being the type of person to do so usually.


    Walking around to her seat, hopping up into the chair, she patted the table as Norbert reached in again.


    Taking out the book she had given him, showing that it hadn''t been damaged in the run he had to get here, he pulled out the pendant, looking at the purple lines on it and the jagged rock around it, now smoother than when he first ripped it out.


    Granny picked it up, holding it up to her eye before whistling again for the second time that day. "Now, this is old, even for me." She said to Norbert.


    "And ¡­" Norbert asked her.


    "Did you hear the tragedy of Mahnu the Stupendous?"


    ¡°No.¡± Norbert responded.


    Granny nodded her head in response. "I thought not. It''s not a story the Frontier would tell you."

 Chapter 191 Another Unexpected Guest

    Norbert waited there as Granny continued to sip her tea.


    "Are you going to tell me the story of Mahnu?" Norbert asked her.


    Granny, looking back to his backpack, just shook her head. "There are better things to do than telling stories about ancients that most have forgotten. What''s more important is repairing your bag before my book gets damaged." Granny said.


    Norbert opened his mouth to rebuttal, only receiving a look in response. Shutting his jaw with a clap of his teeth. Nodding in response, looking as Granny pointed to her kitchen, "If you can be so kind as to go and pull the sewing kit out of the kitchen." She said as she pointed.


    Norbert stood out of his chair, leaving the backpack on the table as he looked around, not seeing anything that resembled a sewing box.


    "And where would that be?" Norbert asked her.


    She picked up the backpack, placed it, and placed it on the table individually. "Oh, quite hefty. And it''s in the top draw on the left; you''ll know it when you see it." She said.


    Norbert turned around, seeing she was holding Obsius''s money pouch; the bird insisted he carry it for her still, even when they were apart. Turning back around, on the search for the sewing kit Granny was talking about, Norbert pulled out the draw mentioned, staring at its contents.


    What was revealed to him was a draw of random tools and odd bits and pieces like cloth, string, rubber bands, leather straps, bags and a cookie tin.


    I saw the blue tin bumped out of the surface of biscuits, the ones with sugar placed on top and in intricate knots. A thought came to Norbert as he picked it up and shook it. I did not hear any biscuits inside but the sound of fabric and other odds and ends moving around.


    Opening the lid, Norbert was shown his prize. The sewing supplies he had set out had been acquired. Turning around, Norbert looked at the table; everything he had taken with him now sprawled across the table.


    Granny took Norbert''s bestiary and started flicking through the pages. She opened the book again, letting it open to the most used page. Seeing it was in the back of the book, Norbert placed the tin on the table as he looked at it upside down, recognising the creature having read the page previously.


    "Ever seen one of these in person?" Granny asked him.


    Norbert nodded in response, never having seen the bloated ball-like creature before. Before he could read it, the book was closed and pushed to the side. Picking up the empty backpack, Granny opened the tin before selecting one of the needles and scrounging for some thread.


    Pulling a brown thread out, still on the roll, she got an arm''s length worth before cutting it with the scissors inside, Norbert watching as she threaded it on the first try and started sewing the hole at the bottom.


    Norbert stared at her as she continued to work. "You''re not going to use magic?" Norbert asked while Granny continued to sew the bag shut.


    "Sometimes it''s good to do things the normal way." She said before returning to her work.


    Norbert nodded as he watched the tears in the bag slowly come together. He was staring at the technique, watching the rhythm as the needle wove in and out of the two sides of the bag, each tug pulling them slightly closer.


    With the last piece closing up, Granny tied a knot in the end before cutting the string with a single snip of her scissors. Picking the bag up, she inspected her work, pulling and tugging at the mended section; with a nod, happy that it wouldn''t split apart again, she handed the backpack over to Norbert.


    Picking the backpack up, he also inspected it; the bag was not ripping or tearing as he began to place the items back in his backpack. Arranging them in order of least to most used, the first one to go inside was the medical pack, never having used it once.


    Looking for the following item to put in, he saw Granny staring at him. Looking back at her, wondering what she was after when it finally hit him. "Thank you for repairing it; it seems to be a splendid job," Norbert told her.


    "Seems to be?" She asked him.


    Norbert nodded while he scratched the back of his neck, ashamed of what would happen, hoping he wouldn''t be grilled for what he was about to say. "I''m never taught how to sew. Never needed the skill until now. And your right, it is a splendid job, even I can tell with my little knowledge." Norbert said, not wanting to give too many details to her.


    No more questions were asked about the topic, only a nod of her head in accepting the correction. Norbert continued to go through the pack, only now seeing his masks and helmet on the side, next to each other.


    Reaching for it, Granny took it and looked at the two pieces side by side before he could put it back. Norbert knew she was looking at the magic composed by it.


    "Surprising to see how far the simple things have come." She said as she handed the mask back to him, the first one he had, which he used for his dastardly escapes at night¡ªshe looked at the helmet combination, clicking and unclicking the two pieces together as she nodded in approval.


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    "And this is just nice. I assume someone made this for you?" She asked him.


    Norbert nodded in response to the question.


    "Good," Granny said. "It''s annoying to find reliable crafters and enchanters nowadays. Most of them have been picked up by one powerful person or another and are only doing exclusive work." She said to him.


    Norbert nodded his head, thinking of the implications of what she said. "And it wasn''t like that before?" Norbert asked her.


    Receiving a nod in response, "Things do change around here, sometimes for the better, others for the worse. And sometimes, it just changes for the sake of changing. At least now magic is helping more people than before." She said to him.


    Norbert nodded, and a question came to mind: "Then what was it used as before?" He asked her.


    A sad old smile bloomed on Granny''s face at the question being asked to her: "One of suppression and death." She said, sipping her tea while speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. "Not like that''s any different now."


    Norbert just stared at her, finishing off the rest of his tea. Standing up, he picked up his saucer, took the sewing tin, and let the old lady sit there momentarily, thinking about her past.


    Walking to the kitchen, Norbert placed the teacup and saucer in the sink and the tin back in the drawer he took irom. Obsius fluttered over onto his shoulder, chirping at him.


    Whispering back to the bird, but knowing it wasn''t needed as the two of them, "I can''t just call a god down here like it''s a pizza, just showing up at our doorstep. And even, this place is probably warded or something like that." Norbert said.


    KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK


    "Norbert!"


    KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK


    "Norbert!"


    KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK


    "Norbert!"


    Norbert turned to the doorway, where the knock echoed out from. Norbert turned to Obsius on his shoulder, not believing what he had just heard, the voice echoing around the cabin.


    Sighing at being proven wrong, Norbert looked to Granny, who beckoned him to the door. "It is for you." She said to him. The look in her eyes was gone as she seemed to sit up straighter, and Norbert walked towards the door.


    She was opening it inwards, not believing what he saw. Standing there was Luck in a pizza delivery uniform. She had a black hot and cold bag to keep the pizza warm, a name tag and a black cap on her head with a logo of a slice of pizza on it, with the words "PIZZA!" underneath it in white.


    Looking at her, Norbert stared, eyes going up and down, not believing what he saw. "How long have you been out here?" He asked her.


    "I only just came to deliver the pizza." She said as she started smelling the air. "But I could use a drink that smells delicious in there." She said as she looked around Norbert''s shoulder.


    Norbert turned around to see what Granny was doing, seeing her smiling back at him as she turned around in her chair and continued sipping her cup.


    "Sure, Luck. Thanks for bringing the food." He said to her.


    Stepping to the side, taking the pizza box he was handed as Luck walked in. Taking the seat that Obsius was in before, taking the cup and sip from it, sighing in satisfaction.


    Obsius launches off Norbert''s shoulder after seeing her tea being stolen. Taking the pizza box out of the bag and placing it on the table, leaving the hot, cold bag next to his own, which he placed on the side, Norbert went to the kitchen again.


    Looking through the cabinets, Norbert pulled out three plates before taking his cup and saucer out of the sink.


    He was returning to the table with the dishwasher; I saw that the pizza box was already open. Luck flipping the box open, Norbert sees the steam come off it. Sitting down, Norbert took a slice, Luck and Granny as well.


    Moving it to his mouth, Norbert bit into it, the sensation of flavours hitting him, the mix of barbeque sauce and meat entwining together. Looking down, Norbert realised where he had this before.


    "This is from Bob''s, isn''t it?" Norbert asked Luck.


    Receiving a nod in response, Norbert wondered how she could bring it over here.


    Hearing Granny moan in response to the food, Norbert''s eyes widened.


    Realising the sound she made, she quickly covered her mouth with her hand as she closed her eyes, finishing the bite. "Sorry, child. I just haven''t had one this good in a long time." She said to him.


    Norbert nodded in agreement. "Bob does do a good job." He said to her.


    Finishing his slice, taking another and leaving it on his plate for Obsius to have, refilling his cup with tea, he took a sip before turning to Luck. "And why did you come here? Not like I don''t appreciate the pizza, just curious?" He asked her.


    Luck turned to him as she finished her slice, taking a sip of tea. "Oh, this is good ¡­" She left it open, waiting for Granny to fill it in.


    Waving her hand dismissively, she said, "Oh, you can call me Granny child. You will always be able to find a home here." She said to Luck.


    Luck nodded in response, a grin on her face. "Thank you for that, Granny, although we both know that there will be others who do not agree with your statement." She said to her.


    "Psshh, those bags of bones don''t like when the breeze changes." She said.


    Luck laughed in response, the pearly laughter filling the room as Norbert just stared at her, grabbing another slice for himself as he began to eat it.


    "Too true, too true", Luck said as she wiped a tear from her eye. Turning to Norbert, she asked, "Now, what are you doing back here? I couldn''t resist Granny''s cooking?" She asked him.


    Shrugging his shoulders, he spoke to her, "Just have this funny knack of waking up here." He said to her.


    "And please stop doing it. At least let me know before you come crawling on my doorstep half dead and unconscious." Granny said to him sternly.


    "Yes, Granny," Norbert responded like a scolded child before taking his third pizza slice.


    He was taking a swig of the tea and finishing the cup; Norbert carefully placed it before stuffing the pizza in his mouth. Slinging his backpack over his shoulder, Norbert headed to the door. "Well, it''s been great seeing you again, Granny, and you to Luck. I''ll remember to let you know, but I think it''s best to leave and allow the two of you to catch up." He said.


    Opening the door, Norbert stepped outside, letting it close. Realising he had forgotten something, Norbert opened it up again, seeing them all stare at him. "You coming with me or going to continue being a stalker?" He asked the bird, still eating her pizza.


    Hearing a chirp in reply of annoyance as he went back in, walking back inside, Norbert picked up the slice of pizza she was eating, the bird alighting on his shoulder.


    Waving once more, Norbert left with Obsius in tow, the two of them eating their slices of pizza, Norbert feeding the birds bits as requested.


    Inside the little cabin, The Great Witch turned to Luck. "He isn''t ready for what''s to come." She said to Lady Luck.


    Lady Luck nodded in agreement as she sipped her drink, "You''re right, but he''s the one who answered the call." She said dismissively back.


    The Great Witch raised her eye at that, remembering the story of Norbert''s journey from both his and the bird Obsius that he hadn''t received any call or anything, that Lady Luck had just picked him out of random almost.


    "That''s not what Norbert said." She replied to Lady Luck.


    Lady Luck just nodded. "But it''s hard to kill a dead man walking." She said to The Great Witch.

 Chapter 192 Item Acquired

    Norbert closed the door behind him, looking around the place he tried so hard to make it to, now standing there the death maze now in front of him again. Walking forward, Norbert saw the blue light that drew him towards this place and the exit on the other side.


    Looking up at the maze of the wall, I saw no path outward, just the holes in the wall where the metal projectiles came out. Remembering there is a path, Norbert wondered what happened, and realising the moving wall must have blocked it off, making there no way to go through the maze again. Like he would ever want to go back in there.


    Walking forward, Norbert stood on his toes, looking down into what was causing the blue light to be produced. Shielding his eyes, Norbert saw a staff; on its end was an object producing the light.


    Changing to magic vision, Norbert looked at the ground, seeing only a circle surrounding it, the blue lines cacking into the ground, trying to spread out but unable to after the circle. Channing his vision back to average, Norbert stepped forward, going over where the circle was.


    No change was happening to his body as Norbert continued to stare at the staff. Wondering what the staff was used for as it continued to stay there, pointing straight up in the air. Obsius taking off of his shoulder and landed on top of it, pecking at the glowing object. The lightning spark shot out of it, the birds squawking and flying back onto Norbert''s shoulder.


    Following where the lighting went, Norbert stared at the ceiling, seeing ash start to rain down before quickly stopping. A clatter erupted from around the clearing in the maze they found themselves in.


    Instantly, Norbert dived for the staff; each time, it clattered against the ground, shooting several arcs of lighting to the vicinity. Norbert cringed as his body was hit, his muscles flexing, making him fall over.


    Clutching the staff tip, Norbert lifted it so it didn''t touch the ground, feeling his body quickly calm down as the electricity dissipated from him. Opening his eyes, Norbert stared at the staff he was holding.


    Carefully sitting up, Norbert placed the butt of the staff against the ground, happy that nothing was happening.


    At an arm''s length, Norbert touched the tip of it to the ground with the glowing cube. Instantly, a streak of lightning shot out of it. Thankful that it didn''t go in his direction, not wanting to test how to use this tool at all, Norbert looked at it carefully, wondering if there was some way to protect it.


    There being none, Norbert placed it back in its circle, as close as he could get it. When he let it go, it stayed there for a second before becoming unbalanced and starting to fall.


    Grabbing it before the tip could touch something and start a centralised lightning storm, Norbert attempted repeatedly but couldn''t get it right each time.


    Shaking his head, Norbert left the circle, taking the staff with him. Looking around the maze, confirming that nothing had changed so far since the staff had been taken, not wanting to have more issues with this hall now that he had taken it.


    Looking around, Norbert saw Granny''s house had disappeared, with no trace or sound at all from it. Norbert looked at the only exit he could see, not expecting anything less.


    Hidden behind where Granny''s house sat an opening, the standard length of the maze. Stepping forward, Norbert wondered what was on the other side, only remembering when he catapulted into the air this passageway but unable to remember anything past it.


    Walking along, Norbert talked to himself as he stared at the staff. "I wonder what that voice was about?" He questioned, remembering what could have caused him even to start going through this maze in the first place.


    Spinning the staff in his hand, Norbert looked at the object still emanating light; Norbert could not see if all of the lightning made any difference to its energy. "I wonder if it''s you?" Norbert asked.


    He continued to walk as he stared, waiting for a response but getting nothing. Norbert continued walking forward. Having reached the corridor, Norbert stopped, looking on either side, confirming that nothing awaited him. Checking again, Norbert confirmed there was no magic there as well.


    Stepping forward, Norbert could see that the corridor he found himself in had no other branches, which Norbert was thankful for. Obsius flew on ahead of him as Norbert continued to walk.


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    The staff tapping rhythmically with each step continued on his path forward. Seeing the exit, the hallway started to open again in front of him as Norbert continued, the corridor coming to a close as he wondered what could be out there.


    Finally, out of the maze, Norbert turned back around, seeing darkness slowly consume it. Looking back, Norbert wondered if the lights from some obscure place were slowly going out.


    Turning his neck to the side, Norbert looked outward, not believing his eyes as the darkness began to shimmer. Realising what was happening, Norbert turned around and sprinted down the hall, looking for some way out. Obsius chirped in confusion as she landed on Norbert''s shoulder, going into his hood as he began sprinting down, unable to keep up with his speed.


    Norbert quickly turned around, happy to see the dark mass slowly fading, happy that he could at least outrun it.


    Feeling his nose getting itchy again, he sees the dust build-up. In the grove of the maze that he found himself previously, the dust not being there had now returned in full force. Covering the front of his face with his scarf, Norbert was happy to have it, making the dust that battered against him more accessible to deal with.


    Looking down each side, he confirmed that Norbert had no other paths to take down, no other way to escape the wave of darkness consuming everything behind him. Norbert continued to run, wondering when these halls would end and if there was anything else to this hall. He remembered the battlefield he had seen long ago.


    As he continued running, Norbert looked at the staff, asking himself if that was all it was after, this item he now held in his hand. Not believing there might have been no way out, all the other halls he had been in had some way connecting.


    He was running forward, using the staff in his hand as a light source as Norbert continued moving through the hall. The dust was becoming thicker and thicker, sparking slightly with the staff sending small electric arcs out, a burnt smell now entering Norbert''s nose.


    He kept his arm straight as Norbert continued running forward, keeping the staff tip far enough from his face as possible, not wanting to be accidentally electrocuted by the thing.


    He was continuing forward; Norbert looked at each looked stairwell in the centre, either leading up or down, any passageways on the side, nor looked behind himself to see past the staff''s light, the darkness had consumed everything behind him. Dust now making his feet slide on every step, Norbert wondered how there could even be this much dust in the first place as he skidded to a stop.


    Panting, dust covering his face as he wiped it, looking further down, Norbert peeled his vision, pumping his energy into his eyes as he stared downwards.


    The light turned from blue to white as he moved the staff behind his body, squinting as he looked down the hallway. Looking as hard as he could, feeling a headache coming on from the concentration he was giving it, Norbert continued to stare out.


    Nothing changes in the hallway; it is presently going further and further away; he is wondering why he was led this way by the voice for having nothing to do.


    Norbert looked around, forgetting to change his vision as white spots danced, the light from the staff too much, the electricity it was constantly creating by sparking, making his head spin.


    Stepping backwards, Norbert slammed his eyelids shut, feeling tears stream down them. Wiping them with his eye, Norbert looked forward again, seeing the darkness go closer.


    Deciding not to sit and let himself get consumed, Norbert took off again, running down the hallway. Going further down, Norbert did not stop, sliding on the dust, using it to continue forward, like he was ice skating or running with socks on tiles as a kid.


    Skating forward, starting to be propelled as Norbert kept his balance, not caring about keeping the crackling staff away from his face, with him running, unable to place his mask on for fear of being electrocuted.


    "WaaaaaRrmerrrrR." The voice called out to him.


    Reminding him more of a zombie than a human now, the voice sounding old in his head as he continued running forward. Feeling Obsius shake underneath his hood, the wind taking it as it was ripped down, the bird shooting out from cover.


    Chirping incessantly, Norbert, continuing to slide forward, looked behind him at the bird, wondering why it insisted on not going closer.


    Looking out, not seeing anything different, Norbert changed his vision again.


    " WaaaRrmerrR," The voice said again, now louder this time.


    Seeing the hall ahead of him in a sickly green colour, with browns seemingly mixed in. Looking back at Obsius behind him, which was slightly tinted green, she continued flying away, going higher and higher in the hall. Looking up, Norbert found an exit far above him, a maintenance hole cover, only a pinprick.


    He stared at the ceiling, seeing more of these covers scattered around, wondering if this could have been his escape.


    Stepping backwards, Norbert sees a green barrier appear. Unable to stop his hand from in the future, Norbert''s hand went through.


    Pain racked up his hand, the one not holding the staff, as he watched the gloves slowly droop.


    Screaming, Norbert rushed backwards, the pain coming from his fingers. Quickly, Norbert ripped the glove off using his teeth, them biting quickly where his fingers should be.


    Scared at what he would find, Norbert stared at his hand, seeing only black stumps where his fingers should be. Red and white ooze from the gloves where his fingers would be.


    Shaking his hand in the air, Norbert saw ooze start to leak out, covering the ground and his clothes in drops of the muck.


    "AHHHHH!" Norbert''s voice echoed around the hall, his sobs as he rolled into a ball, holding one hand clutched to his chest as pain washed out while the other held the staff up.


    "Warmer." The voice inside Norbert''s head said again, sounding more solid the closer he came. Turning his head to look at the hall, trying to see if he could find the source of the voice down there.


    .

 Chapter 193 Down Once Again

    Looking up above him, Norbert saw the white speckles that were Obsius shoot up into one of the holes he had seen just before, wondering when the bird could return and be his companion once more for more than a brief moment. Thinking in melancholy on his time in the forest atop the plateau, even with the wolves that attacked him, it was still a more excellent and friendlier place than this.


    Remembering the little village that helped him and the family that took him in like their own son, and wondering if he would ever be able to see them again or if he would die here, trapped underneath a mountain while he was slowly turned to dust and bloody pus and pulp.


    The pain subsided as Norbert forced energy into his hand, looking as the fingers slowly regrew back, seeing that it was much slower than it should be for the amount of energy he was pumping to that area of his body. Looking into the air again, Norbert saw the dark green magic throughout the air, like a fog covering everything.


    Flexing his fingers, watching as they finally turned to a more normal red to light pink to finally his natural colour, Norbert placed his glove back on, his fingers squelching inside as he felt the warmth trickle down his palm. Having forgotten about the muck that he left inside the glove when his hand was deteriorating.


    Biting the inside of his lower lip in annoyance, Norbert shook his hand, feeling it slide out. Norbert stepped forward, his body mainly feeling together, going further into the mist.


    Seeing both sides of the hall, Norbert at least knew he couldn¡¯t be turned around as he made his way further down.


    The deeper he went, the more Norbert could see of the green mist that made up the barrier, the thicker it became, obscuring more of his vision the further he went down it. He needed to turn his magical vision on and off so he could see far enough away to avoid disorientation.


    Looking at the staff, seeing it wasn¡¯t sparking anymore in the air as Norbert slowly walked forward. Breathing in deeply, confirming that there was no more dust in the air, his nose not instantly trying to eject all the air he sucked in. Wiping his hand on his forehead, Norbert saw streaks of blood and gore on his arm.


    Having not felt anything happen to him on his walk, Norbert took a dagger out, using it as a mirror as he looked at his face.


    All over, it was pockmarked with holes, having burst open and dribbling their contents constantly down his face; this feeling caused him to wipe his face in the first place.


    Pushing energy into and around his body, Norbert became conscious of all the damage the mist was doing to him. What was happening to his face was happening inside: flesh being eaten away, nerves damaged so as not to feel anything at all. His insides looked like Swiss cheese rather than the clean, orderly channels Norbert typically sent the energy through.


    The energy slowly gained momentum inside his body as it cleared it out. Norbert held the mirror as he viewed the veins on his face turn purple, the skin around it faintly turning a tinge purple as ore it slowly started to close up.


    Feeling his stomach rumble, Norbert quickly sheathed the dagger, removing the scarf from his mouth as he leaned forward on the staff. Puking his guts out, Norbert saw blood and white pus splutter against the ground, the contents finally being rid of his body.


    Taking a stumbling step backwards as he wiped his mouth, not wanting to step into the mess he just made. Collecting the rest in his mouth, Norbert spat it onto the rest of the pile. Wiping his hand, Norbert stepped around the filth he had just excreted from his body, ensuring he or the staff wouldn¡¯t step in it and possibly slip, fall in and get covered in it.


    The smell is already coming off it, filling his nostrils. Covering his face with the scarf again, Norbert walked quickly forward, trying to get space between himself and the smell.


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    ¡°Warmer¡± The voice, in a clear, concise manner unlike the previous attempts where it sounded forceful, like a dying man¡¯s last breath. The occupant still sounded old, reminding him sometimes of how Granny would sound when she was thinking back far in her life and fazed out of the conversation.


    But unlike how she had a softness to her voice, however ancient it may become, this one was harsh, visceral, wanting to take everything from Norbert before spitting him back out like the blood and pus he just did before.


    Not wanting to see what the owner of the voice had in the stall, Norbert turned around and started walking away.


    ¡°Colder.¡± The voice said in return, echoing around in his temples.


    Before him, the barrier jumped up, Norbert stopping in his wake as he stared at it. The same dark green barrier with swirls of brown inside that was the same as the mist he was now breathing in. But unlike the mist this was, this was solid, Norbert knowing he couldn¡¯t just cross it like it was nothing.


    Stepping backwards, Norbert saw the puddle of filth he left was bisected from the portal, at least knowing that he had moved and not just walked in the same place.


    ¡°Fine, fine, you win. I¡¯m going further in. Could you at least stop the death mist that would have killed a normal person by now?¡± Norbert asked.


    I did not hear a response as the mist prevailed. Sighing in annoyance, it couldn¡¯t even get slightly more accessible; Norbert continued forward. Taking several steps forward, Norbert looked behind himself, confirming that the barrier hadn¡¯t moved.


    Happy to see at least that hadn¡¯t changed, Norbert turned quickly, whipping around again, cape flapping behind him, seeing that it was still there and hadn¡¯t tried to surprise him. He confirmed that it wasn¡¯t like the black mass following him.


    Looking back at the way he had come, Norbert wondered if it could traverse this mist at all or if the barrier that Norbert found himself trapped in could hold it off.


    Heading further down the hallway, Norbert now going at a jog, panting at the effort. Now conscious and constantly looking for the damage that the mist was doing to himself. Needing to battle the mist constantly, Norbert could not use it to propel himself, needing to recover whatever it could from the mist constantly attacking him.


    As he continued to jog forward, Norbert was happy that it wasn¡¯t a cancer-like thing, not knowing how his energy would react and if the two would go rampant and uncontrolled.


    I was happy knowing that wasn¡¯t happening now, dealing with the opposite issue, hoping it could keep up.


    He was walking forward; a thought occurred to Norbert. Most people, he would assume, wouldn¡¯t even be able to travel here in this part of the hall, knowing why Obsius had fled when she did, for the small bird by now would have perished with the bit of preparation he had done for this.


    ¡°Is the point of me being here just to die?¡± Norbert asked the voice.


    He continued to walk as he waited for a reply, knowing it could reply if it wanted to. Norbert hoped to hear at least something. He looked up at the staff, confirming it was still shining brightly and not sputtering with sparks. Unslinging one arm from his backpack, Norbert turned it around. There on the top, looking back at him, were the pieces of his helmet.


    Grabbing just the front mask, Norbert covered his face, the metal feeling cold against it. Seeing in his vision the red underneath his eyes as Norbert pushed it, confirming that the light from the staff wasn¡¯t false.


    Staring up at it, he started to distrust it. Why would there be an object so close to something that desired it? Why would it not just leave this death mist and take it themselves?


    Shaking his head, Norbert stepped forward, continuing his path once again.


    Changing to see the mist, Norbert couldn¡¯t see anything past his hand being less than an arm¡¯s length away. Turning it off, Norbert pushed more energy into his body, knowing that if he stopped, he would likely turn into paste, dropping the staff while he was electrocuted as well.


    Looking back at the hallway, Norbert saw a hole form, something different from the constant length. Walking cautiously forward, Norbert looked down, seeing the hole several meters in diameter, with steps winding around it going further down. The steps were only large enough for one person to walk down at a time, unlike the spacious spiral staircases he was used to seeing in the halls. He looked more like Norbert, something he would expect to see in a dungeon.


    Looking to the side, seeing divots in the stone wall where Norbert assumed torches could have been, wondering why they wouldn¡¯t just use spells as the halls still occupied stood.


    Not seeing anywhere else for him to go, that whatever was calling him was down here. Hand on the wall, the other still holding the staff, Norbert carefully went down the stairs, checking once at the mist, seeing that it was even less distant, unable to see even the light that the staff produced.


    Continuing down the stairs, Norbert made it to the bottom, seeing that his assumption of it being a dungeon was correct, or possibly a jail of some kind, as he saw cell after cell in a row leading in one direction, going the same way that he travelled before.

 Chapter 194 A Fool of a Champion

    "Warmer." The voice echoed out once more.


    Norbert heard it not in his head this time but reverberating around the hall where the cells were located. Gulping, Norbert held the staff a bit higher, trying to see if he could make the light go that bit further out so as to locate the owner of the voice.


    Unable to see anything other than the lines of cells, Norbert stepped forward, quickly changing to magic to see if he could locate anything. He quickly changed his vision back to normal, unable to view anything at all, the mist having become even thicker than it was before. In response, Norbert sent more energy around his body to accommodate whatever it was trying to do  to his body, hoping the mist wouldn¡¯t be increasing exponentially, possibly causing Norbert to lose consciousness and never wake up.


    Walking past the first two cells, Norbert looked on either side, seeing it as he expected, memories of the past cell he was in. The metal bars in front kept their occupant inside wholly rusted over. Norbert pushed against one and felt it break and crumple under his hand.


    Looking inside the cell, wondering if anything was left inside of importance, something that could let him know a bit more about this place or the individual talking to him. Norbert saw two rusted links connecting to the wall. Breaking down the cell, Norbert held the staff to the wall, investigating the area around where the two links of the chain connected to the wall.


    Norbert imagined in the past someone being held there, on the end of the chains, two manacles keeping them in place like he once was. Taking a glove off, Norbert swiped it slowly against the wall around where the links came in, trying to feel even the slightest indent in the wall that would explain a spell being there.


    After some time tracing, He felt a pattern as he was expecting and squinting at the wall. Moving the light closer, Norbert was still unable to see anything.


    "Colder." The voice came from further down the corridor.


    "Yeah, yeah, I''m coming to you; just give me a second. This has spiked my curiosity," Norbert said as he gave the voice a dismissive wave before returning to the wall.


    As he stared, a puzzle started to form in the back of his mind. Knowing he was missing something and with the voice insisting for him to move from this place, a hunch formed that it would be necessary. Not wanting to call anyone else, Norbert continued staring at the wall, stepping closer and further away.


    He thought it must be in the entire room, then back to it being extremely minute, the detail he was looking for; only after some time would he step back out again. Norbert was losing track of time as he continued this way, the voice becoming desperate as he continued to stare, pacing around the room in circles.


    "Just come here already and stop wasting time." The voice insisted, the echoes becoming even louder than before. As Norbert let it shake around, seeing some dust escape from between the slabs of stone making up the wall, Norbert looked around, confirming his thought that not another barrier had formed.


    Stepping backwards, not able to pick apart the mystery of the cell but at least having something else explained about the force, that at least he wouldn''t be trapped in one of these cells, but still not having a way of escaping this section of the hall he found himself in.


    Walking down the hall, all the other cells he passed were the same as before. Whistling as he passed, changing his tune constantly and pitch; whenever it sounded like a tune, he would change it once more.


    "You''re going to tell me when I''m getting closer," Norbert said as he closed his eyes, continuing to whistle even louder, trying to drown out the voice when it attempted to speak.


    "Hot!" The voice shouted, all signs of age going from it, now exhausting pervading around it. Norbert stopped, opening his eyes as he looked around.


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    Norbert stepped through the cell he was in front of, not seeing any guests at first. As Norbert stepped in, the hole opened up before him.


    Looking down, Norbert saw the hole in the cell floor. Staring up at him was a skeleton with two horns poking up from its skull.


    The skeleton was contained within a test tube, and shackles within it were filled with a light green liquid, reminding Norbert of diluted lime cordial. Knowing it wouldn''t taste the same, the individuals'' clothes waved with the bubbles as they moved. The clothing was now in tatters of dark greys; the only piece somewhat together was the hood.


    Norbert looked around. The rest of the room looked more like a lab than the prison cells of the level he was currently on. Stepping towards the hole, Norbert looked at the ground, seeing the rest of the rubble on the floor.


    Sitting on the ground, Norbert dangled his feet, still several meters down, before reaching the next level. Taking a deep breath, Norbert slid off, falling for several moments before hitting the ground.


    A crack emanated from his ankle as Norbert clutched it, leaning again on the staff, ensuring it wouldn''t slip onto the ground. He looked down at his ankle, watching as it slowly moved back. Norbert remembered the speed impacting from the air he was still breathing in, trying to kill him with every breath.


    He moved around to sit down, not wanting to put any weight as Norbert had it elevated in the air, and turned to the creature in the tube just staring back at him. Norbert waved his arm, dismissing whatever was in there, not resembling a human with horns coming out of its skeleton.


    Seeing it suddenly click back into place, a wave of relief washing over him, Norbert waited several seconds before moving the ankle around in a circle, confirming that there wasn''t any pain in the movement.


    Standing up, Norbert carefully stepped off the pile of rubble on solid ground. Once again, Norbert lifted the staff into the air, seeing the large room he found himself in. The tables row after row, some having items of glass on them, others the rubble or whatever caused it having knocked them off, the glass broken and the liquids long dried.


    Looking around the room, I saw some dried puddles on the ground, others with slight diverts where whatever was spilt slowly ate at the stone before evaporating. Remembering the last time he was in one of these research labs, after sniffing something needing to be carried out or who knows what could happen.


    Taking a step back from the vials, most of them having been cleared out by now, the liquid evaporated even in the beaker long ago, only remnants on the sides showing where the liquid poured to. Looking around this place, Norbert stared at those there. Going past it, wondering what else was in the room, Norbert scanned the walls. The first instance of dust on the ground was hooks from the wall. Norbert, walking forward, looked down at the ground, wiping his hand through the dust.


    His hand resisted slightly before it continued; Norbert moved it back, seeing a piece of golden thread still there, half attacked by others. Norbert picked it up as he dropped it on the ground, watching it try to fold back into its original shape.


    Moving it around, assisting it when needed, Norbert thought he saw words of some kind staring back at him. Looking back at the wall, Norbert realised it was a bookshelf; what it contained was lost to time, having now crumbled to dust.


    "Guess their contents have been lost," Norbert said aloud, his voice echoing around the mostly empty room.


    "Not exactly." The voice came again, its ancientness appearing now that Norbert was before the creature.


    Spinning around, Norbert looked at the creature in the massive test tube. Now, I see its light greenish light illuminating parts of the room.


    Careful to step around the tables, Norbert looked right at the creature, needing to crane his neck up as the creature dwarfed him. Now able to correctly see its height nearly two-thirds up the wall, Norbert looks down the tank to its base. The metal was still shinned, and the only thing in the room seemed unfazed by time, no rust forming.


    Coming out of the metal, Norbert saw several pipes coming, ranging in size from his arm to his pinkie, snaking around each other as they went into a box on the side.


    Norbert now sees his first sign of magic circles stamped into the bottom of the box. Norbert followed it along as he saw dials on it, seeing this now not in perfect condition like the tank, a piece of rubble having smashed into it somehow on the top corner, as some of the liquid from the tank seemed to pool.


    Leaning slightly forward, Norbert looked at the liquid coming out; as it puddled on the floor, Norbert saw it transform from light green to the mist''s dirty, dark green-brown colour.


    Some part of him was calling him to go forward. Norbert leaned slightly forward, his finger reaching out towards the liquid.


    As he was about to touch it, a mote of golden light appeared in front of him, Luck''s voice whispering "Don''t" before the mote of light disappeared, the mist that he knew was around him seeming to eat it away.


    He was broken from whatever spell was placed on him, and his head felt clear. He did not realise his head was packed like a balloon, only realising he could think again.


    "What a fool of a champion you are." The voice said to Norbert. Turning around, Norbert saw the back of the creature, the same tattered robes showing down and covering its feet.

 Chapter 195 A Conversation of a Peculiar kind

    "Well, I may see myself as a fool sometimes, but to be called out like this seems unreasonable." Norbert harrumphed at the being in the tube. He was walking around to the front so Norbert could look at the creature face to face.


    He leaned his head up, gazing into the empty black sockets in the skeleton where the eyes should be located. He felt whatever the creature used to see beading into his own eyes, going past the mask that he currently wore.


    Feeling a shudder instinctually go down his back, Norbert carefully wrapped his scarf tighter around his face, ensuring the staff didn''t touch anything and accidentally broke something more than it had in this holding room.


    "A little lamb has walked to the slaughter of their own volition; now, please tell me how they are not a fool." The creature said, Norbert staring at the mouth, seeing no tongue inside but the mouth still moving in time with how the creature talked.


    "Yeah, if you were so powerful, I would not still be standing here talking with you." Norbert said confidently, "For if you were as strong as you say you are, I would have been forced me out of that cell instead of allowing me to nose around for who knows how long." Norbert said to the creature in the tube, chin pointing up towards him.


    "Half a day." The creature provided.


    Norbert looked confused. "What?" He uttered out of his mouth.


    "You were in that cell for half a day, analysing the rocks and the walls." The creature replied.


    Norbert shook his head in bewilderment about the answer. "So, how long have I been in this section of the hall?" Norbert asked the creature. Seeing the creature was about to open its mouth, Norbert interrupted before it could talk, "And by this hall, I mean this poison section that you have created." Norbert quickly interjected.


    "In this poison section of the hall, for nearly an entire day." The creature said to Norbert.


    "Waiting for me to go to sleep and drop the staff?" Norbert asked as he leaned on the staff, giving a fake massive yawn. After several seconds, he closed his mouth, grinning as he waited for the creature to respond.


    "No response from my antics?" Norbert said, leaning further forward on the staff. Norbert watched as the creature''s eyes darted to the staff''s tip, almost hypnotically following it as Norbert moved in figure eight.


    He spun it around like a baton before hiding it behind his back. Whistling, Norbert looked around, going backwards, finding one of the empty tables. Wiping it clear of any rubble and dust created from the rockslide that caused the hole in the ceiling, Norbert hopped on, moving the staff to the front between his legs.


    Flicking it from side to side, Norbert looked back up at the creature, watching its head move back and forth, continuing to keep track of the staff tip.


    Holding it still, Norbert exclaimed to the creature, "Come on, dude, you need to be better than this." Norbert said, exasperated. "You could tell me what you want to do with the staff and what you will do when you escape?" Norbert asked the creature.


    Norbert saw the creature stroke its chin like an older man stroking his beard. "Hmmm, you do make a valid point."


    "Thank you", Norbert said, interrupting the creature from continuing his sentence as Norbert clapped his hands together, holding the staff with his feet. Once the applause had finished, Norbert took hold of the staff brain and tossed it between each hand.


    "When I get out, everyone here will die, and you will too." The creature said.


    "BURRRR", Norbert said, sounding like a buzzer on a game show after the wrong answer was said. "Now, why would I release you?" Norbert questioned the creature, "If I''m just going to die? I would at least make it as inconvenient for my killer as possible." Norbert said.


    "Because death is inevitable, and helping someone else out is better than being selfish." The creature responded.


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    "But I know I''m not going to die," Norbert said, looking around the lab room he was sitting in. "Or at least not anytime soon, and not in here," Norbert said as he continued looking around the room.


    "You''re not good at this talking thing, right?" Looking at the creature, Norbert said, "I know I''m not good at this word games and stuff. But you are just horrible." Norbert said.


    Norbert heard the creature''s jaw grinding away as it began looking at him, trying to figure out how to get the words out or even talk.


    "Ok, I''ll help you out. Talk to me a bit about yourself. A name and how you came to be trapped down here would be a helpful start." Norbert said to the creature.


    "You may call me ¡­ Skelly," The creature said to Norbert. Norbert stayed quiet, not wanting to interrupt Skelly, even though he knew that wasn''t his real name. "I was taken and morphed, changed into what you see today by the Mountain Kings researchers," Skelly said to Norbert.


    Norbert nodded his head; taking the backpack off his back, Norbert took out the bestiary that he had received long ago. "Do you know the creature you were once previously?" Norbert asked, showing the open page to Skelly.


    They were feeling the creature squint, though unable to see; it did not have any eyebrows or skin on its body.


    Norbert continued to flick through the pages, waiting for any of them to change the creatures.


    Norbert flicks through the book, finally making it to the end. "Stop!" Skelly shouted out.


    Norbert stopped as he looked at the page it showed. Looking up at him was the puffball that Granny once showed Norbert. Norbert looked indignantly back at Skelly, "Really, this one?" Norbert asked as he looked at the words next to it.


    He was reading what it said about it, a rare creature that has not been found in the wild for a hundred cyclical since writing it. I used to live in the southern part of the continent Morenas resides on. Norbert read the book.


    I was looking at the circular creature in the book, compared to the primarily humanoid skeleton creature standing before him.


    "Heavily modified by researchers", Skelly responded, almost able to see the question forming on the tip of Norbert''s tongue.


    Norbert nodded in response. "And what was your purpose of being created?" Norbert asked, thinking he believed the question already.


    "That is to sew death and chaos on the Mountain King''s enemies," Skelly responded.


    Norbert looks around the research lab. "Well, I don''t know about you, Skelly, but the Mountain King isn''t around anymore," Norbert said, poking his thumb at the hole he came in through.


    Just receiving a nod in agreement, Skelly kept quiet, not seeing a reason to talk anymore. Waiting for Norbert''s next question, feeling it would be more productive to get the person''s trust than anything he could say, wanting to get out of this prison and feeling the sun on his body once more.


    Norbert was sitting there, one question brimming in his head: "How did you know I was a champion?" Norbert asked, a normal creature he believed shouldn''t be able to discover that information so quickly from their small encounter.


    "How did you know I was a champion?" Norbert asked him.


    Skelly continued looking at Norbert, "Because if you know where to look, it''s painted all over you." The creature explained. Holding a hand up to stop Norbert from interrupting his explanation, Skelly continued, "More so the presence of a god being so close to you, they normally don¡¯t come down just to save a single mortal. As well as normal people aren''t in that proximity to a deity. And you do not look like a priest, or smell like one." Skelly explained.


    Norbert looked down at his body, changing his vision to look at it magically, not seeing anything that would alert him that he was a champion, no different than the creature in the glass tube.


    "I was created to hunt down and kill other champions. The Mountain King once annoyed one, and I was a countermeasure they were investigating." Skelly supplied.


    Norbert nodded his head, the next question forming in his mind; Skelly allowed Norbert to voice his question, "And who was this champion''s name?" Norbert asked.


    Skelly, opening his mouth to speak, held still. Seeing the liquid he was in, Norbert started to boil, the bubbles inside becoming erratic before simmering down to the slow, constant bubbling Norbert was used to seeing.


    Norbert raised an eyebrow as he waited for Skelly to explain himself. "It appears that there are those out there who do not want me to speak of the happenings in the past." The creature said.


    Norbert nodded, a grin appearing, a piece of knowledge secured. Whatever happened just then, there were things out there that could hold down this creature and stop it from terrorising. How high up the food chain Norbert would need to go for protection from Skelly, he did not know. But knowing there was at least something was reassuring.


    "Why do you want the staff?" Norbert asked Skelly.


    Skelly pointed his hands in the glass tube he was currently residing in. Norbert nodded his hand as he stepped forward, walking towards the tube. Staff clicking against the floor.


    Moving the staff to his left hand, Norbert brought his right hand back, forming it into a fist as he pushed energy into it.


    Punching as hard as he could, Norbert smashed into the glass, his hand becoming a bloody mess as a result. Looking down at where he contacted the glass, only a bloody smearing mess was there; looking down at himself, he somehow made his entire front body washed in the liquid. He was rubbing it with his arm, inspecting the glass. Not even a single crack had appeared on the tube, to his annoyance.


    "Looks like I need to come up with another idea," Norbert said, primarily to himself, as he heard Skelly groan within the tube.

 Chapter 196 A Deal to be Made?

    "There is a reason I wanted the staff," Skelly responded to Norbert.


    Norbert looked up at the creature, feeling his fingers starting to come back as he wiggled them in his glove, wanting to make sure the material didn''t get stuck within his regrowing digits. "And lose my ability to see down here?" Norbert questioned Skelly, "Never." Norbert said.


    "Howev-" Skelly started to rebuttal, as his plan of letting Norbert question himself into doing what he wanted started falling apart.


    "Nope, not going to happen, Skelly," Norbert said, threateningly waving the staff in his hand at the creature in the tube. "So don''t try to convince me; it won''t work." Norbert continued, resting the staff back on the table behind himself.


    Stepping forward again, Norbert taps against the glass. Taking a dagger that Norbert received as a scout out, Norbert tapped it against the glass, trying to hear how thick it was. Seeing Skelly''s discomfort inside, Norbert smiled and waved his hand while grinning at the creature.


    Norbert pulled his arm back and smashed the dagger in as hard as possible.


    SCREECH


    The sound echoed around the room as Norbert''s hand holding the dagger shot out to the side, nearly throwing him off balance and taking him with it. Happy that he previously put the staff down before making this attempt, not knowing if he could have stopped the topper from touching something. Stumbling to the side, Norbert regained himself as he looked down at the dagger, seeing the weapon dented on one side.


    Surprised at the damage it did to the weapon, Norbert looked back at the tube, hoping to see at least some mark on the glass.


    "Oh, come on!" Norbert exclaimed as he looked at the tube. He was walking forward; Norbert dropped the dagger as he took the glove off his hand, not believing his eyes. Feeling with the tips of his fingers, Norbert closed his eyes as he focused on his touch. Going back and forth over the area that should have at least had a scuff, Norbert


    "And that is why I was saying to use the staff," Skelly said.


    "And you absorb the energy within it; no way I''m letting that happen", Norbert said to the creature in the tube. Slipping his dagger back into its belt with a struggle seeing the slightly warped blade, Norbert made a mental note he hoped he would remember to have the weapon looked at.


    Taking a step to the side, Norbert unsheathed his sword. Instantly, Skelly''s eyes drew to the blade as it continued to come out of its sheath. Spinning it around in the air, Norbert confirmed that it was still the same that his skills hadn''t rusted over with his lack of using it, and he could not even remember the last time he drew the blade correctly.


    Holding it over the point he wanted, Norbert drew the sword back. Holding it above his head like a bat, Norbert did a practice swing, confirming that it would reach his desired point.


    Holding the sword back in position, Norbert twisted his feet around, confirming that they were on solid footing. Breathing deeply, Norbert twisted his torso around as far as he comfortably could, turning his back to the creature. Unspinning himself, Norbert let the blade swing forward, pushing all his energy into his hips and arms, allowing the sword to go as fast as possible.


    CRACK


    Norbert felt the vibrations as the sword hit the glass tube up his arm, asking him to drop the weapon. Feeling the ringing in his bones, Norbert lowered the sword tip to the ground as he breathed heavily, the exhaustion from the task he tried to accomplish depleting him of strength.


    Calming his breathing down, Norbert stepped forward, looking to see if anything happened other than a loud sound.


    Sheathing the sword again, Norbert leaned on the glass tube; looking at where he had swung at it, Norbert could see the slightest chip in the glass. Breathing out in relief, he rocked back on his heels as he shouted a part of his success into the air.


    Walking back to the staff, Norbert sat there, feeling the energy in his body slightly depleted from the swing. With the air around him constantly taking bits out of him, it wasn''t quickly recovered as expected. He did not want to be out of juice when he set Skelly free, not knowing what the creature would do with its newfound freedom; Norbert wanted to be prepared as much as he could.


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    "Why aren''t you going again?" Skelly asked as Norbert sat beside the staff, tossing it between his hands again.


    Norbert looked up at the skeleton as he grabbed hold of the staff, twirling the tip in a circle. "Because somebody here has turned perfectly breathable air into death incarnate." Norbert said, annoyed at the creature as he looked towards the broken box with a corner dented, seeing it was still being produced.


    The creature turned around to where Norbert was looking, watching as its jaw slowly dropped, and the vapour coming out slowed down to a trickle before it started to flow back in.


    Norbert raised an eyebrow at the creature. "You''re kidding me." Norbert said in shock, "You were trying to kill me?" Norbert asked bewildered, clutching his heart, making sure it was still beating in his body.


    The skeleton, shrugging Norbert, "Was worth a shot, thought you would have carked it in. But seeing as you are regaining your strength, there isn''t a point to keep the charade up." The creature said.


    Norbert nodded his head, almost feeling his nose grow with pride as he received compliments from the creature. As he stood up again, Norbert, unsheathing his sword, stood in the same position. He looked at the glass and the chip he made in it, knowing it wouldn''t go at this one, giving him enough time.


    He was tapping his finger in thought, wondering if there was a way of communicating with someone outside if he could get any help. Norbert stood there as he breathed in, trying to see if there was some way of getting out of there in one piece.


    He was getting into the same position as before; Norbert swung with all his might at the test tube.


    CRACK


    Norbert could now easily see the damage that he did to the tube. Sheathing the sword again, Norbert walked towards the staff before sitting on the table it was leaning on. Raising the scarf on his face to cover his mouth, Norbert closed his eyes.


    How could he contact someone to tell him what to do? Thinking of options, Norbert opened an eye, seeing Skelly wagging a single finger at him.


    "Tch, tch, tch", Norbert heard in his head, the creature''s mouth not moving.


    Norbert stayed still as he looked at the creature, thinking towards Skelly. Norbert asked, "So, you could see everything I was thinking?" Norbert asked the creature.


    There was no response, and Skelly just nodded in response. Norbert said a quick curse before getting off the table, now genuinely feeling like the sheep he was talking about when he first saw the creature in person.


    Picking up the bestiary, Norbert flicked to the page Skelly identified as he was before. Looking between the picture and the creature in the tube, Norbert doubted it was the same thing.


    "It is, or more precisely, what I was before," Skelly responded to Norbert''s question out loud.


    "And why should I believe you?" Norbert asked back.


    "What do I have to lie to you about it? And it also makes this more fun." Skelly responded. When he said the word fun, sending a shiver up Norbert''s spine, the creature seemed a bit too excited about the fun part; Norbert worried that it wouldn''t be so fun for himself if he continued interacting with Skelly.


    "We''re in a stalemate," Norbert told Skelly.


    Skelly smiled in response with a shake of his head. "No, not really. I''ve waited here for ¡­ honestly, I don''t know how long. I lost track after the banging and the crying for a long time. And a lot longer yet." Skelly said, leaning back on the other side of the tube, arms folded in front of him. "And how long can you wait, several days?" The creature asked Norbert.


    Norbert opened his mouth to respond but saw no point. No matter how long he could last, he couldn''t outlast Skelly, needing food before then and not even mentioning what the creature could do to him if he slept.


    "So, want to make a deal?" Norbert asked Skelly.


    He was pushing himself off the back of the tube, standing in the centre, the creature''s mouth spreading wide as Norbert stared into its black irises.


    "Thought you would never ask," Skelly responded.


    Norbert looked back at him, "Well, I''d like it if you could not kill me when you''re released from your chamber." Norbert said. Watching Skelly open his mouth, Norbert interrupted, "And those that I care about, if you couldn''t kill those as well." Norbert added at the end.


    Skelly just nodded in response to the request. "Use the staff to break the barrier for my side." Skelly responded before adding, after several seconds, "Agreed?" He asked Norbert.


    Norbert just nodded in return. "Now that that''s out of the way," Norbert said before taking the staff, holding it in one hand.


    Exclaimed as loudly as he could, "GRANNY!" Norbert shouted, hearing his voice echo above and out of the prison cells he was in. Hearing no response but feeling like Granny was watching over him, Norbert continued, "Last time you asked to call out before I found myself waking up to your ceiling, so here I am calling out?" Norbert asked the air.


    For several seconds, all was quiet.


    Tap


    Tap


    Tap


    Norbert looked up, out of the opening, seeing a shadow looming over. Walking forward with the staff, Norbert saw Granny up there. "Kids these days, tch" she said, speaking to herself.


    Norbert smiled as he waved up at her. "Granny, I think I''ve gotten myself in quite a predicament again," Norbert told her.


    Granny, leaning down and looking at the research lab before nodding, "I quite agree with your assessment. Now be a dear and help me down." Granny said to Norbert.


    Stepping forward, Norbert walked towards the opening, walking on the rubble beneath his feet. Norbert held a hand out for Granny to hold onto. Using his hand as support, the older woman seemed to flutter down before landing beside Norbert.


    Leaning on him slightly, she descended the rubble towards the tube. Standing in front, where Norbert made the crack in the tube, she looked up and smiled at the creature.


    "Now, what do we have here?" Granny asked the creature within the tube before her.

 Chapter 197 A Penny for your Troubles

    Granny was looking towards the mark Norbert caused on the tube, taking her eyes off of it to look at Norbert. Norbert, who looked away under the intense gaze, whistling to himself as he spun the staff in the air as nonchalantly as possible. Feeling Granny''s gaze move off him, Norbert looked to see the what had caught her attention.


    She found the older woman crouching down, looking at the metal box at the base of the tube and not seeing anything there. She started to press down with a finger on parts of the base. Norbert is not seeing any change in the item at all.


    About to change his vision to see magic, Norbert faulted for a second, remembering what Granny had said before about not harming himself with what he could see¡ªa memory of when Luck made the same warning resurfaced.


    Changing his mind, Norbert remembered the mist still in the air, trying to kill him. Turning around so as not to look at Granny, Norbert inspected the air, confirming that it was reduced but still there, now able to see his hand when his arm was fully outstretched. Turning back to average, Norbert looked over Granny, seeing that she wasn''t showing any signs of being affected.


    "How come you¡¯re fine?" Norbert asked her.


    Granny looked up from her work with a twinkle of joy. "When you''re as old as me, a bit of death vapour isn''t going to do much. The real surprise is that you''re still standing." Granny said.


    "Foiled that plan.¡± Skelly said, annoyance tinging his voice.


    Norbert looked up at Skelly. "What do you mean, foiled?" Norbert asked the creature putting stress on the sentence, an idea already forming in his mind.


    "Well, you were meant to die after shortly entering this section of the hall, and definitely when you entered the cells; drop the staff, unleashing its power for me to absorb to get out of this prison." Skelly responded.


    Norbert clicked his tongue in annoyance at what the creature had just admitted to. "I thought we were friends, buddies, homies. Not stabbing each other in the back the first chance we get." Norbert said, clutching his heart as he turned away from them.


    Skelly looked down at Granny, who was trying to dismiss the conversation. "Is he always like this?" He whispered to her. Norbert was still able to hear the conversation perfectly.


    "From what a little birdy told me, yes, and he gets even worse with his vampire buddy." Granny said, shivering after finishing the sentence thinking about how the two of them would be after the tails that Obsius had told her.


    Norbert turned around, looking at them with shock. "I am not that bad, and his name is Count von Count, and we are not buddies." Norbert exclaimed to Granny , folding his arms up in front of him.


    "Oh really, from what I heard, you two are practically a married couple, always sticking together." Granny retorted.


    "If we always stick together, then where is he? Why isn¡¯t he here?" Norbert asked her.


    "Couples fight." Granny responded, ending the conversation with that quick reply as she moved to the back, investigating the tube that contained the creature, moving to the tubes on the back.


    Norbert followed her as she made it to the box, shaking her head as she looked at it. Wrapping on the metal box with the part leaking with her knuckles twice, she shook her head.


    "Any information about the research lasted?" She asked him.


    Norbert shook his head. "Only from Skelly over there, saying that he was created from the creature you pointed out before. Meant to kill champions for the Mountain King, or something along those lines." Norbert explained to her.


    Turning around from the box she was investigating, Granny said, "Did you say that?" She asked him.


    Skelly, shrugging his shoulders, "What can a man do to get out of a prison." He said.


    Granny just shook his head. "This is ridiculous, the two of you. Just set him free and deal with the consequences yourself. You were going to do that anyway." She said as she climbed up the rubble tower before hopping out of the lab and to the prison cell section.


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    Norbert scurried after her up the rubble and jumped up, looking for a second at the cell he entered from. Without a trail, Granny was no longer there, not even a brief second of Norbert looking at her coat before leaving.


    Shaking his head in annoyance, turning back to Skelly. "So, still going to uphold the agreement?" Norbert asked the creature.


    Receiving a nod, Norbert placed the staff leaning on the research table as he unsheathed his sword. After talking with Granny, the energy within his body had recovered. Standing still for a second, his body flooded with it as he waited to confirm that the amount it was recovering was quicker.


    Feeling it comes back quicker than before, not feeling exerted at all, Norbert stood up again, sword raised above his as he did a practice swing. Holding it up again, Norbert breathed in sharply, filling his body.


    "Third time a charm", He said as he swung the sword with all his might.


    CRACK


    SHATTER


    UUURGH


    Norbert heard the tube shatter as someone cried out. Feeling liquid pooling at his feet, he was happy that his boots were mostly waterproof. He was shaking one-off, confirming that the liquid wasn''t eating it away before placing it down again, eyes raising to the tube, knowing it had finally been cracked.


    Surprised at what he saw, Skelly was slumping over on the other side of the tank; some of the tattered robes were at the bottom. The sword stuck in the tank, Norbert making it halfway through before he couldn''t push it.


    Cracks weren''t throughout the tab as Norbert left the sword where it was, for fear that if he moved it, the entire thing would shatter on the ground.


    But the part that surprised Norbert the most was looking at Skelly, leaning over the sword, pinning him to the back, watching as he was slowly dissipated into green smoke only for that part of the skeleton to reform again.


    Norbert watched with a shudder as he pushed himself up, off as high as he could. Starting to stand up, the sword he was using as support slipped out of the tank, and Norbert grabbed it before it could clatter to the floor.


    SPLASH


    A pile of bones at the bottom of the tank was still half filled with water, the cracks on the side slowly leaking outwards. Norbert sheathed the sword as he carefully stepped up to the creature. Looking down at it, Norbert waited several seconds, wondering what the creature was doing.


    Breathing in and out several times with no change, Norbert, wondering what was happening, changed his vision to view the magic. Leaning closer, Norbert could see the once static green mist was now turbulent.


    He was rushing out of the creature twirling in the air before getting sucked into another section. Like this, the mist looped around, the distance it was going out slowly getting smaller and smaller. As Norbert continued to look around, the haze that had once engulfed the room was now lessening.


    Now, he could see where the staff was, even without the light it created. Walking towards the staff, Norbert sat on the bench, picking it up as he passed it between his hands, waiting for Skelly to move.


    Several minutes passed before the rattling of the skeleton''s bones stopped; grasping the edge of the tube, Skelly pulled himself up, liquid dripping off him. Norbert looked back, seeing no more mist being shot out of him, now circling just above its skeleton-like private cloud.


    Standing to its full height, easily dwarfing Norbert, Skelly stepped out, Norbert watching as the mist followed after him, not leaving a trail anywhere. Norbert happy at what he was seeing, not wanting Skelly to be a walking natural disaster that killed everything around him.


    Stepping forward, Norbert held his hand out, seeing the two horns go backwards as Skelly looked up towards Norbert. Skelly, grasping his outstretched hand, Norbert pulled the creature up until it gained its footing and continued advancing.


    Finishing at full height, Norbert looked up, craning his neck slightly to see Skelly''s face. Flexing his fingers in the hand that was outstretched, confirming that they were all functional.


    Looking around the room, seeing the staff behind him still on the table, Norbert went over to pick it up. Turning around and looking at Skelly, Norbert asked the question now on his mind: "What now?" He asked the creature.


    Skelly did not respond to his questions; Norbert only heard limbs cracking as he slowly stretched his hands above his head. Norbert watched as his arms were exposed as the scraps of cloth the figure wore came down.


    Finally, Norbert saw him lower his hands, a smile creeping on the skeleton''s face. Standing there, Norbert looked, waiting for something to happen.


    "Now, we part ways," Skelly said as he walked away, heading towards the exit from which Norbert had come. Standing on the pile of rubble, he looked backwards, Norbert rooted on the spot, not believing that the creature would move on.


    "But before that", Skelly said as he rushed towards Norbert.


    Taking a step backwards, Norbert hit the research table, his elbow smashing into it, dropping the staff. Before he could realise what was happening, Skelly had the staff in hand, leaning over Norbert as he clutched his arm.


    The creature lowered its head so Norbert''s nose would touch Skelly''s as if it were a regular lowered its best felt the gaze sweep over him, harrumphing before Skelly spoke "A penny for your troubles." He said before flicking Norbert on the forehead.


    Norbert reeled backwards, flying to the back of the room as he crumpled to the ground, feeling something trickle past his eyes.


    Fluttering his eyes open, Norbert watched as the creature''s rags spun around; when Skelly should have been seen again, instead, it was nothing¡ªlike the creature just walked around an invisible corner.


    Unable to keep them open, Norbert''s eyes came crashing down, the last thought hoping the darkness wouldn''t be on him again.

 Chapter 198 Ever the Gentleman

    Norbert opened his eyes, seeing the wooden ceiling above his head. With a sigh the ceiling once more looked awfully familiar, looking to the side confirming his suspicions, seeing the empty table and hearing some humming from the other side of the room. Norbert sat looked towards the kitchen.


    Over the stove, Norbert saw Granny stirring something within a pot, its red glossy sides shinning back the kitchen and Norbert¡¯s small face; Norbert only saw the handle of the wooden spoon. Rapping the spoon on the side, she turned to look towards Norbert.


    "Oh, you awake again. Good, good, come over here and help me with the rest." Granny insisted.


    Norbert nodded as he swept his feet off the bed, patting the sheets down to make them nice and smooth as he fluffed up the pillow again. Looking over his handiwork, he was happy it was not friendly and neat for the old lady.


    Walking towards the kitchen, I saw everything in disarray. Walking towards the pot, Granny gives the wooden spoon to him. Looking inside the pot, I saw the red liquid within, filling nearly three-quarters of the pot.


    Placing the spoon in Norbert, he began stirring, steam coming off from the liquid, moving the chunks of food inside as he continued to stir. He took one piece of food out of the liquid and saw a vegetable that reminded him of celery.


    Dropping it into the liquid with a splash, Norbert continued stirring it as instructed. As Norbert looked about, seeing the mess that was previously gone, the table being set for just the two of them.


    "May I have a taste?" Granny asked from beside him.


    Norbert jumped slightly, spilling several drops of the dish before passing over the wooden spoon to Granny.


    Giving a slight nod as she took the instrument from his hands, dipping it into the soup before carefully moving it to her lips. Her other hand underneath to catch any stray drops from falling onto the floor.


    Norbert heard her slurp the liquid up before giving a satisfied nod of approval. Rapping the spoon on the side, getting the rest of the liquid off and back into the pot before placing it into the sink.


    "Would you like me to place it on the table?" Norbert asked the older woman.


    "That would be splendid; thank you Norbert." She said to him.


    Norbert nodded as he picked up the pot from the handles on either side. His gloves stopped the heat from quickly travelling to his hands. Spinning around, Norbert quickly placed it on the table, seeing a wooden square that was slightly charred empty placed on top of the table.


    Leaning over, Norbert placed it on the square, stopping the hot pot from marking the table. I looked back around and saw that Granny was coming to the kitchen. Going to her side of the table, Norbert untucked her chair for you.


    Receiving a gentle rub on his arm in return for the kindness, Norbert made his way to his side of the table. Looking at the food there, the main being the soup that Norbert was working on, some bread on the side with some sauces in jars fills the small table.


    Looking down at the bowl on top of his plate and the spoon on the side, no other cutlery is seen. Norbert took the ladle now in the pot, moving his bowl closer as he poured some in, making sure to get some of the chunky bits as well.


    Leaning forward, Norbert took the spoon, carefully raising it to his waiting mouth as he took a slow slurp. He felt the liquid go down his throat, the taste of tomatoes filling his mouth.


    Feeling his stomach rumbling, not knowing when he had something to eat the last time, all this travelling within the hall made him hungry. Going for a second spoonful, Norbert looked up, seeing Granny looking at him, waiting for a response.


    "Good soup," Norbert said around the spoon while giving it a thumb up. Granny smiled in response and helped herself to the food she made. She broke off a piece of bread, dipping it into the soup, and letting it soak up the juices before eating it.


    Norbert copied her as he broke off his chunk. He dipped it in and let it sit there, absorbing as much liquid as possible. Satisfied with the amount of moisture it absorbed, Norbert brought it to his lips before eating it.


    The lovely, smooth bread quickly broke off as he chewed on it. The thick crust was chewy in his mouth compared to the fluffy bread inside. The soup-logged bread quickly absorbed the flour that dusted the top of it.


    Norbert continued to chew it, placing the next chunk to eat in the soup so it could absorb some as well.


    With the level lowering, Norbert could now see some chunks within it. Swapping the rest of the bread to the other hand, Norbert picked up the spoon, fishing around for the vegetables.


    Finding the celery he had found before Norbert picked it out, he brought it towards his mouth, biting into it as it slightly crunched. Fishing for more, Norbert finished the rest of the vegetables, finding carrots, onions, beef chunks, and baby potatoes.


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    Filling his bowl again, Norbert quickly downed it, getting another piece of bread to absorb the last bit of the soup and wiping off the bowl. Going for his third helping, Norbert took his time, seeing that it was now halfway down Norbert.


    "Just as good as all your other food," Norbert said to Granny as he beamed at her.


    He was receiving it in kind; Norbert looked around the cabin, seeing it was the same. Apart from the kitchen, this dining room and the bed off to the side, no other doors showed. Fishing the food in his mouth, Norbert asked the first question of many: "Do you know where Skelly is?" Norbert asked her.


    She only received a shrug in response as Granny continued to chew the food in her mouth.


    Norbert nodded in acknowledgement as he moved around, taking the first bit of food.


    Granny spoke up as she finished her bite. "Why did you release Skelly?" She asked him.


    Norbert shrugged. "Didn''t see another way of getting out. With the barrier around me stopping me from leaving the prison section, the black form following after me and Skelly, who can outlast me as he was there for a long time, didn''t leave me with many options." Norbert explained.


    Granny just nodded, not seeing a point in asking more questions.


    Continuing to eat, Norbert asked her one instead, "So, what do you do?" He asked her.


    Granny held her finger up, asking Norbert to wait as she finished the bread in her hand, wiping up the last soup. "What do you mean?" She asked him.


    "Well, instead of pulling me out of sticky situations and nursing me better, what do you do for the rest of the day?" Norbert asked her.


    "Same thing as this: help those in need and have meals with friends." She said to him.


    Norbert grinned slightly at the connotation of them being friends. Norbert nodded his head. "What a great hero you are," Norbert said to her.


    "Well, I don''t know about a hero, but I try my best," Granny said as she ate.


    "And that''s all we can do." Norbert said in return.


    Receiving a nod, the meal went into silence again. Norbert knew that the elderly lady did other things. If they didn''t do other activities, one didn''t just appear when being called. The entire room he was in felt like there was something else to it, something else that he could not find.


    Looking around the room again, Norbert changed his vision, ensuring not to look at Granny. Although he didn''t look directly at her, Norbert knew why she warned him. Seeing a kaleidoscope of colours coming off of her, Norbert quickly turned it off, unable to look around the room as the aura Granny was exuding was too much.


    Looking back at her, a knowing look on her face of what he had just tried to do as Norbert felt tears watering down his cheeks. Sure, his eyes were bloodshot from his test. Norbert continued to eat, not bringing up his discovery if Granny didn''t want to speak about it.


    Norbert mindlessly took a piece of the bread and poured another soup spoon into his bowl. Drenching the bread in, Norbert continued to eat the food he gave himself. Granny finished with him; Norbert took his cup and drank some of the water, allowing it to be washed down.


    Swishing the water in the cup around, Norbert looked up at Granny expectantly before his eyes moved to the door. Several seconds passed without either of them saying anything.


    "No other guests coming?" Norbert asked her, unable to not ask the question after so long.


    Granny smiles smilingly before shaking her head. "Today, it just you." She said to him.


    Norbert nodded, looking at the meal they had just had and the dishes that needed to be washed now. Norbert was about to ask why him when he realised he received the answer earlier.


    A thought trickled over Norbert about how Skelly could get into his head and talk to him. Sitting in silence, Norbert thought about his interaction with Skelly and the hall, something nagging at the back of his mind but unable to place his finger on it.


    Running through the events, Norbert thought back to when he realised his face was breaking out, his body breaking down from the mist in the air.


    With a sharp breath and intake, Norbert whispered, "So, you can influence the actions of others."


    Granny just nodded in response before saying, "A very sinister attack. Those that are under their spell don''t know that they are. And those aware of the attack aren''t affected by it."


    Thinking back to his conversation with Granny there, Norbert said, "So that''s why you and he were surprised I was still alive and kicking down there." Norbert asked her.


    Receiving a nod in confirmation, Norbert played the thought through, now talking aloud his thought process. "So, once taken in, he would have a thrall to do whatever he desires. It''s probably something to do with the staff and releasing him. Two things which I did anyway." Norbert said, saddened about what happened.


    Playing the thought a bit more, "Are we still in Morenas?" Norbert asked Granny.


    Receiving a nod in response, the older woman did not want to interrupt Norbert''s train of thought with unnecessary words.


    Norbert continues, "So, depending on the history of this place, Skelly will either want revenge on his captors in whatever form they are now. Or be after champions because that is what he is designed to do." Norbert thought, finishing off the thought.


    "Have you reached out to Sally about this?" Norbert asked Granny.


    Granny shakes her head, "It''s time for you to start leaving the nest and fix the issues you have created." She said to him.


    Norbert nods in understanding, "Time to put the big boy pants on, pull my socks up and wear a helmet cause life¡¯s tough, build the bridge and get over it." He said.


    Standing up, Norbert slid the chair back slightly. Looking around at the table, "Need a hand?" He asked her.


    Granny smiled. "Ever the gentleman, and a hand would be much appreciated," Granny said to him.


    Norbert returned the dishes to the kitchen, sealing the jam¡ªcontained jars. Placing everything away, Norbert helped dry the dishes as Granny washed. The two of them were doing this in silence, Norbert not wanting to interrupt the silence that consumed the cabin.


    Finishing up, Norbert wiped his hands on the towel and walked towards his backpack. Slinging it over his shoulder, Norbert headed towards the door. Granny walked towards him with her arms outstretched.


    Norbert stepped forward and received the embrace, needing to bend down to grasp her properly. Norbert felt her around him, staying in the embrace for several seconds. Feeling Granny push away but still holding onto him, he looked him up and down.


    Receiving a nod of confirmation that he was put together correctly, she let go. Norbert opened the door behind him and walked through. Finding himself in the once filled-with poison hall now cleared out.


    Seeing the spiral staircase below leading towards the prison, Norbert walked out of the house and started his journey down the hall, wondering what else he would find.


    Turning around one last time, Norbert saw Granny standing in the doorway looking at him. Norbert smiled as he waved to her, arm outstretched as high up as possible.


    Receiving a wave in return, Norbert walked backwards several steps before turning around and continuing down the hall.

 Chapter 199 The White Room

    Norbert continued down the hallway, feeling something above him come down. Norbert looked up, seeing Obsius join him from one of the pipes.


    Norbert continued to walk forward, knowing he would only have several seconds of peace before being tormented by the bird. His assumption being correct as the bird dived for his head, landing on it amiss his scraggly hair. Obsius started twittering in Norbert''s ear as he nodded in understanding, not wanting to get beaten up anymore by the little speckled creature.


    Waiting several moments for the bird to calm down before Norbert opened his mouth, "Ok, I know I was stupid back there, but look, we both made it out fine." He said to the bird, raising his hands in defence.


    Instantly, Norbert gets pecked on the neck, feeling blood trickling slightly down his neck. Continuing to walk forward, Norbert asked, "Found a way out of this hall, and is the black stuff still following?" Norbert asked the two questions.


    Receiving several chirps and tweets in reply, Norbert nodded along as he thought about what Obsius was telling him, confirming that the barrier could erode the black sludge chasing after him. I am happy that at least that was sorted out.


    Hearing that, Obsius still hadn''t found a way to the habited areas other than going the way back they had come. Turning behind himself as Norbert looked at the path, remembering what he had crossed to get here, Norbert shook his head, removing that option.


    With nothing else, Norbert started walking down the hall, leisurely going about his place as he waited for the next stairwell to lead him to the next section.


    While waiting, Norbert heard Obsius quickly explain her travels throughout the pipes. I do not see any other way; it''s just a mess of pipes tangling throughout the area. Norbert nodded in understanding, just imagining the warren den of pipes that it would be. I was surprised that Obsius even made it out of there from how she described it.


    Though sadly the bird didn''t find any way out of this hall, Norbert looked behind himself, seeing the tunnel stretching out; unable to see the wall of the maze, Norbert just continued forward, hoping that he was far enough along that the way to the next place would be closer.


    The dust built up once again the further Norbert went out, a place where it instantly became worse. Obsius hid in Norbert''s cloak as he covered his mouth with the scarf. Coming to a stop, Norbert looked at the ground, changing his vision as he swiped his foot across the floor, cleaning the dust off it.


    It was going back and forth; Norbert looked at the floor, seeing if there was a sign on the ground that created the barrier. It was strange for there to be one, but the only thing that came to Norbert''s head in the walk was why Skelly didn''t place any more down.


    Travelling further out and finding nothing, Norbert gave up, not wanting to waste any more time, letting that creature''s actions be a mystery. Continuing down the hallway, Norbert went to a jog, feeling his body filling back up, some sections needing to be healed even now after what Skelly did to him.


    As he continued running, Norbert wondered what gift he had been given from Skelly. The creature''s ability to do things, even its existence, seemed impossible as Norbert remembered the creature it was supposedly based on.


    Continuing forward, Norbert felt Obsius wriggling to the front of his coat to look out at the hall. Norbert looked around, trying to find the object that caught Obsius''s attention. Changing his vision to magic, Norbert saw the perfectly flat brown-coloured walls on either side, just as he suspected.


    Changing his vision back to normal, the colour of the dust covered stone turning back to grey and the well-lit area around him Norbert realised he didn''t have the staff with him. Looking around, Norbert could see the area around him in the light like he was still carrying it, and the rest of the hall was still bathed in darkness.


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    Stopping, Norbert saw the light stop with him. Tucking Obsius back into his coat, wondering what this spotlight was doing, following him around Norbert, he sprinted forward as fast as he could.


    Taking off, Norbert felt stone slightly crumble under his feet as he pushed off, needing to pull the scarf tighter around his mouth to breathe correctly. Rushing forward, Norbert, now running in darkness, changed his eyes to see correctly. Norbert turned around, seeing the spotlight several steps behind him.


    Continuing to sprint forward, Norbert looked up at the ceiling and the walls, trying to see what was following him to produce the effect. Looking back at the light, Norbert changed his vision to magic, so it was overlayed slightly on top, giving highlights to the monotone hall he was currently running in.


    And the hall now came alive. What was once just an empty hall was now filled with runes in all areas. Norbert watched as they changed colours and brightness constantly as he continued running forward. Going from left to right, dodging around the hall, Norbert saw it was following him all around.


    Leaping into the air, the hall walls lighting up, Norbert watched the left side as the runes on the wall brightened up as they activated. Norbert watched, touching the ground with a single step, seeing the floor lighting up with his footsteps, growing the brightest with his footfall.


    Not stopping, not knowing what that light would do now that he realised it was following after him. Charging ahead, Norbert was going as fast as he could, the light still several steps behind him as he continued to run, wondering how it was possible that it hadn''t caught up to him.


    Feeling a jab from Obsius inside his coat, Norbert looked around, wondering what the bird wanted to notify him of. Looking ahead, Norbert confirmed what he could see: the end of the hall. Continuing to run forward, Norbert saw the ray of lights ahead, all the runes on the back wall lighting up.


    Not seeing anything better to do, Norbert continued to run forward, trying to formulate a plan to make it out of there without the alien beam to collect him. Pushing forward, looking on either side for a way out. Looking up at the ceiling, the same runes there as well, none of the pipes that Obsius mentioned before.


    Though remembering what the bird said about some of the tight squeezes she had to go through, there was no way Norbert could follow the network of pipes.


    As Norbert continued running forward, he saw a patch lighten up in solid white as he continued running forward, needing to squint due to the light it produced. Turning off the magic vision, wanting to see still using the light behind him, Norbert looked through the passageway, seeing it was still there, blinding his eyes.


    Turning down the night vision so he could see correctly, the world losing its greys as he continued running, the light ahead getting more accessible and bearable. Running ahead, Norbert also turns off the magic sight, not the light from the doorway leading to the next room.


    Rushing ahead, Norbert ran in, slowing down as he looked around this hall section. He watched as he passed through the light following him in the section of the hall previously turned off. Changing his vision to magic again, Norbert peered around, only seeing the once blank hall, no signs of the life it had been breathing previously.


    Walking to the edge, Norbert leaned on one knee, inspecting the ground. As he looked at his steps, the runes that he knew should be there weren''t. Obsius jumped out of his coat as she looked in the direction Norbert was watching.


    Fluttering to the ground, she hopped forward, looking at the floor and stopping just where the doorway was, not wanting to enter the hall and fluttering her wings slightly, moving the dust from the floor. For a brief moment, Norbert saw the runes on the floor before the dust moved over it again, covering signs of it ever existing.


    Breathing deeply, Norbert realised there wasn''t any dust in their current area. Lowering the scarf from his lips, Norbert breathed deeply through his nose, feeling as it filled his body.


    Holding it in his lungs for several seconds, Norbert blew out, hearing the wind pass through his lips as he breathed in once more, happy that he was able to smell the sweet scent of the air and not cause himself to sneeze if he breathed in through his nose once, even if covered.


    Turning around, Norbert looked at the well-lit room he was in. He changed his vision to magic, not wanting to be unaware like before. Looking around, Norbert found an utterly blank room opening up to him.


    Obsius fluttering to his shoulder, Norbert wondered what section of the mountains he was now in. Turning off the magic vision while keeping his suspicions up due to what he had seen previously, Norbert looked around the room.

 Chapter 200 Another Dusty Hall

    Norbert looked around the white room, craning his neck as he tried to see the ceiling. Squinting, unable to see the ceiling above him correctly, just a white blur where the walls came together. Looking around the walls, Norbert saw a hole in the white space above. Norbert now realised he was looking at the ceiling; it blended in well with the walls so well making it seem as if the room¡¯s height was never ending.


    Following the walls down, spotting on the left wall was a ladder, its rungs etched into the wall, so your hands and feet had to go inside to either up or down. Following the ladder down, Norbert saw a large hole in the ground; peering over the side, Norbert looked down, getting vertigo as he saw the floor below, the same white room he was currently in.


    Looking around the room he found himself in, much smaller than the hall outside that he ran from. Turning to Obsius, he asked her, "Up or down?"


    Obsius just shrugged to Norbert, not getting anything useful out of her. Norbert guessed it was time to play his game again. He took a coin from his pouch on his belt and found it from Earth; he looked at both sides, confirming that it was the correct coin and that nothing had damaged it on his travels.


    Holding the coin to his lips, Norbert whispered, "Heads go up, tails go down." As he flicked it into the air. He followed it with his head as he watched it spin, quickly going up before stopping mid-air and falling again.


    Holding his hand by his side, Norbert reached out to grab the coin, only for it to move out of the way, hitting his fingers and clattering to the floor. Frozen, Norbert watched as it rolled on the floor towards the hole to the level below. Now unfrozen, he leapt to the coin, wanting to catch it before it rolled to the ground.


    Just as he was about to close around it, the coin went over the edge; Norbert was lying on the ground, sticking his head over the side as he watched and heard it clatter down, bouncing off the ladder and the walls before coming to a rest.


    Looking to Obsius, who was still on his shoulder after the debacle, stated, "Looks like the decision has been made."


    Obvious tweeted in agreement as the bird took off from his shoulder flying slightly into the air, before diving down into the hole on the floor leading to the level below. Norbert watched as the bird descended, moving something around that was glittering.


    Sighing to himself, knowing the bird wouldn''t pick it up to spite him, Norbert stood up, placing one hand on the ladder''s first rung before stepping onto it.


    He needed to be careful, as the holes weren''t deep enough for his entire foot to be placed inside; only the ball of his foot remained in contact, his fingers unable to grip the flat surface properly. Standing on, Norbert looked down as he took his first step, trying to force the vertigo to stop surrounding him.


    Carefully, Norbert climbed down, his body going lower and lower until only his head remained on the floor from which he entered the white room¡ªHe looked around at the walls next to his hands, seeing as they were producing the light for this section.


    Looking around, Norbert was surprised that it didn''t blind his eyes. Changing his vision to magic, Norbert looked around, seeing a light blue hue to the light all around. The constant colour does give away how the system''s internals work.


    Changing his vision back to normal as he started his descent once more. Not bothering to count how many rungs of the ladder he went down, just continuing one after the other.


    As he continued climbing each rung, Norbert saw no change to the brightness as he descended. He looked around the room idly; he went down to see it was the same as before.


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    Looking below where the ladder continued, Norbert saw another hole in the floor, leading even deeper down. Afraid of what the coin would show him but wanting to find out sooner rather than later, Norbert sped up slightly, still careful as not wanting to fall but increasing the rhythm as he found his pace again.


    Coming to the next level, Norbert hopped off the ladder, walking towards Obsius, sitting next to the coin, staring at it. Norbert saw the tail''s side shining back at him. Breathing a sigh of relief that he wouldn''t need to climb the floor that he had just travelled instantly, Norbert picked up the coin, placing it in its respective pouch, hearing the coins jingle around in their pouch.


    Obsius left the ground, fluttering her wings as she went onto Norbert''s shoulder before scrunching back up in a ball again. Norbert looked at the bird as he felt her rise and fall rhythmically, realising the bird had gone to sleep on his shoulder.


    Slightly shrugging his shoulders at the bird''s attitude, Norbert climbed on the ladder again and descended to the next floor.


    About what he would call halfway down, Norbert looked around, this one being the same as the two above; Norbert saw the single rectangular exit leading to the rest of the hall. Eyes caught Norbert looked above the exit to what Norbert assumed was another hall. Two lines, having been etched into the stone of the white wall, the only indents Norbert could see other than the ladder. Staring at it, realising it was the symbol for the number two of this world. Not able to remember a single one anywhere Norbert continued along his path. Looking at the exit, Norbert wondered what it could be, remembering the floors that the one above would have previously held books and be dusty, Norbert realised this floor would be where he found the red orb and the skylight leading to the stars.


    Carefully going down the ladder, wanting to rush but not wanting to face the wrath of a pre-maturely awakened Obsius Norbert went down the ladder carefully. Jumping off when he came to the correct floor, Norbert looked around, confirming another hole in the floor. Norbert stuck his head down, seeing it was the same as the previous rooms, the same tall rectangular room leading to another one even further below with its exit to the floor.


    Stepping back, not wanting to fall, Norbert spun around, heading towards the exit to the rest of the floor. Pulling the scarf over his face to ensure it was covered, Norbert looked out into the hall.


    The same darkness that he was used to seeing in all the others, the light spilling out of the current room he was into the hall that opened up to him. Scanning the air, Norbert did not see any dust there, not wanting to remove the scarf around his face in case it would return later. Norbert looked on either side of the hall.


    He saw no light being produced around it; he squinted as he changed his vision to pick up as much light as possible. The light came from the room until it became blinding. Norbert could not see even a pinprick of light in the hall before him.


    Changing his vision to magical Norbert, he scanned the hall, not seeing any runes on the ground, just the passive brownness that he would expect to see coming off a large amount of stone this deep underground.


    Nothing spooking his reason, Norbert carefully took his backpack off, taking a torch out as he lit it. Looking in the backpack, he saw he only had a few left before he ran out of them, wanting to remember to ask for some more, not knowing the next time he would need to go spelunking like this.


    The torch caught a light, and Norbert placed the flint back in his pack as he stepped into the hall.


    Holding the torch high in the air, Norbert stood in the doorway, looking across as he took another breath. He looked into the room, confirming that no monsters were crawling in the darkness. That Skelly wasn''t waiting for him to take the first step into his new domain.


    No bats were hanging off the ceiling that would be alerted by the torchlight as he entered further into the hall, too far to get back into the safety of the white room, only to be picked up and dropped from the ceiling, splattering like a pancake on the ground.


    As Norbert started thinking about the following situation that could happen to him, Obsius chirped in his ear. Looking down at the bird, feeling himself become grounded again. Taking a deep breath in, surprised at how nervous he became, only after the thought of something coming for him.


    Looking towards the bird, Norbert rubbed her head, feeling the bird start to cuddle up next to him, whispering to it so as not to hear his voice echoing too loudly down the hall, having a feeling that this one wasn''t empty like some of the others he had found. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, buddy."


    Obsius chirped in his ear in reply before taking off into the air. Norbert watched as the bird quickly did something he couldn''t. Not wanting to be outdone by the bird, Norbert stepped into the hall, wondering what he would find hidden in this one.

 Chapter 201 Tch

    Norbert walked into the hall following Obsius, instantly his foot seemed to trip on something, rolling on the floor Norbert unable to catch himself as his head impacted with the stone. Feeling everything move around him Norbert slowly gained focus again, pushing himself off the ground seeing Obsius staring up at him, confirming he was fine before moving to the torch splayed far away. Looking on the floor, unable to see what caught his foot and made him fall so violently.


    Shaking his head Norbert stood up, walking to the torch that was outside of the light coming from the white room behind him. Turning around Norbert was at least happy that now he had a way of navigating to the other floors instead of hoping to randomly stumble upon a stairwell leading in the direction he wanted.


    Carefully stepping in, his steps echoing around the quiet hall, Obsius landing on his shoulder, having completed her task of getting Norbert to take that first step. Walking further, Norbert looked behind himself, seeing the doorway to the white ladder rooms still there, thankful it hadn''t disappeared.


    Checking again, Norbert looked around, happy to see no runes around him being activated, only the same monotonous brown colour the rock around him gave off.


    Changing his vision back to normal, Norbert sped up, now going at a brisk walk, not wanting to run too fast with the torch in his hand; travelling through a tunnel in the dark again wasn''t something he wanted to do anytime soon.


    Continuing down the hall, Norbert looked at the shadows the torch was creating. Rhythmically undulating on the floor, the fire in his hand flickered and moved with his step, bouncing up and down repeatedly.


    Staring at the shadows as they went rhythmically around Norbert, he stopped momentarily, staring at it as he kept it as still as possible. Looking around the room, Norbert felt something watching him from behind, the hairs on the back of his neck prickling up.


    Spinning around himself, Norbert looked around, the hall remaining the same as it had been. Turning back to the front, he started walking again, trying to dismiss the growing concern in his mind.


    Seeing the shadows flicker again, Norbert looked down, the way it moved grabbing his attention. Sliding to a stop, Norbert looked at the ground, seeing the shadows around him start to undulate towards himself.


    Panic started to go through his body as he remembered the hands that grasped him in the hall with the doors¡ªhe held his breath to try to steady his beating heart. Turning to Obsius on his shoulder, Norbert poked the bird with his finger, watching as she stayed there without moving.


    Panic coursing up his body once more, Norbert held the torch in front of him as he spun around, watching a trail of embers emerge. Panting, Norbert held it still before him, scanning the area to see if there was something.


    A cold chill went down his back, Norbert feeling something clutching at his ankle. The cold limb slowly gets tighter and tighter. Looking down at his foot, he saw nothing around it, not even the boot crumpling, until he looked on the ground.


    From behind him, a shadow came out of the circle, the appendage grasping onto his ankle, the cold feeling spreading up his leg. Shaking it, Norbert saw the appendage move as well, not progressing.


    Feeling something latch onto his other leg, Norbert''s eyes shot to that one, seeing another appendage grasping just underneath his knee. Feeling the ice pumping through his veins, chilling him to the core, Norbert looked around, confirming what he thought was happening.


    Pushing energy into his body, Norbert held the torch down to the ground, trying to stop the appendages from holding onto him.


    Still feeling it, Norbert looked behind again, seeing them behind him. Spreading his legs out, Norbert held the torch in the middle; instantly, Norbert felt relief, the coldness fleeing from his body.


    Breathing out in relief, only to stop halfway through, feeling the coldness once more, I start to climb up each leg. Looking at these legs, I saw the shadow being bisected in two, the two appendages grabbing onto each leg.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Stepping forward, Norbert had to force it, feeling like his knee joints were freezing up, that whatever the shadows were doing to him was slowly freezing him, turning him into a living statue.


    Running forward, Norbert went as fast as he could, feeling slow down as more and more of his body was frozen, slowing down. Taking a step forward, his hip freezing, not allowing the next one to catch him, Norbert fell to the ground, the torch slipping out of his fingers as he stopped himself from face-planting into the ground.


    Watching as the torch rolled away, the cold growing more as it suddenly shot up his body, Norbert used his hands to crawl towards the torch, knowing that if it snuffed out, he would be consumed by whatever was in this room.


    Slowly now, Norbert felt the ice in his veins increases; knowing that he was trapped, Norbert continued to crawl forward, his left hand starting to feel stiff as he pushed on. With his right hand underneath him, Norbert tried to move his left hand in front of him to pull himself just that bit closer.


    His arm was no longer moving, just frozen in front of him. Norbert grasped with his right, pulling it halfway down, the torch now a half meter away as the light shone on his face. Now unable to feel either of his hands, using his chin, Norbert continued forward, moving at a snail''s pace. He pulled himself forward, his body scraping against the cold stone, his entire body now frozen solid, unable to move anything.


    He could not even push the energy around his body, no matter how much he tried to force it to move. It did not want to move around, hitting a brick wall and only shooting around his head, making it feel like it split open.


    As Norbert was about to reach it, he saw the torch flicker on the ground.


    "No, please don''t go. Just hold on a bit longer." Norbert begged to the torch.


    A tear fell on his face; Norbert lay there as he watched it flicker again, no longer moving his body as he stared at the torch. He was watching as it flickered and went out.


    Norbert held his breath for several seconds, wondering what would happen. Slowly, the freezing in his veins continued; Norbert felt it climb the rest of his neck under his scalp as he felt each hair stand on edge.


    It went around the side, his jaw frozen in place in an outcry as Norbert continued to breathe, slowly feeling less and less of the air coming out of his throat as it slowly froze over.


    The last thing Norbert felt was his eyelids, frozen mid-way through a blink, his vision half blurry as a tear welled in his eyes. He was forcing the energy through his brain as he tried to think of something to happen.


    There wouldn''t be a trap like this that he couldn''t get out of; they wouldn''t make a hall that would result in the death of anyone who tried to make it here.


    As Norbert''s thoughts slowed down, thinking of ways to get out of there. The last thing he heard was a single sound reverberating around the hall.


    "Tch"


    ***


    Norbert felt something poking at his ear.


    "AHHHHHH!!!!" Norbert screamed, remembering what had happened before.


    Looking around the empty hall, the torch lying on the ground away from him. Obsius shoots into the air from him, jumping and screaming.


    Breathing heavily, Norbert felt his heart smashing through his chest, seeing purple shine on his hands. Norbert became aware of the energy whipping through his body, starting to burn itself into him, seeing the damage that it caused to his body from being overextended.


    I did not believe it was even possible before, never being able to increase it to this level. Norbert slowed it down with his breathing and beating heart, and everything slowly reached a resting place.


    Hearing clacking on the stone floor, Norbert looked, seeing Obsius staring back at him with worry. Norbert breathed slowly once more as he readied his mind, compartmentalising everything that happened as a dream.


    Smiling, Norbert reached out to Obsius, patting the bird on her head. "I''m all good now, Obsius. Let''s see what this hall offers," Norbert said to the bird.


    The bird chirped in response as she fluttered her wings, landing on Norbert''s shoulder. Norbert walks towards the dropped torch, picking it up off the ground.


    Staring at the flames it created, watching several embers flicker to the ground as he spun the torch. I looked towards the ground, happy that it wasn''t moving.


    Turning around, Norbert looked behind himself, still in the white room''s light, bathing out into the hall.


    Breathing in deeply once more, crushing his fears, Norbert stepped forward. Holding the torch in front of him, Norbert continued walking down the hall, looking around at his room, confirming that nothing was happening.


    Breathing a sigh of relief, Norbert patted Obsius again, talking to the bird, "Thanks for the support as always." Norbert said.


    Not hearing a response, Norbert turned to Obsius, watching as the bird was frozen on his shoulder, not moving at all. "What''s¡­" Norbert asked the air before he felt the grip on his leg again.


    Standing entirely still, Norbert slowly panned his head down, looking at the shadows on the ground. Seeing two appendages reaching out of the darkness, Norbert screamed as he felt the coldness spread in his veins again.


    Turning around, Norbert sprinted for the white room, pumping his arms and sending sparks flying all over the ground. Seeing the room''s light spilling out, Norbert reached for it, tripping over his feet as he skidded towards the ground. Norbert watched as the torch rolled into the room.


    Quicker this time, the freezing in his veins enveloped his body; knowing it was coming didn''t help him. Norbert panted out of fear as his thoughts once more slowed down as they reached his head.


    "Tch" was all he heard before everything stopped.

 Chapter 202 Frozen Panic

    "AARRGH!" Norbert screamed once more, his body now responding to his movements, freed from the clutches of being frozen.


    Continuing to pant as he sat up, clutching his heart as sweat started to drip down his neck and shirt, making it feel clammy inside and stick to his body. Slowing his breathing once more, remembering the last moments before he was completely frozen.


    Staying there for a moment, Norbert tried to remember some extra detail, but the tighter he tried to hold onto the memory, the more it escaped his grasp until he was left holding nothing and only more confused than when he started.


    Shaking his head in annoyance, airing out his shirt to try and cool the sweat on him, and looking around, Norbert found Obsius standing by the torch, out of the light, twittering at Norbert.


    Waving his hand in dismissal, Norbert stood up, stretching his body as he wiggled his toes in his boots, confirming that nothing was frozen still, as he moved his parts around, feeling them un-stiff themselves. The memory in his mind was still clutching onto him.


    Shaking his arms out, Norbert smiled as he grabbed the torch, feeling its weight in his hands as he followed after Obsius. The bird returning from her small flight of encouragement to land on his shoulder, claiming her rightful spot. Norbert rubbing the bird''s head as he exited the light of the white room, now only the torch in his hand illuminating the area around him.


    He turned to Obsius on his shoulder, confirming his feelings as the bird froze on his shoulder, the bird not moving at all. Knowing what would happen next, Norbert sprinted forward, pushing as much energy in his body as possible. Obsius flew off his shoulder; Norbert left the bird behind, telling himself he would pick her up when he returned, but he didn''t want to stop.


    Light from the torch was shaking everywhere creating flickering shadows as it began to sputter out, trying to hold on as Norbert rushed forward. The wind took the hood off his cloak; Norbert did not even stop as he felt it come loose and the wind clawing at his body.


    The cold, freezing sensation travelled down his legs on the same left ankle as before until he couldn''t wriggle his toes in his boots. Next, his ankle froze, slowing Norbert down immensely.


    Now only able to jog instead of sprinting, Norbert knew it was the end. He felt it spread to his other leg until he couldn''t move his waist. He was falling to the ground, losing balance, and the torch rolled away from him once more. Norbert just stared at it, no longer trying to grasp for the torch as it rolled around in a circle, leaving a trail of embers in its wake.


    Picking himself up, Norbert rolled himself onto his back, staring up at the black ceiling far above him, holding one hand above himself, grasping for the ceiling so far above him, imagining there was a star that he was clutching that could take him from this place.


    Feeling his fingers slowly freeze over, unable to move them, Norbert left his hand as he lost his feeling, the sensation travelling down his arm. His arm was still up in the air, clutching at nothing as the rest of his body froze over.


    Breathing in for the last time, Norbert filled his lungs as deeply as possible, hoping it would hold off the final part just that bit longer to allow him to wake up not to be so unpleasant.


    The coldness reached around him, freezing his eyelids open as his eyes watered instinctually before they dried up. Looking up towards the ceiling, Norbert''s thoughts slowed to a standstill.


    "Tch"


    The sound echoed around in Norbert''s frozen body, the last bit of consciousness trying to hold onto that sound.


    ***


    "AARRGH!" Norbert screamed, clutching his chest as he shot up, Obsius flying away from him in shock as she landed near the torch, the fire''s light playing with Obsius''s feathers, making the white speckles on her dance and move around the bird''s body.


    Norbert smiled, happy to have this bit of peace before the onslaught would come. He was standing up again, brushing himself off slowly, reaching over to the torch to pick it up, using the other hand to pick up Obsius and place her inside his coat.


    The bird resisted, wanting to be out in the open on his shoulder. Norbert just patting her head from the outside. "Just stay in there for a bit." Norbert said.


    Obsius chirped in annoyance as she tried to get comfortable within the pocket inside Norbert''s coat. He breathed a slight sigh of relief that, at least this time, he wouldn''t be losing the bird if he wanted to try to outrun whatever was doing it to him.


    Norbert whistled to himself as he walked calmly forward, waiting for the first sign to appear. Obsius joined in shortly before she cut out. Norbert smiled as he whistled, patting the bird comfortably, knowing what would happen next.


    Feeling the coldness once more grasp onto his left ankle, Norbert stopped, holding the torch still as he looked at his body, seeing the shadow appendage coming out of the darkness surrounding him.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Seeing another come out for his other leg, Norbert waited, knowing he couldn''t escape as his body started freezing again. Looking at the ground, Norbert changed his vision once more, only seeing the brown of the rock and the blackness around him, the two appendages grasping onto him standing out, seemingly painted on the ground in vantablack, no light coming off it, unable to see the stone bellow him. Just a solid, flat body of darkness, letting no light come in.


    Norbert looked at the torch, seeing the green from the wooden handle around his hand, the red flames licking at it, trying to absorb the greenness the stick was producing and turning it into heat.


    He changed his attention back to the ground, looking down as he tried to keep his body as still as possible, not wanting to face plant again. Feeling the coldness in his veins spread further, Norbert breathed slowly, trying to calm himself as he looked at the ground and the two black appendages grasping him.


    His hips become completely locked, unable to move them around anymore, Norbert continued looking, trying to find something that wasn''t there. Squinting with effort, Norbert pushed the energy into his eyes, trying to see further inside, deeper in the darkness, and pick up what he was missing, what he had missed before.


    The energy buzzed around his brain as his torso and fingers became frozen. He could no longer feel the torch in his hand as he continued looking at the ground.


    Squinting one last time before he felt his jaw freeze over, a detail coming out of the black appendages; around the border, Norbert saw a pink outline, extremely faint, but he could see it there.


    His last thought was what the outline could mean before his thoughts once more came to a crashing halt.


    "Tch"


    ***


    "AARGH!" Norbert exclaimed, breathing several times as Obsius looked at him, having flown off in shock.


    Norbert looked around, quickly calming himself down as he looked around. Once more, Obsius stood near the torch, Norbert leaning forward on his hands and knees as he looked at the bird. "You remember what just happened?" Norbert asked her.


    Obsius chirped to him about the pipes and the coin and how she could forget. Norbert smiled in response, not saying anything as he patted the bird''s head before picking her up and placing her on his head. Norbert looked around, breathing out, knowing what would happen. Norbert picked up the torch, taking several steps forward.


    Obsius wriggled on his head as she tried to get comfortable. Norbert continued forward, quietly humming a tune, knowing that only Obsius could hear it due to the vibrations going up his skull. The bird stopped squirming when Norbert asked, "Are you still there?"


    No response came from the bird.


    Sighing again, Norbert reached above his head, picking the bird up before placing her in his coat pocket. His veins froze once more around his ankle. Norbert looked down at the black appendages reaching out for him. Changing his vision again to magic, Norbert looked at the inky blackness painted on the ground.


    Focusing on the border, Norbert instantly saw the pink outline he was looking for around it, watching as it became fainter the further it went until it was out of the light from the torch. Looking back to his body, Norbert saw where it grasped around each of his legs, able to see his own shadow there.


    Confirming it was cupping his body in what Norbert assumed was his hand, he just stood there, staring down at it as he froze.


    Not moving a single bit, he felt his body freeze over, breathing out as it came to his mouth, unable to breathe in again as he looked, waiting for the end to come and for him to wake up again.


    "Tch"


    ***


    Norbert bolted upright, his mouth open slightly before closing it, controlling his breathing as he thought about what he had heard just before waking up again. What was that clicking sound?


    Lost in thought for a moment, Obsius landed on his head as she poked his forehead, Norbert looking up at the bird in his hair as she ruffled around, Norbert smiling as he asked her, "Any idea what pink means with magic vision?"


    Obsius chirped in reply to a negative. Norbert nodded, Obsius nearly being dislodged from his head, receiving a peck for his antics.


    Feeling blood trickle down his forehead, Norbert wiped it as he stared at the torch, rolling around before stopping, a circle of ash and embers on the stone floor.


    Crossing his feet, Norbert just stared at it, feeling Obsius once more calm down and stop moving on top of him. Looking up at the bird, Norbert started counting. After twelve breaths, Norbert felt the cold clamp onto him once more.


    Closing his eyes, Norbert stayed still, waiting for it to happen.


    "Tch" was the last thing he heard.


    ***


    Norbert sat upright, quickly controlling his breathing, and waved to Obsius to calm the bird about his behaviour. Crossing his legs, Norbert held his breath and heard Obsius scratching around on the ground before stopping. Cracking an eye open, Norbert saw the appendages come for him, the feeling of coldness once more grasping his body.


    Closing his eyes again, Norbert waited.


    "Tch"


    ***


    Opening his eyes, Norbert instantly crossed his legs as he closed them, waiting.


    "Tch"


    ***


    Waiting


    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


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    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


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    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


    ***


    "Tch"


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    "Tch"


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    "Tch"


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    "Tch"


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    "Tch"


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    ***

 Chapter 203 Better

    One thousand, two hundred and thirty-four.


    That was the amount of times Norbert had heard the "tch" sound.


    The number of times he had restarted, finding himself sprawled on the ground before sitting up, crossing his hands and legs and waiting for the freezing to return. No longer was he screaming or crying when it happened, knowing it would only be unpleasant for a while.


    Not wanting to worry Obsius more than he was, Norbert patted the bird as he waited for the freezing process to begin. Norbert sat there and waited, knowing that escape would be pointless; whenever he tried to retreat, he would instantly be unable to move, his body frozen as he watched the pink border on the appendages thicker, more prominent than usual.


    As he progressed further, sitting there after the fiftieth time, Norbert did not see a way out of his current predicament, having tried running, jumping, climbing along the wall, going backwards or walking in a particular pattern, all resulting in the same fate, being frozen and waking up sprawling on the floor.


    Many more after, Norbert just sat in silence, waiting to be frozen, hoping he could outlast the others. Norbert continued staring off at the other side of the hall, unable to see the exit as he waited. As he looked longer, Norbert saw the flames starting to flicker, the ash pile on the torch going higher than before.


    As Norbert stared at the torch, he confirmed that it was once more what he had thought. Norbert started counting then, and so he noticed that the timing of each one took longer and longer to come.


    Starting to count how long it took Norbert, make it to twenty seconds before he felt any coldness entering his body, thirty in total, until he heard those above "tch", signalling that it was time to push himself off the ground.


    Counting how long it was taking Norbert, seeing that with every ten or so, it would increase by a second, Norbert just sat there as he waited for it to go. Going past the one thousand mark with only progress being made, how long would the "tch" sound take to come?


    Caught back up to the one thousand, two hundred and thirty-fifth attempt at doing this, Norbert waited, feeling nearly a minute and a half that the freezing in his veins had once again begun. Staring before him, Norbert stayed with magic vision, not wanting to miss anything; looking down at the ground, Norbert saw the pink outline thicker than before, not paying attention to it for many attempts now.


    The thin line, almost invisible, was now thick, nearly as thick as his finger going around the entire edge of the appendage now latched onto his body. Following the pink lines, Norbert saw them curve towards a single point when the appendages were mixed in the shadows.


    Curious as to why Norbert stared at the point where they came together, not wanting to miss anything that could be a clue. Staring forward, Norbert waited as he felt the freezing slowly spread up his body. Needing to wait longer now, he became impatient as he waited for the sound to be heard again.


    Norbert waited, letting the energy around his body and mind wait, stay together as he felt more and more of his upper body freeze, now unable to move his lower body.


    Staring forward, Norbert waited, feeling the last bit of his mind being consumed.


    "Tch"


    Norbert heard the sound once again, his body still staying upright; having balanced himself, Norbert forced all the energy that he had in his body into his mouth, hoping that it would be enough to say something.


    "Wha-"Norbert''s mind froze completely; the energy he had allotted all used up in that desperate half cry.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "ARGHHHH!" Norbert screamed in annoyance, making Obsius jump in surprise at the actions. Norbert got to his feet as he paced around, annoyed at the success that he felt so close to his fingertips.


    Going back to his position, Norbert sat on the ground, crossed-legged again, tapping his thumb on his knee, waiting for it to happen again.


    Obsius jumped around until he finally landed on his head. Norbert patted the bird, confirming she was no longer moving. Norbert waited for the two appendages to appear again, their pink outline the same thickness as before; Norbert stared at where the two points came together.


    Norbert, annoyed, went to his feet, already feeling his veins freezing over. Pushing energy around his body, Norbert leapt forward, leaving the torch behind him as he ran in the darkness. Seeing the four pink lines merging into two, then one up ahead, Norbert sprinted forward, wanting to find this mysterious figure doing this to him and making those irritating noises.


    As his body began to freeze again, Norbert was no closer to finding the figure than he was now. He was falling to the ground with his last bit of strength before his legs stopped responding to him, at least wanting to be comfortable before returning to lying on his nose.


    He was waiting for Norbert to hold the energy in reserve, to have an even bigger push than last time, hoping to finish a sentence and hear a reply from the individual chastising him constantly.


    Once more, Norbert felt it going around his body, all freezing up, as the last bit of his mind froze over. Norbert resisted, using his purple energy to resist as much as he could.


    "Tch." Norbert heard the voice say.


    "What?" Norbert asked, unable to get any more out, his energy depleted with that little outcry.


    "Resist", came the reply, this voice sounding different, the irritation gone. Just sounding old, reminding him more of Skelly than anything else, Norbert''s mind was utterly consumed.


    ***


    Waking up, the last word he heard rattling around in his head. Resist. He said it as if it was as easy as lifting a finger.


    Shaking his head in annoyance, what was he trying to do so far? Just sit there¡­


    Norbert trailed off, remembering what he had been doing for who knows how long. It was probably the individual who seemed so annoyed to begin with.


    Norbert sat there, ignoring Obsius as she pecked at him before flying off. Annoyed, Norbert sat in this cross-legged position, letting his thoughts trail with him and remembering what he did with his energy to allow it to go so high, for keeping it in and pushing out.


    Before feeling any coldness, Norbert started pushing it around his body, letting it surround him, engulfing every part of his tissue. Focusing around his ankles, knowing they always started there for whatever reason, Norbert could not understand why before it moved to the rest of his body.


    Using it, Norbert pushed, centring around the ankles to try and put up defences against the attack he knew would be coming.


    On the ground, seeing the two appendages once more come out, their pink borders thicker now than last time, Norbert could see visible progress. He hoped his assumption was correct because the thicker it was, the better it was for him; a part of him wondered what would happen when it was entirely purple and no longer contained in darkness.


    Feeling the freezing in his ankles start again, Norbert chastised himself for being distracted, knowing that every moment he let it go forward would make it more complicated to resist and hopefully have a more extended conversation to unpick how to solve the issue.


    Pushing against it once more, Norbert felt the coldness being pushed back, no longer absolutely freezing but still extremely cold; as it spread further, Norbert could not push back, as his ankle made it to the freezing temperature.


    Remembering the studies from Azalea about forcing it around his body while still maintaining control, Norbert did so again, easily able to get it to the same speed as before. Feeling like the freezing of his body was slower than before but not halted entirely or pushed back.


    Norbert felt the energy moving around his body, forcing it to go deeper and richer around, and not just going on the surface like he was currently, skipping over sections that were not needed.


    As he did this, Norbert felt it slowing down just that bit more; most of the time, by now, his knees and bellow would be consumed in ice; however, now it was only halfway up his shins. His toes only felt tingly with pins and needles as they resisted being consumed.


    The energy circulated his body, forcing it out as Norbert sat there, waiting for the individual to come. Counting further, he started to lose ground slowly, sweat dripping from his furrowed brow as he focused on it.


    Feeling a bead go into his eye, forcing him to squint, Norbert felt the ice in his veins rush forward, no longer being held back. Unable to stop the avalanche coming his way, Norbert became consumed.


    Trying to push back as much as he could, slowing down the freezing process at the last moment, Norbert heard a word he never would have seen coming: "Better."

 Chapter 204 Luck

    Norbert bolted upright, a smile on his face. Obsius turned to him, perplexed at the expression on his face after having tripped on his own feet. Dismissing the bird with a wave and comforting words that he was fine and not missing a few loose screws, just smiling at something the bird wouldn''t understand.


    Annoyed at Norbert''s reply, the bird returned to the white room with the ladder, traveling up, the doorway obscuring her. Norbert dismissed the bird from his mind as he looked around, confirming his thoughts of what was to come.


    The single word he heard around his mind before waking up again was "Better."


    With something now affixed in his mind, a path to go on further, Norbert began speeding up the energy around his body. Going as fast as he could, Norbert focused on making it a solid wall, covering his insides.


    Hoping that it would stop whatever the pink outline was from infecting him. Closing his eyes as Norbert imagined the purple energy flowing through his veins, Norbert waited, breathing calmly for the freezing to occur again.


    Not keeping track of the time as he only focused on himself, not wanting to get distracted. Imagining it racing through his mind, going faster and faster until it is only a solid object, an indestructible wall.


    Losing track of time, Norbert felt a prickling sensation from the back of his neck, the hairs rising to attention. Trying to dismiss it, not wanting to get distracted, the feeling grew, irking Norbert increasingly with each passing moment.


    Cracking an eye open just a slither, Norbert looked out the empty, dark hall. However, it would generally be empty, except for the figure crouching before him, their nose nearly touching Norbert''s.


    Startled, Norbert scurried away, making distance, instantly losing concentration, the energy faltering around his body. The freezing sensation at once engulfed his body, and before he could even start the energy moving around his body again, Norbert found himself lying on the stone floor. Opening his eyes, Norbert saw Obsius staring at him from behind.


    With a groan, Norbert slowly rose to his feet, smiling at the bird before giving a dismissive wave to confirm with the bird that there weren''t any issues.


    Sitting back down again with a plop, Norbert tried to remove from his mind the annoyance of what just occurred, knowing the figure was doing this to annoy him more than anything else and breaking his concentration to add that extra layer of difficulty. Well, Norbert wasn''t going to be beaten that easily.


    Closing his eyes, breathing regular deep breaths as he once more forced the energy around his body, feeling himself slowly slip into a trance. Once again, losing track of time, after what Norbert felt was long enough, he cracked open an eye again, the exact figure looking back at him, sitting in the same position as Norbert.


    Forcing himself to try to stay relaxed as he sent the energy around his body, feeling like a solid wall. Seeing the world in magical sight, Norbert looked at the ground, confirming the two black appendages, now a completely solid pink.


    Following them across the ground, instead of going out on either side, Norbert losing track in the shadows, instead he saw them come into the figure, watching the individual in front of him, the two arms coming out where Norbert assumed the shoulders commonly would be.


    Norbert stared back at them, wondering what the next thing would be¡ªkeeping himself calm, waiting to see if there would be another ruckus that the individual may cause to break Norbert''s concentration again.


    The figure stood up, turned their back and started walking away, deeper into the tunnel. Norbert wondered what was going on as the figure turned to Norbert again, beckoning him forward and staring back at Norbert.


    Watching the figure, neither of them moved as Norbert relented his stillness, knowing he was being asked to follow along. Norbert slowly went onto his feet, keeping calm as he did so, looking down and seeing the two pink appendages latched onto him.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Pushing off with his knee, Norbert slowly stood up to his full height, feeling his back crack as he forced himself not to sigh and give in to the relief he was experiencing, not realising how uncomfortable he was previously. But giving in the relief now would send him back to lying on the floor.


    With a tentative step forward, Norbert followed after the figure, holding his breath for the first few steps, not wanting to lose the moment, letting his control slip and send him hurtling back.


    Slowly exhaling the air in his lungs, Norbert took another breath, making sure not to overtax himself as he continued walking forward, imagining he was in a field of flowers with the summer sun shining down on him, warming his clothes up as a cool breeze flapped.


    Looking around, Norbert realised it wasn''t there as the smell of the sunflowers slowly drifted away. The figure was still standing there as Norbert stood beside him, Norbert waiting for something to happen.


    The figure slowly turned towards Norbert.


    "BOOO!" They shouted at him, Norbert jumping back at the sound as he looked at the figure''s face. Norbert was now able to see it. Watching as his face came onto it but was twisted.


    It was a gaunt representation, with flesh falling off it and purple puss coming out of pimples around his jawline and staring at grey, lifeless eyes that were bloodshot, turning the whites almost utterly red from the veins within his eyes. Dark bags under his eyes, as Norbert saw little specks of purple underneath.


    The figure jumped at Norbert, losing focus. Norbert went for a dagger, about to release it from his hand when he couldn''t move his body. The disfigured self''s action in front of him made him lose focus as the energy within him stopped moving.


    As Norbert was once more controlled, unable to push back against his freezing body, the figure stepped up to Norbert. "Luck."


    ***


    Norbert bolted upright again, pushing himself off the ground, wondering how many more times the figure would annoy him, causing him to restart again.


    Calming his nerves, Norbert sat again, legs crossed, as he tried to clear his head and start sending the energy around his body again. Obsius, annoyed that Norbert was ignoring him, pecked him on the earlobe; after several attempts, she flew off, heading towards the torch and kicking it across the floor.


    Norbert kept his eyes closed as he heard the skidding of the torch, only for it to stop. Norbert continued to send the energy around him, coming to the same levels as before. Confident that he had found the right place, he opened his eyes, now seeing the two pink appendages slowly snake towards him, easily seen on the brown-coloured grey stone.


    Walking forward, Norbert watched as they latched onto his leg''s shadows, grasping onto them. He continued to walk forward, not feeling anything from them, like they weren''t even there, as he followed them towards the figure.


    Knowing that he had done this before, it was easy to walk forward, and nothing would happen to him. Norbert continued to breathe as he looked ahead, wondering when the figure would appear.


    He looked expectantly, surprised that his thought didn''t spring into existence on the horizon. Knowing that he usually would need to wait a long time for the figure to appear, at least now it would be half as long if they met in the middle. Wondering when the figure would appear, Norbert continued walking forward, dismissing it from his mind.


    He was watching the two pink appendages confirm his trajectory. Long later, Norbert left the torch far behind him, no longer seeing a reason for using it, just posing as a distraction for him to carry and the individual to use.


    The two now coming closer, Norbert looked up, seeing the two come out of the ground, the figure standing before him. Watching as the figure gave a little wave to him before walking off, heading towards the direction it came from.


    Shaking his head, Norbert continued following after the figure, wondering where they could lead him.


    Norbert followed next to him for quite some time, looking at the hall around him, seeing it was the same as before, just the unending stone on both sides as he made his way forward. Looking up at the ceiling, I did not see any pipe network that could hint at something; no other stairs were found leading to higher or lower floors.


    No signs of what Norbert was looking at or what the rooms could have been beforehand were shown to him. Continuing down the dusty hall, the figure turned to Norbert.


    Arms outstretched on top of him, trying to act as a scary vampire about to drink your blood. Norbert just turned, unfazed as he expected something like this to happen, looking back at his half-mutilated face, giving it a grin and a nod before he continued walking forward, shaking his head in annoyance.


    "How much longer will this take?" Norbert said aloud, hearing his voice echo off the walls around him. The sound breaking the atmosphere created shattering. As Norbert looked around, hoping for when the next thing could happen that the figure would do so, he could see what was at the end of this hall.

 Chapter 205 Next

    The sound of his voice slowly stops reverberating around him. Norbert watched the figure as it continued to walk forward, not changing as Norbert''s voice finished. Leaving the hall in an empty silence, almost longing for something to happen to fill it in.


    Looking at the individual beside him, Norbert saw them stop momentarily, taking a blade out of their cloak. Norbert stepped backwards to gain distance as he looked at the individual, Norbert watching as the blade that came out lengthened, growing thicker until it was the size of a standard sword in its hand.


    Taking a breath, Norbert unsheathed his own, the sound of metal scraping on the sheath as it exited reverberating around the hall, giving energy to the air around him; Norbert was now entirely focused on the task ahead, not to be bested by the figure.


    Seeing the two pink appendages still coming out of its body, Norbert was confused at how the sword was still being drawn, held in front of the individual. He did not want to get further confused and possibly distract him, seeing the two pink appendages reminding him not to falter the energy coursing around his body.


    Norbert kept it where it was as the figure came forward, taking several steps before swiping across. Norbert swiped his sword to the side, the clang of metal on metal reverberating all around him, feeling the shockwave travel up his arms.


    Tightening his grip on the handle of his blade, stopping it from wavering, his hand became numb as if he had just hit his funny bone. Norbert looked out towards the figure, confirming his suspicions that it was unaffected as Norbert watched his opponent''s blade stay dead still.


    Gaining control again of his arms, no longer feeling as shaken, Norbert slid his opponent¡¯s blade to the side; stepping forward, Norbert slashed upwards, the figure''s blade halting it completely, slamming their weapon down.


    Norbert pushed more energy into his arms to protect his body, allow it to propel forward, and reinforce it enough to take the strikes the figure was sending. Norbert instantly felt coldness creep inside him, spreading out his ankles.


    Looking down, he saw they were still attached to his shadow, the same as before. Norbert looked up, bolstering it again, not to be distracted, knowing something was coming towards him.


    Being distracted and unable to do anything, Norbert could only watch as the blade came for his stomach, the figure swinging it like a bat towards him. Placing his blade down in front of Norbert, only able to slightly deflect it as he felt it bite deep into his body.


    The blade spun around so it was at the hilt as the figure launched him away. He was flying through the air; he dropped his sword in surprise as it flew away. Rolling No, Robert landed on the ground, sharp spikes of pain splintering everywhere around his body as he continued to roll on the ground. Norbert wondered how the figure could place that much power behind that one strike, far more than before in their quick exchange.


    Lying on the ground, Norbert sighed in annoyance, the freezing feeling not stopping as he let it continue. He focused more on healing himself up before the figure appeared again and continued more with their beating.


    Abating it as much as he could, not wanting to be completely frozen and weakened as well, not knowing what would happen when he woke up, face down on the floor again.


    Looking down at his body as his feet became frozen, seeing his guts finally matted together, Norbert, having finished his healing, now focused on pushing back the freezing inside his body as much as possible.


    Rolling over onto his side, Norbert on his stomach, he put his hands underneath him, ready for a push-up. Pushing himself as hard as he could, sending himself upright into a standing position, and taking a step back, Norbert balanced himself, getting used to walking again without being able to bend his knees at all.


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    Breathing out once to calm himself, Norbert looked around, wondering where the figure was and if he was so quick and powerful, why couldn''t he have travelled the distance of the hall quicker, rather than make him wait an agonizingly long time every time they met.


    Taking a stumbling step forward to keep his balance, Norbert took out a dagger and a throwing one, hoping to get at least one shot off at the figure before he reappeared.


    Norbert looked down at the ground, seeing the two pink appendages going ahead of him; Norbert thought he saw a pink spot on the horizon and not relinquishing control of the energy going around his body, not wanting to lose any more of his body to the freezing and the slip of control it could cause if he rushed it.


    Breathing calmly, Norbert slowly stepped towards the figure in the distance; even now able to see it getting bigger and bigger, Norbert realised it must be moving quite quickly towards himself. He continued to breathe easily as he bent forward, slapping his leg with the blade''s flat, slowly going lower and lower.


    He confirmed the freezing sensation above his knee. Norbert stood still, not wanting to rush forward while part of his body was frozen. He stood there thinking, wondering how he could now push back against it, compared to all the other times, even recently, when even a tiny deviation would result in him losing complete control and being consumed.


    Slowly shuffling forward, relieved when he felt his knee bend usually, having walked stiff-legged for so long. Crouching down slightly as he felt his knees move, a relief that he was winning the fight against the freezingness the appendages were causing him.


    Standing still, Norbert could now see the figure, moving forward, gliding over the stone, with no movement in the legs area and no sword seen on them either. Calming himself, Norbert threw a dagger into the air before catching it, trying to keep his mind off the impending doom heading towards himself.


    He followed it with his eyes, catching it as he thought about what would happen. Spinning the dagger in his hand, he took a step forward. The figure instantly appears only a meter away from Norbert. Taking a step back, surprised, Norbert felt the freezing sensation once more start again, only for Norbert to push against it, not wanting to be distracted.


    Launching the throwing dagger out of his left hand, Norbert watched as it somersaulted towards the figure, their blade again appearing in their hand to deflect it. Norbert did not care about the result; he leapt forward, throwing another towards the figure.


    Another dagger already appeared in Norbert''s hand as he launched it, only a moment behind when he ran forward, impacting with the figure.


    Expecting the two of them to roll away, allowing Norbert to get underneath the sword and stab away, he was surprised when he ran into what felt like a wall, Norbert bouncing slightly off him as he fell, sprawled on the ground. Feeling a sharp pain in his hand, staring down as he somehow impaled himself in the hilt of the dagger, not believing how that was possible.


    Rolling away automatically, half his mind still in shock, not able to comprehend what happened to him or how he was on the ground. Not focusing on the wound, Norbert stood up again, the freezing in his body only slightly spread from the distraction; the further he went on now, the less and less effective it seemed before him.


    Stepping to the side, the figure''s blade coming down, Norbert takes another throwing dagger, not wanting to use the knife he received to take the sword on and possibly damage it.


    Rushing forward, Norbert went between the blade, feeling it whisk by his body as he plunged the dagger into it, surprised at the little resistance he felt with it.


    The blade efficiently sank into the body; Norbert stared at it as the sword approached him. He was stepping back but was unable to properly, something holding onto his hand that still had the dagger inside. Pulling his body as far away from the sword as possible, feeling the weapon bite into his body and cleanly pass through, cutting into his leg, taking out a chunk of it before arching away from his body.


    Staring down at the stump that was his arm, Norbert looked down at his leg, the piece missing from his thigh, surprised at his clothing having been cleanly cut, not providing any resistance at all.


    With shaky breaths, Norbert raised his eyes towards the figurehead, knowing that he was out of time, knowing he couldn''t heal both of the wounds enough to help him with the fight simultaneously as fending off the cold constantly lapping at his heels.


    They are biting the bullet, at least hoping to take the smile off the figure''s face, either literally or metaphorically, not knowing the authentic look of it.


    Charging forward, Norbert took another dagger out, feeling the sword become pointed right at him; not caring in the slightest as it impaled his body, Norbert instantly lost the feeling to his legs; without looking down, Norbert leaned forward onto the figure, he began moving his arm in piston motions, in and out into the figures back. Watching as it turned its head towards Norbert.


    Darkness took over his vision, his entire body freezing, and his mind already losing the fight, slowing down like a windup toy on its last legs. I felt the figure''s head leaning forward, whispering the single word "Next" into his ear.

 Chapter 206 Time

    Norbert bolted upright, clutching his stomach as he still felt the phantom pain shooting up his body coming from his mid-section. Staring at his hand, and that it wasn''t caked in blood, Norbert panted, happily knowing that he wasn''t still skewered.


    He pushed himself up off the ground and stayed on his knees as he looked down at his shirt while wiggling his toes. His shirt had no stains at all, no holes or gashes where the figure weapon would have slashed at him.


    Looking down at his arm, it was still attached to his body. He stood on shaky legs while clenching his hand, surprised to see it there. After so long, without even thinking, Norbert could feel his purple energy whipping around inside his body, following down the trail it made on its journey, confirming that everything was attached and working as customary.


    His hand resting on the hilt of his sword, happy at feeling its weight there. Comforting in the added protection, it would be able to give to himself. Looking down, Norbert slung his backpack again over his shoulder, putting the other half on it, not even knowing when he removed it from his head, the figure with what it could do to him; Norbert knew he needed the most protection as possible, and not having anything else with him that could provide that other than the helmet.


    Moving his head around, confirming the helmet wasn''t moving around his head, knowing the red lines on the mask glowing with his breath.


    Taking a calming breath, Norbert rested, seeing Obsius no longer moving. Leaning towards the torch, no longer afraid of the pink appendages coming out of the figure, knowing that the light wouldn''t do anything against it anyway.


    Stepping forward, Norbert looked at the light it was creating, the flickering shadows as he leisurely walked the dusty hall. After falling, his scarf no longer protects against the dust invading his body.


    Tying it around his head, Norbert confirmed its location so it wouldn''t move around or slip. He tried to move it with his hand, confirming the knot would stop the scarf from moving, and covered his eyes, not wanting to imagine what would happen. As a result, he was not being able to see correctly and half blind while swinging his arms wildly, only to get gutted again like a fish.


    Walking forward, twirling the torch in his hand, leaving Obsius when something felt wrong. Returning Norbert picked the bird up, tucked it away into his coat pocket and patted affectionately, confirming the bird was still there.


    Looking on the ground, seeing the two pink appendages going off into the darkness, Norbert could not see the figure they came from still. Knowing the figure would appear before him, Norbert started whistling, getting into the tune as before.


    Petering out after several lines is not the same without someone else intertwining. The part of the game of making noise for others to hear, as the two musicians danced a dance that, although annoying and disturbing to the audience, was still there.


    Letting the tune stop on his lips, the last bits of his notes echoing out around the hall, falling on the deaf ears of the bird, frozen and unable to move. As the last part of the song stopped, Norbert could only hear the sound of his footsteps on the ground as he walked around; Norbert wondered if the figure could even hear him when he spoke. Realising it must have some way of talking back to him, Norbert looked ahead, holding the torch high, a giant circle of flickering orange light shining around himself.


    Squinting his eyes, still unable to see the figure on the horizon, looking down at the floor, confirming that he was still heading in the right direction, the two pink appendages pointing straight ahead, his little compass to the destination.


    He continued to walk forward, seeing the torch he was carrying started to sputter, having gone down so far that it was no longer easily aflame as it was before. Norbert watched as it continued to sputter, the light making the rest of the hall seem darker. Looking back to the ground, confirming he still couldn''t see the figure, Norbert wondered what was taking them so long.


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    All of the other times, they would have shown up by now, even when he was meditating to control better the energy still coursing inside him to keep the freezing nature of the two appendages at bay. Norbert wondered what was wrong with it.


    Thinking back to the fight, remembering both of the damage they took on the last exchange, Norbert still felt the blade sunken into his body, completely maiming him, the memory reminding him of the maze room, where the metal split his body in two.


    Walking quickly, Norbert wondered what had happened to the figure that had been tormenting him for so long. All the other times Norbert had interacted with it, they had appeared by now. Norbert continued walking, wondering why all this internal thought about the figure hadn''t spawned him in, already swiping at his head from behind.


    Quickly, Norbert spun around on the ball of his foot, looking behind himself. Confirming the figure wasn''t there, already prone and striking at him, Norbert relaxed his breathing. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. Slowly turning around, Norbert looked behind himself, holding his breath as his hand lowered to the hilt of his dagger in case he needed to quickly remove it from its sheath.


    The figure was standing there, not ten meters away, just watching him. Looking at the hood, Norbert assumed the figure was looking from and staring at where its eyes would be.


    The two stared at Norbert, not seeing anything, drawing his suspicion to the figure. Norbert stood there, holding his breath as he looked down; he only knew seeing the two pink appendages coming off the figure''s body was who he was, confirming within Norbert that it was the same as before.


    Breathing out slowly, Norbert whistled as he did so, looking at the figure while he did it. Changing the pattern to no longer be a single long note, but multiple short clippie ones, ending before it should be as it rises and falls throughout the scales.


    Looking at the figure, Norbert did this for the entire breath he had saved, finishing the whistling while staring at the figure, wondering what would happen now as his music slowly echoed around the hall before petering out.


    The figure was still standing there as Norbert had seen him, not moving at all. For several moments, Norbert waited, wondering if the figure would do anything in response; even walking away at this point would be better than the two of them just standing there staring at each other.


    Phooweet


    Norbert looked closely at the figure and heard his tune whistled back to him, the same notes and clipping nature he did on his own. Completing the sequence, the figure finished off, and Norbert heard the whistling sound Peter off, bouncing off the halls until only silence remained.


    Norbert smiled at the figure, grinning as a thought came about of the tune he would want to do, Norbert whistled the same tune as before, repeating the number of times as Norbert waited, counting each time he would repeat.


    Smiling through the whistling, he heard the figure start to whistle again, having enough time for Norbert to wait there. Having gone through five loops of the first tune, Norbert changed it, using the same beat as he started to whistle.


    When the figure finished the five and started to change, Norbert was already planning as they whistled together, their beats matching up as he intertwined a song.


    Unlike his other ones, he played it for nobody else to hear; the figure Norbert didn''t try to play something heinous; instead, he played something melodic.


    As Norbert continued going through it, the whistling became more and more complex, continuing it forward.


    Finishing it off, Norbert listened to what he was hearing from the figure, a tear welling in his eyes at the creation he had just made. The tears formed, knowing he would never be able to recreate the song again, the only witnesses being himself, the figure in front of him, and the hall he was currently trapped in, patting his coat pocket, confirming Obsius was still asleep.


    Norbert wondered what had happened with the bird, having just gone quiet for so long, but accepted it was part of this hall, which Norbert was trapped in.


    The figure finishing their song, Norbert bowed to him, righting himself. Norbert stepped forward, watching as the figure stood there, unmoving.


    A meter away, Norbert saw the figure bow as well, though they remained where they were, not stepping forward like Norbert had been.


    In front of the figure, Norbert saw a hand shoot out from underneath the cloak. He looked at them, wondering what the trick was, trying to scare him one last time. Norbert smiled behind his helmet and scarf, knowing the figure wouldn''t be able to see it behind his helmet but hoping it would be seen within his eyes.


    Norbert looked down at the hand he had shown, the same blackness of the figure and moved his hand forward, grasping it. Feeling this time substance around it, Norbert shook the f, the figure''s hand with a figure squeeze.


    The figure, nodding its head, leaned forward again.


    "Time." It said, as suddenly, when the figure released its hand from Norbert, he instantly froze, unable to do anything or stop it in any way. The figure turned around as it disappeared, the last thought on his mind as his mind froze over being, "At least they are smiling."

 Chapter 207 Hadouken!!!

    Norbert looked down at the floor, Obsius near him again when he slowly came to his feet. Seeing the hall the same as before, the air swirling with dust , the torch rolling around in its own ring of ash. Leaning down, Norbert picked up the torch, investigating the orange wisps that trailed after it, dancing together before disappearing. Turning around, watching the white room and its white light bathed onto the floor, illuminating it.


    Staring off into the dark hall, something looked and felt different as he stared. Continuing to stare harder, Norbert wondered what it could be, unable to tell precisely what it was.


    Seeing chirp at him before flying forward, Norbert turned around as he watched the bird, a smile painted on his face as he wondered what the feeling irking him was. Dismissing it, Norbert followed after Norbert, tapping the daggers once more so that they were all in their spots, no damage or nothing happening to him.


    He was leaving the safety of the white hall and its light shining down on the floor. Norbert walked away from its safety, wondering what the hall had in stall for him this time and what the figure would do now.


    Walking down the hallway, taking his time so as not to rush in case he missed anything, going at the same pace as the figure previously would walk down it. Looking up, Norbert saw Obsius flying far above him, wondering what the bird was doing there. Waving to her, Norbert started to see her descent, heading below her to catch her before she fell on the floor.


    Norbert reached out, about to grasp the bird as she flew away, up into the air again. Norbert stared at her, amazed at seeing her fly off. Following her with his eyes, the bird landed on his shoulder before chirping at him.


    "Nothing''s wrong, just surprised." Norbert said to the bird.


    Obvious tweeted at Norbert, who shook his head, "Nah, don''t want to tell you, too long of a story, and it''s still jumbled around inside my head." Norbert said to her as he longingly looked around for the figure, not believing his eyes ¡°I¡¯ll tell you later.¡± He continued.


    She was receiving a confirmation chirp and a nod of her head before she pecked him on the neck. Norbert smiled at her, rubbing her head with his palm as he continued walking down the hall.


    Looking around it with a fresh pair of eyes, knowing that this time something was different about it compared to the other times he crossed it, Obsius on his shoulder tweeting away was proof of it.


    Taking up the time, Norbert began to whistle, forming the same tune. Joining in without hesitation, Obsius added her spin to it, morphing it into some discombobulated mess. Happy that the rhythm was still the same, Norbert continued to whistle as he walked further down the hall, keeping his magical vision on to see when or possibly if the pink appendages would return.


    Travelling down the hallway, Norbert looked around, confirming it was the same. The brownie tone on the walls with no other magical sigils anywhere. Knowing that these halls had duped him in the past, Norbert kept his attention around him, not wanting to miss anything.


    A tweet from Obsius took Norbert out of his world as he looked around, seeing why Obsius had called his attention. Rather than the constant walls on either side with the blackness of nothingness in front of him, Norbert could see the brown hue of a solid rock wall, only slightly shrouded in the darkness.


    Looking at the torch, still easily alighted, Norbert walked forward, meeting the wall as he touched it, confirming it was there. Turning around, Norbert looked behind himself, seeing the light from the white room on the other side of the hall, easily able to see it.


    Looking back at the wall, he stumped on how it was possible, remembering the times he walked much longer than before. Losing sight of everything, the only way he knew he didn''t get turned around and walked in circles was the two walls on either side that made up the hall. But now, looking around again, Norbert couldn''t believe anything he had seen.


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    He followed along the back of the wall, trailing his hand on it, confirming that it was solid all the way through, his fingers tapping a rhythm as he walked, his whistling starting up again.


    Walking the entire hall length, Norbert saw the other side of the wall ahead of him, not believing it, all the others being much larger than this one. Looking internally, confirming the energy was still running inside himself, now just doing it on autopilot. With no proper exertion on his body or a force stopping him, it wasn''t being used up.


    Walking back to the centre, Norbert turned to Obsius, "You should get away; this could get messy." Norbert said to the bird.


    Obsius flew off towards the other hall; Norbert saw that she was far enough away. He was tapping his knuckles on the wall, confirming that it was solid everywhere in his section. Saying a quick prayer to Luck that he wouldn''t topple the entire network of halls and tunnels, Norbert waited.


    Not hearing any protest from the goddess, Norbert continued with his plan. Pulling back his hand, forming it into a fist, Norbert swung it forward, pushing as much energy into the movement as possible.


    Making it propelled faster and strengthening his hand to stop it from being obliterated into a bloody paste, the energy bolsters the skin and bones, allowing the elixirs he drank to work even more effectively.


    Norbert''s fist went even faster than he thought possible, feeling his body twist around as it impacted the wall.


    CRACK


    The sound of the stone wall in front of him cracking under the force he gave to it. Norbert looked at his fist as the dust settled once more. Norbert saw his fist sunken into the stone wall in front of him and trying to budge it; Norbert was unable to and tried again; Norbert pulled on the energy, only to lose balance as he plummeted to the floor, tiredness overtaking him.


    Feeling around his body, the energy usually so fast and thick was now only a trickle. Gasping for air, being held up by his arms still stuck in the wall, Norbert was no longer thinking about it, now about the energy that was only trickling around his body.


    Remembering before, when he first drank the liquid, and the energy was moving around himself, he was not used to it; even this tiny amount would have been more than what he used. Gulping in the air, not wanting to black out, Norbert felt Obsius land on his arm, still attached to the wall.


    Chirping at him with concern, Norbert could not answer the bird as he felt Obsius land on his arm. Looking up at the bird, a pained smile on his face as he held in the barf, knowing that letting it out would be more of a hassle and distract him, not wanting to go into a spiral of pain and discomfort, likely resulting in him passing out.


    He was breathing deep breaths, thinking about the energy travelling through him, following it along his body, titi path the path and becoming reminiscent of when he first used this power to take on the wolves. Now, he was sure he could easily crush them, and even if injured, he could heal himself quickly.


    Slowly, Norbert''s queasiness and tiredness came to pass, the energy within his body still weak compared to before, but not to the point where it could just stop if he tried walking, having been exerted too much.


    Standing up, leaning on the wall, feeling his head spin slightly, waiting for it to come out. Obsius still stared at him, now feeling he could respond appropriately, saying, "Just exerted myself a bit more than I thought I would." Internally adding "Thought I ever could." I am still amazed at the amount of energy he exerted, not even getting this weak when he was up against Arzlan.


    Standing upright now, no longer needing to lean against the wall, Norbert looked at his hand, still embedded in the stone wall. The dust was all around it as he wriggled it around, confirming that it was still there, the same as it was before, stuck.


    He wiggled his fingers around, confirming he could but would not extend them enough to un-ball them from the fist they were, his thumb-stopping them from uncurling properly.


    Looking at the energy in his body, hoping it would be enough to heal himself after what he would do, Norbert wrenched his hand out, feeling and hearing the bones break within it.


    Screaming out in pain, Norbert looked around, thrashing about as his hand hung limply on the side. Hearing the pitter patter on the ground, looking down, seeing his purple-tinged blood splattering on the floor.


    He was closing his eyes; Norbert looked to the ceiling in frustration and opened them up as he looked up. Their eyes opened in shock as his mouth was left agape, his eyes travelling down the wall, on the crack that had split it, coming from the impact of origination, his fist.

 Chapter 208 Effect

    Head swimming with the possibilities of what he had just witnessed. What he was able to do just then. Taking a step back, suddenly feeling lightheaded, Norbert fell onto the ground. Thinking about what he had just witnessed, what he had just done just moments before, the realisation of what he had just released into the world coming to fruition.


    Looking down at his shaking hand not knowing if it was from shock or exhaustion, the ground past it catching his eye, Norbert saw a thin line and started still snaking in front of his eyes going along the floor. Norbert rubbed his hand along the floor, feeling it catch into what had caught his eye. Taking his glove off, allowing his bare skin to move freely against it, Norbert confirmed what he felt, there now being a slight crack in the floor, at least a meter away from the impact.


    Spinning around, Norbert examined it along its edge, feeling it go thinner and thinner until it disappeared, about a meter and a half from the wall he had just punched. He was thankful it didn''t extend down the hall, not wanting to explain a collapse of the mountainside due to his stupidity.


    Breathing calmly, the stars having abated from his eyes and the dizziness receding away, Norbert stood up, not feeling as lightheaded as before, the world only slowly spinning with his sudden movement. Norbert traced the path of the energy within his body, confirming that it was slightly better than before, becoming more stable but still nowhere nearly as much as before, when the river was thick and rapidly flowing around his body, compared to the gently meandering river that it was now.


    Obsius stared at him as he smiled at the bird. "Seriously, I''m all better now," Norbert told her.


    The bird came forward again, landing on his head as she rapped on his forehead from above, Norbert returning with a smile as he rubbed his hand affectionately on the bird''s head. Looking back at it, Norbert enhanced his magic vision as he looked at the grey stone wall with brown wisps flowing off and within it. Nothing was unexpected as he looked towards the crack he had just made in the wall.


    The same brown wisps could be seen in the air, slowly dissipating as they disappeared from the space he just formed. Staring at it longer, Norbert turns his head in confusion. They are also spinning, chasing after the few brown wisps that remained, which these purple ones were chasing before both types disappeared in the air, leaving only the brown on the two sides of the crack remaining. Changing his vision back to normal, the brownness going away as the grey came out; Norbert looked at it, seeing the edges of the stone on either side.


    Feeling the cracks and jagged pieces that made up what he did to the stone wall. Seeing hairline cracks branch out from either side reminded him of electricity-burning wood, the main path with hundreds branching out around it, trying to find the least resistance.


    Squinting, Norbert looked at the crack, seeing he wasn''t strong enough to go through the wall either, only more stone remaining. Looking back at where he came from, the white room was still visible from this side of the hall. Torn between two decisions, Norbert took out the coin, looking at the heads and tails as he thumbed it between his fingers, feeling the grooves around the coin''s edge and the face of the queen on it.


    Moving it to his lips, Norbert whispered, "Heads to the white room, tails through the wall." Norbert said as he flicked the coin in the air. Watching it rise, lower than when he usually did it, surprised at the amount he had lost as he watched it plummet. Catching it out of the air, palming it to his other hand, Norbert looked at what his fate had in store.


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    Looking back up at him was the tail side. With apprehension, Norbert looked towards the crack in the wall, gulping as he wondered how thick this wall was. Putting his hand in the hole, Norbert extended his finger, feeling how much space he had. His index finger touched the back of the crack, his wrist where the rest of the wall should be.


    Looking back at the whole, Norbert felt the energy within him, knowing it would take him much longer to regain than the time he had.


    Opening his backpack, Norbert looked around, taking a bite of the rations he had in there. Norbert swallowed it down, followed by some water. She took a cracker for Obsius, knowing she would want one before she even insisted. A prideful look came to her as Norbert passed the biscuit over.


    Sitting down, back leaning against the wall with his backpack next to him, Norbert finished the piece of jerky, biting into the rigid piece of meat as he looked at the rest of the hall. Feeling the excellent stone on his back, Norbert wondered how to escape this ever-growing maze.


    No matter his move, the next step always confused him; nothing about this place had any rhyme or reason; it felt endless and entirely limited, forcing him to go on a pre-destined path.


    Shaking his head in annoyance, Norbert took another bite of the jerky before popping the rest in his mouth. Looking at Obsius, sitting on top of his backpack as she ate, not wanting to be on the dusty floor as Norbert looked at the crumbs she was making.


    Seeing her finished as well, Norbert cupped his hands while pouring some water, allowing the bird to drink from his hands. The bird flew away, signalling to Norbert that she had enough. Norbert drank the rest up before patting his hands dry on his pants, putting the water skin back on his backpack and placing it on his back.


    Stretching himself, happy that he was now calm, Norbert looked at the wall. Rubbing his hand affectionately before patting it, Norbert said, "I''ll be back for you." He said.


    Walking away, Norbert felt inside, the purple energy racing around his body slightly more than before, a bit thicker now that he had eaten. He looked back at his backpack, knowing he couldn''t get enough food to allow himself to replenish his used energy for another strike at the wall.


    Keeping it in the back of his mind for later possibilities, if he could even recreate what he did, this time Norbert walked towards the white room again.


    Obsius was already taking the lead, hopping on the ground as she waited for Norbert to catch up. Norbert jogged along, not using the torch anymore, this part of the hall being the same as before.


    Walking forward, Norbert entered the white room as before. I looked once more up at the ceiling and the climbing ladder. He turned his head to follow the ladder down until it went down to the next floor below his current one.


    Looking back at the hall, Norbert saw the marks just above the doorway leading into it, remembering when he saw it before, the number two blaring right at him. Norbert thought about what it meant as he thought about it being the second one.


    The maze from above rang a bell; Norbert did not remember ever seeing a single dash going above the hall, knowing he could have easily missed something. Even finding this place was a challenge enough, dealing with Skelly and needing to be saved by Granny so much.


    Knowing he was starting to spiral in his thoughts, he knew he would start to think about thinking, which would never result in anything good except for a lot of wasted time. Receives a chirp from Obsius, rattling Norbert from his cage, nodding at the bird as she flies down the hole ahead of Norbert, travelling to the following room below.


    Norbert breathed in as he felt the energy again, the same amount as before; Norbert could not tell if there was a slight increase idly, but hoping there was, not wanting to stuff his face constantly.


    Norbert climbed down the ladder as he thought about how much gold he would need to constantly eat like that, not wanting to even think about it. Reaching the floor of the room below, Norbert looked around, seeing it was identical to the others he had been in.


    Landing on the floor, happy that there wasn''t any dust, he breathed in, his scarf still around his neck, not having moved it up after eating the jerky¡ªthe dust in the hall above tickled his nose.


    Looking around the room, it looked the same as before; staring at the doorway, his eyes glued to what was above it. There above the doorway were three slashes, Norbert knowing it was the number three of this place.


    Pushing past his anxiety rising, Norbert entered the new hall, wondering what he would have to offer inside.

 Chapter 209

    Walking within, Norbert looked at the room ahead of him, walking past the doorway with the number for three he had been taught from this world etched on top. Norbert stood on the other side, looking around the hall he would now be in for some time.


    Stepping through, Norbert saw the dust catch the light of the white room; standing in its light, Norbert covered his mouth with his scarf, not believing it would be possible for there to be even more dust here than before.


    Looking around the hall, Norbert was happy that this one was not empty. Seeing undulations on the floor, he stood on. Norbert wondered what that was about, seeing how they rolled from one to the next.


    Not moving as Norbert changed his vision, Obsius landed on his shoulder as the bird looked expectantly out into the hall. Seeing the usual brown hues to expect from the stone walls on either side of him. Looking out into the hall on the floor, Norbert found something unexpected.


    He was there, rolling idly about green colours mixed with brown. Changing his vision to better see in the darkness, Norbert looked around, wondering why life was so far down. Not believing there could be any plants growing in this hall compared to the others that were utterly desolate from life.


    Turning his head to see Obsius, the bird not shooting forward either. Knowing he couldn¡¯t go back, remembering the last time he was just reset when he attempted to, the only way would be forward.


    Stepping forward out of the light of the white room behind him, Norbert felt something change in the air. Looking around, not seeing anything different, a chirp from Obsius as he remembered to look elsewhere. Changing to magic, Norbert looked around, seeing no difference in the air, only slightly more greenness around him.


    Turning around, Norbert saw the change, the white room being blocked off by a wall of blue; Norbert looked at it as it crackled underneath his watch. Gulping, Norbert took a throwing dagger out of its sheath. Looking at it, Norbert chucked it into the blue barrier. Watching as when it hit, the dagger flew off with more energy, a trail of blue lightning following after it, before disconnecting from the dagger as it fizzled out.


    Looking at the dagger several meters away as it clattered against the stone, Norbert turned to Obsius, saying what they both thought, ¡°Guess we won¡¯t be going out that way.¡± Obsius chirped in her agreement.


    Norbert walked over to the dagger, making sure it wasn¡¯t crackling with anything. Confirming it wasn¡¯t, Norbert went to pick it up, only feeling a slight static shock from the piece of metal.


    Dropping it from surprise, Norbert picked up the weapon and put it in its sheath again. Breathing in the air, seeing the dust in the air try and go into his lungs, being sucked in only to be stopped by the scarf still around his mouth, happy to have it there.


    Brushing it with his hand, Norbert saw a trail of dust follow after it. Hoping it wouldn¡¯t forever be like this, Norbert wished he had the staff that Skelly took to clear some of this dust away. Shaking his head in annoyance, Norbert changed his vision back to normal as he looked out at the hall that lay before him.


    Knowing he would need to find another way out, Norbert started walking forward, able to see each side of the wall as he walked forward. Hearing Obsius cough on his shoulder, Norbert picked the bird up and placed her in his chest pocket, keeping her away from all the dust.


    Going over the slowly rolling undulations of the hall, Norbert¡¯s feet sank into whatever he was walking on, whatever was not being stone from which the halls were supposed to be constructed.


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    Bending over, being careful with Obsius not to fall out of the pocket, Norbert stuck his finger in the ground, feeling it go within up to the nail before halting, unable to compact it any more quickly.


    Taking his gloved finger out, Norbert rubbed what was caught on his fingertips; looking down at it again, Norbert realised it was dirt; there was dirt down here.


    He changed his vision to better see in the dark, not wanting to miss anything that this hall could give him; with all of the life he saw with his magic vision and the presence of dirt and being trapped here, Norbert had a sinking suspicion that there was something else here with him.


    Their ears peeled for whatever else was here with him. Norbert looked around as he slowly stepped forward, being careful of every step he took and rising and falling with the earth on his feet; Norbert looked for something that would be out of place. Norbert continued walking forward, keeping a half eye on the ceiling, turning around to confirm his suspicion, knowing the hall above would have ended by now; the light was the same distance; Norbert could not see the wall showing the end like the one above.


    Staring at the ceiling, Norbert looked for a crack, wanting to see if he had damaged the floor, and he punched at the wall, not wanting to be trapped in the rubble. Not seeing anything, he continued walking past, wondering what he could get out there and its purpose.


    As Norbert continued walking further along, other things began poking their head from the soil and seeing little bugs and worms inside; bending over, Norbert took to pick one up, being a worm-like creature. Pulling it from the earth, Norbert did so, needing to step backwards to pull it out.


    Norbert saw the creature wriggling on the ground, its body and structure looking the same as a typical worm, even the thickness being the same: the only crucial difference is the length.


    He watched in amazement; he started to burrow the earth, creating a new hole. Transfixed by the motion as it slowly undulated down into the earth, Norbert watched the creature disappear underneath.


    He walked backwards the way he came, confirming the same creatures were there as well, moving all over the earth; the only place Norbert didn¡¯t catch anything was in the light of the doorway, with no dirt for the creatures to step onto.


    Sitting in the least dusty place in the hall, Obsius out as she poked around in the earth, not wanting to stray too far from the doorway, or else the dust would also affect her.


    Norbert watched the creatures as they moved about; coming into the light, they would stray away from it, moving backwards before turning around and going in another direction.


    Looking behind him at the wall, not leaning against it or else he would fly apart, hearing the sizzling of one of the creatures in the dirt move into it, instantly becoming fried. He tapped his thumb on the stone, looking at it as he changed his vision to magic, looking down to see if anything was different.


    Confirming that there wasn¡¯t anything that Norbert could see, he looked around the hall. The green swirls coming off the dirt even more than before, the brown colour now nearly entirely consumed by it. Norbert remembers Skelly and the poison mist it created, with the green and the brown swirls moving about within it.


    This did not look like that; instead of the two moving together, Norbert could easily see the two segments, like water and oil, not mixing as they moved about the medium that created them, slowly dissipating in the air.


    Thankful that whatever was out there wouldn¡¯t harm Obsius, still playing in the dirt, having taken a worm out of the ground as she flew in the air, taking her prize with her. Norbert watched, taking his eyes off the floor as she dropped it from the height.


    I watched it wiggle through the air, trying to fly before smashing to the ground. After several seconds of staying still, Norbert watched as it wiggled again, moving back off into the earth.


    Norbert looked up to Obsius, a raised eyebrow at the bird as she slowly glided down to the floor. Norbert wondered why the bird would do this. A rustling coming from something next to him.


    Dagger instantly appeared in Norbert¡¯s hand as he looked around, trying to find the source of the sound. Scanning his eyes over Norbert, he saw movement. Taking a throwing dagger out of his other side, Norbert let it go flying, watching as he heard it impact something.


    Standing up, Norbert walked over to his dagger. Looking down, he saw it was stuck in something. Pulling the dagger out and wiping the blood off it onto the ground.


    After sheathing the dagger, he was surprised he needed to clean it. Poking around with the other dagger in his hand, Norbert found the creature that he took down. Looking back at him was the head of a mouse. Its beady red eyes stared at him, Norbert watching as the life went out of them.

 Chapter 210 White Mouse

    The white mouse, the size of his palm, with nothing different or concerning about the fact of its existence except the others halls had been devoid of life for lifetimes. Norbert looked around, changing to a magical vision, confirming his suspicions. The amount of life-giving magic in the area around them increased.


    As he continued to stare, he didn¡¯t know if a cause and effect connected the two conditions, but as Norbert continued looking, green vines started to creep through the dirt.


    Looking at Obsius, the bird was seemingly ordinary; Norbert was happy there weren¡¯t any green lumps around her, not wanting to deal with cancer on the bird as Norbert called her down.


    The bird descended, landing on his shoulder as Norbert finally spoke to her, ¡°Have you seen anything like this before?¡± Norbert asked the bird.


    Obsius looked towards him, giving a look that Norbert knew as being, ¡°I lived in a forest before meeting you; when would I have seen anything like this?¡±


    Norbert just nodded his head, talking to himself as he looked out. ¡°Just be careful; everything is growing fast here. I don¡¯t want you to be affected by it.¡± He said to her.


    Obsius cocking her head as she flapped her wing at his neck. ¡°Me?¡± Norbert asked her. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be fine; the purple energy within me should stop anything from interacting too badly; just heal up and exterminate it,¡± Norbert said.


    Obsius just shook her head as she flew off, not giving head to Norbert¡¯s caution, looking behind herself. Norbert left the bird to her own devices, knowing that if needed, she could always come to him.


    Looking now at the hall, filled with life where only before there wasn¡¯t a sign of anything, speculation started to appear in his mind about what would be needed for him out of it. As he looked there, Norbert saw something else scurrying around.


    Stepping forward, Norbert took the dagger out again, not needing to use the sword at this point, but if things continued to grow at this rate, then it wouldn¡¯t be soon until he needed it.


    Walking through, seeing small weeds sticking out of the soil and bending down, Norbert could see it clearly, even when he lowered his magic vision. Breaking one of the stalks off, Norbert held it to his hand to look further at it.


    Twisting it in his fingers, seeing its slightly green glow, the bioluminescence for what it was, the things already adapted to this dark cave. As Norbert focused on the area around him, a sea of green lit up in a wave.


    Gulping, Norbert ran forward, going as fast as he could, now wanting to see the other side and confirm there wasn¡¯t a way out. Running through, Norbert could see more clearly the light rolling with the hills of the earth that he progressed through and the dust in the air Norbert was seeing becoming noticeably less.


    Removing the scarf and breathing in a slight bit of air, Norbert confirmed that the dust was dissipating. Not knowing where it could all be going, not seeing any collections on the ground where it could be all sinking to, and none of the new life chasing after it which he could see.


    Happy that he could breathe properly, Norbert lowered the scarf, having it sit around his neck as he went further in¡ªrising the hill. Norbert saw numerous mice now scurrying around, all the same size as they darted to where they could.


    Norbert watched as they chased after the plants, Norbert watching as they devoured it almost instantly. Norbert slowed down to stroll, captivated by what he saw. Several seconds after they were from the plant, moving off to the next one, Norbert watched the plant quickly return to life.


    Norbert saw the leaves rush out from the single root still alive, watching as they became even brighter, the plant fuller than before. Out of the corner of his eye, something grabbed his attention. Norbert watched as the next group of mice came for the bush, devouring it again, and once more, Norbert saw it come back even thicker and more extensive than it was the first time Norbert saw it.


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    With proof of the devouring happening, Norbert ran ahead, not wanting to be around when he was added to the menu. Rushing forward, overtaking another group of mice ahead, Norbert assumed that they were the group that first ate the bush; their numbers seemingly doubled in the short time. Norbert wondered what was happening as the group dived to the left, something having taken their attention.


    Norbert watched as he crested a lump of earth, thinking he saw a glimpse of something before he went down again. Running forward, cresting the next lump, Norbert looked again to the left, confirming that there wasn¡¯t anything there to catch his attention.


    Running forward now, looking up at the ceiling occasionally, for the next minute, he continued, seeing more and more groups of rats continue running around the place, jumping from bush to bush, occasionally changing to his magical site, the amount of green in the air now on everything, checking over his own body to confirm he wasn¡¯t having anything weird on it or new unexplainable growths.


    Norbert stopped, and the bush there before where now trees. Their heights were not like the massive ones he had seen, just regular trees. Norbert saw lines of green along the bark, their leaves illuminating the similar light.


    Panning his head up, Norbert saw the tops of the trees rustling around like the wind blowing. Holding his hand up, confirming that there wasn¡¯t anything there. Blinking his eyes in amazement at what was before him, the tree line seemed to get closer. Squaring his feet on the ground, confirming that he hadn¡¯t moved as his gaze came back upwards, the tree line coming even closer.


    The tree line came forward as Norbert waited until the forest met him. Starting, Norbert heard the sound he didn¡¯t want to hear. The sound of flesh being ripped and guzzled. Norbert saw a fox from behind the trees, its white fur almost glowing under the green light. Its eyes gazed back at Norbert, red-rimmed as it stared at him.


    Snapping up what was in its mouth, Norbert saw of the mice that had just eaten it finished; Norbert saw it shiver for a moment, all the fur on the creature standing on end as it seemed to stretch, before relaxing as it continued to stare. Norbert stared as its teeth guttered from its mouth, the upper row not contained within its jaws.


    Its claws extended slightly, digging into the dirt at their feet; Norbert saw them also glow slightly green now, and Norbert wondered why the green colour of luminesce. As he stared at the creature, it growled towards Norbert.


    Swallowing, Norbert turned around and ran, sprinting as fast as he could away from the creature, hearing earth moving behind him, watching as the fox gave chase. Running and dodging trees, one of them appearing before Norbert in his face as he rolled to the side. Hearing a crunching sound as the wood groaned under an impact. Jumping into the air and spinning around, Norbert saw the fox smashed into the tree, one of its paws stuck there as it stared after Norbert.


    Ripping it out, it bounced off, following after him. Running forward, Norbert gets out of the tree line, seeing some of the mice still going after the bushes into the forest, the cries of pain surrounding him, chasing after himself.


    He did not care to turn around, feeling the distance increase between the fox and himself. Norbert ran as he looked into the sky, watching the ceiling for the white speckles. On the ceiling, Norbert saw something green glowing there; no longer was it just the plain, simple, solid ceiling but a starry sky of green speckles around.


    Feeling something swoop down and land on him, Norbert jerked his head to the side as Obsius landed in his jacket, wriggling around until she entered his coat pocket. Patting it comfortably, confirming the bird was tightly there, Norbert ran forward. Sheathing his dagger mid-run, Norbert¡¯s backpack bounced behind him, hearing the items inside clashing against each other.


    Running forward, seeing the light of the white room before him, the barrier still up, changing his vision back to normal, not needing to see the green mist everywhere. Norbert skidded to a halt, dirt kicking up as he clawed at the ground with his hand, slowing him down.


    Sliding to a stop in front of the door, Norbert felt the electricity crackling that made it up. Scuttling backwards, Norbert looked behind him, seeing the trees coming closer and staring as he saw the mice that were once in their groups now separated. All running away from the foxes that chased after them.


    Norbert watched the landscape as more mice appeared, crawling out of holes and hovels, going for the bushes as they ran away from the foxes.


    Gulping, he looked at the rampant consumption all around him. Obvious tweeted at him, nodding in confirmation to the bird. Norbert uttered in shaky breaths, ¡°Looks like this won¡¯t be as easy as I thought.¡±


    Finishing the thought, Norbert saw a fox dart out of the forest, leaping in the air as it sailed towards Norbert.

 Chapter 211 Another One Bites the Dust

    The snow white fox leapt towards him; Norbert took out a throwing dagger, launching it t towards the small creature. Norbert watched in amazement as it twisted its body mid-air around the projectile only several hairs being cut off from the fox in his attempt of an easy victory.


    Before Norbert could appreciate the mauver anymore, the fox was upon him. His hand flashed upwards, catching the fox on the neck as it tried to wiggle out of his grasp, scratching him up. Norbert took his other hand as he held the jaw tight, stopping the fox from trying to bite at his hand.


    Holding the fox still, Norbert positioned the head as he stared into its eyes, forcing his point across that the creature was nothing to him. The fox looked back at Norbert, slowly stopping to scratch him as it held its limbs limply by its side.


    Norbert breathed a sigh of relief, happy that the fox was no longer trying to attack him. Bending over slowly to not scare the animal, Norbert gently placed it on the ground before letting go, standing back up as he looked down at the creature.


    The creature just stared at Norbert for several moments. Norbert watched as he sat back down, expecting the creature to go somewhere else. The moment he sat down, a change came over the fox. Norbert instantly saw a glimmer in its eyes as it tensed up, jumping for Norbert.


    Unexpected of the change, Norbert saw as it latched onto his leg, the animal attached to him. Norbert spun around on the spot, dragging it across and underneath himself. Feeling it scraped and finally dislodged from him, Norbert looked behind himself to see what the fox was doing next.


    BZZZZAAP


    Norbert saw something fly through the sky, a trail of lightning coursing across it as it flew in the night sky. Norbert watched as it was hidden between the tree line, the lightning arc cutting off, dissipating into the air.


    As Norbert watched, feeling his leg heal up, staring down at the appendage, not a mark could be found on him; the only evidence that he had even been attacked was the hole in his pant leg. He was annoyed at himself for getting lax, the fox never should have been able to approach him; Norbert stood up, looking out at the forest in front of him.


    Looking back to the white room, annoyed that the light couldn''t protect him. Turning around, Norbert placed his hand on the wall, feeling the electricity crackling through him, causing his hair to singe and stand on end. There Norbert stood.


    Whispering to whoever was listening to him, "I''ll be back." He said.


    Stepping backwards, disconnecting himself from the wall, the burns it created already being healed. Norbert checked on the energy within himself, confirming that it wasn''t being sapped by anything, even with his limited reserves.


    Stepping forward, out of the light, the forest seemed to come even more alive, everything looking at him as if he were only a piece of steak. Grinning from ear to ear, Norbert placed his hand over his helmet, shaking it around, confirming it was in its correct position.


    He forced the lights in his mask to flash red, the one ruby drop in the sea of emeralds around him. The trees around him were seemingly taller than before, thicker around them, and vines hung on their branches, obscuring his vision of the hall.


    Rushing forward, Norbert heard rustling around him; looking up, he only saw the canopy. Norbert hoped Obsius was still fine, having lost track of the bird. Running forward, Norbert saw the mouse still running about, changing his vision to magic. Norbert tripped, being blinded by what he saw.


    The green aura in the hall was everywhere, everything emanating off it; Norbert could now see anything, only the same bright green shining back at him. Holding himself up against a tree, his watering eyes slowly calming down as the spots started to slow their dance, Norbert could see the world''s details again.


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    Norbert looked, now able to see again; the creatures around him stopped; Norbert wondered what had gotten into them. Standing up, Norbert saw them all charge towards him: several foxes came towards him, with a single lone tiger, Norbert watching as it waited in the background behind the foxes. Its fur was completely white like all the other creatures he had seen so far, with eyes of crimson red, licking its lips, staring at Norbert.


    The foxes upon him no longer able to pay attention to the tiger prowling in the background, Norbert unsheathing his sword as he swiped it before him. The bodies provided no resistance as he cleanly cut through two of them.


    Stepping backwards, moving to the side as the other two went on either side of him¡ªthe last one latching onto Norbert''s arm. Rushing to the tree, Norbert holds his arm out as the fox condition, trying to wiggle with all its might.


    With a crunch, Norbert''s arm dented the tree, the fox''s head turning to mush under the impact. Jumping up, Norbert pushed off the tree, flying through the air. The remaining two foxes jumped towards each other. Norbert landed on a tree as he watched them fight each other in a mad frenzy, having lost all interest in him.


    They were watching as they clawed and ripped at each other; they rolled around on the ground through the dirt.


    CRACK


    YELP


    One of them, their neck in the other''s jaw as Norbert watched its head limp downwards after the last cry to the world. Startled by the sudden end to the fight, the winning fox still held onto their victim, looking around the forest for something.


    Satisfied with itself, the creature bit through, the body falling to the ground as it snapped up at the head. Norbert watched as it ate the body and the others; only one left. Over the process, Norbert watched as it grew slightly more prominent, taller than before.


    It had been flesh rippling under its fur, tail going on end as it flexed itself, its fur and muscles now settling down, Norbert seeing it calm down, panting slightly from the exertion of the change. Walking over to the last one, about to start eating it, the fox disappeared in a flash.


    Norbert followed after the white blur, only seeing two wings as it flew past the trees, Norbert losing sight of it. The fox instantly chased after the flying creature, not wanting its prey to be stolen from it.


    Norbert watched as the fox went off, also disappearing between the trees. Norbert looked around as he jumped out of the tree, turning to the position where the tiger was before. It stayed precisely still, watching Norbert as it liked its chops again.


    Norbert tilted his head to the side, waiting to see what the tiger would do. The creature lowered its front two legs, its hind legs sticking up as its tail wagged in the air from side to side, reminding Norbert of a periscope on a submarine.


    Groaning in annoyance, Norbert said, "Why can''t you just leave me alone."


    The sound caused a change in the tiger as it pounced towards Norbert. He saw its muscles rippling as it launched towards him, Norbert sending the energy around his body in a twirl, ready to exert when needed.


    He stepped to the side, slashing slightly with his blade along its leg as the paw came for Norbert, clambering at him.


    SCREECH


    The sound of its claws scratching against his helmet, Norbert happy to have it on his head as he turned around, following the trail of blood as the tiger looked at Norbert, growling in annoyance at him.


    Norbert gets to his stance again, standing on the side, one hand behind him in the air for balance, the other with the sword pointing up, standing on his feet; Norbert waits for the tiger to strike. The tiger growled in response to his actions, waiting for Norbert to react.


    For several moments, the two parties both stay still. Rushing forward, Norbert leapt towards the tiger, his feet seemingly gliding over the ground, the rough terrain providing no resistance to the man.


    Norbert meets the tiger, swiping the blade. Its claws impacted with his blade, sending it swerving off to the side, only taking the tiger in the side, a whisker coming off its face. A second paw is coming for Norbert. He twisted the sword around in the air, spinning around clockwise as he held it straight down, digging it into the ground and leaning on it.


    The sword dug into the ground as Norbert was pushed back, the tiger''s strength increasing the longer they fought. Norbert wondered how that could be. His sword leaned towards him, the hilt catching the paw, stopping it from travelling closer to Norbert.


    Going down on one leg, Norbert kicked out on the tiger''s stomach, sending it flying through the air. Not giving it a chance to recover, Norbert swung his sword down at the beast as soon as it tumbled across the ground,


    The tiger looking up at Norbert, for its entire life it had always been the hunter, eating and devouring everything in its path. The only time when it had been prey was in this instance, with the executioner''s axe coming for its neck.


    Even throughout the fight it always thought it was better, nothing could have taken its position. As the life rolled away from the body, its body instinctively jerked outwards, thrashing around on the ground, cutting up and harming the man who killed it better than when it was alive.

 Chapter 212 Kitty Cats

    Norbert gasped for air as the tiger beside him finally stilled. The head leaning up next to the base of a tree, its tongue poking out, still licking its lips. Turning away from the tiger, a groan of pain went up Norbert¡¯s body and looking down at it, not believing what the tiger, in its moment of panic, did to him.


    Coughing up blood on the floor, Norbert sent the energy around his body to his wounds, fixing up his guts that were trying to fall free onto the earth and pushing them in; Norbert felt the skin mend itself together. His shirt and coat at the front were in tatters once more, and he was not even thinking of replacing them, sure that they would just get damaged immediately.


    The fight is over, and the forest starts to stir once more. Looking around, seeing red dots all around, circling this grove. Feeling his body confirm that he no longer had any cuts, the skin still pink from healing, standing up, groaning with effort, Norbert used his sword as a staff as he hobbled away. Norbert stood up to his full height at the edge of the grove, feeling his body stretch from the discomfort.


    Hearing the scurrying and claws digging into the earth, Norbert turned around, seeing a fight for the carcass had started. Some only try to get a nibble''s worth from the tiger, and other creatures lay their stake on as much as possible. Staring around the trees, knowing the chaos he had caused would bring even more white creatures to this area. Not wanting to face any while still healing, head reeling from how much damage he received, Norbert stepped into the forest, hobbling around.


    Hundreds of meters away, Norbert sheathed his sword, unable to hear the sounds of fighting around him. Believing to have gone deeper into the cave, his sense of direction was lost by now, unable to see either wall with the trees blocking his way. The trees became more prominent and thicker the longer he walked, taking on the look of the giants on the plateau, with green lines instead of the purple common to them.


    Tracing the lines of the wood, their growth going up the trunk as Norbert stepped around the tree, their numbers now dwindling, but the increase in size and thickness meant they were still blocking Norbert from seeing anything from less than several meters away.


    Their ears were growing tired from the constant sound of rustling; once, boredom crept on him when he was on edge in this forest. Looking up at the tree and canopy above, he thought, ¡°Wonder how close the canopy is to the ceiling." "dismissing it with a wave, Norbert walked away, sheathing the sword as he jogged around, dodging this way and that through the trees.


    The rustling changed in magnitude, rising and falling. Looking around, Norbert couldn''t find anything there. A bush rustling on the side, Norbert leapt for it, dagger sent flying as another appeared in his hand. A cry of pain and a splatter of blood came out of the bushes as the dagger he threw impacted the creature.


    Diving into the bush arms out, he grabbed onto something squishy. Closing his grip with all his strength, Norbert rolled out of the bush, landing on his feet as he looked at what remained in his hand. Seeing the head of a squirrel, its round head and large eyes looking back at him. Staring at the corpse, unable to tell if it had a bushy tail that all squirrels had or if only the head shape were the same.


    Turning the white head in his hand, Norbert opened the mouth, surprised at the teeth inside. All of them are serrated, going to an edge rather than the hard stumps. Peeling the lip back with his pinkie, Norbert sees several teeth going back and letting go of the lip; Norbert stares into its eyes for a moment before dropping it on the ground.


    Stepping forward, Norbert heard rustling behind him, seeing three squirrels jump into the bush, a mouse moving towards the head, looking at Norbert, and wondering if he would move. Norbert stayed still as he watched the mouse eat the rat''s head, only leaving the bones, running off with a mouthful of eyes before the others could get it. Staring at the head, Norbert saw it looked stripped clean, only the skull and teeth remaining. The jaw broke away, watching as the three squirrels jumped out of the bush. Once slightly more significant than the others, it headed toward the mouse. On its way, he was pushing down on the skull, shattering it to pieces with its leg. Its bushy tail swatting the pieces away, Norbert watched as the shards flew behind it at the other squirrels, forced to slow down to avoid the worst of it.


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    Walking away, hearing the two squirrels fighting against each other in a scramble, their wounds causing the frenzy as Norbert looked up at the tree, remembering the bird that took a piece from before, wondering what it was like up there. Walking towards the closest tree, Norbert could not even wrap his arms around a quarter of it.


    Taking a throwing dagger out, Norbert dug it into the tree, the blade firmly sticking out of the tree, splinters on the side of the blade where it was forced in. Norbert gave a tug as he hung from the blade, confirming it was step enough to hold his weight.


    Taking a second one out, Norbert pulled the dagger out, the blade seemingly sliding out of the tree like it was never meant to be there. Norbert watched as he saw the tree wood encroaching on the wound he had made. Captivate Norbert stared at it as it slowly came together. With a green bit of pus coming out as it finished healing, Norbert watched as it hardened and started glowing under his sight.


    Brushing it off, it trickled to the floor, getting lost in the dirt. Looking up at the tree, Norbert leapt into the air, smashing his dagger into the tree. His hand jarred as the blade came into the tree, halting his progress upwards. Feet dangling in the air, Norbert looked at the ground below, several meters in the air, his head spinning from the distance as he looked up, his chin banging into the bark.


    His fingers slipping for a second from surprise, Norbert gripped the dagger again as his head calmed down. Reaching up, Norbert planted the next dagger in. Removing the lower one, Norbert started the slow and careful climb. He did not want to lose any of the throwing daggers he had in his possession.


    Climbing up the tree, Norbert made it halfway up before something interrupted him. A white cat scurried up, following after him. Norbert looked down at it. Its sleek, lithe white body reminded him of a cheetah. Norbert looked down at it as it came up, looking at the other trees, gauging that he was about three-quarters up the tree.


    Continuing upwards, Norbert dismissed the cat chasing after him, saying that he would deal with it when they met up, or he made it to the canopy above,


    He was pulling himself up by the branch just as the cat approached him, trying to swipe at his foot as he raised it above. Norbert is sitting on the branch, feet dangling down as he sheathed both daggers, not wanting to lose them to the creature.


    He leaned backwards against the tree as best he could with his backpack on again, whistling aloud as he looked down at the cat, still struggling.


    The cat swiped at his foot again; Norbert slid off the branch, grabbing it as he kicked at the cat''s head. Surprised by Norbert''s sudden movement, the cat let go. Norbert pulled himself up.


    THUNK


    Looking down, Norbert saw the cat sprayed out, a pool of blood around it, colouring its white fur. Pulling himself up, Norbert watched the forest around the crash site as he crawled. The bushes were going still, the forest finally at peace.


    Watching, confirming that nothing had happened, after several moments of peace, Norbert stood up, stretching his legs and flexing his hands in the gloves as he looked up, making a path in the tree.


    Something tickled at him; Norbert looked down to the ground, seeing only the bloody mess, the fallen cat no longer there. In its place was a print, the size of Norbert''s chest stamped in. Norbert could easily see the four claws digging into the earth, the pads of its feet entrenched within.


    Scanning the forest around, not seeing a single disturbance in the bushes or trees, Norbert looked for the other footprint but could not; no others were leading to or from the bloody footprint. Shivering at the thought, his hands shaking as he adjusted his mask, shaking his hands on the side as he quickly scurried up the tree, leaving the creature that made its presence known down there. Hoping it wouldn''t follow him up to the canopy.

 Chapter 213 Dinners Ready

    Climbing the rest of the way up, Norbert sits in the leaves. Happy that there weren''t any monkeys or things of the sort in the branches below him. The movies depict how wrong a herd of monkeys chasing after you would be, the hundreds following you, Norbert not particularly fond to do parkour like Tarzan to escape with his life.


    Sticking his head above the leaves, instantly, something hit the back of it with a CLANG. Norbert was pushed to the side of the branch he was standing on, leaning forward as he rubbed the back of his head out of instinct from the impact, happy that he wore the back piece and not just the front.


    Looking up through the hole in the canopy he created with the commotion he made, Norbert could see white objects zipping over his head on a black backdrop. Lifting his head, he saw more creatures zip by, some impacting and spiralling out, hearing a light crash in the canopy on either side, others just missing by a hair breath.


    Looking up at the backdrop, Norbert changed his vision to magic ever so slowly, to only have a tinge of the green, not wanting to blind himself, the panic causing him to lose his balance and fall out of the tree he was in. Not wanting to face the same fate as the cat.


    Through the green, the blackness gets a brown tinge coming lighter, and he saw streaks of green flashing across it, hearing the leaves rustle from the wind created by the birds moving above his head. Norbert realised he was staring at the hall''s ceiling, only a meter clearance between the trees and the ceiling.


    Poking his head up slightly, Norbert realised why there was this gap. The birds broke and ate any leaves that entered the domain, stopping the trees from growing the last bit necessary for them to touch the ceiling.


    Ducking his head back down, making sure it wasn''t getting in the way of any birds; Norbert saw their rough size, roughly the size of an ordinary bird, with no massive birds or freaks from what he could see. But I couldn''t confirm due to the amount of foliage in the way.


    Looking around the branches he was in, there was no point in going further up as he would get bombarded and pecked to death by the creatures up there. Giving one last look, hoping Obsius was right, Norbert made his way back down.


    Only to climb back up again, realising he could somewhat navigate himself using the ceiling to find out where the walls were and get back to the entrance to the white room. The thought of Obsius flying around there, trying to avoid all this, sprang to mind.


    Norbert saw the two possibilities when he was travelling towards a wall at the end. Ducking his head down and facing away, Norbert took a coin from his pouch. Sitting on the branch, Robert took the coin out and sent it to his mouth. "Heads forwards, tails backwards", He whispered to the coin, sure that Luck was listening to him.


    Closing his hand, Norbert positioned the coin above his thumb. Giving it a light flick, not wanting it to hit a branch, Norbert picked the coin out of the air as he palmed it to the other hand. The side of the tail looking back at him.


    Nodding with the decision made, placing the coin back in his pouch, Norbert looked down at the ground, head spinning again. Making his way down the branches, ensuring not to lose track of his position again, Norbert jumped down to the last branch. Making it there, Norbert removed the gloves from his hands. Sliding off, digging his fingers in as he quickly slid down the tree, making it to the bottom and causing dirt to fly everywhere.


    Looking up at the tree and the finger marks he made, four lines making their way down it, Norbert could already see its green glowing sap healing the wound. He placed his gloves back on his hands and healed the wound; Norbert headed off behind the tree, hoping to get out of the forest and to the white room.


    Norbert moved his way forward throughout the forest, the rustling around him, seeing flashes of white. Hand resting on his sword, Norbert skidded to a stop as he looked, listening for the rustling while waiting for the beast to attack.


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    The rustling continued; Norbert followed his eyes before heading off again, unable to see what creature was running with him. Or the creature would stop. Norbert looked around, heading for a clearing each time. The first time he stopped and waited, a tiger came out, more significant than the last. Seeing the muscles ripple along its body as it, despite its size, daintily walked towards Norbert.


    Unsheathing the sword, the tiger did not move from its position as Norbert levelled his sword at it. As he looked into the crimson eyes of the spotless white creature, Norbert saw more differences besides the size. Its claws, seemingly dripping some liquid, whenever it walked, and its footprint was green where its claws cut the ground. Its canines lengthened, the upper row jutting out of its mouth, slightly angled outwards and coming to a gleaming sharp point.


    Norbert saw licking its enlarged canines with its tongue, the bits of bone being shredded off by it before it healed itself a moment later, the bone being replaced like nothing ever happened, only for the cycle to repeat, making a step back, balancing his weight as he moved his feet about, making sure the ground wasn''t soft, impeding on his footwork and the fight to be had. Norbert aimed the sword so its point came in between the eyes of the tiger, Norbert watching it as it waited.


    Listening around the forest, the rustling of other creatures continued, but out of respect for the fighters or cowardice, none of them interrupted them. Norbert breathed in, fuelling his energy around his body, feeling it be slightly thicker and denser than before, but still a long way until he released it into the stone wall.


    The tiger unsheathing its claws, Norbert was surprised by the size of them, forcing the tiger''s paws slightly off the ground, looking more like daggers flowing with poison rather than nails on a cat and stepping forward smoothly, flicking with his ankle at the end, Norbert meeting with the tiger in a single leap. Sword striking forward, already spinning to the side.


    Feeling the blades of the tiger come at him, avoiding it but not the splattering from its claws. Instantly feeling it eat away at him, his neck painted in drips, having run down the mask and under the scarf, smoking on his exposed neck.


    Spinning around Norbert, only cutting its tail as it wrapped around his arm, the tiger flashed past him. Looking at the trail of red blood flowing from the cut appendage, Norbert shook his arm, removing the tail, acting like a snake body with no head, coiling around and slithering against anything it could. Crushing it under his foot, blood squelching out of the piece of meat, Norbert looked up at the tiger, seeing the wound already healing, no more blood coming out as it healed over, the tail still chopped short. Norbert saw something wriggling out of the top as it slowly made the tail, now just a skinless pink nub.


    Not giving the tiger any more time, Norbert leapt forward into the air¡ªthe tiger ran across the ground, slinking on it as Norbert leapt across it. Somersaulting at the top of the arch, Norbert extended his arm, only the tip of his blade scratching the tiger, a red line forming on the white fur, slowly increasing until the red line remained; the wound had healed.


    "Tch", Norbert consoled himself for missing the tiger and an opportunity to end the fight. He looked around, confirming that there wasn''t anything else after him; the bushes started to rustle again. Norbert leapt forward, aiming straight for the tiger as he threw a dagger in its direction, instantly a second and third following after it. Norbert does not want to be found out while dealing with this tiger.


    The blades impacted against the creature, one of them missing, the tiger swatting it out of the air, its paw covering its eyes from the other two, stopping it from being able to see them. Roaring in annoyance at the projectiles, the creature could not say anything else as Norbert came forward, holding his sword in both hands as he kicked at the creature''s head.


    The tiger rolling back from the impact. Norbert let go of the sword with one hand and took a significant step forward, holding it like a weapon. Norbert threw the sword forward, the air whistling from the speed at which it was cut through. The tiger comes off the tree only to be impaled again, its heart struck by the sword.


    Having learned from the last time as the death threw, Norbert gripped the tiger. The creature spasmed around, cutting everything as it loosened itself from the tree. Norbert walks towards the dagger the tiger deflected before; it''s lying on the ground.


    Retrieving it, hearing the tiger stop its struggle as Norbert walked forward to the tiger. Plucking the two daggers effortlessly from the tiger, two streams of blood flowed out before dribbling to nothing. Dropping the paw, Norbert looked down at the sword, tip pointing out of the tiger as it lay on the floor.


    Grasping the blade by its flat, Norbert placed a foot on the tiger as he ripped the blade out of it, the blade coming out clean; Norbert was surprised by the fact. Sheathing the sword, looking down at the destroyed body. Thinking how much a white pelt like this would cost if it had been ripped in half.


    "Dinners ready", Norbert said as he exited the clearing, giving it one last look at what they made. The bushes and undergrowth cut from the speed of their strikes. Norbert jogged away, seeing something pounce out for the corpse and the subsequent fight continuing.

 Chapter 214 Monkey Buisness

    Walking through the forest, Norbert sees the other creatures about. The branches of the trees now grew lower and lower, making walls in between themselves; as they could no longer grow higher, the competition was to grow outwards, expanding and fighting with their neighbours for space. Needing to force his way through, other paths being created by creatures doing the same as Norbert to travel through the dense forest that tried to crush anyone that ventured within its domain.


    Next to him, Norbert saw mice, squirrels and all the small critters running through the limbs, small enough that they wouldn''t impede their movements. Watching whenever another creature would cut one off, a fight ensued, the winner continuing to run while eating the loser, slowly gaining in size.


    Several times, he would also get attacked; on the main path he was running through, the creatures would dart from the side, latching onto him as they went ferrel. Norbert either brushed them off with the more persistent ones or would rip off his body, throwing whatever he had behind him. If it were in a difficult place to get to Norbert, it would smash into the tree limbs next to him, the creature getting pulverised in a shower of splinters.


    Norbert continued forward, the path he was on narrowing or enlarging itself, sometimes the tree limbs brushing on his body. Norbert felt himself rub against it to keep it the size it currently was and rush forward; Norbert felt the earth beneath his feet leaving him.


    Continuing to run, his feet banging on wood reverberated around him. Looking at where his path was taking him, Norbert saw it razed up in the air, going about halfway before losing sight, a maze of pathways and branches in his way.


    When Norbert lost sight, he saw a large white object flash past his vision; Norbert looked to either side, the smaller creatures running around now having left, running below him. Foot slipping slightly, Norbert looked back at the path as he slowed down to regain his balance, not wanting to get caught and swarmed by these creatures.


    Another flash of white up ahead, closer this time, Norbert seeing the humanoid-like shape. Its four limbs rushed past him and slowed down; Norbert changed to a jog instead of the run he was doing previously, and slowing down, Norbert could see the distinction in the path up ahead more evident.


    Where he was walking now was rough, likely not used a lot or possibly at all as the branches kept on snagging on his clothes. The path ahead, where he saw the two flashes of white come through, became smooth with use; he was surprised to see it being smooth and flat, used to seeing everything round that the trees had created.


    Another flash of white, this one going at an angle and not directly across, Norbert seeing a tail and the four white limbs and body. Reaching for his sword, Norbert starts to unsheathe it, his blade getting stuck on the roof of the tunnel, unable to hold it properly as it tried to piece the branches making up the ceiling and walls around him. Looking around, Norbert let the sword slide back down into the sheath, unable to wield the weapon properly in the tight confines of the tree branch corridors.


    Another rushed forward, Norbert shouting out, "HEY!" His voice went hoarse afterwards, having not correctly used it for some time here and there. I was surprised as it trailed off, but it had the desired effect.


    The creature in front of him stopped, grabbing the branches on either side to stop itself. Its momentum continued forward as Norbert saw the creature''s legs go up into the air. At the apex, letting go, the creature flipped around, grabbing onto the branch as it hung there, looking at Norbert.


    "EEEK EEEK OOOK!" the creature shouted at Norbert, its voice echoing.


    Norbert tried to swallow the worry growing in his stomach. The two of them look at each other, Norbert hearing more screams from around. A hand came around the corner as another creature came. As a third and fourth he arrived, Norbert''s hand slowly went to his dagger.


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    Not moving his eyes from the first one that shouted, bringing all of his buddies over, Norbert stared down the monkey in front of him. The furry creature was standing as tall as him, its body broader than his, and Norbert could see its muscles underneath its fur. Its pink hands, Norbert was surprised at the colour of it not being white, completely hairless. It was wrinkled with work; each of its fingers looked like a German sausage, thick and long.


    Its knuckles are hard, seemingly able to smash bricks with them. He was feeling the weight of his dagger, now feeling small in comparison. Seeing it there, Norbert slid his feet backwards, knowing he would need some space or get mauled and eaten alive. As he continued to stare, Norbert felt the branch he was on starting to move with the steps of creatures.


    I heard it vibrate and shake around, not wanting to imagine the creatures coming his way. Seeing the monkey, his eyes were locked in, smiling at him. The little bugger was trying to buy more time to skew the number even more excellent their way.


    Not wanting to get trapped as more came out of the pathways, the ones there now being forced forward with the amount of flesh behind them.


    A decision was made. Norbert turned around, sprinting away, holding his dagger tightly in his hand, backpack jumping around as he looked down the way he had come. The path winds around and heads downwards, and hearing the monkeys behind him screeching at him as his entire world shakes.


    The limbs around him and standing on moving about from the number of creatures using it as a pathway. Sliding around, Norbert hit the ground again as he continued forward, the monkeys still chasing him.


    The other smaller creatures scurried around, all heading in the same direction as him, away from the horde and taking a quick glimpse behind him as he heard screams and squeaks of creatures. He was now; I realised why everything was running away from the horde.


    It was devoured entirely if anything wasn''t fast enough and got caught. The process sometimes took longer, being shared as the monkeys pulled them apart before the pieces were popped into their mouths. The fur of the monkeys quickly turned red with the death and slaughter they were causing on anything.


    As Norbert continued to run, he saw the branches finally give way and open space available to him. The monkeys behind him were not happy with his escape attempt nearly coming to fruition as he heard the sound of wood snapping and cracking behind him.


    WHOOSH


    Norbert slid on the ground as his coat was ripped by the air going past him. Impacting into the ground, sending dirt and the creatures within flying everywhere, Norbert saw in the resting place as he ran past one of the tree branches. The tree limb was as thick as his leg. Turning around in horror, Norbert saw several more monkeys lining up as they launched their projectiles.


    Quickly, Norbert sheathed his dagger, knowing he would need both hands to avoid the rain of death travelling towards himself. He pulled himself up into the air, grabbing onto the ceiling branches; Norbert flung himself.


    Bouncing around all four corners, running in a corkscrew as they avoided them, the impacts getting closer and closer each time as more and more came for him. The limbs suddenly opened as Norbert breathed a breath of fresh air, no longer imprisoned and captured by the corridors of tree limbs, now only caught in the hall with the canopy far above him.


    He was running forward; Norbert looked behind him, seeing the monkeys having stopped their barrage of projectiles. A smile formed on his face as success and salvation were ahead.


    Bouncing off something, Norbert sprawled on the ground and saw a wall of monkeys before him. Crawling back as Norbert went to his feet, seeing all around him, on the trees, the monkeys made a cage out of themselves; the only thing in the centre was himself.


    He looked around, realising why there weren''t any more giant creatures, either driven out or consumed by the horde of tactical monkeys. Annoyance grew within himself as he unsheathed his blade. The fact that these monkeys were trapped within him was unthinkable to him.


    How could something like monkeys trap even an average human being? He stood there, turning around in a circle, flinching and adjusting himself to every sound the monkeys around him made, skittish as he waited for the time to come.


    Grabbing his sword in his other hand, Norbert sent energy throughout his body. Seeing it dwindle slightly and was surprised at it; at least now he would have even greater power if he could churn through more than he used to. Though, as the thought went through his head, dread soon followed; what if it was like with the figure, part of his resources fighting whatever was in the hall, making everything proliferate?


    Only more coming towards this location, not knowing how he would deal with all of them, but time waits for no man. With time being of the essence, Norbert charged forward, the cage of monkeys falling as the two parties clashed.

 Chapter 215 The Cycle of Life

    Norbert swung his sword wide as he spun around, the monkeys rushing forward as his blade met resistance, chopping down the wave of white-headed towards him. It was useless. Each one he struck down, two more replaced it. The cage they constructed out of their flesh meant Norbert couldn''t jump away as he continued swinging around, spinning himself with his blade.


    In the first revolution, he pushed them back, and in the second revolution, around the monkeys reaching his blade. On the third, they were on him. Leaping forward as they grabbed his arms, Norbert made it through two lines before the number of bodies slowed him down, his progress halting as he was held still by a hundred hands.


    Each one gripping into his body, and then the pain happened. His backpack was torn from his body, the straps digging in and tearing as it was ripped from him. Losing sight of the contents immediately, he swung his sword down, something smashing into his hand, forcing him to let go of the sword, now flying through the air.


    Hearing the distant sound of pain as if something had been hit by it before two objects plummeted to the ground. A monkey covered his view as it grabbed him by the helmet and started whipping it around from side to side.


    He was looking at the sides of its hands, seeing its try and strain, wanting to crack his head like a walnut. He was happy for the helmet and the protection it provided him for the moment, not wanting to imagine what it would do to his body or how long he could live.


    A pain came from his arm; Norbert looked down, and his right arm had been ripped off completely. Norbert only caught a glimpse of the monkey before it disappeared in the mass, another fight with its arm happening over there.


    He pushed the energy into his body, trying to strengthen it as much as possible and repair the damage, reinforcing the bones and the skin so he wouldn''t need to regrow them.


    A chunk of flesh was ripped from his thigh as another bit into him. Its teeth quickly went through his flesh, feeling a jolt and numbness in his bones as it stopped the monkey from going further. The creature ripped around, taking out its chunk, Norbert forcing energy throughout it.


    Spinning around, trying to break free, kicking out any way that he could escape, but it was all pointless. Everything ripped from him: fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, legs, knees, waist, everything was taken from Norbert.


    Still forcing energy to heal himself, the small nubs that it created gorged into his chest, broken and smashed, just a head and a torso being tossed around. His helmet is still intact as Norbert was thrown around and passed from one set of monkeys, taking everything they could from him and more so.


    As he looked around, they became more manic as they went on. Norbert wondered why as he was passed around to another group. They seemed more significant than the others, gorillas nearly twice his size. Its fur no longer pure white like the others; Norbert saw lines of purple throughout their fur, looking someone added highlights thinking they would look cooler, adding to the intimidation. Sadly it did.


    With their skulls, the gorillas smashed anything that came in their path. Finally, the monkeys fled as the ten or so gorillas charged through before grabbing Norbert and continuing what they did before, taking piece by piece of him as well, their hands twice the size of the monkeys previously, the fingers like bricks as they just tore Norbert to pieces before he healed himself back up, the energy within his body depleting at an alarming rate, as Norbert started to produce flesh and use the energy to live off, not healing his guts as it would take too long.


    Norbert continued; the energy slowed as the gorillas gorged on him, taking turns as they neatly took pieces from his stomach. They were turning Norbert into a finger food platter as they smacked their gums, eating him.


    His energy depleted as the gorillas needed to wait for their turn at Norbert. One got annoyed at it, grabbing Norbert by the head as it dug its fingers into Norbert''s helmet. His chin broke as it lifted from underneath, pulling with all its might to get at his head.


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    SCREECH


    The sound of the metal faceplate disconnecting and breaking off, Norbert feeling the wind on his face, the breath of the gorilla breathing down at him and staring up at it as the gorilla screamed at Norbert, taking the helmet for a cry of protest.


    Norbert bore his teeth in return as he screamed, an almighty roar putting everything he had into it.


    The gorilla moves its hand closer to clamp on Norbert and stop him from speaking out. As its finger came closer, Norbert bit into it, unable to get through as the gorilla protested, pulling its hand away from Norbert, shock on its face for what he did.


    Norbert smiled; at least his last moment would still be fighting and not giving up. As he licked his lips, feeling the blood on the back of his mouth as he balled it up with spit, ejecting it from his body, Norbert felt the energy within him come alive.


    Lapping at the blood it just had as it fell into his stomach, Norbert saw everything in a new light from the onslaught of power it gave him. Focusing on healing himself, he concentrated on one area as the gorilla looked back at Norbert.


    Focusing it on his left arm, Norbert formed it across as the gorilla returned; the idea in his mind became queued, only two digits coming together. As both the gorilla''s hands came together on top of his head, Norbert felt his skull start to be crushed, the bones grinding within.


    Putting all the energy he could within it, Norbert flicked the two digits he made, placing everything in there before hearing a crack, the gorilla''s hands covering his eyes.


    ***


    Norbert did not know how much time had passed; as his eyes opened, the small passed, energy within his body forming naturally into a hand, coming right off his shoulder and looking up at the sky, he saw blood rain down on him. It is red with light amounts of purple. Closing his eyes as he let his mouth slacken, the gorillas Norbert not knowing where but the monkeys soon to return, as the blood came down onto him, feeling droplets going into his through his mouth, his tongue taking on a coppery taste, the very air itself having the aftertaste.


    The energy within his body taken from the blood was already healing him; Norbert felt his body being healed without his permission, the cracking of bones and the rearranging of guts to be in their proper place.


    Lying there, mostly naked, Norbert groaned in pain and annoyance; most of everything he had was now gone, torn off him and now who knows where. Remembering the books and coins he had in his backpack, Norbert bolted up before groaning in pain, his body not fully healed.


    Unsticking himself from the ground, his limbs feeling tingly afterwards, Norbert looked around the area, now knowing why there wasn''t anything around him. The gorillas all turned to mush, what remained of their body parts flung around this forest section.


    Looking down at the ground, a deep furrow appeared, the dirt being blown away as he saw insects and worms crawling across the stone hallway barely a meter down. Beneath him, the roots slowly start to grow again, forming and covering the scene he did.


    The energy within his body was stagnant after the use. Norbert shuddered at the thought he would need to recover it, remembering the high amount of energy received from the gorilla''s finger. Sighing in annoyance and discomfort, he was about to bring himself, hoping he wouldn''t become a vampire, as he limped to the closest piece of body he could see.


    Seeing the arm of one of the gorillas, its hand still primarily intact, Bert looked at its finger, seeing one of the digits slightly bitten. "The cycle of life," Norbert said as he bit into the arm, the taste making him want to throw up, forcing it down into his body as he chewed the bits.


    Spitting the hairs that came with it, Norbert stripped it off and continued to eat. Norbert swallowed, the energy within him filling up. Norbert finished off the arm as he tried to distract himself.


    Looking around, Norbert felt his energy back to what it was before he unleashed the first wave that tore at the wall, creating the crack.


    Norbert looked at the rest of the bodies, knowing what he would need to do next, not wanting to waste the energy that these came with, not knowing when he would have the next opportunity. Walking towards the closest tree, the trees now in the area thicker than before, their barks taking on a sheen to them.


    Drumming his finger against it, hearing it thunk in return to the sound. Holding his hand, Norbert balled into a fist, holding it there. Norbert breathed in, feeling the energy now coursing around his body. Pulling it back, Norbert sent his fist flying forward with as much force as possible.


    THUNNNKKKK


    Pain shot up Norbert''s arm as if nothing had happened; the tree remained with only a tiny imprint. Shaking his hand out as he felt the energy within his body, nothing having been depleted in the strike. The numbness went through his hand as he looked at the spot, wondering how many times he would need to strike the tree before he could repeat the results.

 Chapter 216 Lumberjack

    Norbert stood in front of the tree as he looked down at it. Stroking the tree as he thought about what happened, Norbert stood in front of it again as he punched again, forcing the energy to be released. Nothing happened, nothing extra was being used with the punch, and no extra space was going outwards.


    Thinking about what to do next, he heard something rustling around, the forest around him moving about. As Norbert looked around, his sword shone in the green light. Looking down at himself, picturing how he looked like to others.  Running around with no pants or boots, half his mask bent out of shape, and his shirt and coat in complete tatters. Happy now that he didn''t have the opportunity to replace his clothes after the figure as they would have been torn immediately afterwards.


    Walking forward, Norbert goes to the sword, his scabbard beside it. Norbert found that the monkeys didn''t grasp the concept; after using it, likely the blade hurt them more than anyone else, leaving the weapon where Norbert now found it.


    Norbert picked it up and placed it in the sheath with a satisfying sound as the two pairs came together. His belt, thankfully, was still attached to his body. Somehow, his coin pouch still on his hip. Attaching the sword to his waist, happy, feeling the weight on his hip again.


    Looking around, Norbert finds a piece of his backpack, and I walk forward and see a trail of items going forward there. Norbert followed, finding the first piece of items that was there. The book that Granny had given him was To the Moon and Back. Its spine and pages were still intact, but none were bent and damaged as he quickly flicked through the book.


    Thankful that Granny wouldn''t be annoyed at him for the book''s homage, Norbert continuing the trail. Picking Obsius''s coin pouch and the other book, Norbert is thankful for finding both books.


    Following the trail, he was looking behind him and confirmed that no scavengers had tried to take the remains of the gorillas. Finding a scrap of the bag, the biggest one he could find, Norbert placed the items he had gotten inside, tying it up as he held it under his shoulder.


    He was keeping out to look for a strap to use. Norbert bundled everything under his shoulder. Further ahead on the ground, Norbert was saddened at the site.


    His first mask was crushed in the dirt into several pieces. He was leaning down, brushing through the pieces on the floor. Its red colour is still there. Picking the big piece, the jaw cracked. Norbert also placed it within the sac, not wanting to say goodbye to it just yet.


    Further looking, starting to become desperate at one more item he didn¡¯t want to lose. Casting his gaze all around, unable to find one of the first items he scavenged from this world, the pendant. Closing his eyes in annoyance as he breathed slowly, telling himself that he would find it again later.


    His stomach grumbling from his exertion, adding to the annoyance that it had no food left; it was being eaten, and his torches were smashed.


    Going back the way he had come, Norbert walked towards the gorilla corpses and took a bite out of one, forcing the meat to go down his body. Now feeling like he was overflowing with energy, Norbert walked towards the tree again that he had punched before.


    He placed his bundle of belongings beside the tree, Norbert stood in the same position as before. Rooting his feet on the ground, Norbert threw a quick punch into the tree, not forcing any extra energy as he felt his body move.


    Punching the tree again, feeling his body move, his muscles tightening to allow his fist to move forward. Feeling the reverberation from the energy coursing up his arm in return.


    As Norbert stayed still, feeling the echoes of the force leave his body, Norbert breathed in once more, closing his eyes as he imagined the energy moving through his body again, the path it would travel, convene at his fist before being released into the outer world.


    Pulling his hand back, Norbert started to send the energy spinning fast, filling his body in thickness like before. The channels expanded with the force he sent through them¡ªthe same way to protect himself from the figure in the hall above. Looking up at the canopy above him, imagining himself and everything he went through, the cold that swept within him.


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    His arm back all the way, Norbert held his breath within him as he forced the energy out of his body through his fist. Feeling it bubble around his knuckles, Norbert sent it into the tree.


    CRACK


    SPLATTER


    Norbert looked down at his arm, the entire thing exploding in bloody gore.


    CREEK


    The sound of the tree gained his attention, and the almighty tree that he punched continued to creek and crack¡ªtaking a step back as he looked at the bloody hole in it. Watching Norbert heard it continue to the creek, now able to see the tree start to lean against Norbert.


    Taking his sack of items, Norbert stepped away as the tree fell in the forest or tried to. The other trees and limbs holding it up, the tree now at a forty-five-degree angle, just staying there. The stump was ultimately in splinters, with only a few fibres holding it together. Looking down at the stump, Norbert, seeing that it was still connected, was surprised as he slowly saw the wooden fibres growing again, connecting themselves back up with the tree.


    The light headedness was not so severe as before, but as he stared down at his missing arm, the toll it wrecked on his body was even more remarkable than last time. Walking towards the gorilla carcass, taking another chunk of flesh, Norbert bit into it. The meat was no longer warm, having cooled down slightly. He chewed on the tough meat, hoping not to get anything from raw meat. It was too late now as he finished off the bite, his body filled with energy again, automatically going to repair his arm.


    Norbert finished another serving of meat, well, his body brimming with energy, now replenished. He was walking towards the tree again, standing on the side of it now, watching as the tree continued to creek in the branches of the other trees.


    Standing there, Norbert envisioned the punch again, balling the energy in his fist again, Norbert cutting off the supply of anything else flowing there, instantly feeling it weaker, the energy building up as it wanted to conjoin properly with the flowing river, and not be forced off the track.


    Quickly, Norbert punched again, his fist going into the tree.


    Flying backwards as he screamed, the tree splintering against his face as it finally crumpled to the ground, Norbert felt the earth shake with the falling tree. Norbert tumbled to his feet, skidding backwards until he finally stopped, the sack he had left behind next to his original position now on the side. His energy was once more depleted as he looked down at his hand, surprised at the skeletal, gaunt arm that caught his eyes.


    The skin grey, muscle atrophied as the veins shone dark purple, almost black. The energy within slowly moving about again, his colour coming back to the appendage. Forcing his fist around, confirming that the functions were still there, Norbert walked back towards the tree several meters away.


    Standing there, I saw no real impact on the tree, no massive crack or anything similar. Instead, the entire thing had been nudged half off the stump, barely hanging on. Pushing it with a finger, Norbert felt it spin the final way, becoming dislodged and falling to the ground.


    Eyes running up the length of the tree, seeing it bend and whip around before falling to the ground. Looking up at the canopy, I see a hole now with the missing tree. Norbert could easily see the birds whipping down and around, the ceiling just above it there for Norbert to see.


    Whistling to himself in glee, something he hadn''t thought would happen in this hall of life, especially not after dealing with the monkeys.


    Walking towards one of the gorilla''s meat, the last piece that looked big enough for him to eat, Norbert started chewing it, feeling his energy return to himself.


    Knowing he would need to hunt for more fuel before he could try again after this attempt, Norbert tried to remember what happened on the successful time. He knew he had to add something to the punch, as his first attempt failed, but he did not know what.


    Walking towards the stump, Norbert took his knife out, removing the most significant jagged pieces to flatten it. Happy with his makeshift seat, Norbert pondered what it could be. As he sat there, thinking of ways to contrive the next attempt at this task of punching with enough force to impact the world, Norbert heard the rustling again.


    Turning around, wondering what creature could be walking up behind him, hearing it scamper away from him before he could see it correctly. Shrugging his shoulders as he continued to think about what to do.


    Drumming his fingers against the wood, Norbert remembered before. Knowing that, he couldn''t force his hand through it, but he still desired to do so. Wanting to do the impossible. Standing up again, Norbert walked over to the next tree.


    Placing his closed fist on the tree, Norbert breathed in as he imagined the tree flying, breaking free from its stump as it crashed into another one.


    Norbert pulled the energy around him, letting it circulate again as he unleashed his fist.


    CRACK


    Norbert looked at where he punched, a split going up the tree, halving it in two. The crack snaked up most of the way until it veered off. Looking down at the base, the crack going there, the most significant section where his fist was now.


    Wriggling his fingers as much as he could, Norbert smiled, his energy depleted but his hand still primarily intact. Pulling his fist out of it, Norbert looked around, the hunter now searching for its next piece of meat to use.

 Chapter 217 Monkey Mother

    Running off into the trees again, up the path faster than he did last time, having found some vines in the branches of the trees that he felt could be used as straps to attach his sack to his body. The two strings were not as comfortable as the backpack he had just lost, but it was better than leaving it behind for something to pick through and destroy.


    As he felt the energy within his body flowing freely around himself, Norbert realised that this may not be the best thing to do. As he started to guess second himself, Norbert saw the first monkey appear before him. Sliding to a stop on the branch, Norbert waved to the creature before running behind.


    Looking behind himself, confirming that the monkey was still there chasing after him, several white creatures appeared as Norbert nodded to himself. Charging ahead, drumming his feet on the dirt as he continued to run through the maze of branches around him.


    Seeing the clearing, he made up ahead; Norbert took out his sword while waiting for the monkeys to come. He looked down the path, and they all lined up nicely. The smile cracked his face, not wanting to let the opportunity that arrived flutter away in the wind.


    Clenching his fist, his fingernails digging into his hand, his palms becoming sweaty as he moved them about. The tips of his fingers gliding across his hands, wiping it on his leg out of habit, his skin not relieving the sweatiness.


    The monkeys were up ahead as well. Norbert willed himself to punch the first monkey and send it flying through the others. The force behind his punch rippled through the world as it rattled everything before him.


    The first monkey reached him, jaw wide, as he looked at its sharp teeth, pointing down and aiming for his neck and stepping forward; Norbert twisted his body around as he released his punch. Impacting with the monkey, feeling its jaw crack under the force of his fist. Staying still, Norbert breathed hard as he listened, not hearing anything else from the monkeys.


    Cracking an eyelid open, he didn''t realise he had closed. Norbert looked out along the pathway; he was on. The monkey that he punched the head missing from it, its body crumpled to the floor, stuck in the branches on either side of him.


    Further, looking clean, there is not a single sign of the monkeys there, like they never existed in the first place. Feeling the energy within his body depleted to the bottom, he looked, wondering where all the energy went.


    Leaning down to the side, picking up the body of the monkey and ripped out its muscles, face and hands bloody as he ate it with reprehension¡ªthe energy he received from the creature was not as great as the gorillas but still filling him up.


    After taking everything he wanted from it, his reserves passed halfway as he started feeling sticky from the blood drying all over his body. Having lost his waterskin, Norbert moves the saliva around in his mouth before spitting the blood out, trying to remove as much coppery taste as possible.


    Walking forward through the empty passageway as he looked out for the bodies. Coming to the place where he first saw the monkey, the changing over of lanes, Norbert saw all the bodies.


    About ten monkeys piled up here, stuck in the ceiling in different parts of togetherness. Red ooze dripped rhythmically down onto the pathway before going further down and looking at his success but not understanding the outcome.


    Climbing up, Norbert took the monkeys down from it, and moving one released them all to fall on top of him. Flattened by surprise as Norbert became drenched in blood. Moving them about, pushing his head out of the pile and gasping in relief as he pulled himself the rest of the way up.


    Looking into the branches above that held them, I saw that they were bashed and bruised but, like constantly, forming together once again. He took the biggest corpses he could; Norbert dragged them back to his clearing, wishing they wouldn''t have fallen so far.


    Back in the clearing with several corpses, Norbert looked for the next tree for him to punch. Standing in front of the tree, thinking he had it down pat how to use this, at least for the force required.


    Standing next to the tree, Norbert placed his fist there as he breathed again, the energy once more coursing through his body. Pulling his fist back, Norbert imagined a cylinder out of the tree, a perfect spherical hole forming, with his fist nicely inside.


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    Willing his thought onto the world to make it happen, Norbert punched forward, feeling its impact with it. A cloud of smoke appeared in his way; breathing in the vapour, Norbert stepped backwards, coughing as he tried to breathe in the clean, fresh air.


    Taking control of himself once more, Norbert stood up, the clear air whistling through his nose as he looked at the tree. The smoke had cleared by itself. Norbert looked at a hole dug into the tree.


    Thinking he did it, the round cylinder he wanted, Norbert was disappointed. The tree itself cracked up the centre, not the clean-cut as he had hoped for. If it could even be called, the jagged circle looks more like a loop-sided triangle cut into the tree, with several more points than needed.


    The cracks ranged along the tree, spreading throughout it as he looked through a hole not being punched out the other side. He stuck his hand in the hole, feeling the heat it generated from his punch. Wiping his finger on the back, removing his hand and seeing a single black digit, Norbert looked back there, realising that the wood had been compacted, heated up and burnt so fast, the force of the removal being so great the cracks and strain on the tree.


    Looking at his energy inside, he still has most of it intact. The control he placed on it, Norbert realised that it limited the amount he used. Wondering what the amount and perfect ratio would be as he walked to the monkey pile.


    Eating it again, he only has two more monkeys left to fill himself up. The amount of energy they gave him compared to the gorillas was less. As he sat there, taking out a throwing dagger, the last thing he would want to test before moving out, believing he had somewhat of a grip on this use of energy but not wanting to experiment anymore in case something terrible happened before getting the opinions of others.


    Walking to the same tree as last time, Norbert imagined the blade cutting into the tree, getting itself embedded in it. Standing on the side, Norbert moved his hand back, swiping at the tree as he placed his energy into the blade.


    "AAARGHHH!"


    Norbert screamed as pieces of metal stuck into his arm and the lower part of his face. As Norbert picked at the pieces of metal in his neck, the ones in his arm getting pushed back out of him by the energy.


    Plop plop plop


    The sound of the metal pieces falling to the ground, tinkling against one another before sitting peacefully. Looking at the tree, wondering what went wrong to cause the dagger to explode. The energy inside his body was depleted more than with the hole he made in the tree.


    The tree itself was painted a picture; first, Norbert saw the gash inside it, the pieces of metal forming there, still mostly together, as Norbert saw a piece of the blade. Next, Norbert saw his fist, baked into it, with a single extended finger.


    Norbert looked around, unable to find the weapon''s handle anywhere, as he stared at the gash. Instead of placing it into the weapon, he placed the energy into the handle. Looking at the other toppled tree, he could now see why it exploded as it did.


    Even though he wanted it to do less, all the energy was placed into a much smaller and weaker item: the blade''s handle. He was resulting in the entire thing blowing up in his hand.


    Only having so many weapons, he didn''t want to go on a breaking frenzy; with the depletion of the energy currently, Norbert knew it wasn''t the time to test. He wondered if Granny or Azalea would know what was happening, which he thought would be weird for her to know that piece of information.


    Leaving the pieces there, Norbert set out, wanting to clear this hallway now out and move on to the next one. Sitting back down on his stump, taking out the coin as he flicked it into the air. Watching as it tumbled in the air, Norbert let it loose as it went into the canopy of the other trees.


    He was no longer looking at it, holding his hand out until he felt it plop in his hand. Holding it between his fingers by the edges, Norbert flicked the coin, watching as it spun around, the two sides flipping from one to the other.


    He looked at it, wondering how he could get out of this hall and what was the solution. Sitting there lost in thought, for Norbert didn''t know how long, he saw a white creature emerge between the trees.


    Looking up, surprised at what he saw. A bison standing there with a long tail. Instead of hooves, it had paws like that of a lion. Norbert raised an eye at the creature, looking at its horns and the shaggy white coat it had. Snorting at Norbert, it padded around to what was left of the monkeys, eating it.


    Norbert watched its horns grow slightly longer, finishing its meal, the front of its body red. The creature shuffled past Norbert to the tree he had fallen, eating the tree''s leaves ground.


    Hearing the munching around the tree leaves, Norbert walks toward the bison, letting it eat its leaves. He was surprised to see a creature that would eat the trees, the only plants he remembered being there. Mixing up at the trees, filling the entire hall with height, Norbert could understand why.


    Though feeling one would be hard, for something to grow that big, it must be packed with nutrients for everything to grow. Walking forward, away from the monkeys, not wanting to deal with that headache anymore, Norbert turned the other way, proposing that the further he went, the more exotic the differences were.


    The memory of the forest grew up towards him as he ran from the foxes. Thinking about the pendant he received, it not being anywhere on the ground, at least hoping it would turn up someday.


    He stopped, spinning around on the balls of his feet as he looked at the monkeys, remembering them throwing the projectiles at him¡ªthe use of tools and possibly other items, like a necklace.


    He was annoyed at the thought he had of the monkeys. Trampling back through the forest, along the path, he waved at the bison, who continued eating its meal. "Those monkey mother-"

 Chapter 218 The Colosseum

    "When I find the one that took it¡­" Norbert said, letting the thought trail off as he ran up the steps. Knowing he didn''t have enough energy or ways to refill the test like before Norbert took out a dagger, it was normal.


    Charging forward, not caring for the sound he was making, only focused on getting to the monkeys as quickly as possible. Wanting to make it through as many as possible to find the pendant he received from the plateau temple.


    Making his way to the crossroads, still not finding anything, Norbert takes the left path, rising higher and higher into the trees. Unable to see the ground under the network of paths.


    Running through them, it became narrower and narrower the further he went on. No longer seeing the marks of the paths being removed, the trees have grown again, swallowing the path the monkeys before had made.


    Continuing forward, Norbert found himself falling, windmilling his hands trying to stabilise himself as he fell, smashing into the ground, the earth being thrown into the air and looking around himself as it fell around him. Norbert looked at where he found himself.


    All around him, Norbert found the monkeys standing on seats within the ring. Hundreds of them were all sitting there, grinning at him. Their white faces and white teeth shone back at him. The green light made them look sickly like something was wrong with them.


    He was shivering away the uncomfortableness that happened, Norbert sheathing the dagger, spinning around as he realised where he was. The monkey guys had made their stadium, and it seemed Norbert was the gladiator to run their gauntlet.


    He looked around the crowd but did not find his pendant around one of the creature¡¯s neck. While looking, his eyes found one holding a staff. The stick was as long as him, the creature giving Norbert the wickedest grin out of all of them.


    Staring into its eyes, seeing something different, like it knew something about Norbert and setting up this entire display that he didn''t know. Clapping its staff down once silence filled the crowd, all eyes turning to the monkey with the staff.


    Tapping their staff twice more, the crowd cheers went up once more. Norbert moved his gaze off the sides of the barrier, the roots all around at base level, going several meters before the stands started. Looking around these roots, Norbert is waiting for something to happen.


    Seeing a white shape move towards the roots from the left, Norbert turned in that direction as a creature burst out from it. Seeing the tiger before him, Norbert wondered how this was supposed to be a challenge.


    The tiger looked around Norbert, seeing as its ruby eyes targeted Norbert. The creature pounced off immediately, a missile locked on and approaching its target. Fluidly unsheathing his sword, Norbert stepped forward while getting into his stance. The tiger leapt up into the air as Norbert swung the blade upwards. The two impacted as Norbert was pushed to the ground by the weight. The tiger impaled itself on the sword.


    He pushed his energy around his body, and Norbert lifted the tiger off him, stepping away. The tiger rolled around on the ground before getting onto its paws, eyeing off Norbert as it dripped a stream of red blood, painting the ground in red droplets and its white-marred coat.


    Norbert looked at it, seeing marks from something happening to the creature that it couldn''t heal from¡ªwondering what the monkeys did to it for that to happen to the creature. Norbert took a throwing dagger out and his dagger, throwing it at the tiger with as much force as possible as he charged at the creature.


    Grabbing onto the tiger by its stomach, Norbert Pulling the creature into the air. Norbert leaned backwards as the tiger scratched at his back. Not letting go, Robert forced the sword deeper into his body, moving the weapon around as he held the dagger planted into the creature''s side.


    Arching his back, Norbert let himself topple, the two falling.


    CRRUUNCCCH


    The tiger''s head impacts the ground first with the force of its jump. Norbert was pinned down by the creature''s weight once more as it sprawled on top of him.


    He was reaching his hand around, pulling the dagger around its body, opening it up as Norbert tried to get his feet underneath him. Lying on his back, Norbert pushed the tiger off his body, letting it fall to the side of him with a slight crash. Norbert rolled to the side.


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    Standing up, the monkeys around him did not cheer for his success. Lifting both bloody hands in the air, wanting them to say something. Turning in a circle and walking towards the tiger, Norbert sees the annoyed look on the monkey with the staff.


    Stepping towards the tiger, bending down as he pulled the two weapons still stuck in it. Cleaning them both, Norbert sheathed all his weapons as he looked back at the monkey.


    "Is that all you''ve got?" Norbert asked, taunting the monkey and not knowing if the creature could understand what he said, he turned towards it.


    Feeling his energy mostly filled, Norbert took out the dagger and waited for the monkey to decide. Cutting up the meat on the creature, calling upon the information that he remembered shown to him by Cossan so long ago.


    The meat was cut into bite-sized pieces, and Norbert turned them into little cubes to eat quickly. He popped one in his mouth as he cleaned the blade on the corpse''s fur. Looking back up as he swallowed another piece, grizzling at the taste but never knowing when to use the energy. The monkey just stared at him as it struck the stump of its staff twice on the ground.


    The roar of approval and excitement from the monkeys around them made Norbert turn in surprise, wondering what would be happening and moving his eyes towards the walls of the stadium, scanning over the roots to see which section would move in first, allowing him not to be taken aback by what was about to be released.


    Standing there, Norbert''s feet start to vibrate on the ground. Looking down, I saw the dirt shaking slightly to a dance. Unsheathing his sword, Norbert ran away from his standing, moving to the circle''s centre.


    The first creature bursting through, one of the bison creatures of before. As the second and third came out, all charged towards Norbert. Their heads were down as their horns were pointed straight at himself, almost able to see his reflection in the ivory horns as they approached him. No more came after the tenth; Norbert was unsure of the numbers as he ran towards the bison.


    The creatures were meters long and two tall. Norbert looked into their crimson eyes as they stared him down. They were leaping forward, increasing his stride; Norbert counted as they came together. Finally, Norbert jumped into the air. From above, watching, they tried to wheel themselves upwards to catch onto him with their horns, almost going on top of one another to reach him.


    Norbert fell to the ground, twisting himself mid-air as he fellated one of the bison.


    Immediately, the creature, startled by its extra passenger, started to buck around. Sword swinging high in the air, leaning forward as he stabbed it down into the creature to act as a handle to hold onto the creature. This resulted in the bison underneath him swinging around even harder, smashing into its brethren around it.


    As Norbert was smashed into another bison, feeling like his leg had turned into a paste between the two creatures. Before he could think about it, one came up, mounting it from behind as it swiped its head down, its horns coming for Norbert. Seeing that he was no longer welcome on this ride, Norbert freed his right leg, healing the muscle on it, keeping his bone in place with the energy as he leapt to the left, taking his sword with him.


    With an almighty crash and a subsequent bleat, two creatures crashed onto the ground. The bottom bison could not support the unexpected weight, coupled with the horn now wrenching inside of its brother. The horns were ripped out, a trail of blood flowing in an arc, covering the two bison. All this happened as Norbert went through the air, landing on the side of the wall, quickly gripping onto its roots.


    The monkeys above leaned down, jeering at him as they tried to push him off. Norbert gave the ones closest a death glare as he held the sword menacingly at them. Swallowing in fear, they slowly moved away from Norbert, returning to their seat.


    He was turning back to the bison behind him, and Norbert dropped to the ground. Standing on the side, Norbert watched as the bison attacked each other in a frenzy. The calm and serene creature Norbert saw outside was gone, and the uniform team they had made had now turned against each other.


    Watching as they all fell, only leaving one standing. The bison heaved; Norbert, seeing the gusts of air, was forced out of its body. Its white fur was bloody, pockmarked from the horns that tried to penetrate it.


    Norbert slowly walked over, seeing his legs shake. It was too much effort to stand still, and he flipped his sword and spun the blade around. The bison looked back at him, not moving as it continued to pant.


    Standing in front of the beast, Norbert talks to it. "It''s ok; neither of us wanted this to happen. But mark my words, I''ll make them pay."


    Seeing the bison nod slightly, Norbert didn''t know if it was in understanding or exhaustion. Norbert stepped forward, pointing the blade straight up into the creature''s neck. Feeling the spine, Norbert pushed harder, hearing it crack as the bison fell to the ground, impaling itself down his sword.


    The creature was dead before it hit the floor as Norbert worked the sword loose, covering its eyes, the crimson eyes no longer looking viewing the world.


    The monkeys around him were in an outcry of what had happened. Norbert looked to the one with the staff, waiting for his verdict. The two stared at each other. Looking down, Norbert began butchering the bison at his feet, at least to get some use out of the creature.


    "Are you not entertained?" Norbert asked the monkeys as he continued to work. Hearing the staff hit against the ground again, Norbert received his answer. He was standing up. He popped another cube of meat in his mouth, becoming dry from the lack of water.


    "I guess you''re not." He said, turning towards the last large section of the colosseum wall that hadn''t been damaged yet.

 Chapter 219 Chimera

    Norbert looked at what was coming out, seeing its head push through the vines. Surprised to see it lizard-like, unlike any of the creatures he had seen previously. Its white scales shimmering in the light, the glow of the blood red eyes followed Norbert as the neck moved around, stabilising the head. Grinning at the surprise, Norbert stepped forward, stopping when he saw another shadow burst through underneath it.


    There standing before him, the king of the jungle, the lion. Norbert swallowed as he continued walking backwards, pushed back by the creature''s presence. Its white central looked gallantly, bursting with life and continuing to walk through. Norbert took another step back as the third head appeared.


    Its two horns poked out of its head and arced away from Norbert, going towards it again. Its white hair fell onto the lion''s mane, connecting the two. Its longer hair trailed behind the creature until Norbert saw the neck of the third head.


    The lizard head, Norbert realising it was some snake as it moved about, connecting to the creature where the lion''s tail should be.


    Taking another step back, the aura the creature created in its presence so thick Norbert was almost choking on it. Its three white heads with red crimson eyes looked towards Norbert, seeming to glance into his soul.


    Standing before him was a creature out of a fantasy book; things like this shouldn''t exist not even in a fantasy setting. An illusion shouldn''t be before him, something he would need to take on physically and literally. As Norbert looked, seeing the three creatures now as one wondering how it could be.


    Remembering the high amount of life in the air, Norbert thought up a scenario where it could happen. Two creatures, both heavily wounded, fall next to each other. They heal together and fuse as one, only for a third to come in later, because why not add another to the party?


    Norbert looked up at the creature, its shoulder coming half a meter above Norbert''s head and looking down, I saw the mix of legs as the three creatures formed together.


    The front two legs resemble the lion, its claws glistening in the light. Its fur travelled up its legs, part of its hair like on the mane on the back of its legs, looking like two scarfs of silk attached to the creature.


    On its back came the neck of the goat, coming out of it as Norbert saw its hair going down, over the rump of the lion and down its back. Watching it go to its hind legs, Norbert saw paws instead of hooves, reminding him of a Komodo dragon.


    The snake''s head at the back stared back at him, its tongue flickering out as it stared at Norbert, its ruby eyes calling out to him. Norbert stared back, wondering what the creature was trying to say to him.


    Staring into its eyes, feeling himself drawing closer and closer to it. His hand started to slacken, the sword''s weight becoming too great for him to hold onto.


    The sword''s tip rested upon the dirt as the lion''s head looked at him. The chimera took a step forward, the goat''s head bleated at Norbert.


    He just stood there, wondering what was happening and why a chimera was standing before him. What a strange dream he was having.


    The chimera walked forward, happy Norbert didn''t react to the goat''s presence. Leaping forward, not wanting to waste any more time, it swiped a paw at Norbert.


    Smiling in response, Norbert leapt backwards, his sword coming up to block the strike if he hadn''t returned far enough. The chimera looked out at him, surprised by his movements.


    Norbert immediately realised what the snake was trying to do, playing along as he let his defences down, slowing down the energy so the mental attack would take hold. Waiting, Norbert felt himself start to get sleepy, not seeing the reason anymore.


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    As he dropped his sword and the goat bleated at him, Norbert was still lost, only a tiny part of his brain registering what was happening, screaming for the rest to wake up. As the illusion leapt forward, paw in front of it ready to swipe, something awoke in Norbert, allowing the energy to push through his body, instinctively going backwards.


    This brings him back to now, not letting his energy relent, knowing how close he was to getting killed back then if he hadn''t woken up when he did. That trick wouldn''t work again, but hopefully, the snake wouldn''t try it again as it wouldn''t be successful. Norbert did not want to deal with that, and the hunkering beast stared him down.


    Norbert charged forward at the creature, seeing it roar at him. His ears rang from the sound, the monkeys around him finally drowning out as he continued charging towards the creature.


    Coming towards it with another swipe of its front paw, Norbert moved the blade''s flat to the path, blocking it as he looked at the claws near his face. I did not see any green liquid dripping off them, and I did not want to get poisoned by the illusion.


    He pushed back from the force, his feet digging into the ground, a proof of dirt cloud going behind him as he looked at the tiger''s face, grinning in surprise.


    The goat bleated behind the lion; Norbert looked over, wondering what commotion it could be making. As he stared, something came from the side, flashing past him and moving his left shoulder slightly back, but it was inevitable as he felt a sharp pain course through his left shoulder.


    Twisting backwards, feeling himself released from the creature, seeing the snake''s head looking back at him, licking the blood that dribbled off the side of its mouth. Norbert looked down at his shoulder as he saw the two teeth mark going into him, the flesh around it wrenched out from the force when he retreated.


    Feeling the wound fester, Norbert pushed energy into the wound as he stepped backwards, the chimera chasing him around the arena. Looking down at his shoulder, confirming that it had all healed up, moving his arm around and confirming mobility.


    As the illusion leapt at him again, Norbert ducked down, sliding on the ground as he came up behind it. Coming to his feet again, the illusion not turning around, the snake''s head instantly struck him.


    Norbert took a step back, grabbing the snake''s head as well. Grasping onto it, the snake instantly recoiled in shock, slipping out of his grip. The size of the neck stopped him from properly grasping it.


    Jumping back again, the illusion turned around as it came for Norbert. He looked down at his hand, confirming that nothing was stuck to it; not knowing what other poison the snake could have on its body, Norbert ran away again, wiping his hand on the ground to clean it mostly off.


    Looking around the arena, the sound of the monkeys sadly coming back again, looking at the uproar that he had created. The monkeys grabbed each other, shaking them around as they pointed and jeered at him and the illusion.


    They watched as they re-enacted the scenes they saw before laughing at him. Norbert just shook his head as he looked back to the illusion, drowning them out again. Norbert rushed forward, not stopping as the paw came out.


    Norbert swiped through it, the blade resisting it, meeting the bone; Norbert could not go through the appendage. The lion''s head roared in return as it leaned forward, mouth agape. Norbert saw the hundreds of pearly white teeth looking back at him, almost able to see his reflection in everyone.


    Disengaging, stumbling backwards as he did so, the illusion not relenting on him, forcing him down onto the ground with its total weight. Tripping on something on the ground, Norbert went teetering backwards, turning himself to the side, not wanting to crush his sack with the items inside.


    The lion''s head reached down at him, placing a paw on both arms. Norbert felt it push down with its weight, faint cracks appearing as the lion pressed down more and more onto him.


    The head continued down, Norbert seeing it was aiming for his stomach, looking to rip out all of his guts. Leaning backwards, Norbert moved his feet in the way of the lion, placing each foot squarely on the forehead of the creature before pushing it backwards with all his might, sending it away from Norbert.


    The manoeuvre caused his body to twist around, having him land on the sack, the books and contents inside pushing against his back. Rolling over to his side Norbert stood up as he felt his back, confirming nothing was permanently poking out at him or in him.


    Shaking the sack around, confirming its placement on his body, Norbert bent over, picking up the dropped sword when the chimera crushed his arms. Flexing his fingers, tapping them on the hilt, confirming that it was functioning again, Norbert looked towards the illusion, surprise on its face from the power that Norbert produced as it came onto its feet.

 Chapter 220 And the Crowd goes Wild

    Norbert looked towards the chimera as he rolled his shoulders, feeling the muscles on his back shift, ripple and stretch. Shaking his head around, confirming the helmet was still in place and not moving around his head or obscuring his vision, Norbert strolled towards the creature, taking a breath with every step, knowing he had all the time in the world.


    Looking at the creature, Norbert wondered if there was anything these monkeys had left; remembering the increase of creatures, he was sure that they wouldn''t even need to use this thing after the bison were meant to kill him. Sadly, the numbers just worked in his favour, mostly getting in their way.


    Norbert continued to walk forward, the chimera following forward as well, slowly trotting towards Norbert. The three heads fighting amongst each other, Norbert wondering what they could be fighting about. Dismissing the thought that would only further distract him, sizing up the chimera again, forming a plan of attack in his mind.


    Seeing the pile of animals he had already cut up, Norbert headed towards the tiger''s body; being the oldest No, Robert flexed his fingers again, wanting to end this in the next engagement with the illusion. Turning to the side, he saw the monkey with the staff staring at him intently, not wanting to miss a single action that Norbert made.


    Waving towards his fans, the monkeys rousing to an uproar at his friendliness to them, Norbert looked back at the chimera, the creature seeing an opening and bounding forward. Norbert locks in on the creature; not wanting to miss anything from the three heads, Norbert moves forward.


    The lion swiped at him again, Norbert spinning to the left, letting his blade drag along the creature''s side, going up in an arc, aiming for the snake''s head as it struck his body again. Seeing his intention, the snake abandoned the attack, the back leg coming for Norbert, hitting him off balance as the snake moved its body away from the blade. Only a single white scale from the creature flew off.


    A single dot of red on the entirely white creature. The snake instantly hissed at Norbert before checking its wound, the lion head roaring at the snake as it moved its front shoulder-blades, letting the wound ripple; Norbert saw blood stream down its leg as it continued to move forward, twisting around to face him again.


    Norbert ran forward again, the lion pawing at him, stopping his forward movement. Norbert dodged the swipe to the side, the sword in the air going down. The blade''s edge plunges into the chimera, only making it halfway up its stomach in height, the beast too tall for Norbert to cut the creature cleanly in half.


    Lowering his blade through the body, feeling it slide as it hit a rib and continued forward, the blade making it out the other side as blood rained down, splattering Norbert as he stepped backwards, his skin already becoming sticky with the blood, going into every nook, cranny and orifice it felt like.


    The lion turned around, looking at the wound Norbert had made on the right side of its body, the goat looking down as well, extending its tongue to lick the wound before bleating out at Norbert.


    Norbert ran towards it on its left side, wanting to finish seeing the creature in pain. The front of the chimera''s body twists around, wanting to keep track of Norbert. Its hind legs were lagging. Norbert watched as the tears in the body got longer and longer.


    Rushing forward on the left, causing the illusion to rip itself even more, Norbert leapt into the air, seeing the surprise of the goat that he had come so fast. Arching the blade underneath him, spinning himself around a well with the force, Norbert continued the cut.


    ROAR


    Norbert continued flying into the goat''s head, crashing into it, the sword knocked out of his hand as he tumbled to the floor. The blade skidded away from him. Norbert ran the blade, watching the lion styling and the goat bleating incessantly.


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    Picking up the blade, Norbert threw it like a spear at the lion, thankful that it hit, smashing into it as it finally quietened. Catching up with his weapon, taking out the blade as he looked at the rest of the illusion, breathing out a sigh of relief at having completed it.


    Poking the lion''s portion with his boot, confirming it wouldn''t wake up and try and attack him, Norbert listened for the sound of the rest of the illusion falling to the floor.


    After several seconds of not hearing anything, Norbert looked towards the creature, mouth agape in amazement at what he saw. The illusion was standing on its hind legs as two arms came out of the creature''s torso, the goat head looking straight at him with the snake slithering around on the ground.


    Rubbing his eyes to confirm what he saw, slapping his face once, the illusion still existed. Seeing its breath coming out of its nose as it breathed down on Norbert, the two plumes of wind spiralling around, kicking up the dirt on the ground before dissipating.


    Swallowing, Norbert looked at the two arms, reminding himself of the lion''s arms sitting right in front of him but had the hair on the rest of the goat. The only similarity is the paws of the creature.


    Looking at the back, Norbert saw what the snake''s head had been doing. Placed behind it was one of the creatures that Norbert had killed previously, the tiger still sitting there, the rest of it that Norbert hadn''t taken before now finished off.


    Nodding his head, now believing how it came to be, he wondered which was the first segment to start this journey of devourment. He looked down at his sword again as he kicked the lion again, confirming that the creature was well and truly dead.


    Stepping onto the lion, his bare feet squelching on the body, thankful for the skin to keep it primarily intact until he stepped off it, the ground slick with blood as it stuck to the bottom of his feet.


    Rubbing them against the ground as he walked, Norbert watched the goat stop puffing out, and the snake stopped eating, looking towards Norbert. Seeing a trend forming, Norbert stood still, getting into position as he looked towards the creature, utterly dwarfed by it now on its hind legs.


    He was waiting; the goat grew impatient as it stepped forward. Norbert balanced on the balls of his feet as the goat shuffled towards him, becoming increasingly comfortable walking upright as he looked at the creature no longer shambling but walking confidently, wondering if it would have been better to rush the chimera.


    As it came closer to him, craning his neck higher and higher to remain looking into its bloody eyes filled with revenge. Norbert stayed where he was as the chimera came within his range. Moving the sword forward, aiming for one of the legs, the goat came down. Its front legs aiming for Norbert as it lowered its head.


    Disengaging, Norbert jumped, jumped, and the creature smashed its head into the ground. It was surrounding itself in the dust; Norbert charged forward, not wanting to give the illusion a chance of recovery.


    The energy bursts through his body, his sword swinging before him as the snake''s head appears, launching itself from the dust. Norbert continued forward, aiming too low to hit the snake as it came for him. He was changing the sword angle, dropping the blade as he hit the snake''s head away with his fist, feeling some of the venom land on him, his skin sizzling before stopping.


    The pain shot up his arm as he continued into the dust cloud. Swinging wide, Norbert only hit the air as he saw the turbulence he created, moving the dust around him and swinging wildly again; Norbert tried to hit the legs of the creature.


    As the dust dissipated, falling towards the ground, Norbert realised he was alone. Looking around, Norbert saw the illusion, feasting on the bison meat, looking, and seeing another two already being cleaned up by it.


    The illusion was more significant than before; Norbert saw it having two hooves at the front, swapping it out for the paws previously. The muscle now on the breast rippling through its hair. As Norbert gulped at the size, nearly half as big as it was before, Norbert needed to jump to do any damage.


    Looking down at his sword, wondering if it would be enough to damage something this big, Norbert swallowed and nodded in agreement before running towards the illusion. The snake''s head looked towards him before finishing its meal.


    He was charging forward, Norbert leaping into the air, screaming out with his sword to the side, ready to swing it.


    BAM


    The hoof came towards him, and unable to do anything to change his position, Norbert was hit away, clutching onto his sword as he rose into the air, finally landing.


    He was hearing the screams of the monkeys around him. Shaking his head as the world swam, something wet leaked underneath him. Looking down, Norbert saw he had landed on several monkeys, now mush underneath him.


    Feeling like he could vomit, or he would if he had eaten anything substantial recently as he moved off the stands, walking on the rows and rows of benches before dropping back down into the arena.

 Chapter 221 Goat Scene

    Norbert ran towards the goat creature, not wanting it to get any more of an easy meal and grow in size out of his previous competitors. As Norbert sprinted forward, the chimera turned around to face him again, dropping onto its four legs, the two hoofs at the front as it clopped them on the ground.


    Charging towards him, dust flying into the air as Norbert brought his sword towards the creature, pointing the tip of the blade up, holding it in two hands by his side as he continued his charge, getting ready to release the blade up and all at once, aiming for the throat of the goat, its long hair hiding its exact location.


    Leaping into the air, locking his arms in, ready to take the force forward on himself as the goat''s head slowly came towards him, Norbert was seemingly trapped as his mind worked overtime, his body not responding quickly enough as he watched the slowed-down world around him.


    The goat''s head moved surprisingly quickly for its size; turning its head, his sword blade that was initially aiming for its neck now at its horn, glancing off the side of the horn as its head impacted into Norbert.


    On the point of contact, time seemed to speed up again for Norbert, slamming backwards, the chimera continuing to charge forward. The air rushed on Norbert, pinning himself to the creature. The sword fell out of his hand on the impact, clattering to the ground behind him.


    Feeling his body start to rise into the air, Norbert grasped onto the horn of the goat''s head, pushing energy throughout his body, reinforcing it as much as possible as he prepared for the impact.


    CRAASSASSH


    The splintered branches that made up the arena''s walls and the seats were sprawled around Norbert. His mind shut off the pain in his body, everything below his head feeling squashed and punctured.


    He was still grasping onto the horns with both hands; Norbert stared into the red eyes of the goat''s head. In his peripheral vision, he saw the snake''s head biting at something around him, not caring for Norbert as he was pinned.


    Letting go of the horn with one hand, Norbert patted his leg as he stared at the goat''s eye, feeling its breath on his body as its mouth slowly opened. The strikes of the snake going for something behind him were still happening as Norbert continued not to focus on that head.


    Quick as lightning, Norbert went for one of the throwing daggers; taking it out, he reversed the grip and plunged it into the goat''s eye. As he did this, Norbert felt the goat''s tongue wrapping around his legs, its mouth opening as it wanted to crunch down on Norbert.


    Smashing the dagger into the crimson eye, now filled with blood, the chimera reeled back from the pain. Norbert watched the snake stop itself mid-strike, staring at Norbert as all three of them moved backwards, on the whims of the goat as it reeled in pain and started charging to the other side of the arena.


    Looking at where the goat was going, Norbert saw the monkeys starting to flee from their stands; Norbert saw something shiny on the ground, his sword lying away from the direction the chimera was heading.


    Looking around, seeing if there was some way to direct it, the tongue still coiled tightly on Norbert''s legs, stopping him from moving, amazed that the goat''s head either didn''t bite through the tongue when in pain or let go of his leg.


    Grabbing the knife, Norbert moved it to the side, and the illusion instantly went the other way in response, trying to run away from the pain.


    The illusion is now going the wrong way. Norbert flipped it to the other side, and now the creature was heading in the right direction.


    Seeing the sword come up straight ahead, Norbert let go of the horn and the dagger, letting his body flip upside down. Being held up by the tongue, Norbert tried to reach for the ground, unable to touch it. Norbert grabbed the knife from his belt, the extra reach scraping across the ground.


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    Aiming for the sword, Norbert uses the knife to throw it into the air as a scoop. Catching the blade with his other hand, feeling the metal bite into his hand as he grabbed it by the blade until it finally stopped moving.


    Seeing the stands approaching him, Norbert pulled himself up and grabbed the sword by the handle. Slicing up where his feet were, the tongue instantly unravelled him as he was let go, dropping to the floor.


    As he fell, Norbert curled up in a ball, the thundering hooves at the front smashing into his ribs, going all the way through as he was flung into the creature''s underside. Slamming back down into the ground before getting picked up and dragged again.


    Norbert was kicked away from the illusion as it continued its rampage forward, not having noticed the human was no longer attached to itself.


    CRASSSH


    Norbert rolled on the ground, finally stopping as he looked up at the sound. The illusion finally stopped moving, implanting itself into the side of the arena, several monkeys unable to make it out in time as balls of blood burst around it.


    Norbert got to his feet and ran to the sword before him. Norbert picked it up from the ground and charged towards the illusion.


    Not shouting or letting the goat''s head know, the snake''s head looked straight at him as it tried to move its other half out of the mess.


    Unable to do so, Norbert leapt high into the air, letting his body fall by itself as he crashed into the arena on the side of the illusion.


    The snake darted to himself as Norbert leapt forward, now high enough that he could easily reach the body. The goat thrashed around; Norbert wondered why it was acting the way it was acting as he raised the sword before lowering it at the neck.


    BLEEEEEAAAAAT


    As Norbert went through the back, the last bleat of the goat''s head finally being released and feeling his ears ring, he stepped back to escape the noise.


    The head ripped itself off the body as it flopped to the side, Norbert staring at its damaged eye, his dagger still embedded in it.


    The illusion fell into the arena, its legs no longer holding itself up as the snake''s body wriggled itself out. Leaving it there for now, not seeing how it could go out, Norbert went over to the head, leaning down as he ripped the dagger out of the eye, a trail of blood following after the move.


    Wiping it on the head, no longer white as Norbert sheathed the dagger, stretching himself, Norbert looked around, meeting the monkey with the staff again. Waving to the creature, Norbert jumped into the arena again, the snake''s body twitching around as it tried to move.


    Walking towards the lion''s body, Norbert took out the knife once more as he cut the pieces of meat available into cubes. He popped one in his mouth to try the unexpected flavour.


    Instead of tasting like regular meat, albeit raw like the others, this one made his tongue tingle, like there was a sour popping candy dancing around it. Continuing to chew it, a thought tried to bang its way into his head. Norbert dismissed it as he continued to chew on it.


    The sourness changed to bitterness as Norbert continued to chew on the piece of meat. Still thinking that something was wrong with it, Norbert stopped chewing when he felt his tongue numb.


    Spitting out the piece of meat onto the floor, Norbert sent energy into his tongue, a slow sensation coming back to his tongue. Hearing the snake withering around, branches of the tree snapping around it, Norbert looked up to see what was happening.


    Their jaw opened as he stared at what the snake''s head was doing. No longer able to call it a snake''s head, Norbert watched as it had torn its own body off the large form of the goat section of the illusion.


    Norbert watched as it swallowed something down its throat, several bulges already in its body as they slowly disappeared. Its tail formed, no longer making a trail of blood. Norbert watched as it jumped onto the stands, chasing after the monkeys now running rampant.


    The monkey with the staff staring defiantly at the creature, raising its staff in the air before


    CLACK


    The sound of the staff hitting the ground was the last Norbert heard of it as the snake didn''t stop its movement, swallowing the monkey''s hole, the monkey not even touching the sides.


    Norbert watched as the snake started feasting from the monkeys that tried to escape, running up the branches and out of the stadium they had previously created.


    Heading towards the last remaining bison, Norbert started cutting it up, believing he would need the energy from the meat, when the snake returned its attention to him after going for all the easy pickings.


    Cutting it up, Norbert made a pouch out of the skin available to him as well, all going together into a piece of the skin, making a small pouch as he tied the contents to his belt, making a cord out of it. Quickly jumping, confirming that it wouldn''t move too much or lose the contents, Norbert looked to see what the snake was doing as he looked around for his exit from the Coliseum.

 Chapter 222 Big Bertha

    When Norbert found the snake, their eyes met, locked in a gaze. The remaining monkeys fled, not caring for each other, their only goal was to run away from the two titans that were about to battle in the arena. Rushing and pushing each other as they climbed and threw those in their way.


    Norbert continued staring at the snake, asking, "You wouldn''t be so nice as to leave me alone?" Norbert asked it.


    The snake''s tongue flickered out, tasting the air as it stared at Norbert in response. They were nodding as he looked at the snake; he used his peripheral vision to watch the monkeys escape from the stadium, believing he would soon need to join in.


    Shifting his eyes around made the snake finally move, the white basilisk chasing after the monkeys still scrambling away, going around the stands, swiping as many as possible¡ªNorbert followed it with his eyes as he turned around, watching as it swallowed them hole.


    Amazed as the snake grew with each bite, slower with every bite, but still progress being made.


    CRAAASHHH


    Watching as the snake''s weight was now too much for the branches, watching as it crashed to the ground. Dust and wood splinters went everywhere as Norbert covered his face with his arm, holding his breath as he stared out, waiting for the dust to dissipate.


    The snake''s head shot out of it, its body following; Norbert stepped back as he looked at the size, now much more significant than before, Norbert now looking more like a snack than anything else.


    The head shooting for the lion and goat parts of the illusion was now large enough that it didn''t even touch the sides. Instantly, the snake stopped, shuddering where it was as Norbert saw ripples going through it.


    Breathing a sigh of relief, the snake''s buffet finally stopped, remembering the bad taste he received from trying out only a tiny slice of the chimera meat. A smile on his face at this situation is wrapped nicely with a little bow on top.


    Turning around, Norbert whistled to himself as he looked for an escape; the only place that seemed reasonable at the instant was jumping over the stadium, the entrance he had taken before now crushed by the snake as it went around.


    Changing his course to the nearest stadium wall, Norbert picked pace to a jog as he jumped into the air, landing on the stands. Climbing up the benches two at a time, Norbert makes it to the top. Looking over, seeing the thickness of the branches but paths still opening up throughout the trees, Norbert climbed up, walking down the path, wondering what the next thing he would need to kill.


    WHHHHHIP


    The hairs on his neck stood up as Norbert stayed perfectly still. Gulping, he spun around on his heels, looking at what made the sound, his mind going into overdrive as it came to a single possibility, hoping he was wrong as he spiralled in ifs and buts within his mind.


    His eyes set himself free as he saw the snake slither out, the dust cloud having settled. Thankful that nothing had grown on the creature, Norbert watched as it uncoiled itself from the arena floor. Now, the creature took up the entire floor as it slowly unclouded, holding itself up in the air as Norbert stared at it.


    Only a tiny portion came into the air as they looked together face to face. Norbert looked down, seeing the many meters he was now from the ground. Gulping, the snake''s tongue flickered out again, noticing it was red like its eyes, the only colour on the white snake.


    Norbert was surprised at the creature''s gain, wondering what happened within it to have so much extra mass.


    The tongue flickered out again, Norbert stepping back as the snake moved slowly forward, opening its jaw.


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    Seeing the two fangs out of it, the entire red mouth looked the size of a small room with pleasant fleshy warmth within. Norbert sent the energy in his body moving again, his mind clearing once more as he turned around, running through the path he could.


    CRAAAAASH


    The snake moved after him, feeling the branch he was on shake and fall underneath his feet. Sprinting forward, arms pumping, Bert heard the snake slithering along, breaking all the tree branches as it went.


    The branches clinging at him, trying to rip at his clothes, the smooth bark underneath on his toes as they tried to make him slip off.


    Pumping his arms hard, hearing the snake slowly distance itself from Norbert. Ahead, he saw the branches open up, not stopping as he ran. Diving out into the air, Norbert, seeing he had escaped the confines of the trees, was happy that he had some open space.


    As he continued travelling, a tree appeared in his path. Unable to move himself out of the way, Norbert smashed into it, feeling his knees and elbows impact and grasping onto the bark as his fingers dug in.


    Halting himself from falling, Nor  Bert looked where he came from, seeing the branches on the ground shudder. The branches flew forward as the snake came out, looking around as it licked the air, finally locking onto Norbert.


    Swallowing again, Norbert started to climb up the tree he was currently on; not having time to be safe anymore, Norbert hardened his skin, the energy making his nails longer as a result of the hardening, becoming more like blades than anything that an average human should have.


    Not knowing how he did it but not caring, Norbert scrambled up the rest of the tree; halfway up, Norbert felt it shudder. He stopped as he looked down, vertigo hitting him for a moment, followed by the sight of the snake slithering its way up, coiling around the tree, the bark cracking from the force the snake was exerting to hug itself in and continuing its passage upwards.


    Twisting his head around Norbert, he climbed to the top, the tree now constantly swaying, the leaves rattling around as loose twigs started to fall past Norbert''s head.


    Not wanting to look down, Norbert made it to the top, sticking his head above the leaves as once more it was whacked in by a bird.


    Ducking down, seeing the shaking world there, Norbert did not see how that would support him. Breathing in, Norbert forced energy through his body, focusing on his legs and feet, seeing his veins turn purple, starting to emanate light in the green half-lit place.


    Leaping into the air, Norbert windmilled his hands as the snake''s head poked out, opening its jaw as several birds flew in, knowing they wouldn''t be coming back out. Watching as the snake continued to come up, more and more of the space filled.


    The meter was not big enough to hold the thing, only part of its head out as it moved up, crushing through the top canopy and the leaves as Norbert ran away from the snake.


    Looking around as he continued to run and leap, going from tree to tree, Norbert looked for something out of the ordinary that could assist him, at least hoping for the doorway out of here that would allow him some protection and remembering the lightning that previously arched off it.


    The birds swarmed away from the snake, pulling on Norbert as they tried to escape. Norbert continued forward, looking at all the trees shaking in the ground as the duo continued their cat and mouse throughout the canopy.


    Norbert stepped forward, the branch shaking out from under him as he plummeted, the other branches seemingly falling out of the way; Norbert could not grab any as he fell to the ground.


    Breaking through the canopy, Norbert looked around for something to grab onto to break his fall. Nothing there as Norbert fell; using his arms to break his fall, Norbert smashed into a bush before going into the ground.


    Something squishing as he landed, the juices leaking underneath him. Standing up, Norbert kicked around in the bush until it flew out. Norbert was surprised to see the mouse, thinking there weren''t any left, but happy to be surprised.


    CRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK


    Shooting his head upwards, Norbert saw what was making the noise, the snake falling through the canopy after him, its body trailing behind it as it fell to the ground.


    CRAAAAASH


    A line of dirt flew into the air, trees cracking as they fell around the path; Norbert was no longer looking behind him as he charged off again, running away from the snake following him, knowing he would have no time to climb up a tree again to try and escape the snake.


    He was not even trying to fight the snake, the size alone being too great for him to deal with, not wanting to unleash the energy within him, not sure it would even kill the creature and only leave him weakened.


    Looking on either side of him, Norbert continued to hear the crashing of trees as all manner of creatures bolted with him, running away from the snake.


    Looking at them, Norbert saw they tried to attack him even in this desperate moment. Squirrels, mice, and tigers all jump around fighting each other.


    Norbert just gave them a smack behind him, hearing them cry out before being snapped up by the snake still following after him. Norbert knew that with each creature it ate, it would grow. Not having any better idea, Norbert charged ahead, hoping something would happen to cause a change to the current status quo.

 Chapter 223 Belly of the Beast

    And something eventually did.


    Eventually


    Norbert zigzaging his way through the forest, the creatures running away from the snake with him, their speed not high enough to outrun the snake; in the end, getting splattered or eaten up and running forward, dodging through the trees, Norbert skidded to a stop and seeing the wall in front of him, wondering what a wall was doing in the forest, forgetting that he was inside the hall under a mountain.


    Skidding to a stop, bursting through the forest as his foot skidded on the dirt, shoulder smashing into the wall, and finally coming to a stop. Looking to his left, he saw the snake''s head appear, shooting out as all the other creatures followed Norbert''s'' path, all splattering against the wall. None of them could change direction in time or be resistant enough to survive a head-on collision with stone.


    Looking behind himself, Norbert saw a faint white light from the wall, breaking up the constant green light in this hall. Realising that he must have reached the entrance again, Norbert spun entirely around, jumping into the air as the snake''s head crashed into the wall beside him.


    Feeling the air shake from the impact, Norbert once more sent his arms flailing, feeling the sack on his back move as he positioned them to keep the contents in. Landing, Norbert jumped off the snake''s white head, the snake shaking itself like a dog getting water off its body.


    Running away, Norbert saw the light coming out, the only spot that didn''t have dirt on it. A single black spot in the centre bathed in light. Tilting his head as he ran, Norbert ran through the possibilities of what it could be.


    "Obvious?" Norbert shouted, asking the question to the black dot. Seeing it turn towards him, Norbert smiled, his thought becoming clear that it was the bird he was thinking of. The bird chirped to Norbert as he sprinted forward, eyes wide and taking off into the sky.


    Looking behind himself, confirming that the snake was still chasing after him, happy that at least the bird had enough brains to get out of the area.


    Norbert skidded to a stop again in front of the doorway, seeing the blue barrier still, holding as strong as when he first left it.


    The snake continued ahead as Norbert got into a fighting stance, going on the balls of his feet. Feeling the energy around him, Norbert stepped backwards so he was just in the doorway. Bouncing on his feet, Norbert imagined sending the energy to his left foot, being released when he impacted his target.


    The snake charged towards him, slithering as it did. Coming onto Norbert, his mouth opened wide as it aimed to scoop him up entirely. Crouching down, going for the lower jaw, Norbert swept his leg, sending the energy he had saved up, remembering him trying with the trees before.


    Sending it all into the snake''s lower jaw, Norbert kicked, his foot impacting with the snake''s jaw; instantly, the kickback was more significant than the punch, his foot continuing to sail through the snake''s jaw, coming out the other side.


    The impact sent the head to hit the barrier. Norbert grinned as he watched a lightning tendril chase after it. The snake''s head was shot away, its body following it, reminding Norbert of fireworks.


    Watching the trail of blood, the smell of it burning, and the ozone in the air trailing behind as it hit his nostrils. The smell tickled his nose as he scrunched his face up, wiggling his nose around, trying to scratch his nose and stop the tickling.


    CRAAASH


    CREEEK


    The snake finally impacted the ground again, the trees around it cracking and falling to the ground; Norbert heard squelches and squeaks as the creature moved away from the battle.


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    ""TIMBER!"" Norbert shouted, hearing his voice echo around the hall, the birds flapping above the trees quietening down as they left where the battle was taking place.


    Norbert looked into the air; above the doorway was Obsius, somehow sticking herself to the wall as she looked down on Norbert. Waving up to her, receiving a flap of her wing in response, Norbert looked at the snake.


    Seeing its lower jaw not going back correctly, the piece of meat flapping on the ground as the snake came around to Norbert, looking around as it made its way, Norbert watching as its body moved around, the trees being leaned over and crushed as it positioned its body in coils behind it, Norbert watching as it readied to pounce.


    Shaking his head, Norbert reached into his sack, feeling his head light-headed again from the energy he released into the snake. Popping a piece of meat into his mouth, then another one after it, chewing the two pieces before swallowing it, feeling the energy within cascade around his body.


    Popping a third piece in, now feeling revitalised again, he took a fourth piece, making sure he was filled to the brim as the snake started moving again towards him.


    In the future, Norbert looked at the snake, watching its jaw clenched forward, hearing the crack and making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Shivering slightly at the uncomfortable sound, he imagined what was happening to his jaw.


    Still, Norbert could see it wasn''t working correctly, hanging slightly open as its tongue came out. Norbert saw a black patch on the side of its head, just in front of its eye, the charred side looking at him. Norbert wondered if that left eye still worked as he watched it become bloodshot, becoming a full red orb.


    The snake finally finished its mental preparations and came towards Norbert. Smiling in return, Norbert stepped to the centre, waiting for the snake to come towards him.


    The snake rushed forward, opening its mouth wide to swallow Norbert. Seeing his chance, Norbert dived inside, going straight into the snake''s throat and down inside.


    Surprised, the snake, unable to stop as it was once more flung into the air, Norbert felt himself become weightless as the hairs all over his body stood up, the electricity going through him.


    He continued down the snake, and Norbert smashed into the ground, bouncing around within it. Able to stand up, Norbert felt his feet tingling in his liquid. Looking around, only seeing darkness, Norbert pushed the energy around his body, creating a small amount of light.


    His feet continued to tingle as he realised where he was, within the belly of the beast.


    Unsheathing his sword, not caring about hitting anything, Norbert carefully slices it against the stomach walls. Examining the line he had made with his sword, no mark was found.


    Norbert held the sword as he thrust it forward; this gave a response as Norbert tumbled around, becoming completely covered in stomach acid and standing up once more. Norbert felt the snake whip its body around, trying to make it impossible.


    Enough being enough, Norbert stabbed the blade into the snake between his feet, holding onto it as a raft in the storm, stopping himself from moving about. The snake insists on moving about, taking the sword and slipping around as he puts more weight into it, creating a broader and broader gash.


    As Norbert moved around, watching the liquid near his feet change colour as the sword went further and further in, it all mixed with the rest of its body.


    The snake''s body launched into the air; Norbert wondered what happened to it as it came back down before twisting around. Unable to hold onto the sword, Norbert watched as he moved around the stomach, like a piece of clothing tossed around in the dryer.


    As this continued, Norbert heard the sounds of more creatures coming in, watching as mice, bison, and tigers came in. Instantly, when they hit the liquid, their screams worsened; slowly, they fell deeper into the liquid until they all disappeared.


    Watching as the cut Norbert made slowly healed itself, Norbert bounced off the walls towards his sword, seeing the game plan of the snake.


    Latching onto the weapon, Norbert grasped it and ripped it out, sending a stream of blood around him. Sticking his foot in the wound he just made, Norbert wriggled it around as he felt the muscle around it trying to push him out to heal properly.


    His foot causes wildly, and the stomach acid pools there, making it unable to heal. Stopping, Norbert felt it close around his foot, holding him tight.


    Nodding to himself at the solution to moving around, Norbert sent energy into his legs to stop the acid from eating into him too much. Looking around, none of the other walls were close enough. Norbert started swinging wildly, hitting all corners as much as possible.


    More creatures were being swallowed as the snake continued to move, the gash that Norbert created too much as he was wrenched free. Keeping a hold of his sword, Norbert held it next to himself, feeling it cut into him and the snake.


    Hitching on something, Norbert hung from it on the ceiling as he saw a white line before closing up. Grinning to himself that he was doing some damage, Norbert clenched his fist, punching as hard as he could, releasing the energy within it as he focused on it going into the snake.

 Chapter 224 Vertebrae Cracked

    The vertebrae cracked beneath his fist, bone shards flying out as an impact crater was formed in the flesh. Seeing the green light from outside, bathing inside, Norbert can get a better look inside the body.


    Just as he had feared, he was inside the stomach of the snake, everything around him being halfway through or fully digested. Feeling the snake turn around once more, the world outside spinning around, Norbert looked at the side of the hallway before dirt came through, the snake having flipped around the entire way.


    Norbert knew he couldn''t make the move again and did not want to eat anything in this wet environment. Not seeing anything else, the snake continued to spin; Norbert took out the sword from between the ribs and started slicing through the snake.


    Pushing energy around his body, making sure not to let any of it go, Norbert continued to strike forward, slashing on the side as he made his way down the snake. He was so turned about after the rollercoaster ride that he went on Norbert, not knowing which way was out.


    He was rushing forward; he saw a wall of flesh in front of him, Norbert slicing through before the next tunnel appeared, much smaller than the previous one. Too small to allow Norbert to make it further, walking through the snake.


    As he watched it start to undulate, Norbert wondered what it was, remembering his lessons in biology in high school and wondering if it was the snake''s intestines.


    Not wanting to follow through to the bowels, not wanting to imagine what it smelled like, Norbert changed his course. Standing on top of the hole he had made, getting a bit higher, Norbert hoped to miss the guys completely, having spent enough time inside the snake and wanting to get out of there.


    The blade squelched in as he forced it through, spinning it around like a drill, trying to dig inside and create the most damage possible. Norbert continued this strategy until his entire arm was inside the creatures flesh, feeling it pulse around his arm.


    Pulling out his dagger; Norbert pulled himself out of it before sticking his feet through, using it as a seat as he took a dagger out, stabbing it into the flesh to hold himself. The muscle gripping the dagger stopped it from moving around.


    Twisting it further around, Norbert continued to dig through the body, the snake thrashing around, the tight enclosure that he was currently stopping the snake from dislodging him. Digging further down, Norbert slowly made his way through the body. Cutting it up as much as possible, the hole getting larger and larger as he made his way through.


    For whatever reason, the snake could not heal what he was making; Norbert was unsure why but did not care as he continued to dig further and further in. Occasionally, I heard more screams of animals as they were devoured, the time between each one getting longer and longer.


    Continuing through, Norbert felt bones all around him, not seeing how he could go any further; now it was time to get out of the creature, hoping he had done enough damage to finish the fight.


    Feeling his sword hit across something, Norbert took the dagger and scraped the flesh away as he looked at the underside of the ribs again, part of the skeleton of the snake.


    Its bone was thicker than his leg as he whistled in amazement. Just there not being enough space for him to slide through, Norbert started banging against the bone, working his sword against it. Norbert made his way through.


    Seeing it bend before finally giving in, the bone shoots outwards, creating an opening for Norbert. Pushing his way out, Norbert looked at the hall, surprised at the destruction that the snake had caused.


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    Norbert could see all the trees had been flattened; there was only the clearing, and no more creatures were stirring there. Norbert saw several bodies squashed as the snake continued slithering down, his legs still inside.


    Pulling himself out of the snake, Norbert wondered what it was doing; grabbing onto his sword, Norbert looked at the body, the gashes all over it, its head a bloody mess as goo trailed out of its non-blackened eye.


    Norbert pulled himself out the rest of the way, now far away from the doorway with the blue barrier blocking its path, the light that was once in the cavern growing darker with none of the plant life up, creating light for him to see.


    Changing his vision to see better at night, Norbert saw another line of cuts near the snake''s head. Not seeing what creature did it to the snake, slightly worried at what it could be for something to even take this thing on.


    Pulled up, the snake slithering around, forcing Norbert to duck down lower to the skin, ensuring he wasn''t bucked off. Reversing the grip on his sword, Norbert shoved it into the snake, the blade catching between two scales, going all the way to the hilt.


    The snake slithers around, turning the part that Norbert was on around him, forcing himself into the ground and pulling his leg up; Norbert let his body move. The blade went further and further along the body until, finally, he flew out the other end.


    Norbert watched as the snake was peeled in half, from halfway down to the section of the tail where Norbert had ripped it with his sword. The two sections were still connected as Norbert couldn''t make it through the snake.


    Norbert watched as the bone''s white shad crack marks through it, stopping it from healing correctly as they tried to mend itself.


    Norbert fell off the snake and onto one of the trees before sheathing his sword and jumping up into the air, following the snake as it tried to escape its other foe. Norbert watched as the snake tried to bite at something near its head, smashing its head onto the ground.


    Unsure of its exact strategy, it was attempting to defeat its foe, Norbert, again landing on the snake. Holding both fists together, Norbert slams them down onto the bone of the ribs; Norbert watches as blood and guts come flying at him, covering his upper body in gore.


    Spitting some that went into his mouth out of it, he reminded him again that he was missing the lower part of his mask, hoping he could get it fixed before entering the tournament correctly.


    He was smashing through the next one; Norbert repeated it, throwing the bones that broke off into the snake, ripping the cut he made even more comprehensive.


    Norbert continued down his path, making it to the end. Norbert stabbed it in as a smell washed over him, and he fell off the snake, losing his balance. Norbert watched as a torrent of brown liquid burst from the snake, falling all over it due to its pressure.


    Bathing him, Norbert rolled out of the way, unable to escape the brown wave as it hit his legs. Standing up, Norbert could smell the contents on his legs, reeking from the smell as he waved his hand in front of his nose, trying to lessen the smell.


    The snake left a trail of blood and gore behind it; Norbert let the snake continue its fight with the invisible creature as he turned to the fallen trees, looking at his prize¡ªthe leaves.


    Walking through the canopy now on the ground, feeling them scratch at him as they cleaned him away. Turning around behind himself, he saw a trail of brown at first, thinking he was wiping it off.


    As he stared longer at it, he realised that it was due to the leaves dying that he had touched. He was getting a more significant amount; Norbert viciously scrubbed his legs to get the filth off of him, not wanting to waste any energy within his body.


    Feeling it in himself, not being at the level he remembered before, wondering what could be the reason for it. Thinking back to his kick and punch, depleting the energy within his body, Norbert took another piece of meat out, popping it in his mouth as he swallowed.


    The taste was disgusting, and all the other contents that had fallen in his mouth were coming back up as he swallowed the meat. With it in his stomach, feeling the energy come out of it as the power in his veins lapped it up, becoming thicker and more robust, flowing quicker.


    He breathed a sigh of relief; Norbert looked to where the snake was last seen.


    CRAAAAAAAASH


    Norbert was breathing as the tree he was standing on reverberated and turned around; Norbert watched as the snake fell, lying still on the ground. Its head was no longer attached to its body as Norbert panicked and looked around at what fell the great beast. All parts of the chimera were defeated.

 Chapter 225 Completion

    Norbert scanned the ground, not seeing anything that could feel it. As he changed his vision to magic, the creature suddenly appeared. Standing there, a single paw on the snake''s head, Norbert saw a fox staring straight at him.


    Looking into those eyes, expecting to see them red, crimson like the other creature, but alas, not. One eye on the right was milky, Norbert assuming that whatever happened to it, the fox had gone blind. On the other eye, flecks of purple could be seen.


    As Norbert looked, the fox''s size now impacted him as he realised the magnitude of the creature. It was not as large as the snakes humongous form; its body was still around but was the same size as the illusion.


    The two stared at each other as something swished behind the fox. Moving his eyes, Norbert saw several whitetails coming out of it. Staring at it, concerned as his thoughts remembered the stories back on Earth of the mystical arts that foxes could do.


    Looking back at its eyes, Norbert watched as it changed, turning visible again; now Norbert could see the damaged eye. The two stared at each other as steam started to come off the fox''s body.


    Norbert took a step back, hand lowering to his sword, unsure of what the fox was trying to do next. The steam coming off it, Norbert watching as it dissipated into the air. Taking another step back as the fox was consumed in the steam, changing his vision to magical, Norbert was surprised at what he saw.


    The green swirling around him within the hall, what was previously bright, was now going all into the fox; Norbert could only see it as a glowing green orb. Channing his vision back to normal as his eyes watered, Norbert stood still as the light in the hall slowly petered out, becoming darker and darker.


    Norbert''s changing vision allows him to see more quickly in the dark. The outlines emerged as the world changed to greys, blacks and whites. He was again locating the fox from the steam rising off the creature.


    As he continued to stare at it, the steam finally started to dissipate. Walking closer, careful over the fallen trees, Norbert looked down as he jumped to the next spot to walk along; looking up, he saw a bright flash of light.


    Changing his vision to normal, wiping his eyes to stop them from watering, Norbert looked, seeing an orange flame growing where the fox was. Their eyes grew wide as they expanded out from the fox.


    "Dang it," Norbert said under his breath as he started running to the side of the flames, watching as it ate through the trees he was running on. Sprinting, trying to get around it, suddenly, the fire expanded out rapidly, covering the space in seconds.


    Not having any place to make it, Norbert was trying to get to the barrier, knowing there was a small area with no trees.


    Skidding to a halt, Norbert watched as the flames came towards him. Feeling the heat, he had to stare up to look over the top of the wall of flames licking their way towards him. He planted both feet on the ground; Norbert pushed energy around his body as he jumped straight into the air.


    Rocketing up there, Norbert felt the flames lick at his heels. Tucking in his feet, balling up, he felt them with his hands, warm to the touch. Wiggling his toes, confirming that they were all working, Norbert started to fall.


    The flames went past him, the trees underneath him still on fire. Holding his breath, Norbert landed in the flames. Embers came out of the tree as it cracked under his weight, his feet turning black from the ash.


    His body heated up dramatically quickly; Norbert got a running start before leaping into the air, getting to the heights above the flame before landing again. Changing his direction, Norbert headed to the barrier. Norbert could barely see the blue light from the orange flickering light the sea of flames produced.


    Continuing to run, Norbert patted his sack on his back several times when above the flames, making sure the contents wouldn''t burn. Not even wanting to imagine the pain that Granny would put him through.


    Landing on the not-burning ground, Norbert sees the barrier before him. He stopped, looking around as he unsheathed his sword, holding it out, ready in front of him.


    The blue light bathed his back, Norbert watching his shadow in the doorframe. Watching out into the darkening hall, the embers slowly going out as the fire moved away from Norbert, this area''s fuel having already been spent.


    Scanning the darkness, Norbert spotted something, staring at it. Norbert saw the white fox jump out, standing just on the border of the light the doorframe produced, sitting down as it stared at Norbert.


    Now the size of a regular fox, its five tails moving from side to side as they twisted in a pattern, none of them ever staying still. Tilting his head, Norbert looked once more at the fox, more accessible to see now that it was closer to him.


    Lowering his sword to point at the fox, Norbert gazed at it as if something tickled in the back of his mind. What he earlier saw were the marks on the fox''s eye. The fox was not moving as he kneeled, getting an intense amount of Deja Vu.


    Lowering the sword to the ground, the tip resting on it, Norbert stared at the fox''s milky eye; looking further down it, Norbert could see lines where a scar happened, snaking its way across its face and body.


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    Staring at the other eye, expecting to see red, Norbert saw purple in the iris instead. Looking back to its left-hand side, following the trail where the lines of fur didn''t grow, Norbert saw streaks of purple crossing down its body, forming where its tail was before spiralling out on each tail.


    Looking back into its eyes, Norbert realised where he had seen it. Sitting down with a harrumph, dust and ash going into the air around him, letting go of the sword as he cradled one knee, leaning forward so as not to touch the barrier behind him.


    "So, we meet again," Norbert said to the creature.


    The fox nodded in response; doing so, Norbert found something shining against the light around its neck.


    The object turned around, and Norbert realised what it was; the pendant he was missing before was hanging on its neck. Leaning forward, hand out, trying to grasp it, the fox leaning back slightly.


    Groaning in annoyance, Norbert leaned backwards, wondering what to do next. The barrier was still strong behind him, and everything else except for the fox was dead. He was confirming there weren''t any more green swirls in the air, just the usual that Norbert expected to see being inside a mountain.


    Changing back to average, Norbert closed his eyes, his brain whirring about what to do next now that nothing was attacking him. There was no need to train or fight as everything else in the hall was dead.


    Feeling something land on his knee, Norbert cracked his eyes open, Obsius looking at him, head tilted in confusion. Sitting up straight again, Norbert shrugged his shoulders as he looked towards the fox.


    Obsius turned around and gazed at the fox, much more quickly realising which fox it was, much quicker than Norbert; losing his eyes again, he left himself to his thoughts as he moved the puzzle around in his head, trying to find a solution to bring him out of the hall.


    Chirp


    Norbert opened his eyes, wondering what Obsius was doing. The bird, still on his knee, was now looking at the fox, going back and forth between them as much waving of appendages and looking around happened.


    Looking at the two of them, Norbert wondered what they could be conversing about, not knowing what it could be. As the two continued talking, Norbert looked across the hall.


    After some time, Norbert felt Obsius turn around on his knee, stamping her foot into him to gain his attention. Looking down at the bird, "Yes?" Norbert asked her.


    Seeing the shake of annoyance on the bird''s head, she started chirping at him. Pointing to the fox and the wall behind Norbert, he nodded, totally understanding what the bird and fox wanted from him.


    "So, take the fox through here?" Norbert asked the bird.


    With a nod of approval from Obsius, Norbert just shook his head. "Are you crazy? Look at what happened last time." Norbert said to the bird.


    Obsius just chirped once, giving it a firm try of it. Norbert nodded, not seeing a point in complaining anymore; he was sure that with the bird staying over here for most of the time he spent in the hall, she must have picked something up about it.


    Nodding his head, Norbert stood up, Obsius fluttering from his knee, landing on the fox''s head. Smiling at the sight of the two, both looking very cute with the juxtaposition of the black and white.


    Cracking his neck loose, Norbert placed a hand, holding it out as he moved closer to the barrier. Just before he touched it, a line of electricity arched out, trying to push back Norbert''s, instantly smelling his skin start to burn, smoke coming off it.


    Removing his finger, his arm jerked back as the barrier pushed him away. Shaking his hand in response, Norbert stepped back, his finger no longer burning, as he ran at it. Smashing his fist into it, Norbert felt it give before being backwards.


    Landing past the fox and the bird, Norbert landed in a rumpled pile; he shook his head in annoyance as he reached his feet. Looking at the doorway, another idea formed in his mind.


    Stepping forward, walking towards the archway again, Norbert looked at the side, where the barrier connected with the wall, seeing it meet there before stopping. Nodding his head, the next idea forming in his mind.


    Feeling the energy around his body, Norbert concentrated it around his fist, exerting it into the wall, smashing through and coming out the other side. His fist connected with it, Norbert smashing through, feeling his energy go into it.


    Removing his fist as he stepped away, the dust in the air as he looked at his handiwork. Sitting before him was a single crack in the wall, just the slightest hairline fracture. As he stared at it in annoyance, it didn''t seem like the first punch he did.


    Taking several pieces of meat in his mouth and swallowing it, Norbert walked to the wall again, having another crack at it. Norbert continued this, the crack getting wider and wider as it spread further up the wall.


    Reaching into the pouch again, Norbert shuffled around, not picking anything up. Coming out with an empty hand, Norbert sat down, back leaning against the crack he had formed. Now, I can see the other side of it and the white room beyond, but only barely. He''s not even wide enough to fit his finger in.


    Something nuzzled up against him; Norbert watched as the fox placed its head under his hand. Obsius is still there. He was rubbing his hand on the nose of the fox, feeling its whiskers on his hand; Norbert smiled at it.


    "We were close," Norbert told the fox.


    The fox tilted its head as it bit Norbert. Looking down at it, Norbert did not feel any pain from it. Norbert watched the fox shudder, wondering what was happening, then suddenly feeling himself energised again.


    Standing up, Norbert turned back to the wall with the crack he made; not wanting to let it go was the energy given. Norbert once more punched at it, releasing the energy within his body into the wall again.


    Seeing the rush of energy and the dust coming out, Norbert looked at the hole, now able to get his pinkie through it.


    Norbert felt the fox bite him again on his leg without even saying anything, remembering the last time it had done that to him. Once more flushed with energy, this time focusing as he felt it enter his body, the purple energy within him converting it into more purple energy, allowing him to release it.


    Looking at it, Norbert watched as the dust cleared, the hole now big enough as Obsius flew through it, making it to the other side. Looking at the loose stone on that side of the white room, Norbert felt the fox bite him again.


    Holding it around his fist, Norbert rereleased it, his fist making it through the wall, his entire arm engulfed by it. Ripping his arm out, feeling the sharp stone cut on it, Norbert looked back at the fox, presenting the hole he had just made with his fist; out of the corner of his eye, he saw it bruised and broken as it fixed itself in place, the purple energy that was within him swirling around the wound.


    The fox swayed slightly as it hopped up, passing through the hole. Norbert watched it scurry through, the last bit being its tail popping through. The fox landed on the other side, the barrier instantly falling away.


    "Took you long enough!" Count von Count''s voice shouted in his mind.

 Chapter 226 Reunion

    The ringing in his ears as Norbert heard Count von Count''s voice screaming at him. Thinking about what the vampire could be talking about, the words playing in his mind, ¡°How long has it been?¡± Norbert asked him.


    ¡°Well, do you want to know?¡± Count von Count asked him.


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t want to know, then would I ask the question in the first place?¡± Norbert questioned the vampire back sternly. Shaking his head in annoyance as he walked around the doorway, entering the white room.


    ¡°Two weeks.¡± Count von Count said to him.


    Norbert paused his stride as he stared at the wall, not believing what he had just heard. ¡°What do you mean, two weeks!¡± Norbert shouted, Obsius and the fox staring at him from his sudden outburst.


    Norbert dismissed them instantly. ¡°But how is that possible?¡± Norbert asked Count von Count.


    ¡°Well, let me look over the details¡±, Count von Count said. ¡°You became awol for three days at the start, half a day to complete the maze, then didn¡¯t see you for two more days, then trapped in the second trial for, outside time ¡­¡± Count von Count drifted off, as he stopped reciting what was in front of him.


    ¡°Sheesh, I knew he was bad, but seven days is ridiculous.¡± Count von Count said, Norbert believing that he was talking to someone else, ¡°Ok, so seven days there, and that means two days where you are now. I hope you learned a lot in those seven days.¡± Count von Count ended; the longer he talked, the more sarcasm dripped from his lips.


    ¡°So, how do I get out?¡± Norbert asked him.


    Heard no response Norbert tapped his foot on the floor, trying and failing to wait patiently. Knowing that the vampire was messing around with him, Norbert continued to say nothing, waiting for Count von Count to speak first.


    ***


    ¡°Ok, that¡¯s enough of that; just go to the other side of the hall; there should be a doorway to teleport over there.¡± Count von Count said to him.


    Norbert, thankful, breathed a sigh of relief, having counted to over a thousand before the vampire even said anything.


    Turning to his new companion, Norbert looked at it, then to the hall they just escaped from. ¡°Need to go to the other side,¡± Norbert said as he pointed across the hall.


    Receiving the faintest nod, the fox darted towards Norbert before crawling up his legs and back until it rested on his right shoulder.


    Norbert looked at the fox as it swished its tail lazily around. Obsius landed on Norbert¡¯s left shoulder as she looked at the fox, its tail swishing around the bird. Turning around, dismissing it as much as she could, Norbert started his journey, walking over the ash-ridden ground.


    Each step sent plumes of ash coming up, changing his vision tonight so he could see, feeling the ash squelch between his steps as he continued walking down the hall in silence.


    That was until Obsius started whistling. Grinning, now that they had an audience of one, Norbert joined in as well, making the harmony wholly wrong and out of tune. Turning his head to the right, he saw the fox bury its face inside itself, ears pointed forward as it tried to lessen the music she could hear.


    ***


    Norbert looked at the other side, seeing only the doorway there leading to nothing, only solid rock on that side, indented a finger length in and pressing his finger in the indent, confirming nothing¡¯s happening, Norbert thinks about Count von Count.


    ¡°Can you hear me? Is this how it works?¡± Norbert shouted as loud as he could as he asked the question.


    Obsius stopped whistling, surprised at the loud noise that Norbert made. The fox''s fur stood on end for a second, its head whipping out of itself as it looked around, before slowly resting its head back in since nothing was found.


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    ¡°No need to shout.¡± Count von Count said mentally to Norbert.


    ¡°Portal, not working.¡± Norbert slowly sternly replied to the vampire, hoping that it wouldn¡¯t be another one of the games the two of them would be forced to play.


    ¡°Oh, give me a second.¡± Count von Count said. The vampire grew distant as Norbert was sure he heard some banging in the background and some distant shouting.


    Before him, Norbert saw the portal open, the same blue gate swirling in front of him. As he stared at it, he reminded himself of the barrier from before. He stepped through, feeling himself elongate as his leg was brought directly upwards, and the rest of his body followed.


    Stepping out the other side, the portal snapped shut behind him. Norbert looked around, wondering where Count von Count had sent him. As he looked around the familiar room, he saw the round table with the chairs, three occupied once more.


    The others are sitting like they never moved since he last saw them. Sally and Lily stopped their chat as they turned around, giving Norbert a look before smiling, turning around to the table again and continuing chatting to each other about whatever.


    SLURP


    Looking to the other member sitting at the table, Count von Count stared down his glass as he slurped as loud as humanly possible, trying to get who knows what out of it. Slamming the cup down on the table, the vampire turned to Norbert, giving a wave.


    ¡°When did you get back, I didn¡¯t see you there.¡± The vampire said, grinning at Norbert. His eyes went to his face, looking at this clothes or more precisely, the lack of clothes.


    ¡°What happened to you? Looks like you¡¯ve been mugged five times over, and on the sixth time, they were unhappy that you had nothing left.¡± Count von Count said.


    Norbert trudged forward, his feet sticking to the stone ground as he felt the coolness coming over. Changing his vision to normal again, happy that he could adequately see once more, no longer needing to run in the half-light.


    Sitting at the table, Norbert leaned back in his chair, placing a foot on the table. The ash from it falling onto the table, Norbert snorted in annoyance before taking his foot off, letting the chair slam on the ground.


    Removing his sack, Norbert dumped it on the table, the contents spilling out. Obsius and the fox jumped onto the table as well, looking at the items there.


    He took his helmet off and placed it on his sack as he felt the air on his skin. Ruffling his hand through his hair, getting it off his scalp after the extended time he had it on.


    Taking the spare cup from the table and filling it up from the jug, Norbert leaned back in his chair as he sipped, staring up at the ceiling.


    Having another sip, Norbert looked around, seeing that the others were staring at the fox on the table, then back to him.


    ¡°What?¡± Norbert asked them.


    ¡°Where did you find that?¡± Sally asked him, pointing towards the fox sitting on the table, sleeping once more.


    Norbert pointed at the white fox, receiving a nod of confirmation in return. ¡°Well, picked it up in the last room,¡± Norbert said in response.


    ¡°Then how is it here?¡± Lily asked him, leaning forward as she carefully moved her hand out, wanting to pat the creature and finally touching the fox, not responding at all as she smiled, rubbing her hand over the fox''s head.


    ¡°Busted a hole in the wall near the entrance and had it jump through,¡± Norbert said, shrugging his shoulders at the simple explanation.


    ¡°Like she said, how?¡± Sally asked him before continuing, ¡°You weren¡¯t that strong before to crack these mountains.¡± She said as she tapped her foot on the floor.


    Smiling as he tapped the side of his nose. Count von Count snickered at Norbert''s response. Norbert waved his hand dismissively as he smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll show you later, not here and need to recover my energy.¡± Norbert said.


    ¡°Energy?¡± Sally said, staring at him.


    Norbert sent his purple energy towards his fist, preparing to release it, watching as his veins turned a dark purple on his hand. ¡°The purple energy,¡± Norbert explained to her.


    Sally shook her head. ¡°That isn¡¯t energy; that¡¯s just mana. Its type, I¡¯m assuming by our earlier conversations, permanently altered, stopping you from using spells.¡± She said, holding her cup up in a toast. ¡°But now you can do something extra, so that¡¯s at least one thing running for you in the tournament.¡±


    Norbert stared blankly, having forgotten about the tournament. ¡°How much longer do I have left?¡± Norbert asked the table.


    Lily, still playing with the fox as Norbert started to hear it purr now content, ¡°Six days.¡± She said.


    Norbert nodded. ¡°Does that give you enough time to repair all of this and go back to Alasium to repair and get some more clothes?¡± Norbert asked, looking down at him.


    ¡°Can¡¯t leave the mountain until the tournament starts, but you can always ask someone to shop for you.¡± Count von Count said, smiling at him.


    Norbert shook his head, ¡°Lily, can you pick up the items I left there and repair the helm.¡± He asked.


    Lily looked to Sally, who looked at return, and with a sigh, Lily nodded in response.


    ¡°Then what am I going to do?¡± Count von Count asked him.


    ¡°Well, you can always retrieve the blood crystal.¡± Norbert said nonchalantly as he remembered the alter with it shinning red in the room.


    Count von Count, part way bringing his cup to take a drink, dropping it, the contents spilling across the floor.


    The three people in the room, as one, all stood up, leaning on the table as they looked at Norbert for an explanation. ¡°What?¡±

 Chapter 227 Most Not

    "Do you have cobwebs in your ears? Just said that he" Norbert pointed with his finger to Count von Count "Could retrieve a blood crystal or the blood crystal. Not sure how many of them are around." Norbert said, trying to remember what Granny had said to him, what felt like a lifetime ago.


    Lily and Sally fell back in their chairs while Count von Count stared at him, Norbert imagining the cogs turning in his brain. Looking towards the other two, Norbert stared back at them. "I did do stuff while I was awol," Norbert replied curtly.


    Count von Count finally kicked back into gear, asking, "So where is it?" He asked Norbert.


    Pointing at the side of the cliff, Norbert explained, "After being chased by whatever the librarian was sending after me, sending her black sludge after me." Norbert started to explain how he even found himself out there.


    "What librarian?" Sally asked him.


    Norbert turned to the commander, perplexed. "The librarian that I brought up here, then went to my room upstairs with me" Norbert said, looking around the table to see if anyone was backing his claims.


    The three of them looked strangely at him. Before anyone else could respond, Norbert said the next thing on his mind, "Unless I didn''t get chased by it..." Norbert said to himself, letting the sentence hang in the air as he tried to remember exactly what happened, seeing if there were any inconsistencies with his thoughts. Pulling up nothing that was a telling sign other than what the people in front of him were stating, Norbert shrugged, believing what he saw, for if he did not believe that ...


    Shaking his head, Norbert left the disturbing thoughts behind him as Count von Count looked at him desperately. Talking under his breath, "Granny didn''t lie when she said you would want to know about it."


    Count von Count''s ears twitched in annoyance. Norbert started to see some colour painted on the vampire''s face. "What did you say?" He asked Norbert.


    "Nothing; just over the balcony, you will see a ledge far down; go into the mountainside; there should be a river of blood. Follow it up, and you should find what you seek." Norbert said; the second half of what he said the vampire didn''t hear as he sprinted out over the balcony; the last Norbert saw of Count von Count was his hand giving the thumbs up.


    Norbert felt a wind chill momentarily when the vampire jumped out, the cool breeze ruffling his hair as he sighed, content. Turning his attention back to the others, he pulled out the book Granny had given him.


    "Either of you have seen or read this?" He asked them.


    Sally turned the book to her as she opened it up, seeing the first few pages with the publication information, closed it with a clap, then turned it around and slid the book back to Norbert.


    "Think so, just can''t remember where," Lily said as she looked at the cover before patting the fox.


    Norbert nodded as he placed it in, looking at Sally''s reaction, knowing she had seen it somewhere before. The commander kept it a secret for whatever reason as Norbert stowed it away.


    Lily pointed at the fox again as she continued to pat it. "So, how did you get this little guy again?" She asked him.


    Norbert nodded in response. "Just in the last area, after defeating a chimer-" Norbert started talking.


    "A what?" Lily asked.


    "A chimera was this morphed creature between a lion, a goat and a snake," Norbert said.


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    "Oh, sorry, didn''t know you were using that word." She said to him.


    Norbert had a look of perplection on his face. Sally cleared her throat; Norbert looked at her as she indicated to his chest. Looking down and seeing the usually missing talisman, we wondered where it went as he remembered monkeys taking everything from chimneys.


    "Those damn monkeys. At least Azalea would be happy that I don''t need it." He said.


    Lily just laughed, wiping a tear from her eye. "Oh, isn''t he cute," Lily said to Sally, who nodded in return.


    Norbert just looked between the two as he stared, wondering what was so funny. Sally, unable to take it any longer, said to Norbert, "You''ve been mixing the two languages up in a jumble with no clue at all."


    "Oh¡­¡­" Norbert said, seeing how it would now happen; mixing the two would even do his head in as he wondered how they could understand him. "Better?" Norbert asked.


    Lily just smiled. "There''s only one way to find out, so you were saying something about a chimera?" She asked him.


    "That''s right; these monkeys had an arena down there; the last creature they brought out was the illusion. Cut off each piece until the snake was left," Norbert said, the other two not moving as they waited for him to continue.


    "Then the snake grew extremely large, fought, got swallowed, and this guy," Norbert said as he patted his hand down the fox''s body. "Helped take it down," Norbert said.


    Lily and Sally looked, thinking how it was possible. "Well, it was much larger than before and had several tails. Don''t know if that helped." Norbert explained as he looked at the two of them.


    Instantly, Sally went lunging for it, picking up the fox as she investigated it. "How many tails?" She asked him.


    Norbert thought back to witnessing the massive fox before himself ¡°Id says four or five." Norbert said.


    Lily whistled at hearing the number; Sally just stared at it, Norbert seeing her brain go a thousand miles an hour.


    "But all the creatures need to be defeated to pass." She said mostly to herself.


    Norbert nodded. "Well, when I got that little fella out of the area, it counted as nothing left." Norbert said, "The other creatures, I was able to recover my energy- mana," Norbert said as he corrected himself. He felt weird needing to do so after so long of thinking of it as energy.


    Sally nodded. "As it should, those creatures were created through magic, living in a life-mana-rich area. I should only be living in that area. So how is this guy out here?" She asked, mostly talking to herself as she squeezed the fox''s cheeks between her fingers.


    The fox scratched her, stopping her musing as the fox moved out of her hands, landing on the table before curling up again, closer to Norbert as it tried to get away from Sally.


    Norbert smiled as he gently patted the fox, feeling the fur as he watched Sally sit down.


    "What are you going to do with the kitsune?" She asked him.


    Norbert looked at the creature as he shrugged. "No clue. Probably the same as Obsius: take it on for as long as it wants before splitting ways." Norbert said.


    The fox looked up at Norbert, giving him a wink in response to what he said. Norbert stared down at it as he thought about what was said, remembering the fox talking with Obsius so at least it could communicate somewhat.


    A question brimming in his mind: "So, what''s the reason for the maze and such." Norbert said.


    Sally cleared her throat "The trials are supposed to fill in the gaps of individuals, a training of sorts." She said to him.


    Norbert nodded as he thought back. "What''s the reason for the maze, the weird shadow man and the forest?" He asked her.


    "The maze was for strength, as a basis of what is needed for the others. If participants can''t make it through that trial, they have no place." She said.


    Norbert remembers the wall of projectiles going for him as they smashed into him when he went above. "I don''t see how anyone else can do that," Norbert said as phantom pain rocked his body from the multiple hits he received.


    "That''s because you''re not meant to go over the maze. It bumps the difficulty; the longer you''re up there, the worse it gets." Sally said to him.


    Norbert just nodded, the final wall of projectiles coming for him and how Granny had saved him.


    "Ok, and what about the next one?" Norbert asked her.


    Lily butts in, "That''s for mental resistance, specifically for yours. And my gosh, were you bad at it." She said to him.


    Norbert opened his mouth to refute the accusation as he remembered how long he had been there at the start, just hearing the tch sound repeatedly.


    He just nodded in response, opening his mouth, but Sally took her turn before he could say anything.


    "And the last one was the survival. Placing a tester in an increasingly dangerous environment, needing to rely on their whims until they make it out. Defeating the last creature as they become more comfortable." Sally finished.


    Norbert just nodded, "Not like how I did it." He said to them.


    "Most not," Sally said.

 Chapter 228 So Much for Security

    Norbert felt the wind coming over his legs as Count von Count climbed up from the balcony again, an annoyed look on his face.


    "Well, that was fun, but before we continue, I''m going to clean up," Norbert said as he rushed out of the room. Count von Count saw him flash by, holding his hand up before letting it go.


    Norbert walked up the stairs to his room, seeing another door on the other side of the bedroom. Skipping past the bed and heading to the room, he was happy to have found his prize.


    Norbert saw his awe, a standard shower just sitting there, relief showing on his face as he undressed his little clothes before stepping in.


    Reaching for the tap, Norbert attempted to turn it, only for his hand to slide against the tiles. Looking down in question, Norbert just saw the two runes. Holding his finger to it, Norbert tried to send it across and out, imagining the purple mana inside of him to be released.


    As he did, it fizzled out, nothing happening, smashing his hand in annoyance; once more, being held back by Norbert and trudging his clothes back on, Norbert walked down the stairs and into the room.


    Count von Count turned from the table as he looked, a grin on his face. "Wondered how long until you realised." He said, the Cheshire grin going even more significant on his face.


    "Can one of you please turn the shower on so I can get cleaned?" Norbert asked the room.


    The vampire was already out of the chair before Norbert could finish the sentence, walking past him and giving a pat on Norbert''s shoulder "Anything for my best buddy." He said. The conversation froze Norbert as he heard the water running upstairs as the vampire returned.


    "You''re a real piece of work sometimes", Norbert grumbled as he made his way up the stairs. Entering the bedroom, thankful to find nothing, he heard Count von Count''s voice echo from below.


    "And I''m your work, don''t forget that." The voice echoed around the room several times before dissipating.


    Heading to the shower, Norbert washed up, looking at it as the water continued, not knowing how to turn it off. Norbert looked for a towel but found a rune on the floor.


    "COUNT!!!" Norbert shouted.


    ***


    Sitting back downstairs, Count von Count ruined the relaxing shower afterwards. The vampire looked at his annoyed face as he explained, "I know we are best buds, but I don''t swing that way." He explained to Norbert for the fifth time, gently patting his back.


    Shaking his head, Norbert turned to the others. "What now?" He asked them.


    "Chill out, train, explore, whatever you want for the next week." Said Lily as she picked up the helmet pieces and headed towards the portal.


    "Oh, and if you can, get him some clothes and a dagger." Count von Count requested, giving a wink that Norbert only caught out of the corner of his eye.


    A smile formed on Lily''s face as she nodded, giving a wink to the vampire as she turned around.


    As she left, Norbert turned to Count von Count. "What was that?" He questioned.


    "Oh, nothing you need to worry your little head about." Count von Count said, patting Norbert on the head before continuing, "Anyway, before the commander needs to leave for her important duties, I hear you have something to show?" He said to Norbert.


    Feeling the energy inside him still being low, Norbert just shrugged. "Don''t have enough juice." He said to the vampire.


    Smiling as he procured a bottle from under the table, Norbert looked at the blue swirling mixture within the potion, watching all the colours of the rainbow swirl within it. Count von Count rolled the potion to Norbert as he examined it.


    Taking the cork out, Norbert sniffed it, smelling of blueberries. Norbert briefly held it to his lips, looking at Sally and Count von Count. Neither of them gave him an indication to stop as he drank the entire thing down.


    Feeling it inside of him, Norbert realised as it filled his veins with power what he was taking from the creatures in the room. Sally just nodded her head as he felt the energy within his veins fills up once more. As he downed it, testing the depths of it, a thought came out of his mouth: "The bison had more juice."


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    "Bison?" Count von Count asked him.


    "Yeah, in the last room were these bison that I assumed evolved somehow. Like the illusion and such." Norbert finished pointing to the white fox now sleeping in his lap. He silently petted the creature to awaken it and moved it off his lap and onto the table.


    The fox woke up with a yawn as Norbert stood up, the other two just looking at him. "Well, you wanted to see how I made a hole in the wall, right?" Norbert asked them.


    Sally got up with a sigh, Norbert almost imagining he heard her bones creaking from sitting for too long. Count von Count just pointing at Norbert''s feet. Looking down at his bare toes as he wiggled them for the world to see, Norbert just shrugged. "No time to wait for a second pair. Can''t keep the commander from her desk for something as simple as shoes," Norbert said.


    Sally groaned as she heard about her desk. Norbert wondered how much work she had piled, taking a staggering step forward, as Norbert had somehow wounded her with his allegation.


    Walking through Norbert, heading to the portal as he stepped out, going down a floor to the extensive training area, down the winding staircase, looking around at the large hall. Moving his head both ways, the familiar site and dimensions of them all look the same.


    Turning back to Sally, he asked her, "Any wall in particular?"


    "Please do not damage the halls. Go to the training dummies below us; we can set up something for you there." She said to him.


    Norbert deflated slightly at the words as he looked around; fewer people were here than the last time he was in this section. He continued down the stairs until the little group made it to the hall with the dummies; Norbert saw more people in their little bubbles.


    Walking across and finding an empty one, everyone was staring at Sally. Norbert heard the whispers, eyes locked onto him until the barrier snapped around him.


    Seeing the dummy there, Norbert patted it as he waited for something to happen. As both Sally and Count von Count just stood there, idly chatting to each other, Norbert stepped out of the barrier as he looked around.


    "Is it just the dummy, or is something else coming?" He asked them.


    Count von Count turned to him. "Stumpy will be coming soon with the object," he said to him.


    Norbert started grinning as he looked around the hallway for his little pal. Count von Count slowly turned to meet Norbert as the two stared at each other. They were already in sync as they started plotting in their heads what to do.


    OOOW OOOW


    Both of them cried out in surprise as they rubbed their heads, Sally looking down on the two boys as she clicked her tongue in annoyance.


    "You two will do nothing to him. I don''t want any more paperwork due to your shenanigans." Sally said.


    They slowly stood up straight as they rubbed the back of their heads. Norbert looked up, catching Count von Count''s eye as the two grinned and giggled, waiting for their prize to come to them.


    ***


    Looking around the room again, Norbert pointed to a large rectangular object descending the stairs towards them. Count von Count turns around at


    "Didn''t realise you had floating boxes for transport," Norbert said idly.


    Count von Count shakes his head, "They exist, just not here. Nothing to power them." He said in explanation, tapping his foot on the ground.


    Norbert nodded his head as he wondered how it was moving. The closer the rectangle became, Norbert realised it came about the size of a man and the width. Seeing it drop before them, Norbert saw the two hands carrying it.


    Popping out the side, Stumpy saluted to Sally, "As ordered."


    Sally gave a nod as Norbert looked in amazement. "That''s amazing." He said to the man.


    Stumpy, tensing his body, frozen like a statue for a moment, he slowly turned to look at Norbert and Count von Count.


    "You." He said.


    Norbert nodded. "Yes, it is I, me. I''ve missed you; we should do a catch-up sometime." He said as he crouched down. "How about over a glass of milk and a lollipop?" Norbert said, beaming at the man.


    "No, thank you, that will not be necessary," Stumpy said to Norbert.


    Norbert stood up as Count von Count nodded, a grin forming as Sally gave him a stink eye. Count von Count bitten his knuckles in response to quieten himself.


    Sally coughed, bringing all eyes to her as she indicated to Norbert.


    Nodding, Norbert went, sending energy around his body as he picked it up in a bear hug, feeling the box as he moved it next to the dummy in the barrier.


    Norbert placed it down, admiring himself in the metallic reflection, pulling a face as he stepped back out. "Need to secure it in the ground?" He asked the group.


    Stumpy cleared his throat, much louder than needed; Norbert looked down, crouching again as he looked at the man.


    "Yes? And thank you for clearing your voice; I could hear you from there." Norbert said to Stumpy.


    Seeing his face grow red in annoyance, Stumpy just walked away, waving a hand as he said, "It''s already secured."


    Norbert smiled as he walked into the barrier, purposefully avoiding Sally''s eyes glaring at him and stepping up to the rectangle he had placed down. Norbert closed his eyes as he felt the energy within him.


    Holding his fist against the block of metal, he stepped to the side and forward so his arm was back. Imagining himself pushing forward with his energy, sending his fist into the block, making it bend around his hand.


    Pushing the energy into his fist, Norbert swung his arm back as he released it forward, his hand impacting the metal as he released the energy.


    GROOOOAN


    Norbert continued with the punch as his hand had no resistance; the top half of it continued with it, flying, staggering towards the barrier it impacted, glowing bright,  flying for a moment before the piece slammed to the floor.


    Stepping back, feeling his body shaking at the lack of energy as he stepped back into the crowd, breathing carefully through his nose.


    The reactions of the others just staring at him slack-jawed. Turning around again to look at the destruction he had caused, Norbert saw a piece of the metal object having been lifted.


    "So much for security," Norbert said, nobody responding to his statement.

 Chapter 229 From Horror to Mysticism

    Stumpy was behind the duo, having turned around to watch Norbert¡¯s performance. Norbert waves to the man as Stumpy''s face transforms from horror to mysticism to bewilderment, finishing off with annoyance.


    Norbert smiled, his energy depleted, having held on enough for himself not to be completely wiped out as some of his previous attempts, but defiantly unable to give it the same try again.


    Walking out of the bubble, the noise still as silent as when he was in it, nobody else moving. Turning to the others,, having stopped their practice in their bubbles,, also staring at him.


    Giving a half-hearted wave towards them, watching as the onlookers realised they were staring before as ,they all looked away at whatever they pretended to catch their interest. Standing in front of Sally and Count von Count, whistling as they waited for them to come to their senses.


    Half way through the tune both of them snapped out of it, Count von Count instantly joining into the whistling tune as well, slowly turning to the commander who had a pained look on her face.


    Looking back to Norbert, Sally asks, ¡°Can you do that again?¡±


    Norbert shaking his head in the negative ¡°Nah, all out of gas. Though with another potion, I can give it another crack.¡± Norbert explained to her.


    The scepticism appeared on her face as she turned around, stepping towards Stumpy as the little man shuffled towards her, standing on his tippy toes as he listened to what Sally was saying. Eyes growing wide, nodding his head in the affirmative as he quickly scurried off with a salute.


    Sally turning around and stepping towards them before she indicated to down the hall they were currently in. Staring at the void, the hall long enough that he couldn¡¯t see the exit, Norbert just nodded as he followed after her. Sally was not even waiting for them as she continued to walk.


    Count von Count took the tail as he took gallant steps to catch up with the other two. Norbert heard the clopping of their steps, the cold stone going up his feet, just remembering that he had no shoes. Now, his once clean feet were dirty from all the walking he would be doing.


    Sighing in discontent, Count von Count whistled as well, going down the octaves in a sad tune as they walked. Norbert joining in as well as the two of them watched Sally¡¯s back, wondering if she would join in as well.


    ***


    Sadly, she hadn¡¯t. Norbert stopped as they made it to the other side of the hall with the bubbles. The hall continued past it, just the bubbles have stopped and a perimeter stopping anyone else from travelling back.


    Not that this far away there was anyone even practising, it has been nearly half an hour since Norbert had seen anyone even practising, no stairwell connecting to the other levels was seen either.


    Walking past, Norbert saw another barrier covering the entire wall, changing to the magic vision. He whistled in surprise; all up the walls and on the floor, Norbert saw runes carved in, each glowing with the colours of the rainbow.


    The barrier itself even consisting of multiple runes, all strung together looking like a child just went heavy with the rune stamp. As he looked at the barrier, he couldn¡¯t see the rest of the hall, its contents, and the contents it stored hidden from his site.


    Turning his eyes back down, seeing Sally having stopped, Norbert saw two other guards waiting there, instantly recognising her and standing to the side. Stopping anyway, Norbert did not pay attention to the conversation as she showed them some sort of pass before pointing to us two.


    The guards looked sheepish and nodded along, waving Norbert and Count von Count along. The two walked through, Norbert seeing the guard''s mouths move as they talked to each other but still unable to hear anything.


    Whistling, confirming that he could still hear properly, Norbert walked through the barrier in the area the guards directed. Apprehensive on not being shocked Norbert slowly held out his hand, finger glancing over it as it passed through.


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    Breathing out a sigh of relief, Norbert followed Sally, thankful he wasn¡¯t blasted backwards. As he looked around the room, he found himself in his jaw again fully opened.


    The first thing to hit him was the noise¡ªthe churning of machines, the grunting of people moving with effort and clanging metal on metal.


    The second thing to hit him was the smell. Clean, the entire area, in juxtaposition to the men and women inside, all sweating with physical exertion as they trained.


    The bubbles no longer seen as about twenty people trained here, Norbert watching them bash each other with all sorts of implements. Daggers, swords, staves, and magic were flung everywhere.


    Stray shots interrupted others'' practice, some taking the advantage provided to rein over their opponents while others stepped back, waiting for their opponent to recover before going at it again.


    As Norbert watched a female with orange hair flying about in a magic duel as Norbert stared, turning around to see Norbert as a dagger thrown across his vision by someone else, the design feeling familiar as Norbert realised he was looking at Lily.


    Turning Lily seeing Norbert, giving a half smile before going back to her duel. Norbert turned to Sally, wondering what the point of all this was. Turning to Count von Count, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration, the first time Norbert had ever seen his buddy make a face like that, wondering what he could be thinking about.


    ¡°What is this?¡± he asked her.


    Sally turned around, arms waved outwards as the fights slowly died down one by one, a victor being made as they both turned to face the trio that entered. Finally the last blade dropping to the ground as Sally finally spoke ¡°Welcome to Sigma Eight¡± Sally exclaimed.


    Her voice echoed out as Norbert squinted in pain, wondering how she was able to make her voice that loud. Everyone behind Sally saluted as they all stared at Norbert.


    Turning his head to look at Count von Count the vampire stared, open jaw as well. Finally seeing Norbert staring at him, the vampire stood up straight, wiping his mouth on his sleeve before shaking his head in annoyance.


    ¡°So this is where you¡¯ve hidden.¡± Count von Count said.


    Sally shrugging ¡°For visitors yes, you really think we¡¯re stupid enough to let a vampire trample on everywhere they want?¡± Sally asked him.


    Count von Count leaned his head to the side, indicating Norbert, ¡°Well, this human is.¡± He said.


    Norbert turned to the vampire, accusation on his face. ¡°You take that back.¡± He said to the vampire.


    The vampire turned properly to Norbert as he bowed, his right hand over his heart as his left was on his lower back. ¡°Oh, how I have slanted your reputation; whatever can I do to repay you.¡± Count von Count said, a single tear dropping onto the ground.


    Norbert just shook his head as he smacked the vampire on the back of his head. Count von Count did not budge an inch from the impact as Norbert felt the vampire grinning.


    Norbert left Count von Count to his antics, and turned towards Sally, ,wondering what to do. Sally lowered her hands.


    Stumped, Norbert waved. ¡°Hi, everyone, I¡¯m Norbert. Happy to meet you all.¡±


    The crowd in front of him was stone silent, Norbert glancing over all of their eyes as they stared at him like he wasn¡¯t even there.


    Turning to Sally, seeing her face do the same, Norbert felt sweat beading on his forehead, cheeks flush with nerves as he stared, wondering what had gone wrong.


    Norbert stared as Lily slowly started grinning, turning to the person she was duelling with before with a hand held out, a single coin being passed over; Norbert was unable to see what type the coin was before everyone else started moving towards him.


    Before he could say anything, names were thrown at him,, hands shoved into his own for shaking. Norbert was not moving from the spot, as the flood came.


    Quickly, everyone was doing their introductions, Norbert not remembering a single one as they all stood. Finally the last one made is as Norbert looked at them all, waving his hands, indicating all of them Norbert asked the question ¡°What¡¯s all this about?¡± He asked them.


    Sally just smiling, Norbert now hearing something being rolled out of one of the side doors, ¡°An interview.¡± Sally said.


    Norbert looking at Sally, confusion on his face ¡°An interview for what?¡± He asked her.


    ¡°Well, to join the team, of course.¡± She said it like it was the most common sense thing in the world.


    Norbert just looked at them, ¡°But I already have a group.¡± Norbert said.


    ¡°That you do, but with what you¡¯ve just shown, depending on how it can be repeated you will be changed.¡±


    ¡°Do I have any say in this?¡± Norbert asked.


    Sally grins in response, something disturbing Norbert in the look she was giving him, like he was only a piece of meat meant to do what she said.


    ¡°No.¡± She replied, turning around as Norbert looked at the contraption that entered.


    Norbert stared at the tubes coming off the glass barrel. Several of the tubes came out, ending in needles that Norbert could see. The liquid inside is same as the mana potion; the base is that of rainbows swirling around each other.


    Seeing it stop, as rows of the metal block was placed in a row, Norbert seeing that the contraption placed on wheels so it could be moved down the line. Norbert watched as he counted more than ten, swallowing as butterflies came around his stomach, wondering what Sally wanted him to do, and the evidence being provided did not make him any happier.

 Chapter 230 headaches for One

    Standing in front of the first block, someone stepped out of the crowd, placing the needles into Norbert, and well, trying to. The first few were sliding off his skin as he turned around, the gallons of liquid behind him.


    As he was closer, Norbert could see taps coming out of each pipe, allowing it to be released. Currently, there was liquid in the pipes already that connected to the needles; I was happy that they weren''t going to be injecting him with air as he wondered if that would even kill him.


    "Ah, so that so that¡¯s how." Norbert heard from the person behind him as a needle entered his body. Face twisting at the unexpected sting that came, Norbert relaxed himself as he felt several more enter him on each of his arms and back. Thankful that there were no cameras, a picture couldn''t be taken of him, likely looking ridiculous, having no shoes or a shirt, just his trousers hooked up by several pipes to a glass barrel taller than him of mana potion.


    As the last one entered him, giving a slap on the back in confidence as Norbert walked forward, seeing the first metal pillar in front of him, racked his knuckles on it and heard the thunck of metal, the same as the previous. Looking around the ground, Norbert didn''t see any welds or bolts hinting at how the metal attached to the floor.


    He sees himself in the reflection of the metal, and Norbert looks back at himself. Behind him, Norbert saw the crowd forming, unable to see the detail on their faces but assuming they were expecting something. As he stood there, the taps were opened, allowing the potion to trickle into him. His reserves filled up quickly, turning around to see that the container had barely been touched.


    Feeling the energy fill up within himself, Norbert made his stance as he held his fist over it, seeing in his peripheral vision the crowd behind him looking at him expectantly. Norbert placed his hand in position as he felt the energy pool within himself.


    Focusing on his fist, forcing the energy through it and sending the metal flying away when it touched, drowning out the stares from behind him. Leaning backwards, Norbert punched his right fist, smashing into the first pillar.


    Like the one in the bubble, this one also shot out, but instead of hitting a barrier, this pillar flew into the hall, embedding its top half. The bottom half is even dented compared to the first one, and it is nearly coming clean.


    Turning around, Norbert felt the tubes connected to his pull to the left. He turned his head around and saw the potion dispenser was on wheels, allowing it to move forward and backward as it tugged him to the left.


    Taking two steps, the next pillar in front of him as it stopped; already, his reserves were halfway total as he sucked in the rest to be topped up. Lining his fist up again, Norbert released it, letting the energy out of him.


    And again, the one on the wall had a friend next to it. Norbert was in front of the third without tugging the pipes, letting him know to move on. Norbert was already filled up in the two steps it took to line up; getting into position, he sent a third friend into the wall, taking the following steps.


    Making it through the first line, Norbert seeing it was the same as before, all just lining up nicely as the next row was pushed forward, Norbert seeing them slide without hearing anything, making his ears starting to imagine the sound.


    Looking down at his arm in his several-second reprieve, Norbert watched as it was once more atrophied, not as bad as before but still not normal. He took more energy from the potion tank behind him as he watched his arm regain its colour and muscle again.


    Its veins were now dark purple, and everyone was making a lattice down his arm, slightly worried. Norbert flexed as the next row was lined up in front of him, confirming that he could still flex his hand correctly, confirming that nothing shot out and no pains rocketed up his arm.


    Punching forward once more, Norbert sent it flying into the wall


    CLAAAANG


    CRACK


    Snapping his head up, confirming what made the sound. Seeing half of the pillar on the floor, looking up at the wall, the one still embedded there now with a dent. Nodding his head, he stepped to the side, and without thinking, he drew from the mana potion behind him.


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    Punching again with the relative clangs, Norbert made it through the line of ten again. Now, going through more than he thought possible, Norbert looked behind him, over half of the liquid already gone, his arm feeling like it was bursting as he watched the following line of metal pillars line up in front of him.


    He was sighing, rocking back on his heels before standing up straight. He shook his hand before punching the pillar again, blocking out the sound he knew was happening as he slid his feet to the next one, punching once more.


    He made it halfway through the sight of something coming off his arm in his peripheral vision, lining up once more, and saw his arm as purple vapour started to come out of it. Confirming his vision was normal, Norbert punched forward again, knowing those behind him would stop him if it became too dangerous.


    Moving to the next one, Norbert pulled from the potion, feeling like he was pulling more as he watched the vapour turning to steam as it came off, swirling off. Disregarding it from his mind, Norbert continued to the next pillar.


    Punching it again, Norbert started to see stars dance slightly in his vision, shaking his head to make himself focus again as he stepped to the right again. Lining himself up, Norbert punched again, stepping to the right without seeing the damage, his head getting lightheaded.


    Pulling more from the potion barrel, even when it wasn''t used, his body wasn''t used to continue progression to the side. Punching again, Norbert felt pain spike through his hand before it partially healed.


    Suddenly the energy within him plummeted to nothing, unable to keep on his feet anymore Norbert fell to the ground, the last thing he saw was the empty tubes connecting into his arm.


    ***


    A splitting headache wrenched Norbert from his slumber. He slowly opened his eyes, even though that movement was too much for him, as he stared at an unknown ceiling. Looking down, seeing himself in a large bed, out of the corner of his eye, Norbert saw a balcony.


    The snow blew outside once more as he continued to stare, his brain kick-starting up as he stared out, wondering why he was looking out towards a balcony with the snow; there shouldn''t be any snow where he was from at this time of year.


    As his brain continued to tick along, the last thing he was doing came back to him in the hall, punching the pillars and sending them flying.


    Remembering what he was doing to his right arm, Norbert brought it up from under the covers, staring at it as if it didn''t look right. Still, too many veins could be seen, all stained slightly purple as their muscles looked more diminutive than they should be, but no loose skin hung on them.


    He was tapping his fingers on the bed, confirming that he still had movement in all of them, and he thought the imp wasn''t there. His head still beating, Norbert looked around the room, seeing the other occupant sitting in a chair in the corner.


    Well, other than the two more on his bed with him. Norbert watched Obsius and the fox, which Norbert had to do a double take as it blended so well with the white sheets. I do not want to imagine trying to catch the thing in the snow outside and seeing the snow pick up once more.


    His eyes returned to the person in the corner, Norbert recognising Count von Count, his head drooped down as if sleeping.


    Wetting his lips and swallowing, making sure his mouth was wet enough, Norbert whistled and immediately stopped. The tune came out much louder than he thought as it died instantly from his lips.


    The sound awakened the vampire as his head bolted upright, staring at Norbert before a smile came along his face. Norbert smiled back before cringing in pain, the headache blaring at him again.


    Count von Count stared at him, raising an eyebrow and tapping his forehead where it was hurting Norbert''s whispered the single word "Headache" as quietly as possible, not wanting to make it any worse.


    Receiving a nod, Count von Count reached down, picking up a bottle beside the chair leg as he soundlessly walked towards Norbert, placing the drink in his mouth and pouring it in.


    Norbert, not having much choice unless he wanted to make a mess he quickly swallowed the liquid, tasting like honey as it bathed his mouth and caressed his throat.


    Finishing it off, the headache significantly reduced from before, and the pain was still there, but it was no longer all-consuming to him.


    " Your lucky that¡¯s the only injury you have." Count von Count said, pointing Norbert''s arm.


    He nods, looking down at his arm and seeing it the same as before. "Ed. "Overuse of mana in one appendage blowing it out. And the mana itself, in this case, healing it up ag" in?" He asked the vampire.


    Only receiving a nod in response, Norbert asked the next quest" "Was it better than it was healing, or I wasn''t"?" He asked the vampire.


    Count von Count collapsed on the bed, going on Norbert''s legs as he shrugged shoulders. "It was "Hard to say; you would have never been able to do that in the first place. Instead you would have just blown your arm "ff." Count von Count said.


    Norbert opened his eyes in shock as he stared at him "Or if you pushed it any longer, you could have turned into a mana bomb, and those things are nasty." Count von Count said, shivering at the thought of the mana bomb going off near him.


    Jumping off the bed and landing on his feet, he headed for the stairs leading to the main floor.


    Norbert tried to move, but a wave of vertigo hit him. Looking back up to Count von Count, shaking his headache, "You need to rest; you only have two days before your ship out of here."


    Norbert watched the vampire leave as the words of two days echoed in his mind, wondering how he kept losing so much time.

 Chapter 231 Grounded

    The words still echo around Norbert''s mind. He only had two more days left until he needed to be ready for action. As he lay on his back, just staring up at the ceiling, Norbert thought about the practice he could have been having. If he hadn''t pushed himself so hard, he could have been practising with his weapon, trying out the same skill.


    Staring up at the ceiling, bored out of his mind, Norbert sat up with slight difficulty. Weird moving his body after so long staying still, seeing if there was anything to do in his room. Looking to the side, Norbert saw a book sitting on a chair; looking at the cover, Norbert gave a grin as he read the title. Reaching for it, not having anything better to do and needing to read it to appease Granny, Norbert picked the book up.


    Watching it slide from his fingers, Norbert looked down at his right hand, attempting to pick it up again but failing as before. Leaning around using his left hand, Norbert could pick it up quickly and place it on his lap.


    Shaking his head with worry as he looked at his arm, he opened the book, turned to the first page, and began reading.


    ***


    Closing it, Norbert sighed, happy that he could at least keep track of the time now. It was more accessible now that he could see the rising sun of the second day. While reading, Norbert had constantly flexed his arm; looking down at it now, at least it seemed normal.


    Feeling his reserves, the pathways within him felt sluggish and used up. I''m not surprised at the amount he pushed them through. Feeling the energy in them higher than he thought it would be. It''s more likely assuming that it would be at rock bottom instead of halfway up. Sadly, it was incomplete, and he didn''t know if it could take the total pressure off it.


    He picked up the book with his right hand and placed it back on the chair next to him, happy that the book didn''t slip from his fingers, but the movement was not effortless like he would have desired.


    Looking at the book, Norbert thought over what had happened, but nothing stuck out. It was just a book about an astronaut doing what he did best, flying through the stars, but only when he came back, nothing was as it seemed.


    From there, the story changes from sci-fi to survivalist when he re-entries. Now that Norbert was thinking of it reminded him of a bunch of ape movies that took over the planet and the box office.


    He did not pick up any extra details as he looked at the book. It wouldn''t at least be weird on Earth. Over here in Masanu, he didn''t even know if someone could travel to outer space.


    Whether that was because they didn''t have the technology or magic to do it or because there was some Cthulhu-like creature waiting to suck his brains out and flick him away from just someone looking at its existence.


    Opening it back up, I saw the first pages with the date of the book just printed there, the ISBN written there, just an X next to it.


    Norbert stared at the number, not remembering what it was but knowing it should be longer than that and have numbers and not the letter X printed in bold.


    Staring at it, hoping the memory could stick so he could research the strange book back on Earth, Norbert closed it again, with no point in trying to remember any more details, only to forget them all later when he could research it.


    Falling back into the bed, Norbert wiggled his toes as he stared at the ceiling again. A minute passed with nothing happening; reaching up with his right hand, Norbert gazed at it, the veins having subsided again to regular. Norbert was happy with that and did not see a point in staying in bed any longer; it was not like his walking was ever impeded.


    His headache was no longer there; Norbert spun around, standing out of his bed and looking down on himself. He was happy to find himself clothed as before, not wanting even to imagine being changed by Count von Count. Never being able to live it down and always being brought up.


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    Norbert shivered at the thought.


    He tidied his bed and saw the stains on his feet from walking barefoot outside. Hearing someone clopping up the stairs, Norbert continued to make his bed.


    "Oh, good, you''re up." Said Count von Count, standing on the last step.


    Norbert, having finished making the bed, smiled at Count von Count. "Yep, all up and ready to go."


    Walking downstairs, the vampire in the lead looked at the table; Obsius and the fox were on it. As he looked at the seats, he saw everyone he thought would be there.


    Sally and Lily are already sitting there next to each other, having a hand in the fox''s fur and turning around as they hear him going down the stairs. Both of them smiled as they saw Norbert come down.


    Heading to his seat, looking at the table and the items sprawled on it. Standing there, Norbert looked over at the items; the first thing taking his eye were the clothes. Actual clothes.


    Picking up the new set with socks and boots, Norbert ran back upstairs, not stopping to thank the people at the table.


    Returning, holding the old clothes under his arm, the squeaking leather boots hitting the stone as he was once more in the usual garb of a scout. The leather is stretched under him, with the sword secured adequately around his waist, and he is wearing pants.


    Sitting down, wiggling his toes in his boots and feeling their warmth made him smile as he looked at the other goodies he had received.


    The black metal first took his eyes as he looked at them. All are sitting in a pile, one on top of the other; Norbert saw the two pieces making up his helmet. Each pile was three tall, as Norbert picked up the mask, looking into its eyes as it stared back at him. Neither of the masks glowed red along the jawlines.


    Spinning it around, Norbert placed it over his head, feeling comfort as he felt his chin adequately protected. Taking it off again, Norbert sees the rest of the items.


    Another set of clothes, the coin pouches with the dagger he had damaged, and some more spares sitting there. Seeing another backpack, Norbert opened it and saw the essentials he needed.


    A flint sitting there with torches and a cord of rope. Smiling at it, knowing how much a torch would have been handy and being able to make a spark at least and cook some of the meat he had eaten. His mouth salivating at having food as a bowl was slid underneath him.


    Looking at the gruel with a spoon sticking out, Norbert nodded as he took a bite. His stomach rumbled at the lack of food it had taken in itself. Swallowing it down, Norbert took a second and a third bite before swallowing it.


    "Did I make it?" Norbert asked the table.


    Count von Count sputtered into laughter as he thumped the table. The fox stared at him in annoyance at the sudden sound as Lily and Sally both shot the vampire a death glare for disrupting the foxes'' sleeping.


    "By his reaction, yes, you did make it in," Sally responded curtly before clearing her mouth, standing up and extending her hand to Norbert. Holding the spoon in his mouth, Norbert shook his hand, feeling the gloves flex under his fingers, only the tips remaining, allowing him to purchase onto rocks if needed.


    "Congratulations on making it in and becoming the newest member of Sigma Eight" " she said. Lily clapped in response half-heartedly against her arm, not wanting to stop patting the fox.


    Norbert shook his head as he continued to eat. "Still going to the tournament?" He asked, letting the question fall into the air.


    "But, of course, I must represent myself after staying here for so long." She said, indicating the room and mountains they currently resided in.


    Norbert nodding as he con nodded as he continued eating a spoonful of ul of his meal. Finishing it off, Norbert stretched his arms, his belly now warm and full as he looked around the room.


    "How long until I need to depart?" He asked.


    Lily scrunched her face as she thought of the time; after several moments, Sally gave the information twenty rotations. Norbert, nodding in response, stuffed the items given into his bag and headed towards the balcony.


    Everyone at the table looked at him as he stood on the balcony ledge, the snow once more blowing through as the sun beat down on his face.


    "You coming, buddy?" He asked the vampire.


    "Where to?" The vampire responded.


    "Well, I need to get your blood crystal, of course," Norbert said; he jumped to the side. Everyone rushed from the rushed. The vampire covered himself in robes that appeared out of nowhere, wrapping himself up as he leapt after Norbert.


    Sally and Lily are standing there, watching the two figures scaling the mountainside to the ledge far below.


    "Is he like that over there?" Lily asked Sally.


    Shaking her head in response, before thinking about his trip to Italy, she said, "Not so bad. Guess, the other people keep him grounded." As they turned back around, heading to the portal, she said they both needed to get ready to leave. She was giving the fox one last pat before leaving, or several.

 Chapter 232 Expected Outcomes

    Stopping himself on the ledge again, Norbert felt the pelting of stones as Count von Count came down next to him, wrapped up so tightly that the sun could not hit even a patch of skin. Norbert is just snickering at the vampire with the efforts needed to make it around.


    Norbert looked down the path, remembering the black blobs chasing after him the last time he was down here. Walking along the ledge, Norbert saw the crack in the mountainside where he expected it to be. He was waving to Count von Count, who just stared at him.


    "It''s right there, the fissure just as I mentioned before," Norbert said to the vampire, pointing his hand at the opening in the rock.


    "See nothing." Count von Count responded curtly.


    Norbert placed his hand through it as he shimmied his body across, taking his backpack off and holding it in one hand to allow him to squeeze correctly through it. Looking back at the vampire, he saw his eyes wide in realisation as he followed after Norbert.


    Making it through it again, Norbert opened up to the first chamber he found, seeing the opening as he expected. The riverbed was still there, but with no liquid running down it.


    Looking around the cave, Norbert confirmed that everything else was still in their correct place. Following the dry riverbed up, walking where the blood used to be, Count von Count followed along silently.


    Walking through the next fissure at a much more leisurely place, as the two of them walked in silence, looking over his shoulder, Norbert saw the vampire anxiousness in his eyes, not wanting to believe what he was being shown was true.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert continued through the second fissure and into the hall. The moment Norbert exited the other side, his fears were met. Sitting on the podium was¡­ nothing.


    The red light that Norbert used to bathe the room was gone; needing to change over his vision to see in the darkness that consumed him. Looking back at the vampire, he saw the disappointment on his face as he shook his head.


    "Every time." He said to himself.


    "What?" Norbert asked the vampire.


    "Nothing important. Every time the relic is thought to be found, it always slips through our grasp. Just means this is another place taken off the list." Count von Count said dejectedly, shrugging his shoulders at the end as he started walking away, returning to where they came.


    Norbert looked up at the hole above him, staring at the sides. The darkness is unable to let him see the marks he made before. Jumping up, Norbert reached out. Count von Count stared at what he was doing.


    Pulling himself up with his fingers, gripping the stone, Norbert climbed up, finding what he was looking for. There on the side were the climbing marks he made before. Dropping down there, Norbert dusted his hands off out of habit, as there wasn''t any dirt on them or his fingers.


    "This was the place. Marks still up there where I crawled out." Norbert said to the vampire, nodding up to the hole in the ceiling.


    Count von Count shrugged as he looked back the way they had come. Beckoning Norbert to follow, the duo again left the cave system. Looking back once more, Norbert wanted to explore the places he had already been in the mountainside, wanting to confirm that what he saw previously really happened.


    Walking outside, feeling the sun on his face, Norbert and the Count returned to the pathway before climbing up the mountainside. Norbert dug his fingers in as the snow blew around his face, sending energy around his body to keep it warm and stop the bite from happening.


    Count von Count seemingly ran up the near-vertical slope, reminding Norbert of a goat climbing a mountain. Shivering down his spine at the memory of the white goat in the arena, not seeing how that would have been able to climb the mountainside.


    Pulling himself over the balcony, Count von Count sits at the table, leaning back on the chair with his feet on the table, seemingly picking something from between his teeth. Landing quietly on the stone, Norbert walked into the room as he felt the snow on his body melt.


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    "You three ready to go, or do you need another five minutes?" Norbert asked the trio, lounging around.


    "No, no, just waiting on you." Count von Count said as he hopped off the chair, it clattering behind him as he walked towards the portal.


    Norbert walked to the table, picked up and tucked the chair under it; Obsius poked the fox to wake it up as she fluttered onto his left shoulder. The snow-white fox yawned loudly, ruffling its head from side to side as it blinked the sleep out of its eyes.


    Seeing everyone else moving and Norbert''s hand resting on the table, the fox quickly scurried up Norbert''s right arm, resting on his shoulder as it sat there. Its tail wrapped around Norbert''s nits, and it wrapped around the ring of the fox on his body. Staring at it Norbert seeing its nails digging into his clothes as the fox finds purchase on him.


    He nodded in approval, looked around the room, and made sure there was nothing left as he walked up the stairs to the room. He patted his body and bag on his back and ensured everything was there.


    Not finding anything he could have wanted, Norbert stepped through the portal and gave the room one last look goodbye, looking out the balcony with the snow still blowing; as he stepped through, his body elongating before coming together, Norbert wondered where that trail went, never having explored that location of the mountains.


    Going further downwards, Norbert found Count von Count waiting on the stairs for him, others walking past the vampire as they made their way downstairs to the lower levels, staring at him and giving a wide berth to the creature of the night.


    Norbert watched the others make their way down, walking up the vampire himself, breaking through the invisible bubble as he patted Count von Count on the back.


    "Come on, slow poke." Norbert said as he descended the many steps ahead of him, "Not everyone has all day."


    Hearing the groan of annoyance behind him, Norbert started whistling, quickly followed by Count von Count and Obsius on his left shoulder. The more they whistled, the more significant the pain in his right shoulder became. Norbert sent energy to it to heal himself.


    He was casually looking at what was happening; he saw the fox staring at him angrily as it drew blood from Norbert, slowly watching it trickle down his shoulder.


    ***


    Standing before the entrance, everyone around him had their hands over their ears and gave him annoyed looks. Whenever they tried to talk to him, Norbert would cup his hand over his ear, pointing it in their direction as he mouthed how loud it was.


    After the first few attempts, everyone received the message that he wouldn''t stop. Neither were his two backups relenting in their pursuit of music. As he continued, the last stragglers came down the stairs, giving him and the vampire a wide birth, trying to escape music.


    He continued whistling, surprised nobody here had even tried to tell him to stop. Looking over the crowd, I saw that the dark wielder number 101 wasn''t in the crowd either, and I was not surprised that anybody else tried.


    Feeling a hand on his head, Norbert continued whistling as he turned around and saw who had grabbed him. "Ah, speak of the devil," Norbert said.


    Behind him stood 101, standing, Norbert having to stop whistling to speak under his breath. He received a nod from the man as he continued past him, turning around and following him. Norbert brought his lips together to continue to whistle, and the man turned around slightly. Immediately, Norbert stopped his attempt at whistling, letting the man continue moving throughout the group.


    Obsius and Count von Count had also stopped in the crowd, breathing with relief that the ear-bleeding whistling had finally stopped.


    Out above the crowd stood Commander Sally, wearing the armour that Norbert had first seen her in, a stern expression on her face rather than the curious and calm look she had when they previously talked.


    "Thank you all for coming here; when you leave through the portal, you will represent Morenas in the upcoming tournament." The commander said; all voices in the hall had stopped; not even a whisper or a boot sliding across the ground could be heard.


    He was waiting; Norbert realised that nothing else would be said. After several quiet seconds, the commander saluted them. Hearing the movement of clothes, they all moved as one, saluting her in return, Norbert being careful not to knock the fox off his shoulder, though there wasn''t a need to as he saw the fox also doing the same position, one paw in the air.


    The portal opened behind her, the blue light swirling around, inviting them all in. One by one, they filed inside, Norbert watching as they all went through.


    The last one turned around before making a sound of annoyance to Norbert, still standing there, not having moved a step. The hall workers who had stayed to watch the spectacle finally returned to their jobs, and the show was now over.


    Walking forward, Norbert nodded to Sally as she jumped off the pedestal they stood on to make her short speech. Taking his hood, she covered Norbert''s head before scuffling her hand through his hair.


    "Make it out; I and others will watch your progress, so make Morenas proud." She said before leaning closer, whispering in Norbert''s ear, "And Earth."


    Norbert swallowed at the word, feeling it reverberate around his head before slowly sinking towards his stomach. Back stiffening, Norbert stepped through the portal.


    Sally turned to Count von Count, "And you, try not to get him in any more trouble."


    The vampire is holding his hands up in surrender. "I like to think I keep him out of most of it." He said, securing his clothes around him and confirming no sun could hit him as he walked through the portal.


    Commander Sally snorted in response as she watched the portal close behind the vampire. She sighed as she wondered how the other countries would react to Norbert and the vampire together.


    She was shaking her head and whispering to herself, calling one of the staff over as she asked for a portal to be opened to head back to her office.

 Chapter 233 Trouble in the Square

    Stepping through, Norbert squinted his eyes as the light assaulted him. Blinking his eyes, Norbert looked around, avoiding the mass of people huddling around the portal. He shakes his head to get the sickness out of him, hears those around him unable to fight the battle, and releases the contents of their stomach on the ground.


    Walking through the puddles on shaky legs, the amount he travelled in that single jump the furthest he had ever gone in a single moment. He looked at his two companions, giving them both a pat, confirming that they also had no accidents after the trip.


    Seeing the blue light snap closed, Norbert turned around, smiling as he saw Count von Count walking towards him; before walking past, Norbert watched where the vampire was walking following behind him, the vampire now all covered up as he wrapped a piece of cloth over his face.


    "I''m not going to leave you that quickly." His buddy said, Norbert just continuing to grin as he patted Count von Count on the back, sending the vampire stumbling for a second before regaining his balance.


    Walking through the people, most have recovered by now, only hearing the dry heaving as Norbert looked at where they found themselves. Surprised not to be in a building but an open square, along him were sandstone buildings. As he stood there, spinning around, trying to grind himself, sand blew against his face.


    Reaching into his pack, Norbert slapped his mask over his face. Instantly, the sand blown by the wind no longer bit his face. Looking around the sand city, Norbert stared at those in the city all on the square roofs of the buildings around them.


    All were standing on guard, some relaxed and talking to each other, while others Norbert could feel breathing down his neck. Giving one of these guards an eye as he breathed out, making his mask flash red even during the day.


    The guard did not give him the time of day at all, as Norbert dismissed them from his mind, walking towards the centre of the crowd, trying to blend in. Everyone stepped away as Count von Count followed behind him, wrapped up in his clothes.


    As the two made it to the centre, Norbert looked around, everyone giving a one-meter berth from him, sighing at his plan of blending in utterly destroyed before it could adequately set in. Norbert tapped the hilt of his dagger as he waited for something to happen. He was moving the straps on his back into a more comfortable position, as he hadn''t been able to dial the backpack into fitting as comfortably as his last one.


    Still waiting, Norbert felt the time slip past him. Looking up towards the sun, shielding his eyes as he tried to remember if the sun had even moved from where he was before. Not remembering the sun''s position while in the Halls, Norbert shrugged at the thought.


    As they continued to wait, those around him started to whisper to each other, slowly spreading like a disease throughout the entire crowd; Norbert just turned to the vampire, surprised that Count von Count hadn''t started flapping his jowl the first chance he had.


    Looking around once more at the people around him and the guards on the rooftops, sighing once more as he waited for something to happen. After several moments, feeling the fox scurrying around, he turned to see what it was doing.


    He was getting hit by a wave of sand. Norbert turned his face around and felt his hand around. Norbert opened the flap, feeling the fox scurrying inside before it closed behind it. Obsius also disappeared from his shoulder, knowing she was his backpack without checking.


    Like this, the group stood there, the sand blowing around them; after some time, the idle chatter died down, and no more new topics could be discussed as they started to notice the time dragging longer.


    With their patience finally broken, one individual decided to speak up, "Oy, how much- AGH!"


    Norbert turned his head, looking at the commotion in front of him as the group held their breath, everyone reaching for their weapons as they looked around. Norbert noticed the blood shooting up into the air from the impact out of the corner of his eye, watching the vampire by his side. The only response was Count von Count''s slight head turn to Norbert, who could almost see the grin behind the cloth.


    The person being impacted stiffened their cry as they held an arrow above their head, the blood quickly drying in the hot air. Following the direction, Norbert saw one guard on the rooftop placing a new arrow in their bow before resting it on their leg and continuing to talk to their comrades.


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    Everyone''s eyes went wide as restlessness started to move through the group, everyone becoming increasingly twitchy. Norbert turned to Count von Count, believing the vampire would have interacted with this group.


    The Count was looking as ever, ready for action but not on high alert, knowing he wouldn''t need to unsheathe any weapons. Norbert continued to rest his hand on a dagger, waiting for the time to tick by.


    As the sun started to move lower on the horizon, Norbert heard rustling from his backpack, the sand still blowing, his hands shoved deep in his pockets to protect them from the sand that still blew, surprised that it was still going so constantly.


    The idea pickled inside his mind as he started counting to himself; the wind stayed the same. Norbert leaning over to the vampire, "Is the wind always constant here?" He asked the vampire.


    Seeing the slightest shake of his head before the hairs on the back of his neck prickled, before he could realise, Norbert saw a bolt sticking out of him. Looking at it coming from his right side, the closest one that the vampire wasn''t blocking, Norbert pulled it out of his body, happy that it didn''t hit the bag, as he looked inside, confirming that the bird and the fox weren''t hurt.


    "It might get a bit bumpy soon," Norbert whispered to them, the arrow still sticking out of his body. People in the group turned around as they looked at him; without even making a sound, Norbert ripped the arrow from his body, blood spurting out in a line before it quickly healed over.


    Watching the one that shot him as he shook the arrow between his fingertips, using it as a teacher does to scold a student, Norbert watched his reaction, surprised as it stayed the same.


    Nodding his head, Norbert brought the arrowhead up to his face, seeing three inverted barbs coming out designed to tear and rip flesh if it was removed. As he looked at the blood splatter on the ground, quickly drying, the mystery of the reason so much came out.


    Grabbing the arrow, holding the end with his pointer finger, Norbert chucked it at the guard, extending his finger to give it more force and direction. Norbert watched as it didn''t have as much power as he thought, idly spinning in the air end over end before clattering against the guard and dropping to their feet.


    "Well, that didn''t go as I thought," Norbert said aloud to nobody.


    From his left, Norbert saw out of the corner of his eyes another guard release their arrow; able to see it this time, Norbert swiped it out of the air, unable to hold onto it fully before it punctured his chest, thoroughly poking through, the hole in his clothing it tried to create as Norbert dropped it to the ground, not caring about throwing it back from the lousy attempt that last happened.


    The others now turn around in the group, looking toward the turn. Taking his backpack off, Norbert handed it to Count von Count, "Can you hand it for a second?" Wincing slightly, the arrow appeared in his gut.


    The vampire, looking down at his blood for a second, splattered onto the floor before giving himself a shake and taking the bag off Norbert. Giving Count von Count a smile and a thumbs up as he removed the arrow from his body, the vampire walking into the crowd. Nobody caring that Walker was around them now cared ping the arrow to the floor, joining its buddy Norbert. Looking around, that join of guards now watching him. "OK, who''s going to be the next one?"


    Hearing two twang¡¯s from opposite directions Norbert letting them both impact him before, Norbert taking them out again, healing himself up as if nothing had happened. Dropping them to the floor, as he started to look at his clothes, and the holes that it was creating.


    ¡°You know, if this continues I expect you to pay for a new set of clothes!¡± Norbert shouted, waiting for the guards responses


    TWANG


    TWANG


    TWANG


    TWANG


    TWANG


    TWANG


    TWANG


    Hearing the eight arrows launching together as he waited, peppering his body as one scratched against his mask, the eighth arrow slamming into the unprotected back of his head.


    Going to the ground as his back of his neck was impacted by the arrow. Unable to control the lower half of his body as he looked down at the ground. Pushing any to his wound, Norbert felt it try to close up over the arrow.


    He felt nauseous as it mended around him. Norbert quickly grabbed it and ripped it out; Emery grabbed and ripped himself up, which was already localised in the area.


    Dropping his arm to the side, Norbert let it rest there as he waited, wondering if anything else was coming for him. He felt nothing as he mentally checked and felt no pains in his body. Able to wriggle his fingers and toes, Norbert slowly came up to his feet, looking at the barbed, and approached the piano. He looked and felt the back of his head, confirming that there wasn''t even a hole there as he wondered if the hair also grew back or if he just now had a bald spot in the back of his mind.


    Looking up at the guards around him, seeing them now have a worried look on their faces, scanning through them, wondering which one was the one that shot him in the back of the head. Unable to pick it up, Norbert shouted, " But seriously, how long until someone ''s here?"


    Instantly, Norbert could see them raise their bows, pulling them back and releasing them, not even focusing on it. Norbert jumped into the air as high as he could go, a couple of arrows pelting into his legs, but most of them were missing.


    As he rose into the air, Norbert looked around, reminding himself of the Arabian city in Aladdin, with the sandstone, flat rooftops and buildings everywhere, low and squat to the ground. Ribbons of colour of flaps and awnings appear around the city. As he looked around, he saw a massive stadium. The square they were currently in was connected to it by a path.


    As he looked around where he was seeing several more of these squares dotted around in the perimeter of the city. As Norbert started to land others pointing towards him in the sky. Crashing to the ground on top of all the broken arrows Norbert crossing his legs as he sat down, knowing that these people would stop playing whatever game they were playing with holding everyone up when they deemed it necessary.


    And not a moment earlier.

 Chapter 234 The Pudgy Patron

    As Norbert finally got comfortable, hearing the trumpets blowing from the front of the crowd. Rising to his feet, shaking his head in annoyance that he was disturbed just after getting shot to pieces. Stretching his back as he stood up, the timing of it coming rising suspicion in him, wondering who had set the entire thing up just to come around after Norbert had been shot to pieces.


    The sand now peppered his skin where the holes were, annoyed at his ruined garments as he stepped towards Count von Count, who was part of the crowd, with the new arrivals taking everyone''s attention.


    Standing there, Norbert took the backpack he was offered. He placed it on his back again, sitting snuggly where it was meant to feel a head resting on his shoulder as the fox looked out of the backpack to see what all the commotion was about.


    Seeing its ears move around in circles to pick up the noise before huffing and going back into the backpack, getting a chuckle from Norbert as the trumpets and fanfare finally died down.


    Focusing on what was being said as he focused on the words, not understanding anything coming out of the person''s mouth. Looking to Count von Count, who stared intently, nodding his head slightly with the words being said, Norbert at least had someone to talk to about it.


    Groaning as he wished he still had his translator, Norbert felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to the vampire and held something in his hand. Looking at the talisman slowly spinning around from its chain, Norbert instantly recognised the translator, nodding his head in thanks as he took it, seeing it was also shining in the daylight, having at least several days'' worth of juice in the item.


    Placing it around his neck, the words become recognisable. "And that is all. May luck be on your side unless you don''t need it." Norbert presumed the person finished before walking away.


    Looking at the vampire, even though he wore all the clothes, Norbert could still tell the creature was grinning; stepping towards him, Norbert whispered as the group trudged forward, "What did they speak about?"


    "Oh, you didn''t hear?" Asked Count von Count, "I''m sure you could understand them, though, with the little trinket I gave you?" He pondered to himself.


    Norbert, feeling ire, came into his voice. "Just tell me what was said." Norbert told the vampire.


    "Uhhh, you''re no fun. Here are some basics about the tournament. We aren''t staying in the arena but in inns scattered halfway between the colosseum and here. When we leave the square, we will be given a token identifying us as competitors for Morenas that can be used for boarding down this street. Food needs to be bought by yourself." Count von Count finished off.


    Norbert looked around; others were already walking forward, collecting items from the guards that jumped off the roofs. They were now on the side, with several at the front handing out the tokens.


    "Well, I''m off. Need to meet up with some people, go get a room at the Pudgy Patron." Count von Count finished before disappearing into the crowd, Norbert instantly losing sight of the vampire.


    Shaking his head, Norbert continued forward, taking his token from the closest guard and handing it out as he followed the group throughout the city. Looking around him, he saw the city''s residents covering themselves in brightly coloured cloths, all wrapped up as Norbert continued to feel the sand beating on him.


    Seeing stalls for food and items, the glittering jewellery hanging about, and the brightly coloured fabrics for sale, as he looked above the shops in the street, the typical two-story as he saw people moving about in the windows above.


    Continuing to walk, Norbert looked at the sites offered, needing to go around the street entertainers showing magic, puppets and other goodies.


    Seeing the group he was in, he started to peter out, going through doors and into shops. Norbert continued walking forward, and the stadium started to take up most of his vision in the street ahead of him. Noticing the wooden signs depicting what they did in the corner apart from the logo and seeing the ones with cups reminds Norbert of a beer stein with a good head on top.


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    Continuing to walk forward, Norbert did not understand the words written on the signs; remembering the talisman''s shortcomings, Norbert sighed to himself in annoyance.


    He continued walking; Norbert felt the fox jump onto his shoulder again, seeing the head move about once more.


    YIP


    Norbert looked at the fox, seeing it looking at the side, Norbert following with his eyes, watching as they fell on a stand, giving smoked meat out as the owner continued to shout his goods, competing with everyone else trying to sell their own.


    He nodded as he patted the foxes, confirming that he had read what it wanted; Norbert stepped out of the rush of people going both ways, trying to reach their destination.


    "Can I get two of those?" Norbert asked, nodding to the kebabs.


    "Five copper." The start reply from the owner came. Norbert wondered what the change was to be so fierce with a customer compared to the booming voice.


    Reaching into his pouch on his hip, Norbert fumbled inside, feeling the coins out. "Do you take Morena''s coin?" Norbert asked the owner.


    Only receiving a nod of his head, Norbert reached in. Still keeping his fingers there, Norbert took the five coins out, placing them in the greasy hand of the man as Norbert looked at the black hairs going up his arms, sweat and grit stamped on them from all the sand blowing around.


    Receiving a nod, the man started to prepare Norbert''s order. Turning around as he watched the street, he saw the hustle and bustle of people moving about their lives.


    Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Norbert saw the two kebabs held in front of him. Norbert took them both as the fox popped out. Norbert held the meat skewer so the fox could get its pieces off.


    As Norbert started to walk away, he turned around. What Count von Count said echoed in his mind: "Say, you wouldn''t know where to find the Pudgy Patron?" Norbert asked the cook.


    Norbert saw a sharp breath intake as the man''s hesitantly hardened on him. "Aye, might know where it is."


    Norbert reached into his pouch, picked out a coin, and saw its silver light shining. He flicked the coin over to the man, who caught it out of the air before looking at it, not believing his own eyes.


    "How about now? Can you now tell me where it is?" Norbert asked the man in front of him.


    The cook looks around. "Oye, Crestie, come here!" He shouted off to nobody in particular.


    Norbert waited several moments as a boy appeared out of the crowd, looking at the store owner; Norbert did not see where the boy appeared from.


    "Yes, Kroger?" The boy asked.


    "Take this one to the Pudgy Patron." Kroger, the cook said.


    The boy took a breath and looked towards Norbert, looking him up and down. Norbert reached into his pouch and presented another silver coin. "This will be for your troubles," Norbert said, flicking the coin.


    Crestie reached for the coin in the air as Norbert swiped it out, just out of reach. ¡°After,¡± Norbert said.


    He saw a determined nod from the promise to be made; the boy ran off into the crowd. Norbert departed the stall with a wave of his hand as he followed the boy, instantly cutting to the other side of the street.


    Like this, the two continued to the left, circling the stadium, which always stood the same distance away. Norbert sees only slight differences in the people walking around. The buildings were still the same, but the colours and fabric were slightly different, and the cuts they wore hugged their bodies.


    As the boy stopped on the side of the street, Norbert instantly saw a difference; those up ahead had themselves like mummies, not a single inch of their skin exposed as they walked down the street. The boy pointed to one of the houses. Looking at the banner, Norbert stood to the side and saw an incredibly round person there, just a stick figure with a large circle for its body.


    Norbert turned around to the boy. "Why don''t you go any further?" he asked.


    "That''s Death Lane," Crestie replied, saying that was enough explanation.


    Norbert was looking at the boy, who became increasingly nervous, looking around his shoulders to ensure nobody was there for him.


    Looking increasingly desperate, they quickly said, "Those that go there don''t return the same; now, can I please have the coin, good sir." The boy asked, starting to shake as he looked straight ahead, right behind Norbert, continuing to look into the street.


    Norbert nodded, not seeing the boy be any more valuable, as he reached into his pouch and took out two silver coins. The boy hesitates for a second before taking both and sprinting out of there like Death lapping at his heels.


    Turning back to the street, Norbert saw his mark as he walked towards the inn; stepping inside, he was washed with a sound that quickly grew to nothing.


    Looking around, Norbert saw nobody sitting near the doorway; as he stood there, the light streamed from behind him. Letting it close to a creek, everyone was still staring at him as he adjusted his eyes.


    The fox and the bird jumped out of his backpack; Norbert felt them shake themselves off the sand onto the floor before taking their positions on his shoulders. Everyone was still staring as Norbert started to see the people''s differences, and everything seemed slightly off.


    Skin colour, teeth, ears, eyes, irises. With all that, he could see something was slightly different than he expected, not quite able to place a finger on it. "Where has the Count brought me this time," Norbert asked the crowd in the bar.

 Chapter 235 Discussion at the Patron

    "What are you doing over here... boy?" The person behind the bar grizzled towards Norbert hostility dripping from his voice. As the door closed behind him, shutting off, the sounds of people walking and shouting out on the street, turning to the side and. The windows that used to be there were now boarded up several times, stopping the slightest ray of sunlight from entering.


    Lamps dotting around on the tables, Norbert watching as the open flames flickered around on their wicks. Shadows dancing together to a tune Norbert couldn''t hear. Looking towards the barkeeper, Norbert watched the arm that continued to clean the glass. His sleeves rolled up as he watched the bone of his forearm moving about, with off-white gloves on each hand, keeping it together. Looking towards his face, it seemed like the skin was half melted off, only stuck on by wax and not muscles.


    Looking towards the bar, seeing several empty seats as people shuffled off in front of the barkeeper. Sighing at what Count von Count had brought him in, he sat down with a thud onto the hard wooden stool. Taking his backpack off and placing it between his feet, Norbert placed both hands on the table as he tapped his fingers, playing a drumming noise.


    "A friend, buddy, whatever said to meet up here, so here I am." Norbert said, giving a quick reply as he stared at the barkeeper, not turning around as he felt everyone''s gaze now on his back. They were feeling their hands going to their weapons as they weighed up Norbert''s words.


    "Does this ''buddy'' have a name? And take the mask off." The barkeeper said, giving Norbert the last statement one as an order.


    Not seeing the point of annoying the owner of the place he was meant to meet up with Count von Count, wondering how long it would take the guards to come to this section of the city if he made a disturbance. Norbert reaching for his mask and took it off his face before wiping it with his hand, feeling the skin move beneath it, before tussling his hair, letting the hand holding his mask drop to the side "Ah, sorry about that. Quite rude of me. And the friend I''m waiting on is Count von Count." Norbert said, placing the mask on the table with a clatter, still holding it down with his right hand as his left dropped to his waist.


    Holding his breath, the bartender slowly released, audible in the silent room, "Guess the blighted curse is within our lands once again." The barkeeper said dejectedly, a round of ayes going around the bar as everyone took up their drink, downing it before slamming it on the table.


    Finally turning around, Norbert looked at the depressed faces around the bar, surprised it could look so grim so quickly. Turning back to the barkeeper, his question was interrupted by someone behind him, "Maybe he won''t be so bad this time." They said hopefully, voice wavering as they tried to make it accurate.


    Norbert looked around and swivelled back to the barkeeper. "What do they mean so bad this time?" He asked, Norbert, starting to worry.


    "Uhrrm," the barkeeper said, clearing his voice as he thought before continuing ¡°His personality and humour are ¡­  grating to others." The barkeeper said, finishing it off with a nod of his head.


    "Hear ye, hear ye!" Everyone in the bar shouted, slamming their empty drinks on the table.


    "Oh, come on, he isn''t that bad," Norbert said to the bar.


    "Oh no, he¡¯s one of them." Someone else said, Norbert, thinking one of them almost started crying.


    "That''s offensive; I''m only here for the contest. I don''t know when the vampire will return, so you have some time." Norbert said to the bar, trying to quell the rising tension in the room.


    The entire room shuffled as they looked towards the door, making sure that it hadn''t started to move from the declaration of Norbert. They confirmed that the vampire hadn''t burst through the door with the declaration.


    Everyone left Norbert and the barkeeper to themselves as servers were called to the guests to refill the mugs.


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    "How long are you going to be staying with us?" The barkeeper asked.


    "How long does the tournament last for?" Norbert asked the barkeeper in response.


    A slight chuckle came out of his lips "Kids," he said mostly to himself ", the tournament goes for twenty-five cycles, officially starting in two cycles'' time, so twenty-seven cycles from today."


    "And housing with meals for thirty cycles?" Norbert asked.


    Everyone in the crowd once more grew quiet. Norbert was now looking around, and they all looked at him like a piece of meat.


    "I wouldn''t recommend staying here for an extended period." The bartender said as he started to look at Norbert hungrily.


    "Shouldn¡¯t matter with this where I stay or for how long" Norbert said placing the token he received from the guards for his boarding down on the table. Hearing a cackle of laughter around as the blue token shone out for everyone.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t work on this street. Go back to where you came if you want to use it.¡± The bartender said, crossing his arms in front of him, the glass he was cleaning on the bar table, wobbling around before resting.


    Growling in annoyance at needing to pay Norbert said the few simple words ¡°How much?¡±


    "Gold coin." The bartender said with a straight face.


    "Single room for thirty cycles and three meals a day, edible and enough for these two as well?" Norbert asked, finishing by pointing to both Obsius and the white fox.


    Receiving a nod of approval, Norbert took two gold coins and placed them on the table with a thunck. Holding them both down with his fingers, Norbert tapped the second one closer to him. "And this one is to have no complications," Norbert said.


    A quick nod of the bartender''s head as Norbert raised his fingers from the gold coins, instantly being swiped the moment Norbert released them from his clutches, the two coins disappearing into the man''s robes.


    Norbert stared at the bartender as he wiped his glass without a care in the world, smiling. Norbert cleared his throat as the bartender looked back at him before the cogs began to tick in his head.


    "Right food, I''ll bring it out right away." The bartender said, moving from his position and going into the back room. Norbert looked into the kitchen briefly through the swinging doors before they closed. A single chef inside was moving about, trying to make food as the serving girls came in and out, dirty cutlery and plates going in, and fresh meals coming out.


    Norbert looked around the bar, seeing a set of steps going down into the ground, underneath where he was, wondering what that was about the bartender coming back out holding a key for Norbert.


    Handing it over, the bartender babbled, "Your meal will be ready in ten rotations. Will you want it here or in your room?"


    Norbert thinks the best is "Whatever is easiest for you." Norbert replied.


    The bartender gave a slight bow as he handed the key over, Norbert examining it as the bartender spoke again, "Well, we would love to have you here; your room is number ten; go up the ladder and the door at the end." The barkeeper said.


    Norbert nodded as he left his chair. Obsius and the fox jumped back on his shoulders as he picked up his backpack and mask, holding the mask in one hand and the backpack and key in the other.


    Walking down the stairs made out of sandstone, Norbert went up several steps before his head poked up, going to an open expanse, items everywhere with windows closed, a walled-off section with a single doorway. He was walking down to the end. Norbert looked at the key and saw that the number nine was written on it. Norbert chuckled as he entered the appropriate room, unlocking the door with a click.


    Looking in the room, Norbert instantly saw two windows; Norbert realised he was on the corner of the building, the sun''s light always making its way inside during the day. The curtains are currently closed. Norbert opened them, letting the light correctly in the room as he saw the dust everywhere.


    He placed his bag down near the bed and noticed a chest there opened, the only other contents in the room. He placed his backpack in there and closed it up, hearing it lock again. Recognising the locks as the past one, whoever had closed the chest could open it again. Norbert breathed out, happy that his items and extra coins wouldn''t be taken from him.


    Taking the curtains, Norbert tried to billow the dust outside as he sneezed. Letting it rest, Norbert slapped the bed, another cloud of dust appearing once more in the air. Norbert continued grumbling, saying he didn''t know and couldn''t use a spell to clean the room.


    The fox and the bird standing on the other windowsill, looking off into the street below them, continued to move about with no concern for Norbert as he continued his battle. He was wafting as much dust as possible out the other window overlooking the building next to them.


    Sticking his head out as the dust went around him outside, slowly dissipating, Norbert looked around, seeing the alleyway beneath him and the other flat roof on the other side of the alleyway. There were only several chairs and a table on the top with no shade; as Norbert looked closer, he saw signs of use but not currently. Norbert didn''t want to know what happened at night, hoping whatever it was wouldn''t be so loud to interrupt his sleeping if he could even get any in this tavern.


    Going back into the room to dust as best he could, Norbert heard a knock on the door, several taps one after the other filling the room.


    Staring at the door, Norbert wondered who it was when it slowly opened.

 Chapter 236 Unexpected Guest

    The door continued to open with a creek as a head popped around the door. Looking into the room, the person did not enter at all, only the head coming through the doorway. Catching the sight of the open windows, the head disappeared behind the doorway instantly, the door remained open. Norbert just saw blonde strands of hair disappearing, the instant they appeared.


    Standing still as he watched, he confirmed the blonde locks wouldn''t appear again as the dust settled once more, looking around at his work, happy that it was a bit better than before.


    Walking towards the door, Norbert opened it and saw one of the servers standing before him. Not paying attention to her, Norbert looked up and down at the woman standing before him.


    Her hair was cut short, and she was in a simple multi-coloured dress with sleeves tied around her waist and a brown apron. She continued to look at her body, trying to see what was different from hers. Looking at her exposed arm, Norbert spotted it. The lady instantly covered up the stitches trailing down and around her arm, and the discoloured and spotty skin was plain and open for the world to see.


    Norbert smiled at her, wondering what happened to the woman for something like that to happen. Clearing his throat, Norbert let the single word hang in the air. "Yes?"


    "Ah, sir, your meal is ready and waiting for you downstairs." She finished, heading to the ladder and jumping down in one go, holding her dress down to stop it from rising over her head.


    As Norbert looked back, both his companions quickly moved towards him and up on his shoulder, thinking of the mask in the chest, dismissing the need for it down there. Norbert locked the door behind him.


    Staring at the lock, curiosity spiked as he changed his vision to magic, surprised at the runes he saw. Unlocking the door, Norbert saw a pulse enter the lock, draining itself from the walls and the rest of the door.


    Confirming it worked as average, Norbert locked the door again, seeing it once more spread out the magic and sit there, changing his vision back to normal as he placed the key inside his coat pocket before remembering what had happened to it before as he took the pendant off, attaching it there and placing it under his shirt once again.


    Heading to the ladder, Norbert looked down, confirming it was clear, holding his sword next to his body so as not to hit the hole in the floor. Norbert jumped down to the ground level below.


    A thud went around the common room as Norbert landed, bending his knees to take the landing as he looked around the bar. The same people were around as before, all giving him an eye before dismissing him, going back to their own conversations and leaving the human to his own buisness.


    Looking around the room, Norbert sees one empty table with three plates and a single chair in front of the door. Norbert walked towards it, seeing steam coming off the food. His two companions took flight off his shoulders and sat on the table at either of their seats.


    Shaking his head and having two walking stomachs, Norbert went to the chair and sat at the table. Norbert looked down at the meat and vegetables; at the other two, the bird was sitting in front of crackers on a plate with some meat, and the fox was sitting in front of a slab of raw meat.


    He is not even bothering to know the types. Norbert picked up the wooden cutlery and dug in without saying a word, and his two animals also dug in with gusto.


    Halfway through the meal, Norbert took a sip of the drink, swashing it down his mouth as he felt it rehydrate him. Its bubbles tickled his throat as it went down into his stomach.


    Belching loudly, Norbert wiped his mouth before continuing to eat. Not caring for the sight of him eating could cause those around him to devour the food.


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    Finishing the meal, Norbert placed his cutlery on his plate as the door opened right in front of Norbert. The last rays of sunlight shone on his party as he looked up at the covered person who had just walked in.


    The door closed behind the person as they continued walking through, sitting at the bar as they unwrapped themselves. The waitress came around with the door closed to pick up the empty dishes.


    He kept his cup with him, signalling to get a refill, as another waitress that hadn''t gone upstairs with Norbert, this one also having blonde hair but going halfway down her back, tied up into a high ponytail, the slightly curly hair trying to escape from its confines.


    The cup was filled to the brim; Norbert nodded his thanks as he took a sip, the fruity drink washing down his meal and placing the mug on the table, Norbert looked at the fox as he took a coin out of his pouch and spun it around.


    "What am I going to do with you?" Norbert asked, looking at the fox, having curled itself up into a ball after the meal, watching as its stomach slowly rose and fell. Reaching out, Norbert patted the fox; he lost himself in the thought of what to do as he continued to sip his drink.


    He, too, took a sip only for nothing to come out, surprised that he had finished it and could not remember what he was thinking about. Standing up, Norbert waved to the bartender and servers as he picked up the fox, who was still sleeping. Obsius fluttered over to his shoulder, landing on it as Norbert made his way to the ladder again.


    Once more in his room, Norbert looked around as the dust was less than before. He was drawing the curtains, mostly allowing the dust to exit the room. Flopping down on the bed, only a tiny amount of dust went up as he looked up at the ceiling, the sandstone roof above him staying there.


    Staring up at it, Norbert wondered if there was anything up there, remembering the seats on the roof out the window that people sat on. He did not see any way to get to the roof of his building.


    Hopping off the bed, Norbert walked towards the window as he stood on the sill, stepping out and grabbing onto the roof. Digging his hands in, confirming that they wouldn''t fall off, Norbert pulled himself up as he looked around the roof, confirming that nobody was up there, only his head visible.


    Pulling himself up the rest of the way, Norbert stood on the tallest roof for several houses around him. Most of them only being one story buildings, the theme for most of them around here being short and squat to the ground. He could look down at the people on the road outside as several pointed and looked in his direction at the person acting strange, before dismissing the stranger and continuing with their day.


    Walking away from the edge, Norbert looked at the contents of the roof, and the empty building looked back at Norbert. Kicking the dirt and dust that made it onto the rooftop, happy that nothing dead was seen around him,, Norbert wondered what he could do up there.


    Obsius was is flying off his shoulder, Norbert losing track of the bird as it flew away into the city around him, heading back the way he had and me, Wondering what possibly had caught the bird''s attention.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert turned towards the empty rooftop as he unsheathed his sword. Looking around the place, I found it utterly empty of anything to do. Rolling his shoulders, feeling his back muscles pop and stretch, Norbert went into the first stance, facing side-on as he held the sword in one hand, increasing the energy around his body; Norbert felt it within himself. I went through the forms, idly looking at the other rooftops, confirming that there wasn''t anybody about it.


    As he continued the exercises, the sun started to set, and he lowered the energy within his body. Letting the strain of the sword take over him as he continued through his movements. The sweat dripped down his arms as he felt his muscles burn for the first time in a long time after a workout.


    Sitting down, Norbert kept his energy low to stem the recovery as he bathed in the bliss of the workout. The moon came up with Obsius still not in sight, Norbert letting the bird do whatever it deemed, knowing she would return when needed. The city''s lights twinkled around as they came about, the Colosseum taking up the view fully lit up even during the night, a mark visible from wherever you were in the city.


    Hearing voices from the other roof, Norbert looked to the side, people climbing up from the ladder out the back of the building and sitting in the chairs. Passing a bottle around as they started talking, Norbert drowned them out as he looked at the Colosseum. Sitting on the roof''s edge, Nor, Bert retested sword on the ledge he was sitting on beside. He kicked his feet in the air as it went backwards, hitting the side of the wall.


    After finishing the first tune, hearing shouts from the side starts to whistle. Dismissing them, Norbert continued to whistle, wondering what tomorrow would bring him. His body is cooling down in the night air.

 Chapter 237 And so the Sun Rises

    The sun coming up once more, Norbert stirring from his spot. The people quieted down just before the sun started to come up behind Norbert. The first rays starting to lick the sky, looking back to the other rooftop, the chairs slightly move from the night before, having been jostled by the users from having their rowdy time. Sheathing his sword, Norbert patted himself down, confirming that it wouldn''t get in the way to get back in through the window.


    Vaulting himself through the window underneath him, Norbert banged on the floorboards as he looked around the room, a surprised guest on the bed next to the fox, idly staring up at the ceiling.


    On the bed, Norbert saw the short-haired waitress, instantly jumping out in surprise at Norbert''s appearance. Pulling up the blankets further up, she looked at Norbert, cheeks starting to get red.


    The fox poked its head out from under the covers, looking around at the commotion that was being made. Norbert raised an eyebrow at the white fox as it licked its lips, plopping on top of the covers where the bed''s foot was.


    Turning his attention to the woman in his bed, "Uhhrm?" Norbert cleared his throat, pointing at her as if asking what was happening.


    Seeing her blush once more, she started stammering something out. Norbert furrowing his brow in his hand. "What are you doing in my bed?" Norbert flatly asked, hoping to draw something out of the woman.


    "Brezan said to come up here and assist you." The waitress said.


    Norbert just shook his head before turning around, looking out the window and the sun shining in. "Whatever could have thought I would want that?" Norbert said as he heard shuffling from behind him, scrunching his face at the thought of someone warming up his bed, much preferring a cold pillow.


    She was making sure to continue looking outside as he pursed his ears, ensuring she wasn''t thinking of doing anything unsavoury towards him. Hearing fabric move over the skin, Norbert counted to three before turning around. The woman was wearing the clothes again, standing on the other side of the bed as she looked down, placing the final few things on the dress and completing the look.


    Norbert looked at her, seeing the patches of skin once more. "Why else would a human be here giving a stupendous amount of gold unnecessarily." The waitress said to Norbert stiffly.


    Norbert was taken aback at the change of attitude, the glare she was receiving from him catching him off guard as Norbert looked around, confirming that he was in the same place. Norbert watched as she stood where she was, not moving as the light went over from behind himself, the waitress moving her eyes between the doorway, the light on the ground and Norbert.


    Following her, Norbert stayed still, not moving from the window, and the light bending around to make its way in surprised it could bend that far. "You need to learn to speak if you want someone to do something," Norbert told her.


    "Just like Count." The waitress said under her breath. Norbert could hear her speak but did not say anything more as she closed her eyes, breathing in for a moment before continuing, "Yes, some people do have those tendencies, and that''s what we are here for." She finished like the matter was closed.


    Norbert stood there, not believing that the waitress thought it was over. Waiting several seconds in silence as nothing came out further, Norbert, now getting annoyed, said, "I have no clue what you''re talking about; I have no tendencies and have no desire for any of this." Norbert stated as he waved his arms at the woman and the bed.


    "The only reason I gave out so many coins was to stop anyone from interfering with me," Norbert said, crossing his arms in front of his chest.


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    "That wasn''t necessary; the moment the name Count von Count came from your lips, it was no longer needed." She said to him, now staring daggers at him, Norbert wondering how much more annoyed she could get. He shook his head, knowing it wasn''t the time to push forward.


    The next thing that caught his mind was how much weight his buddy could throw himself around if people even here cared about hearing the name Count von Count coming out of a random human mouth.


    Pointing at the ray of light, Norbert asks her, "Why not cross to go outside instead of getting annoyed and not moving?" Norbert asked her.


    Taking a finger, she poked it in the light for several seconds. Norbert smelled bacon before she brought it out, showing it to Norbert as the digit was slightly blackened. Looking surprised at the effect, remembering when the vampire was cut to shreds by it, the amount of blood pooling out of the vampire.


    "How come it isn''t as bad as the vampire?" Norbert asked the woman.


    "That''s how it is; why do you think you were the only one served in the centre, where there is the light." She finished off, now getting even more annoyed. Norbert was surprised that nobody could hear her voice from downstairs.


    Norbert nodded as he turned around, closing the curtain behind him. Hearing the waitress breathe out in relief, Norbert stepped towards her and held his hand out, stopping the woman from walking further.


    Looking straight into his eyes, Norbert sees her ears start to go red. "Just one more thing, why didn''t you go onto the roof and call me down?" Norbert asked her.


    "I did, and you ignored me." She said curtly as she pushed her way around Norbert, letting himself get pushed out of the way. She went to the ladder and jumped down, her dress going up once more around her, and she remembered the sight he saw the other day.


    Turning to the fox and looking back at him, Norbert asked, "And what were you doing under there?" Norbert asked the fox.


    The fox gets up and stretches before going up and crawling onto Norbert. The fox looks back at him before directing him towards the ladder.


    Shaking his head, Norbert gave a once look over the room with the single curtain drawn as he walked out, not bothering to lock it as nothing else was in there; he walked towards the ladder and jumped down.


    Everyone went quiet the moment he stepped into the bar''s common area. Norbert looked around, finding his table groaning in the silence. Dragging his chair to the ground, mimicking the noise he just made, the white fox jumped into the same spot as before, looking at the whole plate and licking its lips.


    He looked around the room; Norbert shook his head, not caring what they were thinking, as he started eating the gruel before him. The warm, tasteless food being spooned one after the other like a machine down his throat. Knowing he didn''t need to eat this meal, after all the other times, he thought he would be fine and then needed to skip, which left him worried it could happen again.


    Finishing the food, Norbert picked up the cup in front of him, sipping it, and was happy to find out it was water. Norbert continued to sip it down¡ªthe waitress with the short hair came towards him to pick up the plate.


    "My thanks to the chef," Norbert said to her. She only got an eyebrow raised in return as she picked up the dirty plates before heading back into the kitchen. The waitress with longer hair also comes out¡ªthe two each other a look before giving Norbert the stare.


    Shrugging his shoulders right in front of her, he downed the cup and silently exited from the premises. Holding the door open, letting some of the light leak into the room, Norbert breathed in the smells from outside. Having no windows open, the bar smells slightly stale.


    Stepping through, Norbert fanned the door several times, allowing fresh air to circulate. Giving a final wave to everyone, Norbert closed the door behind himself mightily. Hearing it thud behind himself and slightly shake in its hinges.


    Stepping out, Norbert stood beside the door as he waited, sending energy around his body to his ears, allowing him to hear more. Leaning up against the door, Norbert stood there for several seconds, and everything was quiet.


    "I wonder how long he is going to wait out there?" Someone asked from inside.


    Norbert grinned as he continued, starting to whistle to himself as he continued to wait.


    "Oh no, not the whistling again. Can''t believe he still has enough will to do this." Another voice said.


    Norbert could not stop a chuckle from escaping his lips, stopping the whistling and continuing; Norbert heard someone walk towards the door. Feeling his time over, Norbert walked into the mostly empty street, heading towards the Colosseum.


    The door swung open, and Norbert turned behind himself, spinning around on the ball of his feet. Norbert saw the waitress he was talking to before. Smiling and waving No, Robert saw slight smoke start to come about. Staring at him, she closes the door behind herself.


    As Norbert walked down the street, heading towards the Colosseum to hear the news. He hoped the waitress would be able to heal herself quickly and not get in trouble because of his actions.

 Chapter 238 At the Colosseum

    Going off to the side, Norbert ran parallel to the stadium back the way he had come before until he believed he was on the same pathway as he first started walking down. Not knowing what was happening, staying with the Morenas group seemed the most influential.


    Walking forward, Norbert saw the sea of people running about the city as others came from side alleys to either walk along the path or continue cutting across just like Norbert had.


    Whistling once more, Norbert made his way down the street, looking at the sites as the fox on his shoulder, now awake, looked about the place, taking in the sights around them.


    Norbert continued going forward, not noticing more and more people heading towards the stadium now. He wondered when the other people he would notice appeared around him or how many others would point at him, asking where he had been for the past day.


    Making his way forward, Norbert saw the others around him form up in a crowd. Nor. Bert could almost feel himself in the shade of the stadium. Making his way through the crowd, moving this way and that to continue his progress forward as he watched those around him stop.


    Panning a gaze around the houses here, the same height, one-story buildings with an occasional second story, found guards looking down at the rabble underneath them. Norbert looked around at them, wondering if he was on a watch list or something similar for his previous actions. Not caring about it, he continued going through the crowd, finally popping out on the other side.


    Surprised there was nobody there as well, he spun around, seeing a definite line drawn in the figurative sand that nobody crossed. As he looked down at his own feet, having crossed the line. Moving around slowly as he watched the guards just eyeing him in return, not doing anything ugly towards him. Breathing out, a breath he didn¡¯t know he had been holding in. Norbert continued walking to the stadium, now under its shadow.


    He continued to walk forward, and Norbert entered through h the gate in front of him. As he entered, he saw the metal gate pulled up, the spikes that plunged it into the ground, just visible, hanging from the ceiling, and Norbert walked underneath.


    Hearing shouting and people pointing at him Norbert waited, a thing coming out of the crowd, Norbert so caught by what the creature that was going for him as it caught him unawares as the green slime creature bobbled its way towards Norbert, little bubbles going up where Norbert assumed the mouth was.


    He was standing still, and the creature came face to face with Norbert. Sounds of a country Norbert didn''t understand coming out didn''t mouth.


    "I''m sorry, but can you please repeat it? I don''t think my ears are working." Norbert said to the greenie creature, going up to his waist and fighting the temptation to kneel at the creature.


    "You are in the wrong section. The gate for Morenas is three to the right." The slime said curtly, its voice seemingly sliding around the octaves, unable to be a constant tone. It is pointing to its left for a moment. A point came out of the creature as Norbert nodded. The slime instantly turned around and moved away.


    Shaking his head, Norbert walked backwards, seeing everyone else staring. Knowing why they hadn''t gone further if they hadn''t meant to, not knowing that the guards could have peppered the people if someone pushed too hard.


    Walking back into the crowds of people, waiting for the guards not to be immediately on him on the rooftops, Norbert hopped up onto them himself. Looking at the colosseum, eyeing out the gate a hundred meters away on the oval structure of the colosseum. Jumping from rooftop to rooftop, Norbert quickly made his way over there, feeling the eyes of the guards as they followed his progress. Landing on the pathway again, heading towards the third gate, Norbert moved in with the crowd as he watched those around him.


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    Once more, Norbert made his way through the crowd, the fox on his back wrapping its tail harder around his neck. The white guy does not want to fall off and get lost in the crowd.


    As he passed the invisible line, Norbert continued walking in the tunnel. Another of those slime creatures appeared out of nowhere and headed towards Norbert, who stood still, waiting for the slime to come towards him.


    "Norbert here, I was notified "that this was the Morenas gate. Anywhere you want me to go?" Norbert asked the slime before it could stop and asked him what he was doing there. The slime sat for several seconds, Norbert wondering if it was broken.


    "Not specific enough, more in "formation required." The slime said to Norbert, "ts voice once more climbing up and down in the range. Norbert hoped he would pass this thing quickly, but the sound was already giving him a headache as he stood there, thinking what else he could add to allow him entry.


    Thinking back to the board with everyone''s numbers next to everyone''s 101 for the man that bested him easily in his mind, as he tried to rattle his brain what his own was.


    ¡°1543?¡± Norbert proposed the question, hoping that it would be correct.


    The slime was still momentarily, and no words came out of Robert. He stood there, moving his weight from one foot to another as he waited expectantly.


    "Thank you, Norbert 1543 from "arenas, for coming here, please follow." The slime said as it moved "away from Norbert, not turning around.


    Weirded out by the creature, Norbert followed an arm''s reach behind it as he warmed to the archway. In the corridor, Norbert sees other slimes appearing and moving around, people following behind them like himself before leading them away.


    The one he was following, looking the same as all the others, happy that they didn''t move too close to one, didn''t, or Norbert would have lost who was accompanying him. Looking around the side, Norbert was led through a corridor. Looking at the others lining the walls on either side, Norbert saw one going forward, the other raised higher, and the one he was being led towards was going underground.


    The tunnels were wide enough for two slimes to pass each other without hitting, Norbert looking as they continued in this pattern several times along both walls. He could not look at the structure''s immensity before being taken into it and eaten by the beast.


    Following down, light runes paced the hallway, giving Norbert enough illumination. He went further down, his Achilles heel screaming at the steepness he was climbing downwards, quickly going further underground.


    He could visibly see the steepness he was going down, hating for someone needing to pull a cart up this incline he was currently going down. Continuing this for several meters, Norbert was surprised that he hadn''t hit anyone else following his go, either up or down.


    As he thought the path extended outwards, someone appeared to his right as the two looked at each other, continuing to follow their lines.


    Like this, Norbert continued following, the first turn he found right surprising him as he had been travelling so far in a straight line. All of them walked in silence; whenever they tried to talk to each other, the slimes would interrupt them, stopping them from speaking nearly instantly, and the sound could not leave anybody''s lips properly.


    Like everybody went, going deeper and deeper, until finally, it levelled out into an open area. Open is the decisive word, as Norbert saw lines of beds on one side, with no dividing curtain between them. Looking out, Norbert noticed some faces, realising all the contestants were sitting there already.


    A black object came from the roof several meters above, diving, bombing him as Norbert saw the white-speckled object land on his shoulder. Norbert just stared at Obsius, hoping this wouldn''t be the normal greeting the bird would do after she separated. Thinking of times being dive-bombed by a bird would be pretty frustrating and possibly dangerous to those around him.


    He was patting the bird''s head, doing the same to the fox on his right, stopping the fox from trying to strangle him with its tail. The two finally appeased Norbert, looking towards the bird. "How did you even get here?" He asked it.


    No reply coming from the bird other than a puffed-up chest. Shaking his head at the birds antics Norbert looked around the room he found himself in, others already walking off, looking around for something as they passed bed after bed.


    Norbert following with them as well, going to the first empty card, seeing a little placard there written a number and a name, Norbert assuming it was the information given. Seeing it was number thirteen, as he looked over the beds, it was time for him to find number thousand five hundred and forty-three.

 Chapter 239 We Shall Bash

    Surprised at how quickly it was to find his bed, Obsius on his shoulder leading the way to his bed. Seeing the placard there, Norbert moved it to the side as he sat on it; nothing else was there, just a bed. Looking under it, I saw only darkness, fumbling around and confirming no objects were there.


    Norbert looked around the hundred people around him, wondering how many other places would have these rooms within them. People are sitting around waiting for the tournament. They were meant to be there to start.


    Some people were sitting on their beds, nervously tapping their legs and staring into the distance. Others pulled out books to read while others checked over their gear, ensuring nothing had been left behind.


    Norbert could see some pacing down the aisles, going back and forth around it. A couple Norbert could see were lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling as they waited for the time to pass. Taking out the coin from his pouch, Norbert began flicking it into the air as he breathed out of his helmet, watching the light come in and out as he waited, wondering what others would think of him.


    Spotting number one hundred and one, the person was just a black orb floating in the middle of the bed; Norbert assumed he was inside doing whatever he felt like doing. Norbert watched; the others were now wondering what the next thing to happen was.


    Knowing the only thing he could do was wait, looking at the bed and feeling it, wondering if he had just wasted two gold on an inn he wouldn''t even be staying at. At least there, he had a place to put his stuff, as there wasn''t even a chest for him to put any items in.


    As Norbert waited there. Finally, a stirring came from one of the sides, everyone stirring at the sight of someone bee-lining towards them from the entrance from which Norbert had come. The stone under his feet echoed louder now as he seemed to slam them into the ground.


    As the figure approached the group of beds, the person appeared smaller and smaller to Norbert as he stood up, pointing a finger as he realised who was coming towards him. "Stumpy, my man. What are you doing down here?" Norbert shouted, his voice echoing around the empty room, shattering the silence that everyone had created.


    Stumpy stopped as he stared at Norbert, only his mouth moving, unable to hear what the petite guy said. Everyone was staring at him, giving the death eye as they started looking around, Norbert wondering if the slimes would turn up.


    Surprised, and everyone got a look of relief on them as nothing popped up out of nowhere around them. Stumpy continued towards the group. He stopped in the centre of the sea of beds, with everyone going towards them.


    "Thank you all for coming here and representing Morenas," Stumpy said as Norbert nodded, fighting all his instincts to start whistling, knowing it wouldn''t end well for him. Clamping his hand over Obsius''s beak to stop the bird from singing either, knowing now wasn''t the time for it.


    "For those who don''t know, this is the interim room where you wait for your time. The nights you will go back to your lodgings. Other times, you will wait for your name and number to be called out." Stumpy said as he looked around, ensuring everyone was paying attention to what was said.


    "Today will be the introductions; everyone, please follow me," Stumpy said, walking off to the left of where he had come in. Norbert heard a doorway scraping against stone as it tried to open. Norbert watched as, with a heave, it did.


    The group followed after the little man, Norbert, who saw the black orb pop out of the corner of his eye. The man inside stepped onto the bed and followed afterwards.


    Looking around at him, Norbert stepped forward, going into the crowd. Obsius and the white fox followed him, bending over to pick up the white fox, placing it on his right shoulder as Obsius landed on his left.


    Others now stared at him as Norbert passed through the door, watching as they made their way through it. The same hallway leads them to go flat. A platform ahead as Norbert could see a passageway cut into the rock above them.


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    Standing on Stumpy, waving to someone, Norbert couldn''t see as the ground he was standing on started to rise. Surprised at the movement, as he thought back to what Luck said that elevators didn''t exist, he wondered what she would think this was called.


    Unable to ask the goddess now, surrounded by others who might spot her presence. Not knowing the amount of trouble would instantly place him in. Light beamed down from above as the stone ceiling opened up for them. He squinted at the harsh light coming in compared to the light of the runes, now drowned out.


    Feeling the platform come to a halt, Norbert squinted as he looked around; the first thing hitting him was the cheers from above him. He placed his hand over his eyes as he looked around, finding himself where he thought they would end up: on the Colosseum floor.


    They were surprised to find themselves again in an arena like this, looking towards the crowd and seeing similarities to the monkeys in the Hall trials he faced in their actions. Although there was a more excellent mix of types of people in front of him, they still acted the same.


    Looking around the crowd, Norbert noticed a box office trailing around the top of the stadium. Norbert watched as he confirmed the heads of the nations standing together as they discussed. Up there was Commander Sally, Norbert nodding to her as she didn''t even make a gesture that she had seen him.


    That was until a person waved his hand from side to side at Norbert. Shaking his head in shock, Co, unit von Count, stood there, waving at him. Giving a slight wave back as the vampire turned to someone else in there that Norbert didn''t recognise before moving someplace else.


    Norbert, not noticing the crowd growing quiet as they stared at Norbert, who still had his hand in the air, finally started to hear a voice echoing over the area. "And over there with the waving man is the Country of Morenas. Now, everyone, please cheer!" The voice went over.


    Everyone gave a half-hearted cheer at the group''s arrival. They continued to stare at Norbert. Now, feeling like something was amiss, he looked around at the other groups, also standing on their platforms.


    Finding one group of beast people, Norbert assumed they were from Arzatech staring at him as well. Some were confused about whether their ire should be directed towards him, while others looked him down like a bull. Assuming that Arzlan had told them about him, they were surprised that the lion man wasn''t already there. I''m ready to charge him down after last time.


    Casting his eyes further around Norbert, he saw two groups wrapped up in cloths as he looked up at the sun beating down on him, knowing that one group there would be the Grimm group, needing to cover themselves in cloth or else face what happened to Count von Count and the waitress from earlier.


    The group walked forward, Norbert being pushed, and he joined the pack, now focusing back on the speaker, realising no words were being said that he understood, some chant coming out of their mouth. After several seconds, the first finished, one of the groups ahead of them, which was making the rounds, smiling and waving at the crowd, fist bumping the air and shouting in completion.


    As the next group continued to sing in chorus with the next song, Norbert still did not understand what was said, sounding more like scrapes than anything else, realising that it was each group''s anthems.


    Wondering what Morena''s anthem would be, he continued walking, waving at the crowd around them with his group as Norbert smiled.


    "How do you know a vampire?" Someone asked over his shoulder. Looking at the fox as it continued to look around, ears pivoting around, getting all the sounds around them. Realising the fox hadn''t talked, Norbert looked around, seeing number one hundred and one standing there.


    Not even seeing Finekus walk up to him, making the hairs on the back of Norbert''s neck stand on end before he forced himself to calm down. "You''ve seen him with me for a while now; why did you just ask?" Norbert asked Finekus.


    Finekus just nodded as he continued to wave. Norbert looked around the crowd and said, "No clue he was one; no need to ask. So, how do you know him." He asked Norbert again.


    Norbert just shrugged his shoulders. "Just picked me up and started following me. Not like I can stop him at all." Norbert stated as he continued to wave, looking up at the stadium box and trying to find Count von Count, the vampire as elusive as ever when he wanted to be.


    Finekus just nodded along, waving at the others as he melted away back into the group. Norbert turned around, seeing that he was no longer next to him, letting the man be as he continued to wave.


    Norbert continued to walk as the group in front of them cheered, and Norbert paid attention to what the speaker was saying.


    "And for Morenas, we shall bash and ¡­"


    ***


    The next thing Norbert remembered was sitting back down in the bed, not believing the anthem''s words.


    "How can they say it with a straight face? How does anyone even let this country stand if THAT is their anthem," Norbert said, shaking his head, not believing the brutality of their statements.


    Looking around, Norbert turns to his closest one. "But seriously, how does a country not just take us over if in the anthem it says ''we will place those against us in chains of bones''?" Norbert asked.


    Someone shouting from far away, "What makes you think they haven''t tried before!"

 Chapter 240 A Buddy Arrives

    Norbert had been pushed out of the arena with the others when the precessions had finished. The spectators having left for the day, coming to return tomorrow when the contest would start again. Norbert looked around as everyone left him, not bothering to try and calm the man down over the realisation of their country''s anthem.


    Walking out, the sun setting once more for the day, Norbert jumped onto the first roof, the guards having left for the day. The uproar the new guests would have caused would be significantly lessened. Most of everyone wants to get out of there and into the fresh air on their faces and a bit of privacy.


    Opening up the door to the inn, everyone looked at him as he quickly closed the door behind him. In front of him was the table with no food on the plates yet. Norbert looked around the room, everyone looking at him even more complicated than before; Norbert remembered the vampire waving at him and disappearing for the rest of it.


    He looked around but could not see if anyone here was in the arena before. Nobody seemingly familiar as Norbert continued to look around. Nobody moved from their seats; Norbert grunted in amusement that all the play had none out of them.


    Sitting down, Norbert saw the maid once more come out and deliver the food on the table. Norbert picked at the food as he was lost in thought, wondering what the next day would have in the stall for him.


    "Any idea when Count von Count will show up?" Norbert asked his two companions at the table. Neither of them was roused from their food; at least someone was making the worth of the food he paid for.


    Forcing the food down his throat, not remembering the last time he had eaten so frequently since coming here to Masanu. Shaking his head at the thought as he put the last piece in his mouth. Wiping his mouth on his finger, getting the last bit off as he licked it up, making sure not to get any of the sauce onto his glove.


    He patted his stomach as he looked around the table; his two companions had eaten everything from their plates. Picking them both up, cradling one in each hand like a baby, Norbert nodded to the bartender, pouring out several glasses from a beer keg as Norbert headed towards the ladder.


    Climbing up it without using his hands, Norbert walked towards his door, pressing the handle down with his foot while slightly kicking it, allowing the door to swing inside. Seeing the sparse room, only the chest, bed, and curtains; no other furniture was on the site.


    Placing the bird and the fox gently on the bed, Norbert unstrapped himself as well, taking his coat, outer pants, boots, and socks off, just lying around in his yellow sweat-,sweat-stained cotton clothes. Smelling them, thankful that they didn''t need a wash, Norbert hung his removed clothing over the chest, hoping to air them out slightly.


    Flopping onto the bed spread-eagled, Norbert looked towards the door as he started counting, wondering how long until his night-time guest would appear.


    ***


    Norbert''s eyes opened up as he heard the door creak open. He had heard a creak as loudly as the one leading to his room. Hearing a seethe from the door opener on the other side, Norbert already assumed who it could be.


    Out behind the door, even in the darkness of night and the sounds of rowdiness on the streets outside, a reality Norbert started to make sense of. With the sun now gone, most people here could venture safely under the cover of darkness.


    The short blonde hair once more popped out as she looked around. Norbert closed his eyes and tried to steady his breathing, wondering what the woman would do now that he was ''sleeping'' in bed.


    Hearing the ruffling of clothing followed by steps getting closer. Feeling the bed move to the left as weight was added, Norbert cracked open an eye, wondering what the waitress was doing.


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    He saw the clothed hand coming down towards his cheek.


    SLAAAAAP


    The sound reverberated around the room, making Norbert jump slightly out of bed from the impact as two blazing eyes stared back at him. Speechless and unable to move from the shock, hearing the steps move towards the door again.


    He was adequately jumping out of bed; this time, Norbert dashed towards the door, stopping himself from grabbing onto her. The waitress stopped for a moment, and the two froze in time. Norbert stopped himself as he held still before walking away to the windowsill. He left his weapons and no boots as he climbed out the window.


    Leaping to the top, Norbert looks across to the other house next to him, where the people are out again and discussing with each other. Leaning over the building and looking down, I saw the stalls filling the streets, more people out now than ever before. Examining the people beneath him, the sense of excitement overpowering him. Nobody wants to miss out on the possible show that would be happening tomorrow.


    As he continued to stare for longer underneath, the excitement was accompanied by nervousness. Here and there, the hints were evident to him, like most things when you knew where to look. Smiles on the faces of the stall owners were slightly forced, hands clenched slightly more complicated than usual. People looked behind themselves, making sure they weren''t being followed. The creases of the face are more pronounced than they should have been.


    Bags under their eyes, footsteps slightly shaky, the user unsure if tonight would be their last night of a whole house, the last night of a warm bed, the last night of being tucked in. Shaking his head, Norbert stepped away, looking up at the moon and the stars and wondering what the waitress was doing.


    His answer came from scraping on the side and a hand appearing. Turning over, seeing it try and grasp to pull itself, scraping sighed in defeat, having to come to her rescue; seeing over, Norbert grasped the hand, pulling the woman up the rest of the way, gently placing her beside him.


    The waitress flattened her dress as he left her. He was walking back to the centre of the roof and lying down again. The sound of footsteps coming closer to him, dirt scraping on the ground as rocks skittered away, and finally, Norbert saw the waitress sitting next to him out of the corner of his eye; he was leaning back on one hand as he looked up at the sky, trying to see if she could discern the same information that Norbert could out of the stars.


    Norbert continued to stare, not wanting to interrupt the waitress before she wanted to talk.


    "I saw you today." She said bluntly to Norbert.


    Nodding his head, "That you did, several times. One of them right now even." Norbert said, wondering what the waitress was talking about that at all times.


    "No, not here, out on the arena floor." She explained in further detail, wistfully turning and looking at the direction where the colosseum would be.


    Norbert just nodded his head. "Like I said, the only reason I''m here is for the tournament," Norbert said to her; as a matter of fact, the sing-song that was usually in his voice was gone. He knew that the waitress wouldn''t appreciate it.


    "With you and the vampire, Count von Count. He waved to you, didn''t he." The waitress asked him.


    Norbert just nodded. "Like I told you earlier, I came to this inn out of all the others because he said he would meet me here. A fact I still haven''t forgotten and will need to see why he is so late." Norbert stated, anger hitting his voice of being left high and dry.


    "He didn''t even bat an eye when those representing his own country were being announced. But a single measly human can garner his attention so much for you." The waitress stated, finishing it off and letting her voice echo around the building they were resting on top of.


    "How shocked would you be if the very same vampire was the first to ask me to represent Grimm, to be a part of your company," Norbert said to her, tilting his head as he saw her eyes grow wide.


    Speaking under her breath, asking more herself than him, "Why would you ever not represent your own country?" Bewildered by herself, she even asked the question in the first place.


    "Maybe because that isn''t my own country. Not really." Norbert said to her.


    "But then, why turn him down?" She asked, trying to join the dots as to why someone would have the gall to turn something like Count von Count down.


    "Because of who asked it," Norbert said to her. A puzzled look on her face as she continued to explain his thoughts further, "He is an irrational person who does whatever he thinks is necessary, will string you along as much as needed before dropping you for the next shiny thing. I''m probably a long line of humans he has picked up, examined and thrown away again." Norbert said, his voice getting louder and louder the more he explained, at the end, nearly shouting for everyone to hear.


    "Now, Norbert, what do you think of your best buddy?" Came a voice from behind his head. Count von Count''s pearly whites appear above Norbert.

 Chapter 241 Discourse on the Rooftop

    Norbert looked at the grinning vampire as he sat down next to him on his other side. The waitress next to Norbert hastily got to her feet, already taking several steps back. Before her foot could hit the rim, Norbert beckoned her to come closer.


    "He won''t bite. But sadly, he will be annoying, so stay here and ''bask'' in the presence of the vampire Count von Count." Norbert exclaimed loudly so everyone in the neighbourhood could hear what was happening. The streets grew quiet for a moment when the vampire name thundered out of Norbert¡¯s mouth, but when nothing seemed to happen to them, the sound again continued down there.


    Norbert turned to Count von Count, and a question fell from his tongue: "What did you do to make people so terrified of you?"


    Count von Count raised his hand in the air as if trying to catch the stars within his hand, "Nothing," Count von Count said.


    Norbert looked up for several seconds, waiting for the vampire to explain himself properly. Not hearing anything, Norbert turned his head to the left. The vampire was already looking towards him with a slight grin on his face. "Nothing. You think I''m going to buy that?" Norbert asked the vampire, his mind already turning on ways to get the information he desired out of him.


    The vampire shrugged his shoulders while lying on the ground. "You''re not, but you won''t press further. Why? Because buddies sometimes need to have secrets." the vampire said, grinning, knowing that Norbert would take the response.


    Norbert just stared at the stars, finally realising something. "What''s your name?" Norbert asked, turning to the other side. He looked at the waitress''s breath come in large gasps, trying to calm herself down but failing miserably, from what he could tell.


    Count von Count clicking his tongue, "It''s rude not to know a woman''s name when you''ve been gazing up at the stars together." The vampire said, Norbert slamming his head behind himself to look at the vampire, seeing the always present grin poking through, his canines shining in the night''s light.


    "You stop before you make the girl fall apart at the seams," he said to the vampire. Count von Count was staring, moving away from him as he slowly shook his head from side to side.


    Wondering what was happening, Norbert turned around, turning to the waitress as a single tear fall down her cheek. Looking at it as it fell past her neck before disappearing inside her blonde hair, Norbert lost track. As his eyes travelled up her neck once more, Norbert saw a stitch mark going up it, the skin on the other side a slightly darker colour.


    Lying back down, just staring up at the stars, the silence eating away at Norbert as he tried to think of anything to say to break the current silence surrounding them. "Well, guess I''ve completely ruined the mood," Norbert said, unable to stay there as he started getting up.


    A hand grasped his arm from the right-hand side. Not even looking at the waitress, he let her drag him back onto the roof, looking up at the stars again.


    "So, back to you, Mr Vampire. Where have you been for the past day? And what''s with your little stunt earlier anyway?" Norbert asked him, letting the waitress sit and think over whether or not she wanted to tell them her name.


    "Oh, here and there, you do know I actually have stuff I need to do," the vampire said to Norbert.


    Chuckling in response, faking, wiping a tear and flicking it over to the vampire, Norbert shook his head. "Actually, I don''t believe you have the stuff to do. Most of the time, you''ve been following me around whatever inhabited area I find myself in." Norbert said as he started to think over his journey, confirming that the only actual matter he had seen the vampire do was hand over the single letter that needed to be sent.


    "For your matter, I have been doing things of grave importance. So important, in fact, that I cannot tell even you, my buddy, or else the ramifications that will come to you from it are much greater than you can battle against, or even comprehend. Sadly, my hands are tied, and all I can say is this ¡­" Count von Count trailed off to nothing. After several seconds of silence, the vampire started whistling into the night sky.


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    Unable to stop himself from grinning, Norbert joined in as well. The two of them went together, instantly hearing the uproar from the neighbours on the roof next door: grunts and complaints that they would need to listen to the whistling again.


    As the two continued, Norbert saw in his peripheral vision the waitress starting to move, wondering what she was about to do. Seeing her start to move off, Norbert let his whistling die out, and the waitress rested back down into her position where she had laid previously.


    "You still haven''t answered the second part," Norbert said to the vampire, who also stopped his whistling as the people next to them cheered for the whistling to stop before continuing their discussion, and Norbert phased the sounds they were making once again.


    "Because I could." Count von Count said.


    Norbert just shook his head. "Yeah, of course, it would be something like that with you," Norbert said to the vampire.


    "Yes, definitely that and not a bet that I could make the entire crowd grow silent without leaving the box. A truly tough bet to win" Norbert''s buddy provided.


    "How much did you get for painting a target on my head," Norbert said, quickly becoming stern as he remembered the peaceful silence around the crowd, swallowing all the cheer and festivities from before.


    "A favour." Count von Count said, the two words coming from his lips and filling the silence thoroughly.


    Norbert''s mind spun with possibilities; what type of favour could someone like Count von Count even receive, and from favour at that? What kind of person would have enough standing to give a favour to the vampire?


    Shaking his head, Norbert opened his mouth again. A firm came out after consideration from his side. "Vivienne, my name is Vivienne.," the waitressed bed beside.


    Norbert turned, surprised to hear the surprisingly normal name out here. Leaning up, he offered to the lady. "And a greeting to you, Vivienne. Hope the company I keep isn''t too annoying." Norbert said, turning around at the end to point daggers back at the vampire, hoping it would keep Count von Count in line. Seeing the grin grow, Norbert''s hope was dashed in the wind.


    "So Vivienne, how did you find yourself here?" he asked her, lying back on the ground and looking up at the stars.


    "Like everyone else from this stretch of the city, I came from Grimm in the cover of darkness for this tournament that happens every few cycles," she said to Norbert.


    Nodding his head, "And where do you go back to?" He asked her.


    "Nowhere, my job is the inn, the room where you sleep now and serving the customers who come through the door. Cooking their food. It''s small but enough for me." Vivienne said to Norbert, breathing out as she looked around.


    Count von Count piping up, stopping Norbert from getting sentimental about the woman beside him and her suffering. "And what did you do to get deported off Grimm?" He asked the woman.


    Vivienne flickered a smile as she was transported back to the day she had to leave her home. "Father''s business went up in smoke. Debts to pay; one of theirs went in trouble with the law, and I was swapped with them"," Vivienne said, smiling as she moved her head up higher, looking behind her at exactly where Norbert didn''t know.


    Count von Count was just laughing at the response. Norbert looked over but received a hand held up from the vampire as he controlled himself. "Need to stop you there, N, Robert, b before you relayed any more by the woman," the vampire said as he slowly went to his feet, looking down at the two people. He rushed himself off as he continued his explanation.


    "For you see, this one here was instead caught stealing one of the artefacts and caught so badly in fact, her pants were on fire and completely off her. Sadly, figuratively. So as punishment, she was sent here, to this dust bowl of a place where something exciting happens once in a blue moon, and when it does, she can''t do anything due to the amount and strength of the eyes watching all around." He said, leaning down. Norbert saw the vampire''s fangs once more pushing forward between his lips.


    "And I would have had him if you hadn''t ruined it", Vivienne said in response, stretching herself out fully like a cat. The walls that Norbert thought he had taken down were now pilling back up again.


    "Maybe I did, maybe I didn''t. All I will say to you, Vivienne, is that there is a reason I asked Norbert to come here out of all the inns. Despite our history." Count von Count said as he walked to the ledge.


    "Wait, you mean¡­" She left off, leaning forward as she looked at the vampire, Norbert seeing her eyes sparkling with greed.


    "All I will say is this. That man beside you has a penchant for being at the right place and time for his needs. Whether he can get himself out of the situation, well that¡¯s all on him. Though he himself may see it as the wrong place at the worst time." Count von Count said, jumping off the ledge, his cape flapping in the wind behind him.


    Vivienne ran for the ledge, looking over expectantly to still see the vampire, but could not. Shaking her head at losing sight of the wealth of knowledge that is the vampire, she turned to Norbert, grinning at him.


    Norbert gulping, unsure if he would like what she had in the stall for him.

 Chapter 242 Making a Fool

    Standing up, Vivienne looked to the brightening horizon before heading to the window''s ledge. Turning around to Norbert, she asked, "Are you coming?" As she jumped down not waiting for a response from Norbert. Spinning mid-air, disappearing underneath the roof ledge. Norbert did not even see her grasp onto the roof''s ledge to hold herself and ensure she didn''t miss the window to his room below.


    Looking back up at the night sky, Norbert saw that the peacefulness he had expected to experience at night had dashed away. Getting to his feet, he dusted himself off, looking to the ground as he kicked a stone away before heading to the side of the roof where the window was.


    Seeing Vivienne sitting on the windowsill, heading inside the room as she saw Norbert come towards her. Stepping off the side, Norbert sees the people on the other rooftop point at him. He gave a little wave as he spun around, arm grasping out as he tried to reach for the windowsill.


    CREAAAK


    The windowsill slipped from his fingertips as he fell to the street, and a clatter as he hit something on the way down. A head popped out from the window above to see what the flying object and the commotion were below.


    As Vivienne looked down, spotting Norbert sprawled on the ground, a slight chuckle came from her lips before her head disappeared inside the room.


    Pulling himself together, Norbert walked around to the front door, opening it up as everyone once more looked at him. People spread themselves out inside the bar, and Norbert could not tell if they were more or less busy than before. The same bartender was there that he had seen during the day. The only indication of how Norbert got there was a single eyebrow raised as he looked up at the ceiling, roughly where Norbert''s room was located.


    Norbert walks through the crowd and climbs up the ladder, no longer wanting to impress; his ego is thoroughly beaten. Walking through the door to his room, Vivienne leaned against the window, looking back at Norbert.


    "So, what is it that you want to find?" Norbert asked Vivienne.


    She shook her head as she pushed herself off the windowsill with her foot, sat on the bed, and picked up Norbert''s belt of daggers, taking one after the other to look at. "It doesn''t work like that." She said as she pushed one point to her finger, seeing the sharpness. The pressure she put on it surprised Norbert, as her skin didn''t bleed. Knowing the dagger tips were kept sharp to scratch someone if needed, allowing a spell caster to be more distracted.


    "That''s not how it works, at least not for you to help me," Vivienne said to Norbert, taking the next dagger out and testing it like the last one.


    "Answer me this simple question: What god do you follow?" she questioned Norbert, leaning forward slightly as she did so, intrigued by the answer that he would give. Her clothes moved about her body in a flutter, the ruffles on her sleeves dancing around like wind blowing through clouds, dispersing and sending them on their way.


    Norbert pulled a coin out of his bag, breathing on it before flicking it into the air; as it spun at the apex, a golden light appeared, moving it off to the side so it landed on the bed and not gently into his palm.


    When he received the answer, Norbert smiled as he watched the single mote of golden light disappear. "Luck," Norbert said as he walked towards the coin, resting on the bed by its edge.


    Picking it up, Norbert deposited it back into the pouch with the rest of his items on the bed. Vivienne just nodded her head as all the little pieces of the puzzle had come together.


    "Precisely, since for whatever reason we have met, gods only know, literally, or Count von Count. You¡¯re somehow meant to find what I need to help me out." Vivienne said, taking the next dagger out and throwing it into the air, letting it spin before catching it again, reminding Norbert of what he did with the coins, flicking them in the air, a habit after doing it for so long.


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    "And why would I do that?" Norbert said to her, the hairs on his neck prickling up as he felt a snare tighten around his neck.


    "Oh, calm down, big boy. I''m not going to do anything to you here. Just think about everything that has happened in the past, the trouble you have gotten into. Now, would you have changed any of your decisions?" Vivienne said, letting her voice hang as Norbert contemplated what she said.


    Seeing where the conversation was going, Norbert sighed, sitting on the bed in defeat. "Ok, you win. What do you want me to do?" Norbert said to her.


    "Go on a date," Vivienne said as she stood up, got off the bed, walked towards the window, and unfurled her dress from her shoulders.


    Norbert instantly looked away as he heard the fabric fall to the ground, the ruffling of floorboards, and the wood hit against each other. As they rested on the ground with a clatter, several seconds of quiet as Norbert felt eyes watching him.


    With a furl of a cape, Norbert looked up at Vivienne, seeing the dress she wore when working, which was on the ground in a heap. The woman bent over, picking it up as she unfurled it in front of her, getting any creases that might have appeared in the garment when it was unceremoniously dropped to the floor.


    Walking towards Norbert, placing it on the bed next to the fox and the bird, Norbert finally saw what she was wearing. Somehow attached around her body and appendages were strips of leather, tightening around her and reminding him of some leather mummy, a cloak with a hood already covering her head. Her golden hair looked like an angel, and two dimples came out on her cheek as she smiled at Norbert.


    As he continued to stare, her body rippled underneath him, flattening out. Only the face remained mostly the same, the eyes exactly as the same pink eyes looked back at him, Norbert only now able to see their colour.


    "Well, are you coming on your date?" she asked him, holding her arm out and waiting for Norbert to take it. Shaking his head, knowing this would be a bad idea, he reached over to the chest, put on his clothes, and strapped the daggers to his legs and the sword to his waist.


    Reaching for the mask to place on his head, Vivienne moved from her position, placing her hand over the mask and keeping it where it was, their hands interlocked.


    "Leave that here; you won''t need it tonight." She said as she held onto his hand, moving him away from it and towards the door. She opened it up, still pulling Norbert along as he found his feet. She spun him in front as she closed the door, waving her hand over the lock as Norbert heard it click shut. Feeling the key still under his clothes, the security he felt from the lock instantly faded away.


    Before he could say something to Vivienne, she was once more leading him away to the ladder. Norbert needed to leap down after her as he clattered to the floor, one of his legs bending as he landed on the floor on his backside from being dragged down.


    Vivienne stood perfectly still, not even the hood moving off her head. As Norbert came to his feet, everyone in the bar looked at him. As he was once more dragged forward out of the bar, Norbert heard a single comment with the agreement, drowning it out almost instantly from everyone inside: "Looks like Vivienne has her next victim."


    The doors closed behind him, cutting off the rest of the noise from the bar and replacing the hustle and bustle of the street around him.


    Looking around him, Norbert now noticed that everyone here was slightly different, some even more so than others. They needed to step out of the way as three creatures towered over him, their limbs thin and elongated. One was smiling at Norbert, and rows of razor-sharp teeth hidden behind flat lips were revealed.


    Smiling and waving back at them, Vivienne dragged him away once more before she cut through a side road, no longer on the main pathway.


    He stopped his head from wheeling around as he walked next to Vivienne, looking around at the sandstone buildings around him as they once more entered a main road. The people here once more from Grimm as she walked down it, some waving at her and giving slight snickers at Norbert as he continued to walk down the street.


    Further ahead, Norbert could see tents lining the streets on either side, the slight glimmer of trinkets ahead of him catching his eyes and alluring them in. "What are we doing here?" Norbert asked Vivienne, stopping his feet from moving and digging them into the ground.


    The woman came to a halt, turning to face Norbert as she pointed behind herself at the tents now behind her. "To visit the stalls, of course." She said, trying to tug him towards it.


    Taking a step forward, Norbert asks, "But why?"


    "Why? Because we are on a¡± leaning closer Vivienne poked Norbert on the nose ¡°date." She said, unsticking Norbert from the ground as the sights and smells of the stalls surrounded them.

 Chapter 243 Candy Haul

    The pair walked past the first stalls, and Norbert was captivated by their contents. Food and trinkets lined both sides of the street,  a river of people walked between them. Looking up, Norbert saw the colourful clothes making up the roof. Sticks poked higher behind each stall where the cloth was connected.


    Staring closer, letting him be led around, the stitching was what he expected as he continued to stare. The thread itself shimmered in the light around them, reminding Norbert of the aurora lights. The shimmering green lines connected all the pieces as he continued to stare, trying to see if there was a pattern.


    "Do you dislike me that much?" A voice whispered in his ear.


    His head shot back down, levelling with the crowd around him as he looked around at where the voice came from. Having stopped the two of them, Vivienne leaned forward, looking at several crystals tied together with what looked like gold to make a bracelet. Poking at the crystal, Norbert saw each one light up as she touched it, wondering what it was for.


    He remembered what the voice said to him and realized that only one other person could say it. Leaning forward so they were right next to each other, Norbert only slightly backed as he whispered in her ear. "What''s that for?" he asked, blowing gently so it would tickle her ear.


    Vivienne turned her head towards Norbert, distracted from her perusal of the bracelets on the table. "Was that necessary?" she asked him.


    Norbert tilted his head to the side, not saying anything in response. He looked up and down the table, fixating on the bracelets and waiting for her to explain them.


    Shaking her head slightly in annoyance as she opened her mouth, she said, "The bracelet here is for multiple types of defences; each colour crystal is for its type of magic." Her fingers danced over each crystal for a moment, quickly cycling through all of them. "It''s not made for any heave mitigation, however," she said as she dropped it, moving to the next item.


    The clerk nodded his head at her. "You seem to know a lot about these things," he said as he tended to another pair of customers. He showed them a necklace and started describing the functions of the trinket, eliciting oohs and aaahs from his potential customers.


    Norbert returned to Vivienne as she looked at the next one, a single silver ring. No crystals or stones were embedded within the structure, just the solid metal band wrapped around a finger. The waitress flipped the ring over in her hands as she felt across the inside and the outside.


    Placing it down and going to the next item, Norbert picked it up, wondering what was so special about it. Feeling it with his fingers, confirming the smooth metal underneath it. Tracing it along with this nail, not getting caught on any part of the metal. Tilting his head to the side as he wondered what was up, he changed his vision to magic.


    All around him, the pendants were flushed with light. The crystals and metals all shine a rainbow of colours, trying to filter it down. Norbert looked over to see Vivienne, a black and dark green line seeping up underneath her clothes, the light being sucked away. It looked like her leather garments.


    Clicking her tongue at Norbert and looking at her, Norbert hastily changed his vision back to normal. He looked at the woman with a sheepish grin on his face, hoping that he wouldn''t get in trouble from the woman for looking at her.


    "Well, aren''t you a bag of surprises?" She said to him as she walked away from the stall. Norbert followed after her before looking back at the store owner, seeing a slightly pained look on his face about losing a potential customer. The owner got a smile on his face as someone else came forward, poking at the jewellery, slowly going from one to the other and comparing it to their hand.


    Losing track of him in the crowd that surged between them, Norbert looked up at Vivienne as she walked forward. Norbert saw one of the food stalls, his mouth watering as he looked at the sweets on the table.


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    Pulling Vivienne to a stop, she tried to get him to continue forward. He pointed out towards the candy stall in front of him. He was not letting her go. Norbert looked over the selection there. All the bright colours popped out at him, and he asked her to grab them all.


    "Anything tickling your fancy?" Vivienne asked beside him as the stall owner zeroed in on Norbert, able to smell a sale coming.


    Norbert looked at her, the pink hair tied into a Celtic braid going down her head, looking familiar. The candy caught his eye again. Norbert looked down towards them, pointing at one and then the next.


    "Honestly, they all are," Norbert said, unable to decide which of them. Seeing jelly lollies, hard jaw breakers, liquorice twirls throughout and the ones he couldn''t even recognize, the colours slowly shifting from one to the other, looking like little galaxies trapped inside.


    Still unable to decide, feeling Vivienne staring down into his back from behind about taking so long over something she deemed pointless and looking back to the lollies, Norbert tapped his finger on his chin, trying to pick only one thing out of them.


    "Ahhh," Norbert said as he finally came to a solution. "How much for a couple of pieces of everything?" Norbert asked her. The clerk''s pink hair bounced around as she shot her head up. She stared at Norbert for several seconds, processing what had just been said before smiling and nodding.


    The trays of candies were barely open as she waved her finger around once they all started to get themselves placed into butcher paper, wrapping themselves up before his very eyes and staring at it going on in front of him as the wrapping appeared. She was finishing with twenty wrapped packages; the woman produced a bag from behind her, filling inside.


    Everyone around them stopped at the spectacle. Norbert took two silver coins out of his pouch and handed them over as he took the bag in his other hand, stopping anyone from seeing the coins leave.


    With a wave of his hand, Norbert took Vivienne''s hand as he continued walking through the stall. The stall was flooded with people, all trying to get a piece of the stock that caused someone to buy such a large amount at once, knowing there must be a reason behind it and not wanting to get lost.


    Norbert snacked on his candies, trying one after the other, his fingers starting to get sticky after the sugar started dribbling down them, trying to suck them away to stop them from reaching his gloves.


    Before he knew it, having walked the entire way down the stall front, it ended abruptly in a T junction that circled the stadium, lights dotting the structure as it imposed itself on the city built up around it even during the darkest of nights.


    Turning to Vivienne, he asked her if there was anywhere else she wanted to go. Taking another piece of candy at the end, he popped it into his mouth as he looked around. Finding a bench, as Vivienne wasn''t producing anything, he walked towards it, sitting down, patting the side next to him, indicating for Vivienne to take a seat.


    Norbert looked around, people giving them a wide berth as he opened his collection, picking another one out, reminding him of a jawbreaker as he sent energy into his jaw, biting down on the hard candy, taking the pieces and sucking them in his mouth. The cracked planet he was currently holding, with all of its layers out for him to see.


    Opening one of them up for her, Norbert indicated towards the lolly, hearing a groan before she stuck her hand in the wrapper, pulling one out, looking like a gummy one as she popped it in her mouth. Norbert heard her groan slightly as she moved it around her mouth with her tongue and began chewing it.


    "Is there any reason about those lines coming off you? They don''t look too healthy", Norbert said as he remembered the dark green colour coming off her, reminding him of the same green and brown musk that surrounded Skelly.


    "It comes with the job description," Vivienne said curtly, a sour look engulfing her face despite the sweetness on her tongue. Swallowing the remains down, she grabbed another one from a different bag, popped it into her mouth again, and began chewing it.


    "Not going to explain it any further?" Norbert asked her.


    "You will find out later. For now, let''s enjoy each other''s company," she told Norbert.


    He was nodding, not seeing a point in getting information from the woman if there was none to come by. As the two continued eating, Norbert saw someone sitting by the pathway across the street.


    Staring at them, Norbert tilted his head as he took the last bite out of his jawbreaker, sucking on the pieces as the person on the other side looked at them. Sucking away at it for several minutes, Vivienne picked through all the gummy lollies herself.


    Taking one out, Norbert threw it across the street, over the people walking by. The child leaned backwards as they grabbed it out of the air, scoffing it down as it sat down, slowly rocking back and forth.


    Vivienne watched Norbert''s action, shrugging his shoulders in response as he swallowed the last of the jawbreaker. Taking another lolly out, Norbert placed it on his thumb and flicked it over the street like a coin, landing perfectly in front of his little participant.

 Chapter 244 Trouble in the City

    As Norbert threw another candy across the street, several more children appeared in the alleyways. He started popping one in his mouth and throwing several out to the other side for the children, only for more to come.


    Throwing one out, Norbert saw the kids he wants to go to line themselves up. His hand grasps, about to close around it, as another shoots out from the side. He grabs it and forces the kid''s head down into the ground.


    Norbert is watching the physical contact, a damn being broken, and going over the single piece of candy; Norbert sat there shocked for several moments, still having a quarter of the candies he had bought from the start to go around, not seeing why they would even cause a fight between themselves now.


    Placing the candies next to him, Vivienne just watched the brawl, eating the next piece enraptured by the sight in front of her. Leaving her to watch Norbert string over, people crossing the street going away from the brawl that was coming around them. Wishing that he had something to gain their attention, happy for not having any weapons that could be accidentally used against one another as Norbert stood there for a moment, looking over the fight.


    Seeing that none of them had recognised him bellowing out the single word "STOP!"


    Hearing his voice echo around the street, everyone stared at him, all quiet, wondering what he was doing. At once, everyone dashed from the street. The kids no longer paid attention to the candy, one of them popping it in their mouth as they ran off in a different direction.


    Not even the one who had been hit first remained. Turning back to look at the street, only Vivienne remained, still sitting on the bench, smiling once more as her dark green eyes glimmered at Norbert as she waved a hand in front of her. A barrier appeared as she disappeared with the lollies that he had bought, leaving the bench completely empty.


    As she whisked away into thin air, Norbert changed his vision to magic as she appeared. A white barrier swirled around the bench, and Norbert could see Vivienne still sitting there, the black and dark green lines giving her position away. He changed his sight back to normal, looking around to see what all the commotion was about.


    As one on the sandstone roofs around him, the guards popped up, bows already in position. None of them was drawn back as they looked around the empty street before locking in on Norbert.


    Standing there, crossing his arms, remembering the last time he interacted with them and how he could heal them, Norbert stood there, tapping his fingers. Not seeing anything happen, the guards just looked between themselves and made clicking noises with their tongues as they looked towards Norbert.


    Slowly, Norbert took out the token, showing he was a tournament champion. Instantly, all the guards stepped back, disappearing from the rooftops. One jumped down, the wind flowing around them as they landed on the ground.


    Norbert can now get a closer look at them. They wear metal armour protecting their chests, a half helmet with no plumes on it, and a single leather strap underneath to connect it to the head. On their backs are a quiver of arrows, and two large knives are on their waists. I was surprised they didn''t have the leg gear to hold more of them like Norbert until I remembered what he used them for. That needs to be covered by the bow and arrows.


    The guard stopped a meter away from Norbert, coming up to his own height as he looked across to them. The flat metal chest piece was dull like it was trying to absorb the light hitting it but only drawing a slight amount in.


    Seeing his face in the reflection, disfigured as the metal bent and warped to fit the user, Norbert turned his eyes up at the metal piece of the helmet going down the brow of his nose. Their eyes looked back at Norbert, scrutinising his actions. Clearing his throat, he thumped his chest with his fist. "I''m sorry if I made a disturbance this early in the morning," Norbert said to the guard.


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    In silence, the guard looked back at Norbert without moving. Norbert started, wondering what would happen next with his current predicament, not wanting to be locked up somewhere to raise his voice.


    Seeing that the guard wasn''t doing anything, Norbert stepped towards them and the bench. His movement caused the guard''s bow to shoot up, and Norbert instantly stopped as he raised his arms on either side. The guard received a nod as they looked up, taking their eyes off Norbert. I''m wondering if he should try to make a runner for it. Before he could move, someone''s body came up from behind him, grabbing both of his wrists and placing them around behind his back.


    Norbert started to rest, pulling against the arms, not wanting to let them move him about when suddenly an arrow sprouted from his chest. Looking down in surprise as his arms were jerked behind him while he was stunned, the guard in front of him having released their arrow into him. The arrow poked out of his heart, splitting right through the cotton top he wore as red blood started to seep into the fabric. Eyes flashing towards the guard, wondering if it was intentional to do this.


    Wanting to remove the arrow from his body, Robert flexed against the bindings of his hands. "Don''t", the, guard ordered in front of him, already a second arrow on the bowstring, drawn tight as their hand rested against their cheek.


    Norbert, slackening his hands as the blood continued to dribble out of him, looked around at the empty bench on the side of the road. He changed the sight in his eyes; the magic barrier was no longer there. Norbert was unable to tell where Vivienne had disappeared with his lollies. He hoped that she just took them back to his room, and he would find them waiting for him the next time he entered.


    Another set of arms grabbed his right side, looking over his shoulder as each guard held onto one of his arms to direct himself, following the shooter as they travelled across the streets, steadily heading towards the Colosseum.


    The people quickly went to the other side of the street, allowing the little party to easily walk through the centre with no traffic. Windows were closed ahead of him, and whispers blanketed his passage about what he could have done to raise the ire of the guards this much.


    Walking through the streets until finally, Norbert came towards the structure, canning his neck up, changing his vision over tonight as the world turned black, white and grey.


    Dotted around the window, Norbert could see guards looking down at him, talking to one another as they looked relaxed. Their hands were on their weapons, ready for Norbert to try anything to turn him into a pin cushion and ask questions later.


    Walking through the doorway, which reminded Norbert of the hallway, he entered the Morenas chamber. However, this time, Norbert was led up into the structure through a doorway on the right side of the significant passage.


    Rising into the structure, Norbert was led into another hallway with guards on the sides. These guards were in the same garb as the one holding him but with spears in their hands instead of bows on their backs. The metal tips shone like torches as the light seemed to fill the hallway.


    Walking past guard after guard, Norbert watched as they turned towards him; like the clown at a carnival, you needed to place the balls in their mouth. Norbert tried to suppress a shiver at the eerie movement as they all seemed to be in sync, not wanting to for fear of getting speared on all sides in an enclosed space.


    Finally, the guard in front of him stopped, turning to one of the doors on the right, which looked exactly the same as any of the others. Leaning forward, the wooden door swung outwards, the creaking sound of the hinges cascading around the hallway Norbert was currently standing in.


    The metal on metal caused his hair to stand on end as the door finally quieted itself. The guard who opened it stepped inside, looked around, and nodded to someone before stepping to the side.


    Norbert stood there for a moment before he was shoved through. The two guards behind him walked him through the doorway and into the empty room beyond.


    There, Norbert saw one stone chair carved out of the ground, with someone else leaning against a wall, flipping through several papers in their hand, their face covered by the contents.


    Directed towards the chair, Norbert sat inside of it. His arms were released for a moment to go around the back of the stone object before being clamped down into something behind them.


    Making sure Norbert was secure and tugging on the bonds, the two quickly left the room, leaving Norbert to stare at the person as they continued looking through the papers.


    "Oh, I hope you''re not Count von Count doing all this for a stupid joke," After several minutes of silence, Norbert said the only sound in the room was the person as they continued to leaf through the papers.


    "That I am not, but splendid that you know the vampire." The person said as the papers were dropped to their side. No, Norbert looked upon the face, definitely not at Count von Count.

 Chapter 245 Another One

    Norbert stared at the man, tanned skin, looking back at him. Creased and looking like stained leather under white mop like hair. Thin hairs twirled into a moustache sprouting underneath the man''s nose stout nose. Wearing the exact equipment as the other guards: a sword on his waist, the decorated silver handle with its thin scabbard and decorative hand guard of a rapier, nearly the complete opposite of Norbert''s sword.


    Norbert clamped his mouth shut as he waited for the man to talk, knowing whoever it was had much more information about Norbert than Norbert did of this moustache man; he was already on the downside in the war on knowledge, not wanting to play any more cards than he already fumbled accidentally.


    Slackening his hands, Norbert waited for the man to say anything else. Instead, the man just continued going through his papers. He did not want to spend any more time with the man, knowing that if he was someone who could order, many guards would already know what he was capable of.


    Sending energy around his body, Norbert focused on his arms as he pulled on either side of them. The leather tied them together and dug into his wrists before finally snapping, sounding like an explosion behind him.


    Pulling his hands to the front as he rubbed his wrist, freeing them from the rest of the cord. Feeling the blood circulate again as he sent energy into them, the veins slightly going purple as the skin levelled out, no longer indented where the cord was.


    The man with the papers nodded at Norbert. Norbert sat in the chair for several moments, waiting for a conversation to start.


    "Why am I here?" Norbert asked the plated man.


    Tapping his finger on the paper, the gentleman thought momentarily as he twirled his moustache. "To find a person."


    "Well, I''m sorry, but I don''t know who you think I am, but I am not a detective," Norbert said as he started to make his way out of the chair.


    The older man snapped his fingers; Norbert heard a commotion from outside as hundreds of people all took a step at once. After several moments, a knock came from the door before a head poked in. Norbert believed it to be the same guard that shot him.


    The guard looked over the room and at the moustache man standing with the papers before dismissing himself with a shallow bow, careful not to send any of the arrows falling out of the quiver in his movement.


    Norbert rested back in the chair, receiving d¨¦j¨¤ vu of the last time he was in a similar situation. Back with it in Commander Sally''s office, with not as many guards outside, but not believing that those who roamed the halls back then wouldn''t cause much pain for Norbert and possibly even now.


    "Whose the person?" Norbert said, seeing only one way out of this mess: diving forward as quickly as possible and hopefully coming out unscathed on the other side.


    "A witch, if you would believe me. After a specific item." He said to Norbert.


    Norbert looked at him vaguely. "Is that all you have? A witch after an item. Can you at least tell me what the item is?" Norbert asked, hoping to get a better idea of what it could be.


    "Sadly, no." The man said to Norbert.


    "Then what can you tell me?" Norbert asked, trying to get any information out of him that could help.


    "Not much is known, only that she is mighty, rivalling even the biggest big shots around here. She can change her appearance, so that''s any information I have in that regard is irrelevant. The only constant description is stitches along her body." The man said to Norbert.


    He filled in the information in the back of his head, not coming up with anybody who could meet the description that was given. As he sat there, another thought rattled around: "Why me, and why should I even help you?" Norbert asked.


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    "Commander Sally has ordered you to assist in the investigation," the man said, flicking over a piece of paper to Norbert. Snatching it out of the air, Norbert looked down at it, quickly skimming through the brief letter.


    "Dear Norbert,


    I know this request is strange, but listen to him; that is an order.


    From your jack lover, Sally."


    Norbert just looked down at the letter, the end bit causing his head to shake, knowing that the order did come from the commander.


    Folding the piece of paper up, Norbert starts to give it back, but the man in front of him refuses with a simple shake of his head. Sighing in annoyance at needing to hold onto it, Norbert folds it twice over into a square before placing it in his pocket, not knowing what to do with it.


    "The reason why you specifically despite your lack of experience in the field is due to the connections you have made. Strong enough to go on your own as demonstrated." The man said, with a flourish of his hand at Norbert''s wrists. "Only a few people have talked with and possibly befriended one of the Grimm. Let alone a vampire at that." The man said.


    Norbert just shook his head, seeing where it was going. With the declaration that Count von Count did and his response finally biting him on the arse. I was surprised it had taken this long for something to happen from that interaction, enough time for him to forget about it, thinking the issue had passed.


    "And how would knowing a vampire help in this endeavour?" Norbert asked, hoping to get something from the man before him.


    "The Grimm are defensive about outsiders. The fact that you haven''t been kicked out or killed from your place of rest shows that they accept you, somewhat." the man said.


    "And how does the Grimm welcoming me help anything at all?" Norbert asked aloud, shaking his head. He did not understand where this person was coming from.


    "And that bit about you is also true," the man said, looking down his nose to look at Norbert. Because this witch is a Grimm, go and find her now that you''ve been released. Report back here every three days about what you have found," the man said, turning to the door as he exited the room.


    Norbert looked around the empty room, not believing the conversation he had just had. Shaking his head, he changed his vision to magic, looking around the room idly, wondering if there were any listening devices or things of that nature.


    Scanning around the room and seeing several magic circles and runes plastered within them, Norbert tried to file them to memory their shapes and intricate patterns, knowing he wouldn''t have the time or resources to examine them. As well as he did not want these people to know everything about him by keeping his cards close to his chest.


    Heading towards the door, Norbert opened it as he looked around the hallway, surprised to see a single guard there. The uncountable number that lined the walls beforehand departed without Norbert hearing a thing in that conversation.


    Shaking his head, not wanting to figure out the Colosseum situation, Norbert heads out of the passageway where he had come.


    Exiting through the doors, finally outside, Norbert saw the sun rising in the air once more and groaned in annoyance at having wasted the entire night, wondering if he should return to the inn. His mouth salivated as he remembered the candies, wanting at least one before returning to the Colosseum and dealing with whatever he needed behind him up at the Colosseum windows, waving a hand to the closest group of guards looking out at him. Pushing energy throughout his body, Norbert leapt onto the closest building, running along the rooftops, avoiding people''s items as they peppered across them.


    Leaping over the street to the other side, he received points and stared at him as he flew through the air. Making quick time, Norbert made it to the front of the Pudgy Patron. Opening the door, Norbert stepped through, seeing Obsius and the fox sitting at the table, already eating, his own sitting in a bowl. Walking around, Norbert sat down, spooning it into his mouth. Calming the energy he was sending around his body, trying to stop being so restless before what would happen later in the day.


    Norbert tapped his fingers against the table; he used the spoon to shove the last of the porridge-like substance into his mouth and downed the mug of water, unsticking anything in his mouth, raising the empty glass to the bartender before standing up and walking away from the table.


    Seeing everyone still staring at him, stopping in his tracks as he walked towards Brezan the bartender, looking around the bar to see if there were any extra pieces. Not seeing any Norbert leaning towards the man.


    "What were the odds?" Norbert asked.


    Brezan took a half-step away and looked at Norbert, pinning the man down with his bartender''s eyes and figuring out if he needed to get further away.


    Norbert raised his hands. "I''m not looking for a fight; I''m just curious, is all."


    You see Brezan visibly relax at the words, a balloon filled with stress deflated from him. "There are three to one odds that you wouldn''t return today. One person bet that you would come here in the morning as you have," the bartender said.


    Norbert just nodded, believing he knew who scored the jackpot by picking exactly when he would come back to the inn. Climbing the ladder, he looked around the room. "I''ll give you guys a tip. Don''t bet your luck against mine." Norbert stated the declaration, looking above and seeing a golden mote of light appear.


    Shaking his head, Norbert climbed up the rest of the ladder, letting the guests continue with their day, whatever they were doing just before he showed up.

 Chapter 246 Not Today

    Norbert walking towards his room, quickly changing over to magic vision. He sees the door unlocked, believing he knows who will be there. As Norbert opens the door, he looks towards the bed and sees Vivienne lying there, back in her waitress clothes. The leather garments she was wearing before are gone, and her elbows are exposed for him to see.


    Looking across the bed, Norbert was thankful to see his candies sitting on the chest, next to his equipment already there. Going to the candy, he popped one into his mouth, feeling the sugar burst. Taking his boots off, Norbert put on his pants and jacket before putting his boots on again and sitting on the edge of the bed.


    Vivienne was still sitting there, looking at him as she smiled at him. He closed his eyes as he wondered if it was even worth it to talk to the woman or if he should just leave immediately.


    Opening his mouth, Norbert told her, "Thanks for bringing back the candies." He said to her.


    She received a flick of the wrist in response, dismissing his thanks. "No worries, but more importantly, what did they want with you?" she asked him.


    Shaking his head, he said, "The craziest thing you wouldn''t believe." Norbert said to her.


    "I''m sure you can tell me some of it?" She said to him, eyes flashing through the light from the window.


    Norbert forced energy around his body, whipping it around as quickly as possible as he remembered the feeling of it back in the mountain hall. He needed to protect himself from the shadow man with the pink appendages.


    Norbert shook his head as he tried to clear it. "I''m just searching for somebody," he said to her, his lips slipping the words out.


    "Were you given a name?" Vivienne prodded him.


    "Sadly, no. Like seriously, how am I meant to find anybody? I''m not a detective and don''t know where to start." Norbert said before standing up, pacing and expressing his thoughts, "Oh yes, go and find a Grimm witch. You can do it because I said so. Mr Moustache, looking down your nose at me." Norbert said, plopping a candy in his mouth for a moment as he chewed it, getting a bit of a smile on his face until he swallowed it down to continue ranting.


    "Seriously Sally, isn''t being in the tournament enough for you? Also, you''re doing your annoying fetch quests," Norbert said as he popped another candy in his mouth.


    Ehrmm, Vivienne coughed out, clearing her throat. Norbert looked up; his thoughts stopped for a moment as he looked at her.


    Looking out the window, seeing the light filling the sky, hearing people in the streets moving in a group. Running towards the window, I see everyone moving towards the stadium for the attraction of the day.


    "Dang it. Thanks for letting me know, but I gotta run!" Norbert shouted, already heading to the ladder. Looking down, he saw the fox making its way up to him.


    The two looked at each other as the fox moved away, letting Norbert jump to the bottom smoothly. He picked it up and deposited the white ball of fur on his right shoulder.


    Striding towards the door, Norbert opened it quickly, stepped through, and closed it quickly. He slammed the door shut as he looked across the street, seeing the crowd slowly shamble their way around.


    Looking around, seeing that he would never make it across the streets, Norbert leapt into the air, once more getting people to look and stare, and shouted for the guards trailing behind him.


    Running on the rooftops, Norbert saw one set of guards on the rooftop next to him, following him. Waving to them and not receiving an arrow in return, Norbert continued towards the Colosseum, dismissing them from his mind.


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    Landing on the street again in front of the appropriate gate for him, he already took the token out as the slime once more appeared before him. "One thousand five hundred and forty three, Norbert, Morenas," Norbert said as the slime stood for a moment before moving away again, heading to the left again.


    Norbert followed behind it. Looking behind him, he saw the people starting to head up into the stadium, wondering how many of these people would be staring at him. He made his way through the underground tunnels seemingly faster than the last time he had travelled. The slime once more stopped and formed into the ground; Norbert looked into the chamber, seeing the beds again in the centre.


    He walked towards his own, hopping onto it as he waited, looking at where he was previously told by Stumpy, the screen with the announcements, currently blank. He took his mask off his face, having worn it after putting all of his other equipment back in his room at the Pudgy Patron.


    The fox and the bird jumped off, heading towards the pillow on the bed. Sitting on the edge, the fox took the small bag of candies out of his coat and popped one in his mouth, chewing it as he looked around, seeing that everyone seemed to be in the same positions as before.


    Finekus once more sat in his bubble of darkness, doing Norbert had no idea. Those in a circle practise with each other, giving last-minute pointers before whatever happens. Norbert shook his head, sitting on the bed as he thought about what happened last night, the guards popping up out of nowhere only to whisk him somewhere above his current position.


    Shaking his head, he pops another piece of candy in his mouth and turns around on the bed to look up at the area of the wall where the text should eventually start to appear.


    Sadly, as he stared, trying to will it to appear before him, nothing was happening. Shaking his head, Norbert lay on the bed, closing his eyes as he tried to sleep the little that he needed with nothing better to do.


    "Oh, finally!" Norbert heard someone shout out on another bed. Cracking open an eye as he heard movement all around him, he sat up again, popping candy into his mouth as the text finally appeared.


    The doorway opened as the names scrolled through. On the board, Norbert saw the numbers, names, positions, and a random statistic slowly appearing.


    Finekus''s name appears with one hundred and one to the left; underclass Norbert reads mage and darkness. Sitting there, the last column makes sense, the attribute the person could use.


    The names were segmented into groups. Finally, he saw his own appear in group seven, wondering what it had as an attribute. It was the only one where it was blank. He wondered if the people outside would also eventually see this list and the further stir he would create.


    The names spun once more through it before the next piece of information was displayed to them.


    "So I rushed for nothing," Norbert said as he looked at the timetable. Seeing his group fighting the next day, he saw people around him moving off and out of the room while about half returned to their beds or where they stood before.


    Seeing Finekus returning to his orb, he realised he must go off today to fight some opponent. Walling to the doorway, Norbert made his way out and into the light of the sun once more, now able to hear the cheers and ohs of the crowd as a fight had started; Norbert just walked away, not caring about something that would come no matter what.


    He wouldn''t be able to change his plan significantly, with no way of getting magic or enchanted items. Norbert sent the energy around his body; the only thing he could fall back on here.


    Walking back to the Grimm section, other matters took precedence in his head, like being the good little detective the moustache man needed him to be. Let alone what Vivienne needed him to find like it really would just fall into his lap.


    Making his way through the city the normal way, Norbert kept his helmet on. Nobody properly recognised him, happy for his moment of obscurity, which he now had, sure it would be ripped away from him the next day.


    I opened the door to the inn and looked around the half-empty inn. I was surprised at the amount of empty space there; all the other times that Norbert had been in the tavern, it had been mostly filled.


    Turning to the barkeeper, who was about to open his mouth, Brezan interrupted as he nodded towards the Colosseum. "Nobody wants to miss out on the first few days; that''s when everyone will be sized up," the bartender stated, placing the mug on the counter as he reached over to the bar, filled it up again, and slid it over to Norbert.


    Looking at the glass, Norbert sees the bubbles of the beer inside sprinting to the top, the perspiration on the side making his fingertips and glove slick. Sipping it, he remembers the lack of people on the street¡ªonly several of them wrapped up.


    "How big is the Grimm district?" Norbert asked the bartender.


    Brezan picked up another glass to clean, replying in a half-thought, "Down this entire road to the colosseum and about seven houses wide on each side." The bartender said as he thought about it, nodding his head after he had pondered it.


    Norbert imagined that the number of people or things on the streets currently or in the morning wouldn''t be enough to move everyone, especially as only half were wrapped up.


    "So, where is the tunnel system?" Norbert asked, a moment later hearing the glass shatter as his collar was pulled forward, Norbert nearly spilling his beverage.

 Chapter 247 In the Tunnels

    "Well, that''s a lot more explosive reaction than I ever thought possible coming out of you, Brezan," Norbert said, grasping the skeletal arm as he squeezed against the gloved appendage. Realizing that his grip wanted to do anything to the man, the bartender released his hold on Norbert.


    Leaning backward, still holding his beverage in hand, Norbert took a sip, sighing as he felt the cool liquid go down his throat.


    "How did you know? Are you with them?" Brezan asked him.


    Norbert looked blankly as he took another sip, happy that at least that was satisfying. "The only group I''m with is The Frontier. And possibly a Solution, but I don''t know if you know about them," Norbert said.


    "Never heard of the second group, so what will you do now?" Brezan asked Norbert again, getting defensive once more, Norbert imagining the man as a dog, its fur standing on end to make itself look as big and intimidating as possible.


    Norbert just shook his head, now annoyed by this conversation. "Have a look; explore what''s here. I have nothing better to do for the next day," he said.


    "How about training?" Brezan asked. Seeing the half-skeleton, Norbert was starting to get desperate. He wanted to stop Brezan from going down there.


    "Unless you have ten elixirs under the bar, a day''s worth of training isn''t helping much," Norbert said. The only thing he would want to train was imbuing energy into his own weapons, but he knew he didn''t have the time to recover in case it went wrong, and the eyes that were possibly watching him wherever he went.


    Downing the rest of it, Norbert slid the glass back to Brezan. "Enough chitter; where is the tunnel?" Norbert stated, not questioning as he spaced out every word, letting Brezan know .


    "You¡¯re going to tell him, boss?" a voice came from behind the swinging kitchen doors. Norbert saw the other waitress with her long blonde hair step into the room. Hearing everyone shuffling, he turned around on the bar stool and saw people''s hands had left their cups and cutlery, now all hidden under their tables.


    "I don''t want a fight if I can help it," Norbert said to everyone in the room, placing both of his hands on top of the table, letting all that could see that he had no weapon in his hand. "Will you let me see the tunnels?" Norbert asked once more, trying to sound as kind as possible in the current situation he found himself in.


    The bartender looked for several moments before sighing, taking an envelope from underneath a bottle. Opening it up, Brezan perused it for a moment before handing it over to Norbert, not understanding the language that was written.


    "So, is that a yes?" Norbert asked, waving the envelope around.


    "Yes, it is. As you have asked to look down there, you are allowed to enter by the authority given by Count von Count," Brezan said, slightly gritting his teeth, annoyed at the outcome. Vivienne, come to escort Norbert to the underground!" Brezan shouted.


    The maid''s head popped up to the upper floor where the ladder was. Giving a thumbs up as she disappeared again, Norbert looked around and tapped his fingers in a rhythmic pattern, going down them until she returned.


    Seeing her in the same clothes she wore last night, once more her body nearly entirely covered by the leather strips about a hand-width wide. The leather was dying darker than the normal tan it would be, turning into nearly black.


    Waving forward, Norbert gets off the bar and heads towards the stairs leading downwards. Stepping down, Norbert remembers something: "If my two little fury friends come, let them know where I am." Norbert says, continuing down before anyone up there can say anything.


    Walking down the stone stairs, even here, the same sandstone that the house above was made of, Norbert digs his heel slightly into the steps, feeling the grains of sand underneath his foot.


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    Going down the first steps, Norbert sees the hallway with doors on either side. Vivienne turns around and goes behind the staircase, and Norbert follows, seeing a second set of steps hidden away there. Going deeper underground once more, he is now almost able to feel the weight of the earth on top of him.


    This far down, not even the smallest bit of light could be here, no matter what time of day it was. This floor looked the same as the one above him, with the doors on either side. Norbert realized that most of the guests and storage would be down here, making sense with the lack of sun that would break them apart.


    Following Vivienne down here, the woman was taciturn as Norbert followed behind. His helmet on his face again, he looked around each door, making sure nothing would jump out at him. The number of people you could hide down here became much more than he thought the building could contain.


    Vivienne opened one of the doors, stepping through into the room. Norbert followed behind, silently closing the wooden door behind him. Looking around the room, crates of items were scattered about. Seeing one being popped open, I realized they were in the room that stored some of the food and vegetables in the crates. Within some of the others were sacks of grain, already prepared and ready to be used.


    Vivienne walked towards one of the crates and pushed against it, hearing it slide against the stone; marks on the stone floor where the same movement had been done before.


    Underneath, Norbert did not see a trapdoor as he expected; it was just a gaping hole, darkness the only thing down there. Vivienne jumps down, being consumed in the darkness. After half a second, Norbert heard her impact the ground, the only sound the woman had made since coming underground.


    He changed his vision to see better in the dark, and the world became grey as the details down in the hole became known. A section of the pathway was visible, the junction where Vivienne was standing, before a hole formed, going deeper into darkness.


    Jumping down, Norbert landed on the same ledge around them. Looking around at the darkness, he saw only a small expanse of the room. Down here, a staircase was etched into the solid stone, and Norbert looked at its grey walls.


    "So, where is this tunnel?" Norbert asked Vivienne, looking around the room but not seeing anything.


    Only a single white finger pointing downwards is his only form of direction. Norbert leaned slightly forward, looking down into the inky blackness that surrounded it there.


    Seeing nothing there, Norbert looked back up at Vivienne. "Ladies first?" he asked her, hoping that would persuade her to jump into the abyss of darkness beneath his feet.


    "Not this time," Vivienne said, her voice seemingly coming from all directions as Norbert''s feet went out from underneath him.


    Before he could do anything, Norbert started free-falling into the blackness, his vision entirely consumed by the lack of light around him. He continued his fall, his back hitting the stone wall of the chute beneath him, quickly going from vertical to horizontal.


    Feeling himself slowing down, Norbert was hit with a wave of light. Clamping his eyes down, he quickly changed his vision back to normal. Two hands grasped under his arms, lifting him up. Letting himself be carried away, he heard a rushing of the wind behind him.


    Blinking his watery eyes open, Norbert held one arm up in front of his eyes to block the light that was shining through. Seeing the chute they came down, a half-cylinder, he was able to easily see the other side and up out of where he jumped from.


    Further to the side, Norbert saw the steps that he had seen the top of before, just to the side. As he looked at the stone, quite obvious and almost able to see the storage room and a crate above, Norbert realized that there was something done to the place to hide it, sucking out the light.


    Vivienne stepped gently out; she turned around, looking at where Norbert was and the slide that they had just come out of. The two people pulled Norbert out of the way, seeing that he was at least on his feet and not getting in anyone''s way.


    Turning around to say thanks, Norbert was still shocked, seeing the rotten flesh hanging from their limbs. With the clumps of hair sticking to their heads, Norbert could not determine if they were once male or female. Everything that could have been identified now was either no longer there, eaten away by the ravages of time, the worm that came out of one of their eye sockets, or from what they were wearing, tying everything in place and holding it all together.


    He was jumping back in surprise, seeing their reaction turn slightly worried at his reaction. Holding his hand over his heart, Norbert breathed in quickly, trying to calm himself down. He looked at his arms, thankful they didn''t leave their bodily juices on him, not knowing what would happen to the stain under the sun.


    "Now you see why most people don''t come down here. Welcome to the tunnels." Vivienne said, grasping Norbert''s shoulders and spinning him around, pointing him towards the rest of the tunnel. Norbert looked at the extravagance of it as he stared in wonder.


    "This really shouldn''t be called a tunnel, you know," Norbert said, mouth agape as he looked around the village under the city.

 Chapter 248 Makes it Fun

    The tunnel as he looked up, Norbert saw other holes in the ceiling and walls of the tunnel section he was in. Either side going for several blocks on either side, columns coming up and down, doors and steps similar to the one he had just used placed around; Norbert saw where the stone joined to the roof they flowered out, pieces added to the columns to add extra reinforcement, likely stopping the entire room from collapsing.


    The things walking around¡ªany precedence like above that they were normal-looking people were gone entirely. There was a sm?rg?sbord of darker colours throughout the crowd. Nothing too bright was seen on their skin except the clothes that some of them decided to wear, making them look like poisonous frogs found in a rainforest.


    Norbert saw all the shops on either side, all low to the ground, people flowing within and out like you would expect to see anywhere else. Looking at the shop names and unable to read them, Norbert wondered what they could be selling down here.


    "Um, why?" Norbert asked, looking at the prosperous area around him. Looking back at the two zombies, Norbert smiled apologetically and waved to them, hoping he hadn''t annoyed them too much.


    "To escape the sun. Not everyone can wrap themselves up as protection from the sun," Vivienne said as she started to walk off. Norbert looked once more around the area, trying to bring it all into his head before he quickly followed, not wanting to lose her in the crowd''s attempt at swallowing her hole.


    Joining her, Norbert looked around, amazed at the structure around him. "How did you guys even make all of this?" Norbert asked her, spinning around as he walked, trying to get as much size as possible.


    Those around him pointed at his reaction, knowing that he looked like a typical tourist but not really caring.


    "We didn''t. Not the Grimm, at least. It was found here and believed to be dated with the colosseum above ground," Vivienne said, turning around to look at him, gauging his reaction to the news.


    I was not surprised as Norbert continued to look at its extravagance, which size was giving all that. "I''m not that surprised; where else would you even get here if you can''t wrap yourselves up properly?" Norbert said as he continued looking around.


    Vivienne took by the hand, the crowd seemingly parting for them as they went further away from the entrance and the set of steps that Norbert went through.


    Norbert followed behind for several minutes until, finally, they stopped. Norbert''s feet skidded on the floor as he tried not to slam into Vivienne''s back as she let go of his hand, pointing at something ahead of them.


    Norbert could once more see the colosseum standing there, the same windows and guards looking out of it as he remembered seeing above ground.


    Rubbing his eyes, Norbert looked out again, confirming his thoughts that it was genuinely standing there. "But, isn''t it above ground?" Norbert asked them.


    "That it is, and there is one down here as well," Vivienne said, turning her head to him, her golden hair flowing out of the way in the world of drab colours. ¡°I''m surprised you could see it so far away in the dark," she said to him, a Cheshire grin on her face at having gained another piece of knowledge from Norbert.


    Norbert just shook his head. "So, I''m also assuming we fight down here when going against the Grimm?" Norbert asked, seeing the issue where you would instantly start to combust if you cut through even a single piece of their clothing. It''s not the best for a fighting tournament.


    "Correct, and before you ask, I can already see the gears in your little heart whirring projections so that either crowd can see," Vivienne said, explaining it to Norbert before he could even ask the question forming on the tip of his tongue.


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    Nodding his head in response, Norbert looked out at the structure going to the top of the ceiling, remembering the several floors he had been down to get into the staging rooms, likely positioned just above his head.


    "And do those up there know about this?" Norbert asked, waving his hands around the underground cavern he found himself in, too big to be called a simple tunnel system.


    "But of course, how else is it explained that their champions in the tournament would just disappear, replaced with real-time depictions of the fight," Vivienne said, Norbert, hearing the strain in her voice of having to repeat herself to him again and feeling within herself that the wave of questions hadn''t even started to be stemmed.


    "Is this the same in other cities?" Norbert asked, trying to remember but not thinking it would be possible to replicate something like this.


    "Officially, no, unofficially ¡­" she ended, looking slightly down at Norbert as she stared at him. Norbert shivered in response, looking like someone about to do something terrible to him if he asked anything more about the topic.


    "OK, change of topics then. Why are you still here?" Norbert asked her.


    "Every non-Grimm residence that comes down here needs a guide," she said to Norbert, her voice growing louder in octaves until she almost shouted at the crowd around them.


    The feeling of being watched from behind instantly disappears. Not realising the feeling had followed him since he first came to this place. Turning around as their chops were no longer licked, the crowd around them not seemingly as thick as before.


    "I''m surprised that they would do this to a contestant in the stadium. But even more surprising is how big of a hot shot the waitress at an inn is," Norbert said to her.


    "Can you blame a girl for going back to her roots now and then?" she said to Norbert, trying to put on her best innocent face.


    Norbert just shook his head at her response.


    "OK, I''ll tell you, but not here. Let''s go somewhere more ¡­ private," Vivienne said before dragging him back into the crowd. Walking around the stadium, Norbert saw the same gate entrances above ground, wondering if there was another chamber below for the contestants to prepare or if it was located above this one.


    Going into a building on the side, Vivienne walks to one of the rooms. Norbert finds the place empty as she sits down in the chair. Norbert sits in the other as he waits for her to speak.


    As she sat there, waving a hand to someone, Norbert heard them enter and stopped as they looked at it before leaving again. Norbert did not even turn around as he stared at Vivienne, wondering if a dagger was soon to start sprouting from his back.


    "Well?" Norbert asked her aloud, waiting to see what was happening and why they were there.


    "I was sent here like I said before, and I am looking at it. Before, I was working down here, getting the information I could. Then someone from Grimm, high up¡­" Vivienne said, pausing as she went quiet, looking slowly and carefully around their dining room; Norbert looked around as well, changing his vision to magic. The air turned away in colour as Norbert looked around, confirming no magic circles around the room.


    He was concluding his search, making sure not to look at Vivienne, not wanting to see her again like that, thinking it was an invasion of privacy. As he looked back at her, his vision normal, his eyes couldn''t move from her Cheshire grin forming on her face, another of his secrets that she could grasp for her own.


    "I was notified to start working in the inn and await someone to help me. And that''s when you showed up," Viviane said, smiling at Norbert as he sat there, not believing the words that just came out of her mouth.


    "You know I can''t trust anything you say, especially now with that little revelation you have given me," Norbert said to her, leaning forward. One hand dropped underneath the table, resting on a dagger, which he quietly unsheathed, leaving it dagger by his leg.


    "But that''s what makes it fun," Vivienne said, a mad glint quickly taking over her eyes before it fled again. Norbert shivered instinctually, like after hearing nails run on a chalkboard.


    "Are you going to tell me anything else about what you''re after?" Norbert asked her again.


    "See no reason to; won''t change much. And anyway, why would you trust me with this? What''s making you still follow me right now and not run out that door and escape in a bloodbath?" Vivienne said, leaning back as she tapped her fingers against nothing, playing on a musical instrument only she could see and feel.


    "Not due to you, but from what Count von Count said. There must be a reason for him to get the two of us to meet," Norbert said, looking at Vivienne, seeing her only nod in response to his statement. As he sat there, annoyed to himself, he felt like he received less from the conversation compared to the fake waitress sitting in front of him.


    "Well," Vivienne said, breaking Norbert''s train of thought. "Let''s stop terrorising this lady''s house and point me in the right direction, my compass." Vivienne said to Norbert, standing up, the chair scraping against the floor as she left the room without waiting for Norbert.

 Chapter 249 Two Things

    Norbert followed after her, seeing a woman with two pairs of black leathery wings coming out of her back. He spotted four of them coming out from between her sky-blue dress. Norbert just smiled and waved at her, trying to look past the black eyes that looked at him.


    Seeing her blush slightly at the attention, Norbert gave her a half-wave before she scampered away. Not seeing where she went, Norbert turned to Vivienne, the woman already out on the street, waiting on the steps that led to the rest of the street, where everyone was walking around once more, staring at Norbert and Vivienne before they continued on, their eyes forced to look away or else ram into someone.


    Norbert went next to her and looked at her up and down, seeing her in the light of what she was. She was no longer an annoyed waitress with a customer making too many requests but a woman who planned precisely what she intended. "Guess they were right about being a follower of Luck", Norbert said as he walked into the crowd, letting Vivienne have that information as he stepped through. The crowd was now physically parting around him. Nobody touched him too hard, or else a punishment would rain down on them from above.


    Looking around the place, Norbert could not get rid of the stadium in his vision, wondering if there were still fights. He headed towards it, hoping he would be allowed to enter, knowing there must be a reason for all these people out here.


    He was changing his course; Norbert bounced on his heels, anticipating what he could see about the other fighters. The street opened as he saw the walkway that he usually went on; stepping into the tunnel with the many openings on either side, a slime coming out of" the ground.


    "A seat to watch the show?" Norbert asked the slime.


    "Sold out," the slime said as it started to dissipate into the ground without waiting for Norbert to reply.


    Looking around, annoyed Vi, Vienne continued forward, the slime appearing on "e more "S" ld out." It said in its robotic voice, reminding Norbert of a pre-recorded message being replayed.


    Vivienne took something out and flashed it towards the slime. She sat there momentarily before finally speaking, "Access granted. Welcome, biz." Before the sl, "I disappeared.


    Norbert''s head Norbert''s was floating for a moment. He instinctively pushed energy around his body and felt the fog crawl away from his mind. After a moment, he finally felt back to normal.


    "Come on this way," Vivienne said, heading out the other way, going further than Norbert ever did. Several meters in on the dark stone around him, Norbert enter a four-way junction. He was looking forward to a smaller exit where Norbert could see the arena and some seats.


    Looking to the left and right, Vivienne saw that a ring was following her on the inside of the Colosseum. Vivienne headed towards the left, and Norbert followed after her as she walked. Idle chatter filled the ring. Norbert saw stands for food and drinks every few entrances they passed, and he realized that he was just inside a massive stadium.


    Heading upstairs, Norbert rose as Vivienne clicked on the stone steps. Finally finishing the last step, she walked up a small walkway. Continuing around, she climbed another set of steps, not bothering to look at Norbert.


    On this level, even fewer people were about. No food stalls were to be seen either, the ring tighter than the previous one.


    Finishing off the steps, Norbert saw Vivienne finally head towards the entrance in front of them. He stepped through, following after Vivienne, and instantly felt out of place.


    Everyone slowly turned from the arena to look at the two new arrivals. Their many eyes instantly moved from Vivienne, some even giving her a few nods before turning to Norbert, their lips curling in disdain at his arrival, entering the little abode they had for themselves.


    "Why have you brought a human", Vivienne?" One of them asked.


    Norbert "turned his eyes to the speaker, swallowing as he looked at a ball of muscle. The thing looked human primarily if it wasn''t for its bulging muscle, which wasn''t anywhere, making even a bodybuilder look trim and the metal bolt going through its head. Its nearly pressed black suit was nearly splitting at the seams. Standing there nearly two heads taller than Norbert, the ceiling just barely missed the giant''s head.


    "Frankenstein," Norbert whispered as he" stared at the man before him. The giant''s eyes grew slightly in annoyance at what Norbert said, staring him down before looking back to Vivienne, the source of their current annoyance.


    "To watch the match, of course"," Vivienne said, making her way through the several others there, stopping as she looked out and down into the arena. Norbert stood still for a moment before scampering to her side, looking down at the arena. He was trying to calm down from the several gazes aimed at the back of his neck. He was happy to be still wearing the helmet, hoping it would protect him slightly if it went south.


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    Staring in the arena, Norbert could not stop exclaiming, "What''s Finekus doing down there?¡± Norbert asked aloud, seeing the mage had a ball of darkness hanging above his head, slowly growing bigger and bigger.


    Vivienne looked at where he was pointing at the mage, and she looked at Norbert, ensuring he was severe. "A team battle, ten vs. ten "of two different factions. Weren''t you told any of this? Asked him sceptically, "and Norbert nodded in response.


    "You''re not told very much," Vivienne said, mostly talking to herself. She was starting to doubt her faith in the man beside her.


    "Yep, but I''m still thrown on the frying pan into the fire," Norbert said, growling the "last statement out. He looked up at the ceiling, imagining Luck was looking down at him from her chair beside the coffee table, sipping on her tea.


    Looking back in the arena, Norbert could remember only five people on Morena''s side still standing. The other five had been evacuated from the arena, and Norbert could not see them.


    The other four are standing around Finekus, letting him build up his spell. Two of them are mages with a blue barrier appearing in front of them. Spells light up, causing the barrier to glow blue for a moment before fading slightly. Norbert is looking at the mages'' faces. Each has a staff rammed into the ground. Several runes spin around at the tip of them, most of them blue, but Norbert sees a single green and red one amongst them.


    Norbert saw the other two warriors, shields held up from side to side; they were brimming with arrows that had impacted the metal shield, and he was surprised at the sheer number of them there.


    The last for Morenas is being an archer, shooting a steady stream of arrows towards their opponents. When taking the last arrow from the quiver on their back, another set appears ready to fire again.


    Following the stream of arrows, Norbert''s heart sank as he left the other side. Eight stood firm, and Norbert saw the smile on their faces as their clothes were off. Norbert saw that they were, in fact, the home team, and he saw the difference in body shape like he had seen in the cavern he currently resided in.


    Norbert saw what he assumed were four mages, two of whom once more had a barrier while the others were lobbying their spells at the Morenas team.


    Two archers lobbing arrows three times as quickly as the Morenas archer, Norbert looking and seeing flecks of light trailing behind, disappearing when passing through the barrier, only to be caught by the warrior, the shield constantly moving not to have any deflected into his team.


    Two warriors, massive creatures reminding Norbert of Frankenstein, stood behind him, their black plate armour making them seem even more imposing than the one behind him; Norbert could not understand how it was possible.


    Only one was defending, and the other, Norbert, could almost see yawning, not caring for the fight. When he realized this, Norbert wondered why.


    "They don''t see Finekus as a threat; I''m assuming Dark is effective against them", Norbert said aloud.


    Vivienne shaking her head at the, statement, "Rooky assume. Ng that they were able to feed off the magic that the mage is creating, strengthening their body and magic." Vivienne explained beside "him as she walked away, talking to the others from Grimm, all of them already deciding the outcome of the battle being Morena''s defeat.


    Norbert stared at the battle, seeing Finekus nod slightly as a ripple came about the Morenas team.


    The warrior blasted through the barrier, the mages no longer holding it up in protection. They also started running several steps away and throwing spells, their staffs in one hand as they charged at the Grimm.


    The archer leapt into the air, sending it from above. The change instantly caused the Grimm to move forward; no more waiting, as the time for the final countdown had come. Spells slinging of their own, instantly one of the mages crumpled, unable to hold up to four coming to them at once.


    The other only unleashed one at each of the archers, causing them to step back and to the side, not wanting to get hit by the spell when it could easily be avoided.


    The warrior charged into one of the giants, only causing it to step back, but it must have been what Finekus was waiting for. The orb of darkness that he had been growing above his head, now several meters in diameter, launched at the group, rapidly expanding until it consumed everyone in that half of the arena.


    Like jelly, it absorbed everyone, and Norbert watched in amazement, not having seen this spell at all that the mage unleashed the last time they battled. As the blackness slowly dissipated into the ground, Norbert saw only the bodies remaining, everyone having been impacted completely still.


    Norbert breathed out, having thought it was finally over, as Finekus''s back started to bend at having won in the last effort, surprised he could.


    "AARGGHHH!" Norbert heard so "one down" their shout. He saw the warrior leaning against his shield, half asleep, pulling himself up to his feet. His armour was ripping off him, and black ooze was coming out of his skin.


    Charging at Finekus, the mage took in one last breath as a dagger of darkness formed out of his hand. He took it and threw it at the giant, the weapon spinning through, impacting the unprotected groin area and causing the giant to topple to the ground. Its head smashed the pavement as blood trickled out of the wound on its head and between its legs.


    The bell finally sounded as Finekus landed on his back, looking up at the crowd. Seeing Norbert standing there, I saw a look of confusion about seeing the scout in the booth. Before the mage could question it further, Norbert saw Finekus''s eyes roll up behind his head. The mage, having passed out from his efforts.


    Turning to Vivienne, Norbert asked her, "Two questions: First, are there casinos down here, and second, do they accept Morena''s coins?" Patting his coin pouch, the" coins jangled slightly as images of the fight appeared in his mind, the close victory Finekus was able to pull out of his pocket. Norbert doubted after completely underestimating the other contestants.

 Chapter 250 Off to the Casino

    "Yes, one should have opened up by now regarding the start of the tournament, even down here, and they will accept your coin. But why do you want to gamble? Are you feeling lucky after your team barely scraped the victory?" Vivienne pointedly asked Norbert, almost able to see the venom dripping with every word.


    "Remember what I said before about what I would do in a day for training," Norbert asked her as he began to head towards the exit.


    Vivienne stood still, replaying the conversation. "If I had any elixirs?" She asked him.


    "Bingo," Norbert said, clicking his fingers to a finger gun. He let his hand move back like there was recoil after the shot.


    "Don''t; that will kill you," Vivienne said, walking towards Norbert as he left the booth, not wanting to let her investment go. He was walking down the stairs, his footsteps smashing onto the ground, and he could still hear from above.


    "Hasn''t killed me yet!" Norbert shouted, his voice echoing around outside the room as Norbert headed to the exit of the stadium.


    "Let the human kill himself and spend some time with us instead." the giant said to Vivienne.


    The woman looks back, giving the giant one-look


    "Not today, Groof, not ever," Vivienne said coldly, leaving her hand by her side and letting her magic crackle in the palm of her hands. The lines over her body came out, slithering down her arm and landing on the ground, heading towards Groof.


    The giant looked down at the witch before stepping back and turning his attention to the arena once more. The others looked back at the arena as well. An ebony man, ears turning to points, just smiled sadly at Vivienne before he turned to the arena.


    ***


    Norbert exited the Colosseum, looking around as he wondered where the casino would be located. Not seeing anything instantly catch his eye, Norbert started walking down the busy street. All eyes were on Norbert as he walked around, going around the circuit of the street around the Colosseum, thinking that would be the most likely place to find what he was looking for.


    "You lost little boy?" Someone said from behind him.


    Norbert turned around, sensing how the conversation was going to go. The person in front of him looked like one of the zombies at the front gate, and skin fell off in places as Norbert looked them up and down, sure that they wouldn''t be too much of an issue for him to deal with. Sadly, though, he was being impeded by someone so quickly without Vivienne''s presence.


    "Actually yes. Can you  tell me how to get to the casino?" Norbert asked the zombie.


    "I can do you one better; I''ll lead you there," the zombie said, and Norbert nodded as he followed the zombie across.


    The zombie instantly goes into a side street, the narrow passage having trash squashed between the two buildings. The zombie does not even try to make a pretence of showing him the right direction. Norbert stops in his tracks halfway down the alley.


    Changing his vision to magic, he looked around the ground, and from what he could see, both walls were obscuring the trash on the ground, stopping him from properly looking for traps.


    "Is this a shortcut?" Norbert asked the zombie.


    "It is. Now hurry," the zombie said, looking back at Norbert, annoyed that the human was standing there with his arms crossed.


    "If you''re going to do some clich¨¦ thing like this, at least make the people jump out by now. Otherwise, I''m just going to go back out that way," Norbert said, pointing his thumb behind himself.


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    The zombie looked towards Norbert. "Clich¨¦? No, this is the way to the casino," the zombie said, continuing to walk further down the alley.


    Norbert shrugged, turned around on his heels, and walked back the other way. He passed his hand over his leg and took a dagger out as he started whistling to himself. He went back into the main road, looking both ways as he made it properly with the people. Turning around, he saw the zombie just looking at him, shaking his head in frustration at the human before he disappeared into one of the houses in the alleyway.


    "There you are, Norbert!" Vivienne shouted to him. Norbert heard the crowd on the street stop for a moment before continuing to walk. Everyone looked at Vivienne and why she raised her voice, realising none of them were in trouble as they continued with their day.


    Norbert just nodded his head as the witch stopped next to him. Pointing behind him, Norbert asked, "Is that the quickest way to the casino?"


    Vivienne looked over his shoulder before nodding. "It is, but that''s a dumping street, not that clean," she said as she looked him up and down. But I don''t think that will stop you," she said, pointing and staring at his feet.


    Looking down at them, he saw sludge of the brown sort smeared over his feet. Shaking one of them off, failing to clean it at all. Looking up at Vivienne, Norbert waved his foot at her. Groaning, she held her hand down, the snakes once more wriggling down her arms, latching onto his boots and rubbing their body against them; after half a minute, they retreated into Vivienne.


    On the ground around him, Norbert saw a puddle of grime and dirt, stepping around it and trying to keep them clean after the help the witch gave him. Norbert looked about.


    "So, which way to the casino?" Norbert asked again.


    "Follow me," Vivienne said, walking back to the Colosseum circle and making their way further around. Norbert went around as he started to think, "Is this place always so busy?" Norbert asked.


    "No, most people and attractions come only when the tournament is in action. Otherwise, it''s mostly a dust bowl with just enough people to keep it functional," Vivienne said as she made herself around.


    "So the casino isn''t always here?" Norbert asked her.


    Vivienne waved her hand from side to side next to her. "Yes and no. There is always some gambling den here, but the casino of this size is awarded to whoever pays the most." Vivienne said.


    Norbert nodded, understanding, "The guards need to get paid somehow, as well as the tedious work when nobody is here."


    "Precisely. Though the illegal arms bust always happens to get their coffers full." Vivienne said, giving a pointed look to the stadium behind them.


    Norbert turned to Vivienne, raising an eyebrow at the statement. The witch did not stop momentarily as she continued walking, heading up from the ring around the Colosseum and away from the oppressive structure.


    Norbert followed behind her, wondering what the casino would be like and what other types of gambling were available besides the glass fish bowls that his acquaintance Elizabeth had.


    Seeing lights coming from up ahead, Norbert stopped in his tracks. Vivienne continued to walk, stopping and turning after realising that Norbert was no longer following her.


    "What''s wrong?" She asked him.


    Norbert just pointed at the glass structure in the sea of stone. "Is that it?" Norbert asked her, pointing at his fears.


    "That''s a strange insistence on having it built out of glass. All of the other times the casino has been in town, it''s only been in a building retrofitted for events like that¡ªnot demolishing a block and placing that monstrosity in," Vivienne said, looking between Norbert and the building.


    Norbert continued to stand there, not willing to budge a bit. Vivienne realised that something was wrong. "What''s wrong? You hate that casino. Isn''t this your first time here?" Vivienne asked him.


    Norbert just sighed, seeing no reason to hold off anymore as he continued walking towards the casino. He took his belt and daggers off, already wrapping the leather around the handles of the weapons, stopping them from being drawn quickly.


    "I''ve been to her casinos before. I was just hoping that I would be able to go to another type. See what varieties there are besides those glass cubes," Norbert said, pointing his weapons towards the structure.


    The structure is now visible from the buildings around it. Norbert sees a stream of people entering it, wondering if they also came from the arena like he did after the Grimm''s defeat.


    Standing at the bottom of the steps, Norbert saw the three floors once again. Shaking his head, he wondered what type of fights they would have on the third floor. Would it be humans battling one another out for the enjoyment of the audience?


    Not wanting to find out, Norbert erased the thought as he travelled up the steps, one at a time, trying to make a plan format in his mind.


    Standing in front of the guards, Norbert noticed them as not human at all. "May I enter?" he asked, shaking his wrapped-up weapons, the handles clattering together slightly and the coin pouch drawing the guards'' attention.

 Chapter 251 Making Coin, Hopefully

    The bouncer looked towards Vivienne, seeing the woman coming up behind Norbert. He nodded and stepped to the side as Norbert entered as well, the stream of people following in after him, not getting looked down at all by the bouncers.


    Surprised that he could keep his mask on, Norbert looked around. The place looked the exact same as the other casinos he had been to. Looking up, he saw the fogged-up glass ceiling above him. On either side of the square, the spiral staircase was present once more.


    The tables had the same games as the others, and he spotted the roulette table he was looking for. There were far fewer than the other times he had been here, each one wholly crowded around as people shouted in grief and cheered in pleasure each time the ball stopped spinning around the wheel.


    Going to the closest one to the centre, wanting to change the position from the last time, Norbert walked towards the centre, joining the line for the chips to be used again.


    Norbert comes to the front of the line, the woman looking up at him, the skeletal kind like a bartender at the Pudgy Patron. Her face''s bottom half has no skin or muscle, only the white bone. The rest of her skin has a light blue tinge to it.


    Realizing he was staring at the woman, Norbert instantly looked down as he fumbled for his coin pouch. A moment of worry stuck him before he realized it was attached to his little pole of metal. Untying it, Norbert placed the single silver coin on the counter.


    "Enough coppers for this Morena''s coin", Norbert said, lifting his finger off the silver coin. The attendant took it as she looked it over, placed it on top of a metal device, and left it there for a moment before nodding her head at the reaction.


    Norbert watched the attendant bend over, a draw sliding out as she rattled around. She then took out the coins and placed them on a metal platter, sliding all of them over to Norbert. Nodding his head in approval, Norbert took the chips off into his hand.


    Feeling the ten chips shake about in his hand, Norbert headed to the table. Halfway there, he turned to Vivienne. "Do they have some way of detecting the presence of the divine?" Norbert asked her.


    Vivienne looked as if that was the most stupid question he had asked her, but she removed her look as she realized who she was talking to. "Establishments have always had things like that in place. You can''t have anybody just being a Luck follower and ringing the place dry. It''s bad business", Vivienne explained to Norbert.


    Nodding his head, Norbert crept a smile over his face as he stood at the table. He placed his ten chips there and took the coin from his pouch, flipping it between his two fingers as he looked at the head imprinted on the metal.


    Kissing it for Luck, Norbert breathed out as he asked, "Heads for blue, tails for purple." He flicked the coin in the air, catching it and palming it to the back of his other hand, the tail side staring up at him.


    "Last call!" The croupier shouted to the players around the table. Norbert slamming five of his coins down on purple, letting it go as he looked towards the


    "You''re going to use that strategy?" Vivienne asked Norbert.


    "Sit back and watch the magic," Norbert said as the ball stopped rolling and landed on the purple number. Norbert scooped up his winnings and readied his coin again to make his next decision.


    ***


    The crowd around him was quiet as they intently watched his every movement. Flicking the coin into the air, Norbert caught it once more, confirming which side of the coin it was before placing half of his chips onto the pile. His collection just came under a gold coin, the others around the table joining in with Norbert. The amount on the colour was too much, the dealer spinning the ball around the wheel as Norbert looked around at those behind him.


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    Every single eye was on himself, Norbert seeing them flash momentarily as they stared him down. Leaning over to Vivienne, standing beside him, "What are they all staring at me for?" Norbert asked him, much preferring the usual crowd cheering for his success.


    "Looking to see how you are cheating," Vivienne said, pulling her eyes off the wheel as the ball finally stuck, the chips once more getting moved to him, his pile adding a third extra.


    "How dare they say I''m cheating. If I were the owner, I would have called for me. She will probably take me off upstairs for a little chat while preparing all of her guards to ambush me. Resulting in a near escape and a chase around the city." Norbert said, everyone in the crowd looking at each other as they took in Norbert''s words.


    Vivienne looked at him, "It sounds like someone is saying it from experience." She prodded him with her words.


    Norbert, unable to hold himself back, looked at her as he caught the coin and moved his chips to the correct place. "How dare you accuse me of lying like that. And I would never cheat at a casino. That truly is asking for trouble," Norbert said, taking his chips. He had won once more.


    Norbert placed them on the table once more, now having the biggest pot out of everyone there. Others had walked away with their winnings earlier, not wanting to get the ire of the casino owner, something that Norbert wasn''t worried about at all.


    As Norbert flicked the coin into the air, all eyes followed it. He caught it again, sliding half of his chips over to the pile once more, and several others made the same move as Norbert, going around the table. Norbert gave a nod to every one of them.


    As Norbert won again, a waiter came up behind him, tapping him on his shoulder. Norbert took his winnings, smiling as he placed them on his section of the table. Turning around, Norbert smiled at the waiter, looking down at the drink and the slip of paper, only a corner showing underneath it.


    Norbert took the piece of paper, flicking it open as he quickly read it. Nodding his head as he downed the drink, he placed it back on the tray instantly before the waiter could even move from their place.


    Norbert felt the bubbly drink down in his stomach. Taking his winning chips and depositing the coin back in his pouch, Norbert exclaimed to everyone, "him, And it looks like my master is calling for me. I hope everyone enjoyed the show and continues to use this fine establishment!"


    His voice echoed around the entire floor as everyone looked towards him. Norbert did not realize that the entire floor had been watching his antics, wondering how many coins they would have lost by only half paying attention to the game in front of them.


    Going to the chip desk, Norbert silently handed them over, and the attendant moved without a word. Norbert took the several gold coins he gained from the trip and stuffed them inside his coin pouch before heading up the stairs.


    Vivienne followed him along as he accepted her company. At the top of the glass steps, he looks down at the rest of the floor, Vivienne standing by his side. "Anyone of you know how I did it?" Norbert asked around.


    Everyone stared at Norbert before turning back to their games and grumbling to each other. Norbert snickered at them as he continued to the second floor. "Tough crowd this one is," he said to her.


    As he entered the second level there, everyone was already watching the stairs as he came there. Looking around and not seeing Elizabeth anywhere or anyone who could be her, Norbert gave them a wave before heading up the stairs again.


    Vivienne looked around once, eyeing everyone there, and Norbert almost saw laser eyes coming off of her. Feeling the animosity in the room increase, Norbert quickly retreated to the next floor. Vivienne stomped her feet behind him, looking down at the stairs, ensuring they weren''t cracking under the force she was putting under them.


    Norbert saw rivers of blue light appear under her every step, dismissing that they wouldn''t break under her might. No. She did it to the third floor. Looking around, he saw that once more, there were three armchairs themselves, a little table in the middle between the three.


    All three Chesterfield chairs were empty. One had dark blue leather, the next royal purple, and the last burnt yellow. Norbert turned to Vivienne, looked at the three chairs, and shook his head, surprised at Elizabeth''s melodrama.


    Norbert sat in the purple chair, and Vivienne sat next to him in the blue one. They looked at the yellow chair in front of them. Leaning back and falling into the chair, Norbert looked around, wondering when Elizabeth would appear before them.

 Chapter 252 Down the Hatch

    Elizabeth still not appearing, Norbert leaned forward to the coffee table, picking through the items there, trying to find something that would tickle his fancy. Seeing the three cups, taking one with a saucer as he looked around, finding some water in a kettle as well. Seeing a variety of leaves in the packs, Norbert read the packaging. Confirming they were for infusing with water, Norbert dropped a packet''s contents into the water.


    Holding the kettle out to Vivienne, Norbert looked up at her like a lost dog. Relenting under pressure, he took the white porcelain kettle out of Norbert''s hands as she held them between hers. After several seconds, Norbert could see steam coming off the top of it, the lid rattling around, excited from all the gas that was trying to be released.


    Norbert left the boiling kettle on the table, letting the tea leaves bathe in the hot water. The two of them sat in silence, Norbert taking a coin out and flipping it into the air as the fragrance from the tea slowly filled the area around them. Idly taking his helmet off, Norbert looked at it for a moment, conjoining the two pieces together before placing it on the handle of his sword.


    Nodding his head, believing the leaves had sat long enough, Norbert took the kettle and poured each of the two. Cups Vivienne''s saucer, Vivienne gave it to her, and the woman took it with a nod. Seeing the black lines snaking around her cup, Norbert did not even realise he had given that design to her.


    Looking down at his own saucer, a hill overlooking a meadow, the sun shining down gave everything a yellow hue. Norbert smiled, remembering his hometown, the tree whose shade he basked underneath many times, before running down for dinner with Jack by his side.


    She was taken from the memory of a chair grinding against the floor. I looked around and saw Elizabeth sitting in the final empty chair. She leaned forward, pouring herself some tea, holding the cup under her nose as she breathed in the vapour. She received a nod as she took a slight sip from it, a smile warming up on her face.


    "Good selection, Norbert. She said to him.


    Norbert nodded his head, smiling behind the cup as he took another sip. He stared out of the corner of his eye as Vivienne rested her own cup and saucer on her lap, looking between the two, gauging their reaction to each other.


    "What can I do for you, Norbert?" She asked him.


    "Can''t I just have a nice game and a friendly chat?" He asked her.


    "When have you ever wanted ¡®friendly chat¡¯, especially not with her," Elizabeth said, pointing her pinkie finger at Vivienne.


    Norbert looks at the witch next to him. "It sounds like someone¡¯s been a naughty girl." Norbert said to Vivienne.


    Vivienne just took another sip of her tea and looked down at it. Norbert saw her mouth moving slightly, and the air she breathed out caused ripples in the water. Turning to Elizabeth Norbert answering her question, dismissing the antagonistic witch with a mysterious but dangerous back story: "Here for coins to buy elixirs." Norbert explained to her curtly.


    "More? Sure, you can handle more?" She asked him, a flash of concern growing on her face before squashing it down. Norbert just nodded his head as he remembered the fight in the arena.


    "I need to handle more after seeing a ¡­ fight" between someone who has beaten me and nearly getting outdone." Norbert sat there, letting his thoughts think of him not making it.


    He sat there, not even realising why he was so invested in it.


    "Wait a second. Why do people attend this tournament? Other than the glory to their country," Norbert said, realising that a key detail" he had missed was going on the whims of what he had been told.


    "Really?" Both Vivienne and Elizabeth asked him at once.


    Norbert raised his hands in innocence, the cup in one and the saucer in the other. He took another sip of tea as he sat there, letting the flavours bathe on his tongue as he tried to compose himself.


    "For the ultimate prize, a selection in the guard''s armoury." Vivienne said, Norbert guard seeing her eyes glass over with greed at the thought of its contents that would be held within. Instantly being tipped by where the item that she was looking for could be, Norbert turned over to


    "And anything for runner ups?" Norbert asked, hoping for something that "could be good.


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    She explained to Norbert that a rare elixir for the last four winners "allows the victor to take an item from the armoury."


    Nodding his head, Norbert wondered what the elixirs could be. What''s so special about the armoury?" There must be a hundred other armoires with better gear than in there," he said.


    "The amount of contraband items taken from people found to be cheating has stacked up after many years. With their security, ancient relics are also placed there," Elizabeth said as she took another sip of tea.


    "Huh, there must be some pretty neat stuff down there," Norbert said. Both Vivienne and Elizabeth nodded in turn to Norbert.


    "Well, now you have started a fire in my belly." Norbert said as he looked to Elizabeth "So, the coins are for the elixirs. Unless you have some more stored somewhere?" Norbert asked her.


    "Do I look like a bank to you or something?" She asked him.


    "Or something," Norbert replied to her.


    He heard Elizabeth groan in annoyance as she kicked something from underneath the coffee table. Norbert opened the case up, undoing each latch with a satisfying click and rubbing his hand over the leather before opening the lid.


    As he looked down, his face was awash in light. The light faded as he took one of the elixirs out, examining the metal dragon wrapped around the stopper.


    "Oh, how did you know? A woman after my own heart." Norbert said as he swished it around, the dark blue potion swirling in front of him. Tiny dots of light blue also remind Norbert of a snow globe. Holding it to his face, Norbert wondered if some house was within.


    "How many?" Norbert asked her.


    "Just five," Vivienne," said to him. Norbert nodded in response as he popped the dragon stopper and downed the elixir in his hand.


    "Same supplier as last time?" Norbert asked, Elizabeth, reaching forward for the next one. Norbert saw this one completely different from last time, a dark red, almost black jelly seemingly floating in the centre of the elixir, spikes blasting off of it only to be contained by the light pink liquid around it. On the side of the


    "For a little bit of kick." Norbert read aloud, wondering what exactly that could mean. "Is this safe?" Norbert asked around the little group, "fishing the potion around, wondering if he could see the glob floating in the centre.


    "Oh yeah, drink the suspicious elixir from your friend who retrieved it from a random source," Vivienne said to him.


    Norbert opened the cork, turning to Vivienne as he held the flask to his lip. ¡°If I wanted sass, I would have Count von Count here." Swallowing the contents, Norbert saw Vivienne¡¯s eyes scrunch into a scowl as she looked towards him.


    Norbert dismissed the woman as he downed the contents, the taste of strawberry Neapolitan ice cream covered in cherry sauce and the two flavours too close to taste just right, overpowering his taste buds slightly.


    When the jelly hit his throat, no longer adequately contained by the pink liquid, pain shot out through his head. Swallowing it down instinctually, dropping the potion as he leaned forward in his chair, coughing up as loud as he could.


    The hacking cough filled the room they were currently in, the echoes traversing downstairs to those underneath him. The entire complex grew quiet as they all looked towards the stairs, wondering what had happened to the rambunctious cheating gambler who was called upstairs.


    Norbert felt it burst within him as it crawled down his throat. The energy within his body wrapped around it, ripping it piece by piece of it apart. The pain is shooting around him, not as concentrated but now filling his entire body. Tensing every muscle in his body, no longer breathing, Norbert felt his face turning red in response. Hearing blood rushing in his ears, head ballooning out every second, clutching it as pain wracked over him.


    Feeling a boulder on his back, Norbert twisted his head to the side. Vivienne stood there over him, a single hand resting where the boulder was located. Unable to twist his head anymore, Norbert stayed still, hoping it would crush the pain coursing through his blood. The only reason he was still conscious was the purple energy within him chasing it around, trying to absorb it and make it its own.


    Standing above Norbert, Vivienne looked down at the man as his skin withered underneath his clothes. Their face was completely red and purple, blood was starting to sweat from the skin around his forehead, and his eyes were nearly bursting from their sockets. Each of them desperately stared into her own, the struggling look on his face as he clenched his jaw. Shaking her head at the man before him, about to turn into a puddle from pushing himself too hard with elixirs, his body finally breaking down after so many already taken.


    Letting her magic slither down her arm, Vivienne pushed them into his body, feeling them instantly curl around something foreign but similar. Grasping onto it, unable to stop a smile from escaping her lips, for she couldn¡¯t let someone that would help her on her path slip away from her grasp. Letting a single snake slither down, wrap itself around it, the seed of potential laying dormant within him, wondering who could plant something so profound.


    Looking around inside him, not letting the rare opportunity slip from her grasp, she found the presence of the many elixirs within his body. In some, the amount would gain energy off one another, and being released would cause a volcano to explode, resulting in the user''s demise by whatever the biggest thing was.


    But inside this case, Vivienne looked; all previous ones were. Looking inside as she squealed around, she saw signs of the cage compared to before and the bustle it was now. What was before knocking around, unable to fit within this purposed cage, and it became even more unstable whenever it bounced off.


    Looking around Norbert''s inner world now, the two cages now situated, the new green one has thorns trusted inside, pinning anything trapped within, unlike the simple cage and swinging door, with its stable inmates.


    Feeling everything within Norbert started down, Vivienne left the inner body and once more within him. Patting his back, Vivienne leaned forward, her hair touching Norbert''s own.


    "Relax," Vivienne whispered into Norbert''s ear. The man resisting for a moment before giving in, Vivienne seeing his body visibly relax under her gaze, his face no longer getting worse.

 Chapter 253 Bald Patch

    Norbert came to consciousness as he looked around, feeling drool coming down his neck. Wiping it with the back of his hand, Norbert looked towards the two, both staring at him as he returned to consciousness.


    Norbert looked down at himself, making sure he hadn''t soiled his pants, the feeling sticky between his legs. He hoped he hadn''t completely ruined the Chesterton chair he was currently sitting in.


    On his lap sat the empty elixir he drank out of. Norbert still saw a drop of pink liquid inside and moved it to his lips. Norbert swallowed the last of it as he looked at Elizabeth and Vivienne with a shocked look.


    "Are you going for more?" Vivienne asked him. Elizabeth looked on in shock, quickly composing herself, thinking back to the last time he had downed the elixirs.


    "Well, of course. I''m not dead yet." Norbert said to them as he started reaching for the next elixir.


    "Do you realise how close you were?" Vivienne asked him.


    Norbert placed two fingers on the arm of the chair, walking down it. Norbert had one finger off the edge and tipped. Holding it there, Norbert looked over to Vivienne, taking his hand off the chair and reaching for the next bottle in the case, only two more remaining after the one he held in his hand.


    The elixir looked like another normal one, and he was thankful for it, needing to recover from the last one he had. Looking at the brown one before him and nodded his head as he swirled the contents in the glass flask. Confirming that nothing special was within Norbert, unstopping the elixir.


    Holding it under his nose, the smell of coffee wafted out of the drink. Smiling as the smell invaded him, he forced himself to relax slightly, taking the edge off his mind and the troubles that he had forced himself to experience.


    Holding it to his lips, Norbert let the liquid flow slowly down into his stomach. The taste of a warm, hot chocolate with two marshmallows melted within it flowed into his mouth, sending warmth all over his body. The hairs on his arms and legs slowly came back down, no longer on edge.


    After finishing it, Norbert sighed contentedly, placing the glass back in the case and putting the stopper on it again. Looking at the other two, Norbert paused momentarily, having not seen any of them.


    One seemed to have a light coming off of it, brightening up the red velvet lining within the case used to support the elixirs. Turning his eyes over to the other side, Norbert saw one in complete blackness, seemingly absorbing the light the other was producing. His eyes were glued to the two on either side, and he remembered his positions: the four making a circle, with the red and pink one in the centre.


    The two were light and dark on completely different sides. Taking both of them out at once, Norbert placed them both on the coffee table, allowing all to see what they were.


    Gulping, Norbert asked, "Have you ever seen ones like this?" He felt concern grow within himself as his eyes could not stay on a single one, bouncing from one to the next like a bouncy ball off all the walls of a room in a sporadic manner.


    Elizabeth and Vivienne looked at each other for a moment before shrugging their shoulders. "I never really had a look at elixirs; I just had one, and that''s enough for me," Elizabeth said to Norbert.


    Vivienne nodded in agreement. "Only fools go for more than one." Agreeing with Elizabeth''s sentiment.


    Norbert left the two of them there as he thought, "Then why are there still shops with them around? Why does anyone still overdose?" Norbert asked the two of them.


    Elizabeth slightly shakes her head at Norbert''s reply, knowing where his lack of knowledge comes from. She internally curses the question in front of the witch sitting beside Norbert.


    Vivienne opened her mouth. "The allure of power, hitting an obstacle that can be overcome, and reading too many stories about legends bathing in the liquid," Vivienne said to them.


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    "Well, that''s all and good, but looking at the pricing, and if people only have one at a time, then why is there at least a store in every major congregation?" Norbert asked aloud, thinking back to every city he had been in.


    "Elixirs aren''t just for humans; any and every creature can use them," Vivienne said to him, taking a sip of tea before continuing. "Much research has gone into how far an elixir can be pushed and on what," she said to Norbert.


    "Well, with that little nugget of information, I''m guessing that the rich and powerful dose everything up to the max on elixirs, probably even the food they eat." He said, the last bit of his mind wandering, thinking of the rich and the elite on Earth and the culinary decisions they would make to fill their free time.


    "Precisely, it''s a way of ingesting elixirs without the negative consequences, though you need a lot more to see any increase," Vivienne said, licking her lips. "Adds an extra layer to the dishes." Lost in thought, Norbert assumed the last time she feasted on the elixir. Norbert understood the allure due to the flavours of just having it by itself gave him.


    "So, neither of you know about these?" Norbert asked, spinning each bottle around, the golden one making a circle of light on the table. Norbert confirmed that the bottle had no tags, possibly hinting at what the contents might do.


    "Do you have any idea what this could be?" Norbert asked, looking up at the ceiling. Vivienne opened her mouth. "We''ve already ¡­" She finished as she saw where he was looking fondly.


    Vivienne turned to Elizabeth. "You let someone who prays to Luck play at your casino?" she asked the establishment owner in which they currently reside.


    Elizabeth was just shaking her head. "Everyone around him gets into a frenzy every time he''s played. Just the extra drinks they buy to watch the show that Norbert pays for the several golds he takes from here," Elizabeth said as she fondly thought of the money filling her coffers.


    "The people don''t have enough on the first floor to offset that," Vivienne stated boldly, knowing the wealth of those on the tables. Although they had a lot, they could barely afford a single gold coin a night.


    "Who said it was on the first floor and only of this establishment," Elizabeth said.


    Norbert stirred from his thoughts, wondering what Luck would want him to do. Luck was steering him on the correct path as the words'' this establishment'' filtered through his head.


    "Wait, hold up," Norbert said, holding his hand up before him, causing the conversation between the two women to come to a screeching halt immediately. "You recording me and making money off it?" Norbert asked her.


    "Why else would you be allowed back here in any of my establishments if I knew you were racking me dry due to your relationship with Luck"? Elizabeth said matter-of-factly to Norbert.


    "So you''re not the one giving me these elixirs?" He asked her.


    "No way, the fortune this would cost, ever-increasing, isn''t something I would ever endeavour," Elizabeth said, a matter of fact, that Norbert had seen underneath her eyes the cost of doing something and how much that would set her behind in making money.


    "I thought you were giving it to me in some roundabout way", Norbert told her, thinking about all the elixirs he had consumed from her. Worry grew within him as he thought about all the elixirs he had drank from this mystery person.


    Swallowing it down, he nodded to Elizabeth. "Well, tell whoever this person is, thank you," Norbert said as he continued to look around, changing his vision to magic as he tried to spot where the recording spells were placed, wondering if this very thing was being at this very instant.


    "You''re not going to find anything; only the first floor is recorded and published to the other establishments when an interesting person arrives," Elizabeth said to him, instantly crushing Norbert''s worries.


    Breathing out in relief, thankful that he wouldn''t need to worry about it now, Norbert took both elixirs in hand, sizing them up. Still unable to decide, Luck is not blessing them with her presence now, Norbert.


    Reaching into his coin pouch, taking out the coin h, he said aloud, "Heads for the black, tails for the golden." Flicking it up into the air, Norbert watched as it spun around; taking it out of the air once more, Norbert saw a trail of golden light falling off it; remembering his vision, Norbert changed git back to normal as he palmed it over to his other hand.


    The tail side shows that Norbert placed the coin back in his pouch. He took the elixir, uncorking it and lifting it to his nose. Norbert was surprised by the smell of sunshine. A whole bag of coins clicking next to each other while being counted, a waterfall of possibilities opening up and closing right behind the next sip.


    Lifting it to his lips, Norbert allowed it to flow down his throat. It was the taste of sunflowers over the rolling hills of his hometown, of loud late nights spent with friends after a hard day''s work, and of the lemon meringue his mother used to make after a stern test in school.


    Sitting the elixir back in the case, Norbert did not feel anything different than before. Lying back down and letting the bliss come over him, Norbert punished the energy in his body, wondering what the difference would be.


    Staring at the ceiling, Norbert thought he saw Luck looking down at him, smiling at him from her chair in her room. Lifting her teacup in a toast to Norbert, she downed the contents.


    "Another," she said to him as Norbert was brought out of it, staring down the last elixir sitting alone on the table.

 Chapter 254 The Casinos Kitchen

    Norbert sighed in recognition, not seeing any other path forward other than drinking the elixir before him and uncorking it. He shivered as all the hairs stood on end, and the smell escaped the bottle. Swishing it around slightly, confirming that nothing weird was inside,  only the inky blackness of the liquid reflected Norbert, looking at his quizzical reflection.


    Corking it again, Norbert stood up, moving towards the fire in the fireplace right next to them. Holding the elixir above the flames, he slowly spun it around, confirming that even with the extra light, he couldn''t see anything through the inky blackness, with no light making its way through.


    He resigned himself to the fact that he had no clue what could be inside, thinking about the jelly-like liquid floating in the other one, still racking his brain. Unable to uncover it and with only Luck''s confidence to continue, Norbert sat down, uncorking it quickly and swallowing the liquid.


    The elixir stuck to his throat like black tar coating the inside of his body. Unable to wretch it up, Norbert held his breath again, wishing it wouldn''t be so. The energy within his body once more rushed forward at the invading substance, pulling it apart.


    Norbert''s face grew redder, and panic started to wash over his body as he thought about what would happen again if he was not covered as well¡ªforcing it around him, the ink sliding down his throat, sitting into his stomach.


    Taking a massive gulping breath, Norbert inhaled the sweet air into his lungs again. He could smell its sweetness even in this clean environment, which smelled good. He placed the empty glass bottle back into its spot in the velvet-lined case. When he let go, the case closed itself up, the two golden latches locking themselves in place with a click. The presentation was finally over.


    Norbert looked up at Elizabeth as he slid the case back to where he found it under the coffee table. Norbert took a sip of his tea in hand, feeling it bathed his throat once more. The three of them sat in silence as the tea slowly grew cold in Norbert''s hands.


    Finishing up his cup, Norbert stretched and looked towards Elizabeth. "Anything else you would like to say before we go?" Norbert asked her.


    Elizabeth shook her head as she continued to sit. Norbert shrugged as he walked down, feeling around his body to ensure everything was as it should be. Taking his contents, Norbert headed towards the stairs, not hearing another set of footsteps with him. Norbert looked back and saw Vivienne sitting there, Elizabeth starting to talk to her.


    Remembering what happened last time when he went out on the streets alone, Norbert could not return to Elizabeth and Vivienne after he dismissed himself like that. He knew he could not listen to the conversation, knowing that both women would know any feeble attempt he would make and thwart it instantly.


    Taking the steps down one by one, Norbert wondered what he could do. When he was visible, everyone looked at him, staring as the sounds of chips being played and dealers shouting slowly quieted down.


    Norbert skipped over it, not bothering to talk as he wondered how to fill his time. Walking down to the first floor once more, everyone looked at him, sure they would have heard him up above, his voice sounding like a ghost haunting the place.


    Mask once more on his head, knowing it wouldn''t hide his identity for long after the next few matches in the tournament. Heading towards the exit, Norbert thought he could wait by the casino stairs beside the bouncers.


    Passing the centre of the room, something caught his sight, a golden light reflecting in the light. Turning towards it, Norbert saw the hidden doorway to the workers and the casino''s underground. Looking both ways, Norbert changed his vision to magic, looking to see where the cameras were. The tables were filled with magic runes along the roof and walls. Instantly changing his vision, spots danced in his eyes as he blinked profusely, returning his vision to normal again.


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    Smiling, wondering how much trouble he would get into, Norbert headed towards the door. Parting through the crowd, Norbert quickly unwrapped his weapons and placed them correctly on his body. He needed to jump slightly to get the dagger holsters around each leg.


    Counting and seeing nobody exit, Norbert stepped through, quickly dodging to the side in case a casino worker wanted to exit. He then walked down the hallway, striding it like he was meant to be there.


    Walking forward, Norbert was surprised as he turned to the right, seeing to the left the hallway with the kitchen over there. Smelling something, Norbert turned around on his heels, the allure of food making his stomach rumble.


    Walking through the doors, Norbert saw a narrow kitchen before him. Every surface was metal as the fire leapt, vegetables were chopped, and pots were drained.


    Turning to the side, one wall holds all sorts of bottles with station after station of drink making. A stack of silver trays on each side allowed them to turn around and pick up the drinks on the platters to be taken outside.


    Norbert stood there, stepping further to ensure he wasn''t in anybody''s way. Looking around the place,, Norbert saw a chef, in their white spotless uniform,, move away from the stove they were working on and heading towards Norbert.


    Wondering how the conversation would go, Norbert stood there, resting both hands in front of him and smiling at the man coming his way.


    "Anything I can help you with?" Norbert asked him.


    "I was going to ask you that." The chef said to Norbert.


    "Not really. I''m just looking around the place while waiting for my friend to finish up with Elizabeth. I''ll be on my way," Norbert said as he walked past the chef, entering the kitchen folds. He saw their dishes, creating something that should be on a plate for a six-course meal and turning it into something that could be eaten in a single bite.


    He went through the maze around him, dodging moving pots, pans, and people as they continued to work around him. Swaying back and forth, Norbert picked out pieces of ingredients as he went further into the back of the kitchen, surprised at how far he could still go.


    Turning around, the chef no longer bothered him as he watched Norbert deftly navigate the obstacle course for a moment. He then returned to his dish, which he needed to create.


    As Norbert progressed, the further he went down, the more he saw fewer and fewer people there. The drinks were no longer being poured here, and only a smattering of people were working. Norbert wondered why they would have so much extra space that was not being used.


    In the far back corner, Norbert saw a single older man. He was surprised that he looked completely normal. There was no weird clothing, horns coming out, serrated teeth, or pink or blue skin colour. He was a regular older man, old enough to be his grandpa.


    The man was sitting on his stool, leaning over two buckets, a bag on his right side. He took some cylindrical vegetable out of the bag, a knife in his other hand, and began peeling it, letting it fall into one bucket before placing it into the second. Norbert already saw a pile there.


    Looking around, Norbert could not find a stool. Turning to the man, he asked, "Need a hand?"


    The older man was startled by his action, the knife starting to slip but recovering enough so he didn''t cut himself. Norbert cringed at the bare miss that happened. The older man was recovering himself from his near miss, opening his mouth, ready to start, until he looked up, seeing Norbert''s non-white clothing, the weapons strapped to his waist, and the helmet on his head.


    Norbert took the mask off, threading his hands through his hair as he conjoined the two pieces together, placing them on the ground and staring at the older man.


    The older man looked back at his work without saying anything to Norbert and took it as a sign that he could help with his peeling. Norbert took his gloves off and added them to the helmet.


    Norbert looked at his hands, unable to remember the last time they had been cleaned. Looking around them, he saw a tap. Walking towards it, he remembered there was nothing for him to turn to allow the water to flow.


    Turning back to Grandpa, Norbert asked, "Can you turn the water on?" He tried his best to ask as kindly as possible, hoping he wasn''t dealing with a grouch of a man who was spitting at everyone and everything for his current lot in life.


    The older man was not moving slightly off his stool, taking another vegetable to peel. Norbert left the older man as he walked into the busier section of the kitchen. Spotting one of the chefs quickly move some washed fruit away, Norbert ducked in, unable to stop the water.


    Instantly feeling the boiling water touch his skin, he was surprised at it as there was no stream coming off. Spotting the cook coming back, Norbert quickly evacuated, heading back towards the older man. Spotting a knife along the way, a short one that looked appropriate enough, Norbert snagged it from the empty side. He sat on his helmet, moved around to get comfortable, and reached for a vegetable. He began to peel over the bucket.

 Chapter 255 Same Boat

    Norbert peels several in silence, knowing it would be rude to interrupt the old man when he may just want some company.


    "Why not use the faucet?" The older man asked Norbert.


    Taken aback by the question, he was just starting to get into the zone; the vegetables he was peeling no longer looked so blocky but were starting to have nice curves like the older man.


    "Because I can''t," Norbert said in response, taking a small huff as he looked around. He confirmed his thought as he remembered the tap in Helga''s kitchen, feeling around and finding the rune, but still, nothing happened when Norbert placed his hand on top, showing the old man he was speaking the truth.


    "Then how are you in the tournament?" The older man asked Norbert.


    Finishing off peeling the vegetable he was up to, Norbert held his hand out, sending the purple energy into it, turning his veins purple so the older man could see them.


    The older man just looked at him funny.


    Norbert was just smiling, wondering if this secret would come up to haunt him someday by telling this old geezer. He dismissed the thought, thinking of all the other people he had told or figured it out by looking at him already. "That''s just the way it is. Blessed with this power, allowing me to fight in the tournament, but unable to wield any magic, not even to flush a toilet," Norbert said to the man.


    The older man grinned at Norbert''s demise, unable to use anything. "We''re in a similar boat, then," the old man told Norbert.


    Finishing with the vegetable he was currently peeling, Norbert grabbed for the next one. "What''s the specifics of your boat?" He asked the older man.


    "Only have enough to power one rune a day." The older man said to him.


    Norbert opened his mouth, about to say that it wasn''t so bad, as he looked at the kitchen, all the others there, calling for water, heating pans, dicing things quickly, allowing trays to move on a belt. Norbert watched the entire show before him, unable to count how many times a rune was engaged.


    "So that''s why you''re here," Norbert said, a grim half-smile taking over his face as he was lost in thought. He wondered who had it better between the two of them: someone who could only lick a single drop of water at a time, always wanting more, or someone who couldn''t have any water, not even the smallest drop, but never needed it, just looking out at those around, wondering what it was like.


    The older man nodded, looking up and seeing Norbert''s grim face. "It isn''t that bad. I have my place and have been working this job for the last thirty cycles, the older man said to Norbert, smiling at Norbert''s corners and seeing his mouth stay firm.


    "Just peeling away at vegetables?" Norbert asked the man.


    "Heh, I can see why you would think that," the old man said as he picked up the last vegetable Norbert lounged in the bag. Seeing no more that needed to be peeled, Norbert waited. The older man finished it, picking up the bucket of peeled vegetables with a groan.


    Norbert quickly moved forward, taking the bucket off the older man and placing it on the countertop where the free space was.


    The older man nodded to Norbert, taking out other food items as Norbert stood there. A chopping board and knife slid before him, the knife spinning around, stopping with the handle towards Norbert.


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    Picking it up and a vegetable, Norbert asked, "How do you want the slices?"


    "Kids these days are too busy gambling and having adventures all around the globe. Don''t even know how to use a knife for cooking," the old man said to Norbert as he picked up one of them, the purple flesh looking back at him.


    Before Norbert could see, it was already sliced into circular pieces about half a centimetre thick. Picking up the knife, Norbert began cutting them, remembering the videos he found on how to cut correctly, not wanting to get the older man''s ire up any more.


    Gliding the knife through, holding the vegetables in a cat''s paw, Norbert quickly and smoothly made work of them. A tray appeared next to him, the older man placing them on a side, and Norbert continued the spiral pattern with the extra slices.


    Cutting up the last one and placing it in the tray, Norbert looked, wondering what the older man was doing now. The older man had constructed everything else for the meal, all items neatly cut up and waiting in little bowls. Norbert moved the tray over as the older man added it, packing it with other vegetables and meat.


    After adding a sparse amount of spices, he opened what looked like an oven. Norbert felt the heat coming out, slamming the dish in and closing it again, not even seeing when he powered it on.


    Turning back to the work, the older man pulled out a bucket. Norbert saw it filled with water, so he placed it on top and wet a sponge to clean everything they had made a mess of.


    Norbert passed over the cutting board and knives he used for the operation, finding a towel near the sink. Taking it, confirming it was dry enough, Norbert took to cooking utensils as needed from the older man, drying them one by one and leaving them neatly organised into piles, ready to be easily and quickly moved to their place in this kitchen section last one being handed to him as Norbert dried it up, the older man starting to put the dishes away. Norbert helping where he could, placing the items that he used back where he took them, the rest the older man had already put away when he returned to help.


    Only having the two buckets left, the waist going into the sack the vegetables came from, now lying in a corner waiting for someone to pick it up and take it to wherever it was needed. The older man back on his helmet, leaning forward and looking at his hands resting between his legs, Norbert taking his position on his helmet, the smell from the oven wafting over this section of the kitchen, Norbert''s stomach rumbling as he remembered why he came here in the first place.


    Getting up again, he looks over the clean, spotless kitchen, not wanting to make it dirty after the effort they put in to clean it up. Norbert tries to remember but cannot find the food items the older man took out.


    He needed to resort to the classic method of opening cupboards, hoping to find the pantry somewhere. He pulled out a cupboard, the door as tall as he had hoped it would be. Grabbing the other door, Norbert opened it up and looked at not the type of food he was looking for.


    The smell first surprised Norbert, and he took a step backward as it assaulted him. Looking around the neat jars, he found only one deep in the thin cupboards, little trays secured into the wall holding all the spices back.


    He took one last look as he closed it, the air pushing the concentrated smell at him. Norbert''s nose tickled him, wanting him to sneeze as he tried to stop himself, knowing enough that sneezing in a kitchen wasn''t the best thing to do, mainly when you were not meant to be in the kitchen.


    Sitting back on the helmet, Norbert looked over. The rest of the kitchen did not want to delve deeper into the kitchen where the chaos was being made, resulting in a disaster caused by him being where he wasn''t meant to be.


    "Looking for something?" The older man asked Norbert.


    "I was feeling a bit peckish before coming here, but I had time, and I didn''t want to leave the casino," Norbert said to the older man.


    "Then why come back here? There are streams of trays going around? And plenty of food to eat somewhere else?" The older man asked Norbert, tilting his head in curiosity, why this young man with such a bright future would be peeling vegetables.


    "Well, it was going to be a bit of a nuisance to the owner, just because. But at the crossroads, the kitchen sounds and rumbling stomach brought me over here", Norbert explained as his stomach grumbled again. He saw his stomach shake slightly through his clothes, and Norbert held onto it, hoping to stop it from making so much noise.


    The older man nodded. "Well, you''re in luck. The owner had a guest leave, so there is one more serving at the table. I''ve already notified her that the two of us will be eating, with her guest." the old man said.


    Norbert just nodded as he sat back as far as he could, waiting for the dish to finish cooking. The food smelled, tickling his nose and making his mouth water.

 Chapter 256 To Eat a Meal

    The old man got off his stool and headed towards the oven, taking a towel over his hands. Reaching in and taking out the metal dish, Norbert was instantly hit by the smells as he leaned over the old man, looked over his shoulder, and licked his lips at the food.


    Stepping back as the old man turned around, Norbert stood a meter away, looking sheepishly at him as he leaned over, taking four plates out and a knife. Placing them on top of one another, Norbert watched as he delicately cut the piece into four, ensuring it still contained itself and did not spill out in a mess like when Norbert ever tried cutting a lasagne.


    When he was finished, the old man took the tray and placed it in the sink. He left it there, taking two plates, and Norbert took the other two. He then walked towards his helmet, still on the floor, stopping there, wondering if he should take it. The old man nodded slightly.


    Placing the two dishes down, Norbert took the helmet, holding it under his arm as he held one plate in each hand. He followed the old man towards the end of the kitchen behind the stool. A door was kicked open, and Norbert saw a winding staircase, light runes lit on the sides every rotation to have enough light to see in the place.


    Careful not to drop anything, Norbert made his way up the staircase, finally stopping after several rotations; Norbert assumed that they were now about the third floor, definitely passing the second unless the structure had a hidden fourth floor that Norbert knew putting it past with the hidden door that Norbert had to go through to get into the kitchen.


    The older man walked down a short hallway, a door opening up as he knocked on it.


    ¡°Come in!¡± Norbert heard Elizabeth shout from the other side, the sound trying to escape the metal door muffling its path.


    The older man nodded as he pushed it open. Norbert looked at the small rectangular table, the only wholly wooden structure Norbert had seen in the entire building, on the upper floors. There are only four wooden chairs at the table,


    "It''s a shame that Norbert couldn¡¯t come; Gluve said he had brought someone who assisted him in preparing the meal." Elizabeth explained to Vivienne as they both looked towards them. Norbert stopped in his place and smiled sheepishly.


    The two of them just stared at him, not believing that he would be right there. Old man Gluve turned around, seeing Norbert still standing there, motionless near the doorway. Knowing it would look bad, he continued walking towards the table, placing the two plates he had beneath the lady of the house and her guest.


    Sitting down in one of the free chairs, he coughed into his hand, hoping it would cause Norbert to move. Taken out of his train of thought, he quickly made his way to the table, the rest of the room, the bedroom, and the driveway opposite the one he came through. Gold plates in swirls of nature came from the hinges of the shiny metal door.


    Placed both down at the table, Norbert placed his helmet next to him as he sat down, the clatter of plates bringing both.


    "The boy who left, has prepared the meal," Elizabeth said to Norbert.


    Norbert just gave a blank stare, distracted by the vapour going into his nose. Instantly, Elizabeth was taken out of his mind as he looked down at the meal. Taking the cutlery, Norbert cut a piece off before anyone could protest, popping the vegetables he helped peel into his mouth.


    Instantly, Norbert felt his mouth explode in flavours. A smoked flavour comes from meat cooked for hours and hours to only fall off the bone. The flaky skin hides the delicious and juicy flesh.


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    He chewed slowly, closing his eyes as he leaned back in his chair. He left his hands on the table as he continued to chew, letting the flavours mix together and become one. Swallowing it down, Norbert looked around, seeing everyone else having started to dig in as well.


    Swallowing down the food, Norbert takes another slice, making sure to get some of the meat as well. Both of them interact together, like a happy couple on their wedding day, all sunshine and rainbows.


    Wiping a tear from his eye Norbert looked towards the chef ¡°How is this so good?¡±


    ¡°The way its cooked.¡± Gluve said to Norbert.


    ¡°Not biting, I¡¯ve never made something taste this good. Not that I cook that much.¡± Norbert said, not wanting to insult the maker of the fantastic dish in front of him.


    "Let¡¯s not bore the conversation with the theory and practice of magic when we have this meal. There are others more qualified than any here on the subject. Speaking, although I can only start the oven once a day, naturally, my specific mana allows this flavour to be added to the food.¡± Gluve said to Norbert.


    Norbert still thought about what the chef had said to him ¡°I was aware of nuances in different people but not to something to this degree." Norbert said, finally out of his mental paralysis as he took another bite, letting the flavours twinkle on his tongue.


    "Here are "always outliers; take yourself, for example," Vivien" said. Norbert, seeing the glint of a researcher in her eyes, unpacked a new science project that had been placed on her lap. There were all the little buttons to press, reactions to see, and history to learn about her subject.


    Norbert turned to Elizabeth, the woman¡¯s face stone cold, not hinting at all to Norbert, knowing that she didn¡¯t want to get in trouble with Norbert. The two of them know each other''s secret secrets at least, yet let this Grimm in on the secret. Norbert panned over to look at Gluve, not wanting to get into the depths of his ability, knowing that it could be painting a massive target on his back.


    Tapping the side of his nose, Norbert continued to eat, continuing to feel Vivienne¡¯s gaze scrutinising his every movement. The rest of the meal was spent in silence, groans going around the table as the food was slowly and carefully devoured.


    Finishing up, Norbert wiped his mouth, placing his helmet on his head and gloves on his hands again. "Here a "you leaving to?"" Vivien," he asked as he started to get up from his chair.


    Standing up and looking down at the woman, Norbert asked bluntly, "Isn''t the tournament starting soon?" Nervousness started to creep into his stomach as he wondered how it would be for him.


    You have several more cycles until your needed.¡± Said Vivienne , dismissing Norbert¡¯s claim sitting down, Norbert looked around the table, the sense of a trap he had just walked in on, a moment before it bit into his leg.


    Looking around the table, eyes slowly went from one person to the next until they rested in the centre, where the plates were piled up, the cutlery at the top. Next to it was a jug, Norbert taking it and filling his cup up as he took off his helmet, taking a swig of the drink, downing it in one gulp as he looked around, his left hand falling off the table and resting on his leg, dancing over the blades there.


    Fiddling with the grips of the dagger, Norbert felt something tie around his pinkie finger. Looking to the left, Vivienne smiled as she talked with Elizabeth, and Norbert was unable to hear the words coming out of either of their mouths. Gluve just smiled and looked at Norbert, a sad look in his eye as if he knew what was going to happen next.


    Norbert breathed out, forcing energy throughout his body, grasping onto the snake that played with his finger, its darkness trying to slither out. Eyeing off Vivienne, the woman''s mouth move for a moment before she continued, the snake starting to wrap tighter around his finger, two barbs pressed into it through his glove.


    He released the snake, moving his hand up above the table. The snake slithers around his leg until it finally goes away from him. Norbert was just sitting there smiling, as well, as he looked back at Gluve, wondering how many conversations like this the man had seen.


    After several minutes, I was still unable to hear either woman. It was. It was not like Norbert was trying to listen to the conversation, knowing when things would have been better not knowing. Placing his helmet back on his hand, the two parts clicked together as he continuously breathed his breath, comforting himself within its confines.


    Before anyone could resist him, Norbert took the dishes in the centre up in one fell swoop and walked away from the table. ¡°I¡¯ll meet you on the front steps.¡± he said to the table as he exited the room. About to grab the door, Norbert saw Gluve there, grasping it as he opened it towards them. The two men stepped through, leaving the conversation behind.

 Chapter 257 Talks with the Chef

    The door closed behind them, Gluve bowing as it came shut. The man spun back, staring at Norbert. "Do you have a death wish?" he asked Norbert.


    Dismissing the man with a wave, Norbert turned around and headed towards the stairs that circled downwards. Feeling a tug on his coat, Norbert allowed himself to turn around on the first step of the stairs, looking Gluve directly in the eyes.


    "What is wrong with you," Gluve asked once more, Norbert.


    "What do you mean? I''m the same as always," Norbert stated, bristling at the comment.


    ¡°The person who walked in through the kitchen is not the same one who left the dining room,¡± Gluve stated, his voice starting to seethe with annoyance. He wanted to shout but did not dare, not wanting to know what would happen if he disturbed those in the room behind him.


    "Realisation, Gluve, realisation in my place on the totem pole," Norbert responded to him.


    Gluve stared at the man before him, shaking his head as he walked down the stairs. He did not let go of Norbert¡¯s coat leading the person holding the dishes for the meal. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, he opened the door as they entered the kitchen, the other side still as busy as ever.


    "You should be happy to be excluded from the conversations. From experience, you will wish he had it as easy as you do now." the chef said to Norbert, taking the bucket with water again as he washed the rest of the dishes.


    "What makes you say that?" Norbert asked him.


    Gluve stopped, staring at Norbert briefly, eyeing him up before continuing, "Have you any idea" about the witch Elizabeth was talking to?¡± Gluve asked him," staring intently, having finished washing the dishes, his full attention on Norbert and the following words that would come out of his mouth.


    ¡°That she comes from Grimm, is currently a waitress, and is looking for an artefact,¡± Norbert said, crossing the things he knew for sure, or as specific as he could, off his list.


    Gluve just shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not going to tell you anything more; I don¡¯t want my own head rolling. But take this advice about the world: If you don¡¯t know who the patsy is, you¡¯re the patsy.¡± Gluve told him bluntly, not waiting for Norbert¡¯s response¡ªhis back to the boy, who needed to finish packing the dishes.


    Norbert stood there, thinking about what Gluve had said to him, replaying the conversations he¡¯d had so far with the people around him. It clicked into his head as he realised how many times he had been pointed at a problem, and his only reaction was to charge head first without even a question.


    Norbert stands there, mentally on the precipice, with two paths open for him: one to throw everything down and run off to make his own decisions, and the other to continue on the path he was currently on and hope for the best.


    Taking his coin out, Norbert tossed it into the air, not even asking for the two options. He caught the coin out of the air, palming it to the other side as he looked down at it. The coin head looking up at him. Staring up at the ceiling, Norbert said aloud, ¡°Thanks for the advice, Luck.¡±


    Gluve turned around at the mention of the word Luck, and the man also looked up at the ceiling as he waited for something to happen. Shaking his head, the old man turned back, whispering, ¡°Those pesky gods "are back at it again.¡±


    Sitting back on his stool, Norbert saw the man close his eyes, knowing there wasn¡¯t anything he could get out of the old man. ¡°Thanks, Old man Gluve, for the meal and the advice. Hopefully, we can do this again sometime,¡± Norbert said to the man.


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    Watching for a few moments, Gluve did not respond to what Norbert was saying as he slowly continued to rise and fall. Norbert turned around as he exited the kitchen, once more diving around the chefs as they continued to cook the meals and prepare the drinks for the rest of the casino.


    Walking through the hallway, the quietness finally came to him, allowing Norbert to think slightly about his current predicament. Sticking to the left-hand side, he knew the door was over there. Stepping through, Norbert was instantly confronted by the noise of the casino: the chips being played, dealers releasing their results, and the cheers or cries of the gamblers.


    He made his way through the crowd, Norbert eyeing down the double doors, the sounds around him fading to nothing as he stared at the two bouncers standing on the other side of the door.


    Opening the door up, Norbert stepped through. Both looked down at the weapons on his body, raising an eyebrow in scepticism. Norbert just stepped down and walked to the side, sitting down there. Taking out the coin again, Norbert started flicking it into the air while waiting for Vivienne to come out.


    ***


    ¡°I''m glad you¡¯re here, I wouldn¡¯t want to find you in there,¡± Vivienne said to Norbert as she walked down the steps, going past him. Norbert followed her with his eyes, getting up as he followed her.


    He waved his hand to the two bouncers standing by the door. Norbert followed after Vivienne, wondering what they would be doing for the rest of the night.


    The people were once more parting when they saw Vivienne striding away from the stadium again. Norbert saw their reaction as he watched their faces, shocked before instantly looking at the ground, not wanting to catch his companion''s attention; Norbert followed behind her, further away from the Colosseum, wondering where they were walking towards. Norbert saw one of the pillars keeping the cavern up in front of them.


    Vivienne stepped forward, going inside of it, thinking of someone climbing up a set of stairs. Norbert ducking down inside as he looked up, saw Vivienne already walking up the staircase in the centre of the pillar. Feeling the walls around him, at least a meter thick of stone, Norbert followed up after her, wondering to himself where he would pop out from.


    Holding his sword next to him, making sure it wouldn¡¯t rattle on wouldn''t, he made his way further up to the top of the steps ahead of him.


    Hearing a door creak open, Norbert was thankful that he didn¡¯t need to climb anymore as he rounded the bend. He saw Vivienne holding open a thick stone door, the woman smiling at him as Norbert came to the same level as her.


    Looking about, seeing an alleyway in front of them, Norbert took the door as Vivienne stepped through, night having taken the upper city. Norbert let the door go as it slowly swung back into the side of the building, watching as it closed with barely a whisper. The groove where the two pieces of sandstone met slowly faded away until it was just a single wall, no sign at all of the door that just existed there.


    Changing his vision to magic, Norbert looked where he believed the seam was but found nothing. No groove appeared, and no runes were plastered around to seal it in or create an illusion of its completion. Running it with his finger, it smoothly went over without being caught anywhere.


    Seeing them in a mostly empty alleyway, Norbert sees Vivienne watching, turning around, waiting for him as she stands just before the street so as not to get in anyone¡¯s way¡ªNorbert seeing the traffic behind her much less than before.


    Following her, Norbert tried to strike up a conversation. ¡°So, what did you and Elizabeth talk about?¡± he asked her openly, his curiosity overtaking him.


    ¡°Oh, this and that, nothing too important. What about you and that chef?¡± She asked him.


    ¡°Absolutely nothing;" the two of us just worked in silence for the duration of the prep work,¡± Norbert said to him". He saw that she was going to hide information from him and did not see any reason not to do the same to her.


    ¡°Where now?¡± he asked her as they continued further away from the colosseum. Seeing the houses here more spread out than before, there was less of a crowd here than before as Vivienne continued to go further away.


    Turning back around, he made sure that he hadn¡¯t missed anything. The stadium, once grand and ever-present, was now just an afterthought on the horizon. Still, Norbert followed Vivienne, now correctly out of the city, as his footsteps walked through the sand, the grains trying to get into his shoes.


    He looked up at the stars and the moon, wondering how much further he would need to trek until the waitress was happy with their placement or finding whatever she deemed necessary in the dunes.

 Chapter 258 For your Safety

    Norbert kicked his foot through the top of the dune, the dust instantly whipping behind him as the wind took it. He was happy to have his helmet covering his face, with the coat and gloves protecting his entire body from the sand that constantly assaulted them. He was also happy that the fox and Obsius weren''t here, both needing to use him for protection.


    They went down and up the dunes, Norbert seeing the city slowly grow smaller in the distance, looking up at the moon as it became closer to the horizon than before, and knowing the night would soon be over.


    "Where exactly are you taking me?" Norbert asked Vivienne.


    "You will find out when you get there." Vivienne said to Norbert.


    Planting both feet on the ground, Norbert stood there, hands resting by his sides as he waited for Vivienne to give him more information.


    "You''re going to do this?" Vivienne asked him.


    Norbert looked about, seeing nobody around them. He changed his vision to magic as he looked around, confirming that there wasn''t anything in the dunes. Glancing at Vivienne, he saw a black shimmer surround her, changing his vision to average. Norbert took a throwing dagger out of his sheath.


    "Do I have a chance?" Norbert asked Luck in his head, not wanting to voice it out loud in case Vivienne would somehow hear him and give the small amount of surprise he could muster. Not hearing a response from Luck, but it was too late for him to back out. Norbert opened his mouth to Vivienne.


    "Can''t I just have some explanation on what''s happening?" He asked her.


    "You will find out when needed, not before or after¡ªfor your safety, of course." Vivienne said to Norbert.


    Nodding his head, he suspected that would be the answer she would provide him as he unsheathed his sword, he stared straight on at Vivienne as he watched her movements. He saw that she had already prepared a spell, holding the energy within her hand, ready to release it.


    "And what if I didn''t want to wait and find out now?" Norbert asked her, taking one step forward as he moved his weight to the balls of his feet, moving them around to ensure the sand wasn''t gripping them.


    "I will tell you this one thing, Norbert. Some people can join the tournament and chose not to." Levelling her head, she looked directly into Norbert''s eyes.


    Feeling the gaze send shivers down his spine, Norbert grips his sword tighter than needed, tensing his body as he sends energy around it like he was taught in the Halls of the Mountain King. Instantly, the feeling abates dramatically, still there in the back of his mind but no longer so overpowering to affect him.


    "See, someone''s not playing fair," Norbert said to Vivienne, taking another step forward. The sand was still not sticking to his feet. He was happy she had no power over what he was standing on, knowing that would be a complete nightmare.


    "Playing fair is for them," Vivienne started speaking. Norbert threw his dagger in his hand towards the waitress, charging towards her as he blasted forward, kicking sand out behind him.


    The dagger stopped in mid-air, a snake coiling around it. As soon as Norbert released the first one, he sent a second one Vivienne''s way. The second one went wide, and the woman didn''t need to do anything to dodge it.


    Releasing the magic within her hand, Norbert slid down the dune, feeling the sand start to whip around him as he landed at the bottom of the dune. Vivienne had released her spell as a black-green lighting strike impacted against the sand, causing it to blow everywhere.


    Norbert got to his feet, took a quick glance behind him, and saw the impact of the bolt start to throw up sand everywhere, the black and green grains painting this side of the dune. Norbert watched as each grain cracked with energy within it, sprinting forward, trying to get out of its effect, not wanting to find out what damage it would do to him.


    Bringing his sword down, Vivienne''s arm was snatched by a snake. The snake ripped through the leather she had tied around herself as it stopped the blade, and blackness started to seep around the blade where the snake contacted it.


    Pulling it back, Norbert put all his energy around his body, feeling his very soul hum with power. Coming back, pulling his sword back, Norbert punched forward with his left hand. A white barrier flared up, barely visible as the rune network became apparent to Norbert.


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    The barrier''s failure to give around cancelled his momentum of the spin, leaving him wide open. In his moment of stillness, Norbert was swarmed by snakes bursting forth from Vivienne as she waited for him to stop moving.


    Norbert forced his hand further down as he tried to break free of the snakes that started to twirl around and bind him in place. As he stood there, something started to smell strange. Looking down at his arms, Norbert saw holes being burnt into his clothes whenever one of the infected pieces of sand touched them, and smoke-smelling carcinogenic came out of it.


    Holding his breath, his arms started to tingle as the infected sand made its way onto his skin, being healed straight away, knowing it was slowly chipping away at him. Watching Vivienne''s barrier, making no change as the sand went through, cleansing itself and turning into normal sand just bouncing off her.


    Starting to hear the sand start to gush forward, it pulling at his feet as it needed to suck up even more sand so it could eject it around the area. Knowing he would need to continue forward, Norbert strode forward, giving a bit of slack on the snakes as he ripped them off his body, and pieces of flesh went with it as he continued to make his way forward.


    Seeing Vivienne start her next spell, remembering the last one he sent off, she started the sand geyser, not wanting to see what the next one could be. His left hand free, Norbert threw another dagger from his left side at her hand, it somehow able to pierce her barrier but slowing down enough so Vivienne could move out of the way, only scratching her hand in the process.


    Norbert watched as the spell fizzled out before she could release it, a pang of annoyance showing on her forehead as a vein twitched slightly. She restarted the spell once again.


    Throwing another dagger her way, Norbert stepped forward, the snakes attached to him breaking as he continued pushing forward on them. He swung his sword down towards her, feeling the impact on his arms as the sword rang, having hit something.


    Moving the blade to the side, Norbert lunged forward as he felt something press against his shoulder. Unable to stop his movement, Norbert sent energy to the area to try and circumvent any damage that he would take.


    A blossom of pain coming out of his left shoulder, Norbert pulling his arm down, hitting Vivienne''s left arm that was in front of her. The leather strap wrapped around her came loose as Norbert cut through it, watching as it un-twirled slightly from both ends.


    Pulling his sword back, looking at her deathly white skin, the bone exposed underneath where he hit it. Going over it a black line that joined up with the stitch seem on her skin. Breathing heavily, he looked down at his shoulder, surprised at what he saw.


    Green puss coming out of the wound, a wave of nausea overtaking him as he continued to stare, the pain that he didn''t know he was taking coming out over him as he continued to stare, paralysed as his brain started to fog over, the energy in his body slowing down slightly, using up and spat out by the wound on his left shoulder.


    "Still standing there?" Vivienne asked Norbert as he started to see spots in his vision. Sending more energy to the wound, he looked down at it and saw it start to pus even worse than before. Norbert didn''t know what Vivienne could have done to him, but his energy wasn''t working.


    Taking several steps back, losing the ground he made, Norbert took his dagger, stabbing it into his body as he cut through his clothes and flesh. Stopping the healing for a moment, Norbert viciously cut through the area, hoping he wouldn''t need to cut out his heart, now wanting to invest the energy in repairing that part of him as well.


    He was having cut most of it out; Norbert grabbed onto the piece of flesh and wrenched it from his body. The nausea that wanted to engulf him from the stench of his flesh. Chucking it away, Norbert saw it had turned green and black, reminding him of people who received frostbite to their extremities before they had them removed.


    Turning back to Vivienne, the witch is watching him in shock from the actions he had just made. Staring down at his wound that was healing up properly before her eyes, the pink skin with purple veins near Norbert''s left shoulder was the only proof of it ever happening.


    Not knowing how many times he could go forward like this, Norbert swapped the dagger to his left hand as he removed the sword from the ground. Putting all his energy into his leap, he nearly teleported right in front of Vivienne.


    The woman reels back in shock at Norbert''s appearance in front of her. The damaged man is now all together and within arm''s reach again. She sends snakes from both arms towards Norbert, a barrier in front of her as well.


    Norbert dropped to the ground, letting both coils of snakes shoot over him, not wanting to be bitten again and have his flesh turn cancerous. Swiping up, Norbert felt it hit against the barrier, bringing the dagger to follow up afterwards, placing his shoulder, but still it glanced off.


    Wondering what would happen if he used the exploding technique, not seeing a better time than now, Norbert swung the sword again at the barrier on the side. Watching as it flashed once more, he let go of the sword as it banged away, falling out of reach.


    Pushing all his energy into the dagger in his left hand, Norbert leapt into the air and slammed it down above Vivienne''s head. He imagined the pieces of the dagger going outwards, through the barrier, and peppering Vivienne inside of it.


    At the moment of impact, a bright flash, half white and half purple, erupted from his hand, blinding Norbert as he felt the rush of his energy leaving his body through his hand.


    Pain erupted out of it as he felt himself be blown away and peppered by the dagger fragments that were unable to pierce the barrier.


    Norbert was breathing, fighting the battle to stay conscious. He had held a small amount of the purple energy back so as not to pass out, wanting to be still able to stand if it didn''t knock out Vivienne.


    Getting to his hands and knees, fighting the bile that wanted to come out of his mouth, Norbert watched as the dust settled where their fight had been.

 Chapter 259 All out

    Norbert watched as the sand settled around her, Vivienne still standing where she was, a stump up, protecting her head as the black lines floated above her head, connecting where the barrier once was.


    Changing his vision to normal, the sand from the geyser no longer kicked up. Norbert did not know if it ran out of juice or if she had cut the connection to it, trying to protect herself from Norbert''s blast.


    Getting up to his feet, his head spinning as he sent a trickle of energy around his body, healing his left arm as best he could, the clothes completely ripped from it.


    Staring at Vivienne, watching as she picked up her arm, pieces of the dagger scattered throughout the arm as it came forward. As Norbert watched, the arm attaching itself back to the waitress, holding her other hand over the wounds as Norbert saw she started to chant, the pieces of metal slowly being pushed from her skin, dropping to the ground with quiet thuds.


    After a minute, Norbert was still reeling from the mana crash he had experienced, only now thinking about what he would do in the tournament he had later that day. He hoped he would buy a mana potion to refill his reserves that needed to be replenished immediately.


    "Are you still going?" Vivienne asked Norbert, looking up and seeing several snakes trailing down her leg. She looked about the sand near them, waiting for Norbert to come closer.


    "I¡¯m all out with that last one. Can I say you''re right, and we can stop this little spat?" Norbert asked hopefully, waving his hand between them as he took a half step closer, squinting his eyes as he fought his swirling head.


    Vivienne stood still, holding her hands above her head. Norbert changed to magical sight, seeing a spell forming there. He grinned his teeth, annoyed that she wouldn''t just creep the win and wanted to drag it out.


    His mind instantly cleared as adrenalin coursed through his body. Norbert sucked in a deep breath, collecting the bile in his mouth before spitting it out onto the ground. Stepping forward No, Robert took his last two throwing daggers out, spotting his sword to the side of Vivienne, knowing he couldn''t print it directly.


    Taking another step forward directly towards Vivienne, his sight catching as the ball leapt out of her palms. Diving to the left-hand side, Norbert sees it arch past him, happy with it missing his body. Getting up, Norbert sprinted as he felt wind batter his torn clothes from behind.


    Taking a quick look behind him, he saw fog rolling its way down the dune coming from the impact. Turning forward, Norbert sprinted as fast as he could, faster than a normal person could, but nowhere near the levels that Norbert could go as he was infusing his body with purple energy.


    The wind lapping at his clothes, Norbert heads directly towards Vivienne, the woman with a smile on her face as Norbert charges at her. Vivienne finally moves off her position and comes towards Norbert, both hands by her side, her hood flapping off her face, and blonde hair waving in the wind behind her.


    Norbert watched as it seemed to elongate slightly, growing longer and longer, Norbert watching, his body still in motion as her hair grew to the length of Rapunzel.


    The hair was seemingly still as she ducked around, starting to sway this way and that to some music Norbert couldn''t hear, breathing in Norbert and preparing for them to impact each other. He closed his eyes momentarily, whispering, "Luck, show me the way forward." As he opened his eyes again, the golden path shone before him; following it with his blade, Norbert charged straight forward as the two made contact again. Before they were to crash, Norbert saw the line shoot into the air.


    Jumping up and over Vivienne, the woman just followed him with her head, rubbernecking as she slowed down, spinning mid-air to face Norbert as he landed. Jumping straight forward, Norbert has both blades out in front of him.


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    Suddenly, the stream split into two, one continuing forward while the other rising to the right. Following with his dagger, Norbert heard a clink as the dagger hit something. A blade appeared in Vivienne''s own hand, having come down arching for his neck.


    His other blade was still going forward, Vivienne''s eyes growing in shock as it plunged into her sternum. Norbert heard something crack, a splurt of blood coming out, heading for his head. He is happy to have the helmet on to protect him.


    As he pulled his arm back, ripping it out of the body, preparing to follow it again, the two golden lines were no longer visible. Norbert wondered why as the fog impacted him, it having slipped his mind.


    Instantly, Norbert felt his skin begin to bubble and blister, pus coming out, wetting the inside of his clothes and mask and obscuring his vision. Unable to put any energy into it, Norbert leapt away as far as he could, hoping to get out of the barrier.


    Looking down, seeing he was out of it, just before he touched the ground and could run, his legs crumpled underneath him. Looking down, he landed on his sword, his body unable to hold itself up on the uneven landing.


    Turning about, I saw Vivienne walking towards him slowly, the fog moving about her, a bubble of clear air following her. Norbert is thankful that the fog wasn''t pushing further but reseeded into Vivienne.


    Closing his eyes, he stretched his leg out, feeling it about as he flexed it forward, confirming that it was genuinely mangled. Opening it up as he analysed the wound, happy that the energy though unable to properly heal him was stopping the pain from flooding his body, knowing he wouldn''t be able to think otherwise, just turning into a groaning puddle of pain and suffering.


    THUNK


    Norbert opened his eyes as he felt the helmet ring in his ears, something having hit it. He tilted his head up as he opened his eyes, seeing a mana potion resting in the sand. Carefully, Norbert grasped it, bitting into the cork and spitting it out, tipping it back to allow the liquid to flow down his throat.


    Instantly, Norbert felt himself energised again. The energy in his body flowed out of his control, no longer wanting to be restrained as it healed his body. Gritting his teeth as he was met with a balance of euphoria and pain, his bones flowed into the right place, not caring if they had to do more damage to do so.


    His eyes closed once more as Norbert''s breathing steadied from the deep, desperate intakes it had been previously. His head was no longer spinning, his mind clouded by pain. Norbert slowly rose to his feet, stretching to his full height as he looked down at Vivienne, a smug smile plastered above her face.


    Bending over, Norbert picked up the dagger near him, the other having been lost in the battle. He placed it in the sheath on his leg, patting his main dagger, knife, and money pouch, happy that none of those items were lost or damaged in the fight that just ensued.


    The desert around them was pockmarked by blasts both from Vivienne''s magic and Norbert''s daggers that went astray, surprised at the amount of sand being blown away by each of his throws, not thinking they had enough force to do that. The biggest one is where Norbert strikes down Vivienne, blasting his dagger and throwing him into the air. The sand around her had turned green and black, smoke coming off as it slowly cleansed itself from whatever spell had been cast.


    Turning back to Vivienne, Norbert watched the witch as she continued to smile at him. "What''s got you in such a chipper mood?" Norbert asked.


    "The fact that you''re up and running after just a mana potion" Vivienne replied, as she downed a second potion, Norbert seeing her face no longer look worn out and haggard as if she did one to many all-nighters back to back.


    Norbert just nodded as expected before he realised that Vivienne didn''t know much about him, as nobody would have been able to see what he did other than his feats of strength.


    "I showed you quite a few cards in that exchange," Norbert said to Vivienne, the woman nodding in response.


    "And my point all along, now we can and properly start searching for the relic." Vivienne declared loudly to the world, Norbert looking around as he confirmed that nobody was around to hear the declaration, not wanting to get spring on.


    Norbert looked around as he walked around to the rest of his throwing daggers, placing them in their appropriate sheaths. He left the bottom one on his left leg free as the blade was utterly destroyed. Only fragments could be seen lodged in the sand, slowly being covered by the wind that continued to blow.


    Vivienne, seeing Norbert taking the last dagger, started walking in the same direction they were going before. After several steps, Norbert followed behind, coming up next to her as he squinted in the darkness, changing his vision to see better in the dark, wondering if he could see what Vivienne was looking for.

 Chapter 260 Finding Something?

    Vivienne stopped as she pointed ahead of them. Norbert squinted his eyes as he looked at what she wanted to show him. He scanned the horizon and slowly came closer. Only noticing the sandy dunes coming one after the other, he looked about again, finally spotting what Vivienne was indicating to him.


    Out in the middle of nowhere, with dunes all around, Norbert could only see the dried wooden roof of what he assumed was a shack. Turning to Vivienne, he pointed at it, receiving a nod that it was what they were after.


    Walking forward, the two of them crested the last dune as Norbert looked down at the shack, its white roof sun-bleached, and no smoke coming out of the little hole Norbert assumed would be the chimney.


    Vivienne slid down the dune, wading her way through the sand, and walked towards the front door. Norbert came in behind her, looking around. There were only two wooden chairs and a table in the centre, and nobody was to be seen in the single room.


    Looking up at the ceiling where the hole was, Norbert saw a stone slab on the ground, splotches of black scattered around it. Several pieces of wood remained, having missed being used up for the fire.


    Taking a glove off his hand, Norbert held it over the stone slab, the heat not radiating to his hand. Touching the slab itself, the same temperature was present. Whoever had used the fire was long gone by now.


    Standing back up, Norbert changed his vision to magic and saw absolutely nothing there. Surprised that no rune was being picked up by his vision, he thought something like this random hut out in the middle of nowhere would have something hidden.


    Slowly turning around, looking, and unable to see even a kitchen, Norbert saw no taps there that could be used for a rune as well. Not knowing if something could have been there, he purposefully wiped it away.


    Turning to Vivienne, Norbert asked the woman "Is this all you were looking for?" as he scanned the area, making sure that nothing was missed in the little shack. Not seeing within it some item that can help anyone out with anything.


    Vivienne shook her head. "There is supposed to be something else here." She said to herself as she started stomping around on the floor.


    With each step, Norbert felt the floors vibrate, hearing the area underneath the floorboards echo back to him despite the fact that there was nothing there.


    Norbert continued to watch Vivienne prowl around for a moment before taking a chair out from under the table and sitting down in it. Placing both feet on the table, Norbert leaned back on the chair as he rocked back and forth, seeing how far backward he could go before he needed to lean forward again.


    Seeing his arms exposed, the clothes torn there, Norbert looked over the other parts of his body. Seeing his white, pale skin underneath exposed, Norbert stared at a patch near his elbow, trying to remember what it looked like before.


    Squinting while trying to puzzle it out, Norbert asked Vivienne, "As my skin darker before?" Norbert asked, poking it down with a finger; when he released it, the skin not turning lighter, his tan seemingly stripped away from him.


    Vivienne looked up for a moment, talking to herself again. Norbert only grasped the word "theory" before she continued stomping around the room. Shaking his head in annoyance at Vivienne not responding to him, leaning back too far, Norbert could not save himself as he fell backwards, crashing into the ground.


    THUMP


    The sound dissipated into the ground as Norbert fell, surprised that the chair hadn''t snapped with the tumble. Looking down at the floorboards as he rolled over, there were no marks there as well. Norbert saw Vivienne staring at him, the woman looking back as she looked at the floor where the chair was still resting.


    Coming towards Norbert, she lifted the chair as she stomped on the floorboards again, making the same hollow sound as everywhere else. Frowning down at it, Norbert watched as she jumped up and down several times, the same sound ringing.


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    Turning to Norbert, she pointed to where he was standing. Sighing, Norbert went and stomped down on the ground, putting some energy into the blow to have the same impact as Vivienne could with her jump.


    Norbert heard the thud of something underneath it again, and he felt with his hands and clawed with his fingernails on the edge of the boards to see if there was anything to pull up.


    CREEEAAAAK


    Norbert pulled one of the floorboards up, the nails used to hold it down protesting until finally releasing from its hold. Norbert turned the timber floorboard around, seeing it filled with runes hidden before.


    Norbert changed his vision again, seeing it filled up with light generated from magic runes all around him. He is now starting to doubt his power to see magic, not realising that people would have intervened to obscure it. Now, it is seemingly apparent that there would be ways to stop it from being so visible. How could anyone be tracked appropriately otherwise?


    While Norbert was examining the piece of wood, Vivienne swooped in, took the piece of parchment, rolled it up, and read it.


    Norbert turned to her and saw the broken wax seal, unable to read it as he wasn''t behind her. He watched as Vivienne''s eyes grew wider and wider, finally distraught. Gazing towards Norbert and seeing him staring at her, the woman quickly hid her emotions, her face deadpan again.


    Rolling the scroll back up, she waved her hand over the seal. Norbert saw the red wax become a hole again, unable to see that it had ever been opened in the first place. She shoved it back into the safety box that Norbert had found, grabbed the piece of wood from Norbert, and slammed it back into the ground.


    Calling the snakes out from her hand, Norbert watched as they hammered the nails back in again. She went over the four nails required, wiping her hand over it, happy with it, as she stood up and left the cabin. Norbert leaning down, wiping his own hand, did not feel a seem at all there.


    Looking around the room, he couldn''t see anything with his magic vision still on. With the board secured again, whatever made the shack seem mundane returned.


    Changing to normal vision, Norbert looked around the cabin, everything returning to how it was before as he followed Vivienne. Closing the door behind him, the woman was already halfway up the dune.


    Pushing energy around him, Norbert leapt up in three steps, catching up with Vivienne. He went past her as he reached the top of the dune, turning around to look down at Vivienne and the shack underneath him. Smiling and giving a wave, Norbert waited for her to reach him at the top.


    "Took your time," Norbert said as he turned to where he believed the stadium would be. Vivienne put her hood over her head, and out of the corner of his eye, Norbert saw her golden hair eaten away and covered up.


    "Need a lift?" Norbert asked her.


    Vivienne turned to Norbert, opening her mouth for a moment before closing it again, mulling it over in her mind and mouth before spitting out her thoughts. "It will be more efficient that way. So, how does this normally work?" she asked him.


    Norbert, making sure his sword wasn''t in the way, turned his back to Vivienne as he knelt slightly. The woman jumped onto him as Norbert stood up, waiting for Vivienne to get into place and hold on properly.


    Receiving a tap on the shoulder, Norbert asked aloud, "Which way to the Colosseum?" Only a finger is pointing out slightly towards Norbert''s left. Changing it so it was straight ahead, Norbert leaned down, sending the energy running through his body as he felt it build within him. Leaping forward, Norbert fell down the dune as he ran, his feet not sinking into the sand as before he knew it, he was coming back up the other side.


    Vivienne dug even harder into him as he came back up it, shooting forward and into the air. Norbert looked around the landscape, unable to see the stadium or the city in their direction. He was scanning forward, not seeing anyone walking either to the shack or anything else on this side of the desert.


    As Norbert continued to run, getting dune and dune behind him, feeling something else within his body start to spin up, something else adding fuel to the fire as Norbert realised he was able to push himself even further, each leap getting a bit more distance than the one previously.


    A sharp pain coming from his shoulder, slowing down as he looked towards where the pain was sprouting from Norbert saw two snakes biting into his flesh, making their way into his body, rapping around his bones and tying the witch to Norbert.


    ***


    Looking up, able to see the stadium in the distance, the city just sprawling out over it, Norbert crossed the dunes by going from one to the next, not needing to run down them, each step sending sprays of sand behind him, feeling Vivienne patting on his shoulder where she clamped down, Norbert feeling her pat him again.


    Slowing his run down, Norbert fell as he crashed into the dune in front of him, going knee-deep into the dune as he pulled himself up.


    Turning his head around to look at Vivienne, he asked, "What''s up?" She pointed behind him as she crawled off his body and saw a hole in the dune where Norbert had last used it. He walked up the dune he was on; he saw a trail of ands cresting the top. Semicircles punched out of the top, leading in a straight line to where Norbert''s further shack was sitting.


    Turning to Vivienne, already waking behind him, Norbert was just quiet, the sun starting to come up over the horizon, looking down at himself and his clothes, hoping he would have enough time to swap them out before going to the colosseum.

 Chapter 261 Meeting the Team

    As the sun came over, Norbert headed towards the colosseum, unable to change his clothes. People around him stared at him and his ragged clothes. He was happy he had his helmet on to protect himself as much as possible with their fight to come hide his identity so those pesky rumours wouldn''t follow him everywhere. He knew that the rags now attached to his body wouldn''t hold that much protection as his flesh was currently exposed.


    Stepping through, Norbert flashed his token as the slime appeared. He headed to the left on the second doorway, once more going underground. Walking through the tunnel once more, he made the right turn as he opened up on the room, looking about at the beds all lined up. Stopping there, Norbert counted that there were far fewer beds than the last time he came in here.


    Looking up at the screen, which showed the teams that would be fighting and their names for the day, he saw his name pop up once. He didn''t know the time, but there were other teams before his own, and he was happy he wasn''t late for it.


    He walked towards his bed, lying down on it as he stared up at the ceiling. He unclasped his helmet and laid it beside him, wondering what people would say to him after the fight and who he would be up against there.


    Norbert felt a tap on his shoulder. Opening one eye, he saw a mouse-like person looking down at him. Their entire head was covered by a massive hood, drooping down over them. Norbert did not know how they could even see past it.


    Looking further down, their bodies obscured by a cloak, Norbert could see only their hands, the nails thick, yellowed, and sharpened to a point from use. The two hands grasped onto a staff in front of them, to Norbert, what looked like an old piece of driftwood.


    He did not see anything attached to the end, which surprised him, as the other staff he had seen had an object attached, either crystals or something of nature.


    Switching to the head, Norbert said, "Yes?"


    Norbert saw the two become intertwined as the individual beside him plucked up the courage to speak to Norbert. "Umm, is it possible for us to um¡­." Norbert heard the person breathe in and out several times, trying to grasp onto any little piece of courage that could be had.


    Smiling at them, Norbert just waited, believing he knew what it could be about but letting the person get their own way.


    Taking another deep breath, the person finally said what they wanted: "Come-over-to-discuss-plans-for-the-fight?" They quickly blurted out without even pausing.


    Norbert blinked as he processed what she had just said. Nodding his head, whipping his legs around, Norbert jumped off the bed, picked up his helmet, and clasped the two parts together. Breathing out slowly as he moved his arms, he stretched his back out.


    Looking at the bed, the fabric now lightly sanded Norbert, indicating that they should lead Norbert wherever he was needed.


    The person, now only up to Norbert''s hip, was surprised at their height as they quickly hurried away, not even looking back to see if Norbert was following them. There, he found several others gathered around in a circle, discussing with many arms waving and mouths open. Unable to hear anything Norbert changed his vision to magic, seeing the runes on the ground as a bubble appeared around them, Norbert assuming to block out the sound.


    The two people behind them, outside the bubble Norbert could hear easily, were banging their weapons, which Norbert assumed was as hard as possible. One had a spear, something he hadn''t seen in some time, and the other a morning star, the golden metal shining in the light.


    As it moved back and forth, swiping at the spearman, the light danced on the ground as Norbert caught a glimpse of his reflection on the weapon. Standing there, he looked like an utterly homeless person, clothes tattered and falling off his body, sand coming off his body with every step. The only thing that made him look like he was meant to be there was his mask, breathing red light, changing the outfit''s look from destitute to dangerous.


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    As the person who called him entered, the six other people turned to Norbert, all eyeing him up and down, turning to his ruined clothes, the same type and colour that the others had. Leather coats, pants, and boots were all Norbert could see. Some had metal armour instead, shining in the light, and others had other accessory items like the staff the person who called him there had.


    The person who called him sat down in the circle, moving about their eyes. Norbert positioned his sword as he sat down, sitting cross-legged, surprised that his legs could cross nicely; the last time he did that years ago, his knees could not touch the ground.


    Taking the two parts of his helmet off, placing them in his lap, and shaking his head, he looked around the group in front of him.


    Just staring in silence, Norbert sighed as he took the coin out of his pouch, flicking it into the air as he caught it. He repeated this several times, but still nobody spoke.


    "Norbert at your service, scout. Now let''s get this party rolling, is there a reason why you called me over?" He asked, the words breaking the stillness that was around the group.


    "It looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," Norbert heard someone say something from the group, and the others snickered at him.


    Knowing that he looked shabby without needing to look down at himself, Norbert just shook his head, not needing to voice words to his thoughts that he looked better than death warmed up. Going through the group, I saw two other mages with the one he talked with, a bow strapped to someone''s back, and an assortment of weapons and armour on everyone else.


    Someone clearing their throat, Norbert turning to one of the mages, their staff tipped with a red crystal, Norbert wondering what they would be able to do with that, if it was either fire or blood as the red crystal gave off light around it.


    "The others here are wondering what alignment you have as it is missing from the board." Norbert heard the woman''s voice come out as she indicated with her staff to the board.


    Turning around, I saw his name flash up again with his number next to it, the word scout there and the missing section.


    Nodding his head in understanding, Norbert knew what he was about to say would really seal the deal. "Don''t have one, and before you ask, no, I cannot do magic at all. I can''t even power a single rune if my life depended on it," Norbert said as he looked around, seeing them process what had just been uttered from his mouth.


    One by one, they turned to themselves, the conversation coming back up around him, Norbert being excluded. Groaning, he looked around, only wanting to know one piece of information: "Is there a healer in the group?"


    The mage that asked him to go there raised their arm, the moment Norbert made contact with where he assumed their eyes would be they caved in on themselves, their arm disappearing in the folds of clothing around them.


    Norbert nodded his head as he turned around, leaving the circle as the banging of weapons outside could be heard again. He looked at his other two teammates, still banging against each other. Norbert stood there as he watched, the two of them going back and forth from attack to defence and back again.


    As the one wielding the morning star came forward again,, the pattern was was finallyshown to Norbert. The spearman came forward, thrusting twice before sweeping up, using the butt of the spear to wave them off before needing to retreat.


    The mace wielder came forward, moving the spear butt away from themselves before doing an overhead strike downwards. A ring came out as the spear shaft, which Norbert realised was metal, landed against part of the morning star, the two rings at each other.


    Going backwards as the spear came forward, swiping to the side, catching the morning star in the future, past the blade as he struck at the spear shaft, moving it away, the two of them backing away as it would start once again.


    The seven moves repeated over and over again, changing the pace and speed as they fought together. Norbert moved away from them, leaving his group and those practising to their own merits. Moving back to his bed, Norbert sat down on it, knowing that the other people from Morenas were staring at him, leaving the group after so quickly being there.


    Norbert was not too fussed about it, knowing that they knew he ranked as taking down a lot of the other ones before, probably thinking that he had cheated to get where he was now¡ªthinking back, realising that it would be straightforward, with an instructor and a vampire always following him around in the Halls of the Mountain King.


    Shrugging, knowing the truth would be revealed soon enough, Norbert took out all of his blades, examining them for chips as he positioned them from least to most worn in case he needed them at a moment''s notice.


    After that, Norbert looked over his team. They were still discussing topics and strategies that, even with his crash course, he still didn''t know enough about.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert placed the mask over his face as he closed his eyes, hoping to get some shut-eye after the busy night he had just had. He did not know where Vivienne might want to take him next.

 Chapter 262 Help a Guy Out

    Norbert was shaken as he opened his eyes. Seeing nothing above him, he closed his eyes, trying to remember what he had just been dreaming of, hoping he could grasp it and continue the story unfolding in his mind.


    The earthquake maker is not stopping their relenting shaking. Opening his eyes, Norbert turned to the side, seeing a small bundle of cloth poking just above his bed. Wondering where he saw it, Norbert remembered where he was and the cloth being his teammate in the contest at the stadium.


    "It''s time?" Norbert asked.


    Norbert saw the hood move up and down before they ran off. He yawned as he got up, wondering how long he had slept. Standing up, Norbert stretched his entire body, reaching as high as he could before trying to touch the ground without bending his knees.


    Feeling himself limbered up, Norbert turned around, patting himself down as he confirmed that everything was where it was meant to be. His hand went over the missing dagger, annoyed that he couldn''t take the sixth-throwing one.


    Jogging over to the entrance to the Colosseum, the others are already heading through it and standing on the platform. Norbert pushes the energy through his body, confirming that it is working as needed and enough to be functional.


    Keeping it going, Norbert stood still, feeling the platform rise into the air again. Yawning again, he stretched his hands above his head before letting them drop to the floor. He moved to the balls of his feet, jumping from one to the other on the balls of his feet, patting himself down again, making sure everything was in its correct place after his sleep, and patting off any dust that would have collected on him.


    The others around him do similar acts to calm themselves down and prepare for the fight. Feeling the platform slow down, Norbert asked everyone in his vicinity, "Anything you want me to do?"


    "Protect the healer." One of them said to Norbert. Not recognising the voice, Norbert spun around in the half-light, unable to see who it was as everyone continued reading up.


    Spotting the healer in the dark, Norbert walks towards them. Light bathes around him as the sun finally settles, and he finds himself down in the Colosseum. On the other side, Norbert sees another group standing there, none moving off their platform as they look towards their opponents.


    Norbert leaned down at the healer underneath him. "What''s your name, healer." He asked them.


    "Karr," the voice squeaked back at them. Norbert nodded as he looked towards the crowd, moving his eyes to the box and waving at them.


    "Thanks, Karr. You''ll be fine with this. Just focus on healing the others; I''ll be fine." Norbert said to the healer.


    Seeing the hood move in a nod, Norbert looked around, spotting Commander Sally looking back at him, not a worried look in her eye. What surprised Norbert was the two companions she had on her shoulder.


    He didn''t know how Obsius and the white fox managed to get inside the booth or find Sally beforehand to climb on top of those shoulders. Shaking his head, Norbert heard a voice booming around the stadium, cutting through the cheering people in the seats.


    "I hope everyone is prepared for the next match. So far, we have seen many strange and unconventional tactics being used. On one side, we have the Morenas team; on the other, Kreevss," the voiceover said.


    Norbert stared over, squinting and pushing energy into his eyes to see the details of their opponents: elongated snouts, beady slit eyes from what he could see. One of Ted and Norbert were around to talk to their other companions, realising what they were.


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    "Lizards?", He questioned out loud.


    All at once, Norbert saw the other team stop what they were doing and turn their attention to him. Looking around the crowd, Norbert saw some of the participants stop their cheers, the moderator''s voice no longer reaching their ears or Norbert''s own.


    "Now you''ve done it," said the mage with the red crystal on their staff. "Change of plans, Norbert. You go forward, don''t protect the healer, and try not to get hit," they said.


    Everyone else gave Norbert a sad look, smiling as he made his way forward, his teammates making their way through. Others patting his back, like a friend going to the chopping block.


    "Ehmm, as usual, death is not permitted after that announcement, but it can happen. You will be whisked away when it is deemed that you are too close. Now, with all the announcements done, let''s begin this." The moderator said, his booming voice growing quieter and quieter at the end.


    The energy around his body was already in full swing, and Norbert sent it out again, pushing it around as fast as he could. The time he seemed to slow down as he stared down his opponents.


    "Five!" the voice rang out, echoing in Norbert''s skull. Reaching down for his blade, Norbert unsheathed his sword as he gauged the distance between the two parties¡ªabout a hundred meters from them.


    "Four!" Norbert gripped his blade as he rubbed his other left hand''s fingertips together, feeling the sweat build up on them. Wiping them on his pants, trying to stop them, not knowing when he might need to hold onto something.


    "Three!" The energy now pounding in his head, Norbert unable to move forward, changing his vision, a barrier pops up right in front of him, realising that he couldn''t go any further forward. The hard-packed earth that was the field lit up from beneath. Norbert sees the number of runes everywhere in this entire place. Turning his vision back to normal, he does not want to be distracted in the fight.


    "Two!" Looking down at his body, Norbert saw something come out of where the cuts in his pants were, his veins purple for all to see. Changing his vision quickly, Norbert saw purple vapour coming off his skin, being pushed away from it as he continued to move it around every inch of his body. Not having the time for experimentation, Norbert turned back to normal, looking around as the sun came just over, now shining into his eyes just from the side.


    "One and BEGIN!" Norbert was star-struck, not expecting to start so soon, the time having whisked past him.


    Springing forward, arms waving, he tried to cover the distance as fast as possible. His feet cracked the compacted earth underneath him. A surge of clouds came out behind him. He did not look back to see what his teammates were doing, trusting they would come up behind him.


    Focusing down on his opponents, who startled for a moment, their anger and hatred abated while they saw the charging bull come towards them. Norbert closed half the distance between them as he saw them get out of their shock, three of them coming forward to face Norbert; behind them, Norbert saw two mages chanting something, the three charging him, glowing for a moment before receding, the distance they covered even greater than before, their unease being erased before his eyes.


    He was sucking in a deep breath of air Norbert threw a dagger out forward, watching it spin in the air. The one in the lead tapping the dagger away with their shield, Norbert watching as a sword was drawn, the other two having spears, full metal ones like Norbert had seen his teammate use.


    Both spear tips were glowing red hot, and Norbert did not want to see what made the tips glow so much. As Norbert went forward, just before meeting them, he looked up into the air and saw two spells shoot up high. As the shield bearer came forward, his sword raised, and Norbert moved to the left, wanting to move behind the shield. Both spells dropped dramatically, diving straight for Norbert.


    Stepping backward, Norbert threw two daggers into the air. The swordsman swiped down at where he was standing before. A spearman on each side came forward, singing Norbert with their weapons.


    Staring them down, Norbert went further to the left, knocking the spear out of his path with his arm. Charging forward, Norbert swiped down with the blade, only to be knocked down by the shield.


    His body was spinning in the air. Norbert gripped his sword, not wanting to lose it, and relied only on his daggers. Landing on his knees, he skidded on the ground for a meter before stopping.


    Having space, Norbert looked at his party, seeing they hadn''t moved an inch from the platform they had started on. Only the healer had moved to the front, leaving Norbert wondering what the healer could do for him; not like he hadn''t been hit by anything so far.


    "You could help a guy out over here," Norbert said to himself as the shield hit his face. Pummelled into the ground, Norbert felt his energy going into his face, reconstructing it after the bashing he had received.

 Chapter 263 Norbert-1 Kreevss-0

    Having had enough of being bashed around, Norbert leaps forward, the shield coming up once again, only one of the spearmen by their side. Punching as hard as he could with his left, he sends it into the shield. The clang resonates around the arena, causing the shield bearer to step back quickly.


    Now, having created some space, Norbert charged at the spearman. Their spear came down straight at him, not caring at all for the weapon that pierced his gut, grabbing onto the spear and stopping its user from going away unless wanting to lose their weapon.


    The lizard''s eyes grew wide in horror as Norbert continued coming towards him. Letting go of the spear, he clambered away as they pulled a short sword from their belt. Pulling the spear all the way through, Norbert held it in his hand for a moment, feeling the balance.


    The shield bearer came down on him, the spear flying up, scratching off the side of the shield, poking them in their armour-protected scale shoulder. Letting the sword drop, Norbert pulled the spear out of the shoulder from the side, a wave of blood coming out from the wound, splattering the ground.


    The shield bearer dropped his sword, clanging against their leg as it fell. Norbert was ruining past them, sheathing his sword as he did so, holding onto the spear as he did so, and pulling his arm back. Bringing the point down, an arrow bounced off the spear tip, glancing off his helmet rather than striking his body. The arrow landed on the ground, a ripple happening underneath his footsteps as the dirt was sucked quickly behind him.


    Another arrow was coming for him, and Norbert leapt into the air as he pulled the spear back, the archer now annoying him. Holding it in his hand, index finger behind, Norbert threw the spear as he landed, the air rippling around it as it travelled towards its target.


    Landing on the ground again, the shield bearer, having left his sword on the ground, holding the shield with two hands, came for Norbert again. With both hands-free, Norbert grabbed onto the shield, his feet being pushed back until he gained purchase. Pulling the shield down, hearing the arm tear under the force Norbert slammed his head forward, his helmet ringing out the opponents own, Norbert pulling back again, but the warrior dropping to the ground like a sack of potatoes, turning around Norbert waiting for the next person to charge at him.


    CREEEEK


    Following the sound, Norbert saw it come from where he launched the spear. It had stopped and slowly moved forward, finally shattering the barrier, resulting in the deafening noise. Norbert watched as the mages hastily cast their spell, trying to repair their barrier again.


    The two other melees, having stayed behind, came running forward. After they stepped through, the barrier appeared once more, lapping at their heels.


    Lights came off it as a barrage of spells from Norbert''Norbert''sew over the entire field, sizzling against the barrier as it impacted ineffectively.


    Norbert saw his group mostly stay where they were, wondering when they would come out and help him. As Norbert went forward, making it be there with the others around him, he did not care about it, as the two that came forward, dagger flying in the air towards him, were at him.


    Jumping into the air to buy some time, Norbert looked at his predicament. He was surrounded on all four sides as Norbert landed on the ground, unsheathing his dagger, and everyone was too close to use the sword properly. As one, they all stabbed forward, Norbert not even having time to move as he was hit on all four sides.


    Feeling the spear tip burn against his skin, the smell of pork and singed hair coming off his body. Grabbing the spear, Norbert twisted his body to the side, whipping the weapon from their grasp. Clutching a spear once more, Norbert shouted, "ROUND TWO!" his voice echoed around the arena.


    Pulling his arm back, he felt someone grab onto it, trying to stop him from moving it forward; as he launched it, the grip on his arm releasing, unable to contain him, one of the dagger users jumped forward, the spear shooting straight towards the barrier, the lizard figure going with it, pinned to the tip of the spear without breaking through, its tail wiggling in the wind.


    The two hit against the barrier, the lizard person popping right through with no resistance, as the spear once more was held up, stuck in position as cracks began to come out of the barrier. Finally, it shattered like glass, the spear continuing as before, landing right next to its previous one in a cloud of dirt.


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    Then, the bombardment happened. Arching slightly over Norbert''s Machine gun, a fire of flames shot out. Norbert felt his helmet heating up from the proximity he was currently into the flames. Turning towards the opponents staying in their main circle, standing there, the flames flickered around them, burning off their clothes.


    They all stood there, completely unaffected by the flames. Norbert''s brow sweating in the helmet, thankful when the flames cut out, feeling his eyes evaporating even after the heat stopped, and not having any time for it, Norbert got surrounded once more. All the weapons glowed bright red as one of the dagger wielders swiped at him. Just grazing him, Norbert saw his clothes burst into flames, the cotton underneath, after heating up so much before, unable to provide any proper protection.


    Taking the dagger''s hand, the wielder tries to escape, but Norbert''s grip does not let them slip by. Holding on, the scales warm under his touch, Norbert gripped down, feeling the bone turn to pulp. Grabbing with a second hand on the other arm, Norbert started spinning around repeatedly until he was also dizzy. The lizard''s feet are are no longer on the floor, and his entire body is perfectly straight from his hands. Letting go of Norbert, the body flew high into the air, not stopping until it crashed into the ground tens of meters away. The body is not moving while it lay there motionless.


    The last three stared him down. Norbert got annoyed at his team for not assisting him, just wanting to see this finally finished. Taking his sword out once again, Norbert felt the energy within him get a second lease on life, starting to ramp up speed again within his body after it maxed out previously.


    He did not want to look this gift horse in the mouth. Norbert was charging at the next one, being one of the spearmen with no spear. Swiping down on their sword, they tried to dodge it unsuccessfully as it battered to the ground. Slicing down again on the arm they put in front of themselves to try and block his sword, it cleanly passed through. Before the arm could drop to the floor, Norbert kicked the lizard creature away from him, turning around his defeated foe no longer in his mind.


    Swiping to the side on the other spearmen, the sword being pinned to their body, stopping it from getting cut but causing them to go flying away, he aimed it luckily for the rest of his team, now charging forward after Norbert nearly single-handedly took out half their force.


    The last one, Norbert, stepped forward, watching their eyes widen, swiping down with his blade. Norbert saw the figure turn into dust, his blade hitting through nothing of substance. Feeling the hairs stick up the back of his neck, imagining a blade coming down for him, Norbert reversed his grip and stabbed it behind him, feeling it make contact just as a hot metal object made contact with the back of his neck before slipping from their grip and falling to the floor. The blade heated the dirt, turning it molten before the dagger finally cooled off, creating a smooth surface, loose dirt covering up the new creation.


    He was looking around him, seeing and hearing the bodies groaning and seeing them bleed out around him, knowing that per the rules, they would be out of the remainder of this battle. He turned to where he heard shouts, the previously offended and riled-up lizards now on the back end. The two barriers were positioned to be right on each other. Norbert saw ripples in the barrier, even without needing to see the magic, as they fought for domination.


    Norbert sprinted forward, not wanting to miss out on it. Going past a wall of arrows on the ground, piled up just outside his battle area, not having seen them previously. Wondering what could have caused them to plummet straight to the ground, crushing them under his feet, the magic that was still in them coming to life as he instantly found himself knee-deep in sand, slowly getting sucked further and further in.


    Trying to move his body, every movement only caused him to fall deeper and deeper into the quicksand. He kicked as hard as he could, but his legs could not find any purchase to move from, only floundering around. Feeling it touch his chin, he finally stopped, Norbert watching as the sand became hard compacted dirt again.


    Breathing out a sigh of relief, Norbert let his body relax, feeling it move slightly in the earth. In his panic, the energy within him had slipped, no longer charged, and was going faster than usual. Placing some of his energy into his hand, Norbert moved it as much as possible in the tight confines, imagining it being ripped open and cracks forming around him,


    Releasing the energy, Norbert instantly knew he put in too much, unable to rein it in as it cracked him, turning everything around him to sand. His body shaking as for a moment, it spiked into him before crumbling away. Breathing laboured breaths, Norbert freed one of his hands from the surface, his legs still encased in compacted dirt, which may as well be stone to Norbert.


    Pushing down with his hand, feeling where the sand became compact dirt, Norbert pulled himself up, his feet cracking and breaking, needing to move around the dirt to be able to escape from his earthly coffin.


    Standing up, his legs wobbly after their sudden confinement Norbert looked at the rest of the battle, seeing only one left as they fell, the voice of the commentator coming back again "And with that we have our victors, Morenas with the surprising turn of events!" Their voice echoing within Norbert.


    Turning to the crowd, Norbert waved as he paraded around, picking up his throwing da, which he had released at the start of the fight, before joining his teammates on the platoon rm and disappearing again underground.

 Chapter 264 Repercussions

    Seeing the colosseum floor close above him, finally relaxed, now underground in the confines.


    "What was that!" Someone shouted at him, pushing a finger against Norbert''s shoulder, sending him stumbling backwards a step and still reeling from the shock of his body to escape from the quicksand. Lights on the side illuminate the way downwards, making them go from daytime to half-light, only the lights above them throwing any light for Norbert to see.


    "I''m tired. Can you be a bit more specific?" Norbert asked, unable to see who it was as they were engulfed in darkness.


    "That you don''t have anything about you was augmentation right there, so why not tell us earlier? We could have planned around it?" They asked again, Norbert just sighing in annoyance.


    "Ok, whoever it is that''s speaking to me. I tried earlier but was shut down from speaking in your little group. So thank you for that." Norbert said as he stood there, drowning out any other complaints that came his way.


    The platform finally stopped Norbert from stepping out. Finally able to see appropriately, he looked out the rest of the room, heading towards his bed. Hearing footsteps crowd around the bed, Norbert asked his group standing near him aloud, "Another match today?"


    "In two cycles." The voice from before said. Norbert nodded as he continued to lie there, not giving them any more time or day, feeling the energy sluggish around his body as he tried to move it around himself to the best of his current ability.


    "They allow potions between bouts?" Norbert asked aloud.


    He did not hear something in response, but something dropped into his stomach. Opening his eyes, the archer stood above him, the man''s bow slung over his shoulder. Looking down, Norbert saw the healer hiding behind the archer, and he could see their staff sticking out to the side.


    Picking up the glass bottle, he looked at the contents, and the green potion looked back at him.


    "Do you have a mana potion?" Norbert asked.


    "Take that first." The archer spoke domineeringly over Norbert, staring into the man''s eyes, seeing he wouldn''t take no for an answer.


    Breathing out in annoyance, Norbert flipped off the bed and started to take his tattered coat and top off. Presenting his body with a flourish to the archer, "See, not even a scratch," Norbert said to the archer, exposing his body for them to investigate.


    Several moments later, as the archer leaned closer, rubbing their chin with their fingers, the stubble starting to grow there moved about. Leaning towards Norbert, able to feel the air on his chest, turning around with a finger wave, getting a slap on the back as a reward, Norbert placed his ruined clothes back over his body, hiding the red welting handprint he knew would soon appear.


    A clear potion with flashes of colour throughout was handed over to Norbert. He identified the mana potion and smiled as he downed it. The mana flooded his system as his body rejoiced, no longer starving itself.


    Placing the stopper back on Norbert, he nodded his head in thanks. He threw the empty glass bottle up into the air, and the archer caught it before it fell.


    "Anything that I should know about the next bout?" Norbert asked him.


    The archer turned to Norbert, shrugging after a moment of thought. "You seem capable enough to figure it out as we go along," the archer said as he walked off. The healer looked at him for a moment before running off, and Norbert watched them group up once more.


    Sighing out loud, Norbert flopped onto the bed once more, sending his energy spinning around his body as he waited for the timer to go down once more.


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    ***


    A hand came over Norbert, and just before it touched his arm, he sat up, smiling underneath his helmet. He stood up, looking around and seeing everyone in his team heading for the platform. Taking his mask off, Norbert ruffled his hair again, stretched his body again, and swung his arms around as he patted himself down, confirming he hadn''t left anything behind.


    Hand going over his coin pouch, thankful that it hadn''t been dislodged in his last fight up there. Stepping up, Norbert waited several moments until finally rising into the air again. Clamping his helmet back over his head, Norbert asked them, "You are doing the same strategy of sweeping up at the end?" Norbert asked them.


    "Well, that depends if you make yourself an enemy out of an entire nation." The fire mage said to Norbert once more the light flashing


    "Wait, what?" Norbert asked around as the car came to a halt, looking out on the arena once more as the commentators once more made their introductions.


    Staring over at the other side, Norbert squinted as he looked, seeing themselves wrapped up in bandages. Looking up at the sky and the sun overhead, Norbert at least knew he wasn''t fighting any Grimm, having no clue who they could be.


    As Norbert stared, staying at the back as the barrier finally came down, Norbert saw his teammates look towards him. They stared off at the other side as their opponents stood at the very start of their barrier, as close as they could towards them that they were permitted.


    Norbert looked around, watching as they all looked at him expectantly, having planned for him to have the same explosive start he made last time.


    He sighed to himself as he rubbed his arms, feeling them tingle a bit as he prepared himself for what was to come soon. Looking around the crowd for a moment, he did not see anyone he recognised there, the sea of people''s faces merging from one to the next.


    "ONE!!" the commentator shouted, echoing in Norbert''s head and pushing him into action. Norbert felt the barrier collapse around him, his eyes flicking back to their opponents. He calmed himself down as he saw them start to jog towards him, their slow pace allowing Norbert to catch his breath as he made his way to the front of his group.


    Norbert turned around, confirming that they were all still behind him. Shaking his head, he went into a jog as well, keeping his sword sheathed as he waited. He didn''t see any flesh for him to cut underneath the rags, hoping they weren''t sand creatures he was up against. He didn''t want to deal with that annoyance like in his training all those moons ago.


    Unsheathing a dagger Norbert threw it towards one of the individuals in the group, Norbert now able to see correctly that they had no armour that was obvious to him. Reminding him of mummies being wrapped up rather than sand creatures.


    Hearing a clang as it hit them, Norbert knew they weren''t sand creatures, but the wrappings over them for some other purpose that Norbert didn''t see how it would matter the specifics of their culture.


    Going forward with the others, Norbert let himself be swallowed by them, going to the back of the pack as he watched, wondering what they would be fighting against the two of them, curious about how two groups would normally start off one another, having seen how it could finish between two groups by now.


    As they came within twenty meters, all the range attackers stopped in their tracks, including the healer on their side as a barrier was once more erected, Norbert watching as the fighters that he saw before practising stepped out of it, the archer just in front of him turning around, the man eyeing Norbert''s inaction, drawing his bow knowing he couldn''t move Norbert even if he wanted to.


    The two barriers were erected. Norbert saw the range weapons crackling outwards, going against the two barriers. Norbert watched an arrow land at one of their opponents. Another clink of two pieces of metal hit each other as it went wide, hitting the barrier. The projectile caught on fire as the barrier fizzled out around it, once more hiding itself.


    Watching Norbert see their melee take on hits, the healer holding back from their side, Norbert saw they were in rapt attention, focusing on their people to ensure that nothing would go awry without their intervention first.


    Turning to the crowd, Norbert sees several people looking at him, some in angst and annoyance that he is just standing there, doing nothing, and others in joy. Norbert notes that those with joy are also wrapped up, like their opponents. Norbert wonders what it is about and hopes it won''t be an action that will bite him later on.


    Turning to the booth Norbert not seeing Sally standing there anymore the fox and Obsius having disappeared as well. Norbert understanding why being so much time between the two bouts that to be watching the entire thing is an enjoyment that not everyone can use.


    Seeing, a body flying through his vision, could beat centred on the fight outside the barrier. The one with the mace having gone flying, not seeing what could have sent him, as the healer tried to get them into action as soon as possible.


    The handicap he created by not interacting was too big for his team to overcome alone. Shaking his feet, Norbert stepped behind, leaving the barrier as he looked at the crowd again. A group of individuals stared at him, not caring for the fight, several of them licking their lips as they looked down at him. The reptiles examined their prey before going into the kill.

 Chapter 265 Completion of the First Round

    Norbert shook his head, not wanting to be distracted, focusing on the energy coursing through his body again, not knowing if he had slackened off on sending it around his veins while examining the star or if he had kept it up.


    Rounding the barrier, Norbert saw he hadn¡¯t been hidden as one of the enemies within the barrier continued staring at him, a spell already lined up for him, just waiting to step out from behind the barrier his teammates had erected.


    Stepping out, he saw it was unleashed; the ground rippled out as a tidal wave of sand approached him. Knowing they must have seen the last time the arrow hindered him, Norbert leapt as high as he could, making it over the wave as he landed on the other side, quickly clearing it.


    Once he landed, Norbert knew what they wanted. His feet instantly stuck to the ground, and he could not move them correctly. Standing still, Norbert confirmed that he wasn¡¯t sinking into it, which was a bonus, but currently, he was stuck as a bug in a rug.


    Looking around, he saw the ground around him having a yellow sheen. Turning around, Norbert saw the mages inside their barrier preparing spells, swallowing as he realised their plan. Changing his vision, confirming their plan and the meter area on either side of him being the no-walk zone, Norbert tapped his daggers as he thought of what to do.


    The first peppering began, spell after spell heading his way and just blasting him from his spot with everything they had. His skin was peppered by sand and dirt. Large rocks are being hauled in his direction. Arrows bounced off his head, and daggers pierced into him, blowing out the other side of his body.


    Twisting his body around, he saw a pile of projectiles scattered around him, sticking up out of the ground where they first struck it, also sticking there. Moving his attention to the rest of the battle, Norbert looked to the side, seeing his team slowly win. Now, the tides were being pushed their way, and Norbert was occupying two of their opponents.


    Feeling the energy within him still coursing, nothing currently going amiss internally, Norbert just waited, letting the battle of attrition continue, knowing that he could quickly last the two of them.


    Crossing his arms in front of him, not even trying to dodge the attacks heading his way, Norbert began whistling a tune, going through the standard scales as he tried to find the same rhythm as before when he was in the training halls and repeating countless tiBelievingieved he was there, the barrage stopped for a moment. Fazed by the change, Norbert stopped whistling as he looked around to see what had happened to cause the pause. Looking about, he saw their attention go to the only two fighters they had left. Norbert¡¯s team had lost two more people, lying on the side, the healer no longer paying attention to them as they continued to stay there.


    Seeing it was time to start moving again, Norbert turned his magic vision on. He saw the ground around him having lost the magic, causing him to be stuck, the objects on the end now falling to the ground and laying still.


    They were moving his attention to those behind the barrier, confirming that they weren¡¯t trying to do some power move at the end and sway the tide their way in their eyes, the only part that Norbert could see desperation in their eyes, all the paths leading to their destruction and fall in this fight.


    Not seeing the point of letting them struggle anymore, Norbert leaned down as he undid his boots, making sure not to get his sword stuck in the ground. He stepped out of them; Norbert took his socks off and rolled up his pants.


    Barefoot Norbert wiggled his toes as he stepped onto the sand, which stuck him down again. Unlike with the boot where it held, Norbert grunted, his foot releasing as a trail of blood trickled onto the ground. Norbert waited a moment for the skin to heal before taking his next step, ripping the skin off his next foot before placing it down again.


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    Faster than people would think, only needing to pause in his stride to heal himself again, Norbert progressed out of the sticky situation, becoming easier the further he went out until he could finally step without ripping anything off him.


    Turning to the warriors still fighting, Norbert dashed towards them, having watched previously the weapons used clanging off the mummies harmlessly. Whatever was underneath those rags was able to protect them from most shots.


    He was taking out his sword, Norbert charging on the side. One of them turned his way, scimitar in hand, as he moved it down, trying to block Norbert¡¯s strike. Having two hands on the weapon, Norbert pulled it back as he twisted his body around, using it more like a baseball bat than a bladed weapon.


    Not letting the energy fall into the weapon, not wanting to see the effects as it once more met with a ting at the sword, instantly snapping through it as it continued to the body. The clang resonated again, the sword embedding itself as it hit something, the metal folding over itself, pulling the sword out of Norbert¡¯s grasp.


    The individual flew, hitting one of their companions before the two crashed into the ground, churning up the dirt until they stopped. Norbert chased after them, not knowing if he could retrieve his sword later.


    As Norbert was about to grab onto it and start dislodging it from the body around it, Norbert felt his feet get kicked out from under him. He was falling to the ground as the two bodies crowded on top of him, pinning him there, one locking in his arm and the other his leg, both putting pressure on him.


    ¡°Resistance will only cause further pain¡±, the one holding onto his arm shouted towards him. Norbert turned his head a little, looking out of the corner of his eye as he shook his head, the energy moving about his body once more.


    Feeling the pressure increase on his arm, Norbert sent energy into the joint, forcing it to dull his pain the moment before he felt it break under the pressure. Holding back his cry, the extra movement gained, now having the hold relaxed on him for a moment as his elbow was now extra flexible.


    Twisting his body around, Norbert grabbed their leg as he dug his fingers in, feeling the hard shell underneath the wrapping give way. A scream came out of them, releasing their grip from his shoulder and arm. Untangling his broke right arm, rebrokenng it Norbert , grabbed a dagger and slammed it into the leg once more, needing to hit it twice before it found purchase, easily sliding underneath and into the flesh it was trying to protect.


    Moving it about, Norbert felt it''s little resistance to vertical movements once penetrated. The bandages on the outside give more protection to movements like that than the metal underneath. His dagger easily slid through it like butter as he racked it up their leg.


    The person is letting go completely, now trying to scramble away and grasp onto their leg. Norbert is twisting his body, throwing him as far away as possible, trying to make it as difficult as possible for their healer.


    Turning down to the one still strapped to his leg, Norbert started to grapple, untangling himself.


    WHOOSH


    Flashing right next to his head, Norbert saw a golden piece of metal ducking out of the way as it slammed into the person strangling onto his leg. Knocking straight into their chest, letting go of Norbert¡¯s leg as they slammed into the ground. Looking up, Norbert saw they had already defeated everyone else; the only one left was this.


    Wondering how they got through the barrier so quickly, having to take so long as Norbert stood up, moving to the one he flung, everyone else heading back to the platform since it was over.


    Picking up the sword, Norbert once more heard the commentator start to speak. ¡°And what an interesting turn of events at the end, Norbert, the one that was stuck somehow passing through the barrier of their opponent, seemingly breaking it without his notice before taking two of them.¡±


    Norbert, having dislodged his sword, saw the blood on it as he wiped it down with the rags around the body, a black smear over their chest, looking more ruined than intact, knowing even for himself it would take some effort to heal. Staring at the crowd, Norbert saw the Kreevss starting to move out, of the stand heading to the exits.


    Wondering what they were heading out for, Norbert hoped it wouldn¡¯t be because of him. Waving his hand out, he saw one of them take a blade out of their belt, looking straight at Norbert as they kissed it.


    His hopes shattered. Norbert headed towards the platform, which lowered into the ground as people rushed onto the arena to help those who had been left behind. Just before the platform lowered into the ground hiding the view of the arena, Norbert saw a tenth of empty seats. Not a single Kreevss left in the stands.

 Chapter 266 And Out we Go

    Norbert felt his body lurch downwards as the platform finally started moving. Looking at his teammates around him, Norbert broached the question on his mind.


    "How much trouble am I in with the Kreevss?" Norbert asked aloud, silence following the question as they all stared at Norbert.


    "Up to your neck. There is a reason why nobody calls them that or even dares to breathe it aloud if there is a possibility of them being nearby," the archer said to him.


    Norbert just nodded, waiting for the man to continue his explanation. "They eliminate anyone with extreme prejudice. No matter how many people they must send out, they will see the job done." The archer said, letting their words echo around, everyone staring between the two of them, waiting to see what Norbert would do next.


    Swallowing the bile that was coming up, he felt his nerves take over. "Will Morenas protect me?" Norbert asked them.


    They all just laughed at him. "Morenas won''t, or the Frontier. Neither will start a war with another country over one little scout saying the wrong thing at the wrong time." The fire mage said to Norbert, a round of nods in return. Worry grew deeper within Norbert as he felt all the weapons around him.


    The healer stating, "One of the safest places is in the Colosseum." Norbert looked down at them, able to see their smile, trying to be at least slightly helpful to Norbert.


    He nodded his head in response. Norbert started to think, wondering if he could lock himself up here. As he came to a halt, Norbert looked around the room, beds lying once more where they were, looking towards the exit, making sure that there weren''t any Reekss weren''t there.


    Next to a slime was something better or worse, judging by the tapping foot, thinking it would go in the direction of worse. Vivienne stood next to the slime, following him with her eyes as he walked down to his bed, ensuring nothing was left there.


    Turning to the board, confirming that he wasn''t needed for the next two days, and seeing the teams split in half again, Norbert waved off everyone as they let him go. They feel the tension between their unexpected guest and Norbert.


    Norbert headed towards the exit, no longer able to avoid his fate; the slime, now satisfied that the person Vivienne was after was coming towards her and the woman wouldn''t invade where she was not welcome, dissipated into the ground.


    Vivienne handed him the sack she was carrying, unslinging it from her and smashing it into his stomach. Not having seen it on her, Norbert opened it up, seeing a fresh set of clothes, boots, and a mask. Tapping his feet on the stone, having forgotten his boots and socks, stepping away to collect them, Vivienne''s hand reached over, clasping him on his shoulder, rooting him in his spot.


    Sighing audibly, Norbert threw the clothes over his torn ones, putting the white boots on his feet and a brown wooden mask over his head. His weapons were still on his hips, and one of his spares in the sack Vivienne provided was placed in the missing slot on his right side.


    Feeling it balanced once more on his legs, Vivienne walked away from him, leading to the path upwards once more. Winding around, Norbert followed behind, not asking any questions from the woman as she exited the Colosseum with purpose.


    Getting to the top landing, Vivienne turned right and exited out of the Colosseum. Norbert watched as people came this way and that, looking at each other as they waited. Exiting outside, Norbert stopped as he watched the Reekss standing there in groups, eyeing everyone coming out of the Colosseum.


    He trusted Vivienne as she confidently walked past the group he followed behind. He did not want to look at them as he tapped the hilts of his weapons, dancing between the money pouch, the knife, and the dagger.


    Walking past with no reaction to him, Norbert was happy that he wasn''t being jumped instantly as he followed Vivienne down the city streets, seeing they were heading back to the inn.


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    Stepping through, everyone was quiet as they watched Norbert and Vivienne enter, instantly heading up the ladder. The bar was the emptiest Norbert had ever seen; he was unsurprised as people would have seen him leave there before.


    I nodded to the bar tender in sympathy, hoping that he would still be able to make some coin out of the situation and that Norbert hadn''t inadvertently ruined his business. I was not feeling too bad; with the extra coin Norbert gave beforehand, he should be able to keep the business afloat for some time.


    Taking the rungs up the ladder, Norbert walked on the creaking floorboards, never before hearing them groan as much as they did now. The door opened up as Norbert stepped in, Vivienne taking her hood off herself, letting it sit down as she put a foot on top of the chest, sliding it towards Norbert as he entered.


    Looking down at it, Norbert placed his hand over the lock, the lid popping open. Vivienne swiped his stuff up into a ball, took the sack off his back, and shoved them inside. Turning to the bed, Norbert saw both Obsius and the white fox sitting there.


    Having taken what she needed, Vivienne opened the window, staring at the two creatures still resting. Norbert quickly changed his vision, seeing a pink line connecting Vivienne with the two creatures before it snapped shut.


    They were alert as they went out the window, the fox hopping off the side, and Norbert heard some commotion on the side street between the two buildings. Obsius stood on the sill for a moment, looking towards Norbert with a worried expression.


    Norbert smiles beneath his mask. "I''ll be fine. See you wherever this one wants to take me." Pointing his thumb towards Vivienne, the bird nods in response as it takes flight, going above the window sill and disappearing from Norbert''s view.


    Vivienne was headed towards the door again, leaving it open as she descended the ladder again, dropping it altogether. Norbert followed behind her, dropping down as she went down the staircase. Norbert believed where they intended to go.


    The waitress still had not said a word to him as she quickly went through the rooms, opening up at the supply, the trap door already exposed and open. Leaning over to look down for a moment, she confirmed something before she jumped down herself.


    Norbert headed over as he cradled the sack, moving his sword to be next to his leg. Norbert jumped down, following after Vivienne.


    Missing the ledge, Norbert aimed for the hole instead as he plummeted down, the wind racing past his ears as once again the cavern opened up to him. One foot behind him, ready to catch himself when it made contact with the slide, Norbert ran down it, slowing himself down while trying not to fall over.


    Vivienne was already down, having jumped off and around, and ensuring followed behind her. He stopped himself a meter down from her and stepped out of the way as the woman charged ahead, the two guards moving momentarily before recognising her, stepping back and allowing her to permit through.


    They were scampering quickly behind her, Norbert following her in the city underneath the city. Norbert now saw how people stared at the two of them, making their way parting, not wanting to get in their way for their safety.


    He followed behind, getting closer and closer to the Colosseum. The casino''s lights and attraction beckoned to him, the safe place it was. Looking at it longingly, Norbert''s dreams were instantly crushed. Standing next to the bouncers at the entrance were two Reekss.


    The Reekss watched everyone to and from the entertainment building. Norbert knew he wouldn''t be able to enter so quickly and kicked past Norbert in the back for opening their mouth in the first place, putting Norbert in his current predicament with an annoyed Vivienne.


    The casino was out of his vision. Craning his neck, he confirmed that it was truly gone and that he was past it. Going down a side street, cutting through the residency, Norbert catches up to Vivienne.


    The woman was turning left on the next main street, now going away from the Colosseum. Norbert was surprised at this. He normally did not know when to keep his mouth shut, but he sensed in the air that now was the time to keep his lips tightly sealed.


    Norbert went further away from the Colosseum, Norbert saw the buildings further apart on this street, Norbert and never having go it before.


    Gardens appeared, and areas in front of fenced-off houses were fenced off, allowing the houses on them to become more and more grand in scale. Norbert saw workers tending the gardens and flittering between the windows, their uniforms for each house conspicuous to Norbert.


    Vivienne stopped at one such as she entered it, the iron gate opening itself. Knocking on the door knocker, the black snake''s head staring back at Norbert, green eyes flickering at him. Sure, those same green eyes were following him as he went from one foot to the other, waiting.


    KNOCK


    KNOCK


    KNOCK


    Vivienne wrapped around the door, patiently waiting. The handle turned from the other side as the door opened, not a sound escaping the hinges as they effortlessly glided open.


    "Oh, mistress, how surprising to see you return so soon," the man said on the other side. Norbert saw grey hairs sparsely on his head, the traditional butler suit of black and white as he bowed to Vivienne. The only touch of colour on him was a green handkerchief in his breast pocket.

 Chapter 267 Drawing Room

    Norbert stood there, uncertain of what to do, as Vivienne walked past the butler into the mansion before him. He stood still as his brain tried to understand this unexpected outcome. Why would someone living in a place like this and having their own butler ever need to work as a waitress?


    The rock garden at the front of the property, enclosed by its black wrought iron fence, Norbert looked at the multi-story place, knowing it could have many more floors inside, going even deeper underground beneath this cavern.


    Looking at the doorway again, the snake''s eyes looked back at Norbert, and the butler stared at him, darting his eyes between them, beckoning Norbert to come inside the mansion. Knowing he couldn''t run away now, Norbert entered the dwelling. The door closed behind him by itself, soundless except for the click of the lock falling into place, sealing Norbert within its confines.


    "Is the drawing room free?" Vivienne asked the butler.


    "But of course," the butler bowed as he responded, walking in front of Vivienne around the staircase in the centre of the walkway. Norbert saw it and led upstairs, a chandelier halfway up with black flames flickering.


    Up the stairs, Norbert saw a single, double door, and the ebony wood with green encrusted handles visible from the first step of the stairs. His eyes followed the structure back down by the fences as he tracked it over with his eyes, sure that he could see them slither slightly, like snakes going through the desert.


    When he stared at one, signalling it out from all the others, it stopped moving. In his peripheral vision, Norbert could see them move at a snail''s pace compared to before.


    Feeling his eyes boring into him, Norbert looked in their direction. Off to the side of the centre staircase, the butler looked straight at him. With a hop in his step, Norbert quickly made his way towards the butler and inside the drawing room, the butler closing the door behind him. Norbert saw the same snake-like design, this one silver with the same green eyes, two gems placed inside.


    Not wanting to touch it, he could swear the snake was looking straight at him, daring to do so, its fangs ready to dig into his flesh and pounce into him. Starting to change his vision, Norbert looked down at the door handle to see if it really was magic controlling it or something else.


    "I wouldn''t do that," Vivienne said from behind him.


    Stopping on just the cusp as he turned around, hovering on the border of the two, the magic vision wanting to take over. Norbert, standing on the fence, was able to half see both of them out of the corner of his eye, seeing there was, in fact, magic in the door handle. Drawing in his attention, Norbert fixated on it, a sense of dread engulfing him as the abyss in front of him opened up, starting to fall into it with nothing there. One foot over Norbert, feeling himself start to plummet, when the energy inside him kicked into gear, spinning around him.


    Norbert snapped himself out of it and cut the magic vision, returning to normal. Bending over, panting, his fist clutched over his heart as he tried to calm down his breathing, he stood up straight after several seconds, recovering from the ordeal.


    Turning away from the door handle, Norbert looked towards Vivienne, standing over a table with metal on the tiled floor and maps sprawled all across it. Paperweights were strewn about as Norbert stared at them, reminding him of chess pieces strewn about the places.


    Ripping his eyes away from it, wanting to investigate the rest of the room as he stood there, centring his thoughts on what was around him. Several chairs and cream-coloured lounges scattered around the room, all pushed back to the sides, a glass table beside it, Norbert seeing cups wear and dishes on top, crumbs next to the saucers where they had been used once.


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    Norbert saw a globe in one of the corners, the biggest one he had ever seen, much larger than the toy one his parents had back home. Stepping towards it, Norbert finally sees the continents, an island marked off to the side with a little flag poking off of it. Reading what it said, simply: "Grand Arena."


    Norbert placed it back down the flag, not wanting to ruin the map with his butter fingers moving markers around, as he turned towards Vivienne. The woman was looking over her maps on the massive table in front of her, not caring for Norbert.


    "I see you poke around anybody''s stuff without asking first," She said to Norbert. Rethinking his past words, she obviously cared about what he was doing.


    Hovering his hand over the wooden mask, he did not see anyone but the two of them as he waited there, not wanting to check the room to see if it was bugged and if he could even distinguish it from anything else. And not wanting to risk it, especially with whatever happened with the handle, not knowing if there were any other strange objects.


    "You''re safe from the Reekss in here," Vivienne told Norbert, abating his fears.


    Taking the mask off, Norbert looked at it, seeing it was just a simple wooden one, flipping it around so he could see the inside, tracing it with his fingers. Norbert could see a crystal embedded in it, not knowing how he could miss it.


    Tracing around it, Norbert felt the runes going across it. "What''s it for?" Norbert asked the witch, still going over the maps. He placed his sack down next to one of the metal table legs and plopped the mask on top as he looked over the maps, trying to understand what she was so carefully going over.


    Sighing in frustration, she rubbed the brow of her nose as she looked up to Norbert. "To stop the Kreevss from spotting you when exiting the arena," Vivienne stated to Norbert; all emotion was stripped from her care, and Norbert felt the frustration emitting her in waves of heat.


    Norbert nodded in response, remembering the times when he walked past them without them even batting an eye at his appearance. He wondered if, even now, he would still be chased around the entire city, not knowing when he could have collected his items or if they would be lost.


    Distracting himself from the events that could have but didn''t happen, Norbert focused on the map as he looked around at the pieces on top. Studying the map, which had a circular dome in the centre and streets going out of it like all the corners of a compass, Norbert realized that staring at the city map.


    With the location stuck in his mind, Norbert moved to the next largest one, more sprawling than the other, the landscape it was depicting not circular but narrower, like a slit in a rock. Seeing to the left of it another circle, Norbert nodded, seeing the underground section he currently resides in.


    The other scraps of paper had placed on them, fewer lines with more distance between them. The lines depicting rectangles, twisting his head around plans for houses, were shown to Norbert. Scrawling over them in a different ink pen, reds, blues, and greens over the exerts of paper.


    He was turning to the figures, and Norbert noticed several posters around the stadium on the larger map depicting the city above. Around them, Norbert saw them move slightly, shifting either left or right. Leaning down next to the desk so his eye was just above it, Norbert looked at the little creature, its little snout and tail behind it.


    Standing up, Norbert saw them dotted around the side as Norbert started to piece the puzzle together.


    "Why are you tracking nearly everyone in this city?" Norbert asked Vivienne.


    The witch looked up from her work, stopping to examine her collection of maps on the table. "Out of everything you could ask first, it''s about something I''ve already told you before." Vivienne said to Norbert.


    Shrugging his shoulders, assuming it was to find whatever she asked him before, pointing to one of the Reekss there, the next question coming, "Assuming it to find what you after, why are you even helping to hide me? Aren''t I now more of a liability than helpful?" He asked her, wondering what she would say in response. Whether it was about comradely or if he still needed.


    "You''re a follower of Luck. I knew what I was getting into when I asked you to come here," Vivienne said, walking away from the large table as she flopped back down onto one of the cream couches. Norbert stood up as he continued to watch the pieces move about in their respective places.


    Looking over the stadium, seeing one of the maps having a figure there, and bending over, Norbert realizes the man who had grilled him before, asking to find a witch in search of an artefact. I still think it was a ridiculous request, especially needing to chat¡­


    "Dang it, I need to go, or this little man will get even more annoyed at me," Norbert said as he pointed to the figure of the moustache man.


    Vivienne shook her head in response, "No point, with the Kreevss out for your blood. If he tries to associate with you at all, then what little peace he can hold onto will be shattered." Norbert ripping his eyes away from the map as he stared at Vivienne, the cogs in his head moving.

 Chapter 268 A Bit more Info

    Norbert left the table and the maps, removing his weapons and leaning them against the sack. His money pouch on top, he does not want his coins mixed up with Obsius''s.


    Heading to a free cream couch, Norbert felt the fabric upholstery, two-toned with a floral pattern, flowing over the entire couch. Sitting down on it, Norbert turned to Vivienne as he relaxed, the muscles he didn''t even know being tightened for hours now that he could adequately relax and not need to be whisked away somewhere with no warning.


    "My actions earlier today spark any of this?" Norbert asked her, starting to get worried that he was the cause of what Vivienne had said before.


    "You''re not that special. No group is backing you, just some individuals like myself, so it wouldn''t cause two nations to attack", Vivienne said as she looked up at the ceiling. Norbert leaning back as he also looked there, not seeing anything specific. It was just a plain white ceiling with no pattern, either with paint or physical.


    "Everyone''s moving their pieces around. You just gave the Kreevss an excuse to interfere in everyone''s business. But if they find you, they will still make an example of you. For Honour." Vivienne told Norbert.


    Nodding his head in response, Norbert asked, "Anything to cause the tension?" He asked her.


    She shook her head. "I only dip my toes in the upper echelons of society. You''ve done mighty fine yourself in that regard. Say, how long have you been here?" She asked him.


    The hairs on Norbert''s back crept up as he wondered what to say, thinking the truth was the best way to circumvent the question. "Nothing much happened; I just lived in the village. One day picked up the power in an ancient temple, that''s when everything went haywire. Probably around then is when Luck took an interest in me. And that¡¯s when I started, as you called it ''dip my toes in the upper echelons of society.''" Norbert explained to Vivienne.


    Vivienne just nodded as she thought about what Norbert had said to her. Norbert is thinking likewise about the sudden turn happening and the tension rising. Something just on the grasp, a memory tickling in his mind as an ember of thought wanted to turn into a blazing inferno of realisation. But no matter what, nothing was happening.


    Leaving it alone, Norbert just stared at the ceiling, wondering what the next move would be.


    "That''s enough postulations for one day." Vivienne said as she exited the couch and walked back towards the table. Norbert followed her with his eyes, remaining on the couch. Vivienne returned to looking at the maps on her massive table in her large mansion.


    Norbert wondering himself that, "Why would someone with this much wealth ever work as a waitress?" Norbert asked the former waitress.


    Vivienne turned around, taking her eyes off the map to look at Norbert and the question that he asked. "Ever heard of charity work and getting back to your roots so you don''t lose sight of your goals?" She asked him, staring at her as she raised an eyebrow before looking back at her maps again.


    "You don''t seem like the type to do charity work, Miss, disappearing off with my candy and not helping any children, leaving your partner stranded with the guards." Norbert jabbed at Vivienne, moving his eyes from the ceiling and watching her for a response.


    Seeing her grin slightly, he remembered Norbert''s predicament. "Well, I did give you the candy later," Vivienne responded to him. Norbert shook his head in response as he stood up from the couch, walked to the table again, and looked back down at the maps.


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    "When do you think it will blow up, become catatonic and war gripping everyone by the throat?" Norbert asked Vivienne, hoping it would be far enough away for it not to impact him.


    "Realistically, every day it doesn''t happen is a blessing from the gods." She responded, fumbling with her left wrist as she rubbed her right hand against it. Looking down, Norbert did not see anything to catch his eye as his thoughts wondered what to do. How tight of a rope they were currently balancing on. Looking out to where the Colosseum would be, Norbert could not see it with the walls in the way he thought of how many people had no clue what would go down.


    "And does this item help in any way?" Norbert asked her, turning his attention back to the map and quickly scanning the areas of both large maps. The important details to him were the connection paths between the two of them, having found the green dot that should be the Pudgy Patron there.


    "Not at all. If something as simple as a single item would stop it, others would be vying for it way before now. No, everyone in the game seems precedence to going in this direction." Vivienne said as she took a piece from the table and slowly spun it in place. All I can do is prepare the best I can." The wind went out of her breath in final admittance.


    Nodding his head in understanding, he said that when things started moving way beyond your control, there was little that could be done. Hold onto the ship going through the storm for dear life and hope you don''t get knocked off or the ship doesn''t sink.


    "This thing has the highest chance of turning up in the armoury. Why not just go and win the tournament? Nobody seems to be overly difficult," Norbert asked her, remembering the battles he had done within the arena that were not seemingly overly difficult for him.


    "That''s because it''s rigged. Knock out the easiest competition with the hardest ones," Vivienne said to him. Norbert opened his mouth to reply, only to be cut off by Vivienne raising her hand. The teams are decided by each country and given a ranking. The ranking gets verified and then matched up¡ªweakest against strongest," Vivienne explained to Norbert.


    He nodded his head in understanding, realising that they would get harder and harder the longer he battled in the tournament. He was thinking back to the first fight with Finikus, in which nobody could defeat everyone when Morena''s ranking was decided but had to do a team wipe. Speaking his thought, Norbert pondered aloud to Vivienne, "Then how come in the battle I saw in the box with you and the others, the dark mage was nearly defeated? Somebody that no one could beat in the Morenas when people''s ranking was decided."


    Vivienne looked up as she pondered for a moment, remembering the fight that Norbert was referring to. Finally, she remembered and nodded her head, understanding Norbert''s confusion about what happened. "Oh, that''s when personal interest gets in the way of a fight," Vivienne said to him.


    Norbert looked at her in confusion, not understanding her quick explanation of what happened. "Care to explain in greater detail?" he asked the woman.


    Vivienne left the maps alone, having metaphorically smashed her head against a brick wall enough. "Someone wanted that person or that group eliminated. Why else would you have a dark mage of that calibre go up against Grimm? And before you ask, I have no clue what group it could be," Vivienne said.


    Norbert nodded as he looked at the globe in the corner of the room. Looking to the other side, Norbert sees a horn coming out of a box. Pointing to it, Norbert asked, "Is that a music box?" He asked her, the brass horn and wooden box connected to it reminding him of a classical music box where the vinyl would be spun hand-cranked before letting the music be played.


    Vivienne nodded her head. "That it is. I''m surprised you know about it. Mr Village boy." She said to him as she walked over to it, brushing her hand against the box. Norbert heard it come alive as the music started coming out of it. No voice, just instrumental, slowly came out, long and drawing out the single note for as long as possible.


    Walking towards the couch, Norbert sat back down on it when he landed the second instrument, joining in with the first, this one sounding deeper than the last. Slowly, Norbert closed his eyes, letting the music continue to soothe him, his eyelids getting heavier and heavier as he remained closed.


    Sitting there letting the music play Norbert relaxing once more, a thought came to him as he bolted upright. Vivienne looked at him, alarmed momentarily by his sudden movement, watching him as he ruffled around in the sack. Norbert picked out the book Granny gave him, and he returned to his spot on the couch, sitting up and opening it to see where the tassel was. The music inspiring him to read the book, something that he knew he should be doing more of.


    Something he could do when he had more time back on Earth and not when people were after his neck for calling them a lizard.

 Chapter 269 Upstaris in the Big Dark House

    Rustling around again, he moved his position on the couch as he tried to get comfortable once more. Looking back at the page as he flicked forward, he saw how many pages he had remaining in the next chapter. Annoyed that he couldn¡¯t get into position anymore, Norbert clapped the book shut, the music still continuing.


    ¡°Have we killed enough time already?¡± Norbert asked Vivienne, standing up as he walked over to his sack. He placed the book inside and slung it over his shoulder with the items as he walked to the door. About to place his door on the handle, Norbert saw the snake''s eyes glint in the light.


    Stopping his motion, Norbert lowered his hand and backed away from the door, sighing in annoyance. ¡°You have me locked in here with you. Are we doing a game of who can stay here the longest without speaking?¡± Norbert asked her.


    Vivienne stood up as she walked over to the maps, noting that the figures had moved position from the last time she had looked at the table. She nodded in approval as she headed to the door that Norbert tried before; opening it, Norbert saw the butler standing on the side. Already mid-bow as he came up, turning his eyes between Norbert and Vivienne.


    ¡°Please show Norbert to his room,¡± Vivienne told the butler as she walked past him. She went upstairs as the butler turned to Norbert, standing still as the two heard Vivienne walk up the stairs and around on the second story before a door opened and closed, her footsteps now muffled. Hearing the slight sound of the footsteps continuing to walk around the room they were currently in.


    The butler indicated with his hand that Norbert should follow as he walked away, heading up the stairs. Norbert followed him for a moment, looking back at the handle and confirming that it hadn¡¯t moved when he had walked past it.


    Quickly following the butler up the stairs, a maid waited for him at the top. Norbert nodded to her as they quickly went past. They were not wrapped up like they would have been above ground, but something was still rattling him about them, something not quite right.


    With the stairs cleared of guests, the maid bounded down, a rag in hand as she cleaned the handrail he had just used. Seeing a wide corridor in front of him, dark ebony floorboards underneath his feet, and off to the side, Norbert saw a set of drawers with a mirror on top halfway down the hallway. Combs, brushes and other items needed to clean oneself before departing were neatly arranged around the mirror.


    Walking past it, Norbert looked to the side of the mirror, making sure that his hair wasn''t too messed up. His reflection turned deathly pale, a slit going up his jaw, part of the metal mask he always wore ripped and torn, rusty after years and years of use as the material was caked in blood. The faint glow of red was embedded within his skin and jawbone. A volcanic mountain range waiting to explode.


    Sparks of purple flickered all over his head, healing him, causing some pus to come out of the welts around his face, as it dribbled down, a cavern was shown, the cycle repeating itself. His reflection''s hand lifted as it flicked the puss towards Norbert.


    Taking a step back in surprise, not wanting to get in contact with the thing that tried to reach out from the mirror. Norbert covered his arm with his face. Feeling something patter against his face and arm, Norbert looked towards the reflection again, seeing only himself as normal, cowering behind the reflection. On his arm, dribbles of liquid clung to it, dissipating into the air with a light smoke, the smell coming out of him reminding him when he needed to rotate the compost barrel.


    Stepping past, he walked towards the butler again, wanting to catch up with him and no longer be distracted by whatever was being shown. Turning back around, he saw only the reflection of the house going further behind him, whatever dark dystopian place it showed him thankfully no longer there.


    The butler opened the door and held it open to Norbert, seeing it was once more one of those snake handles over the mansion. Looking at the room was similar to the last one he had been in. He found himself with two windows, a bed, and a chest in front of it at the corner of the property.


    Turning to the other wall, standing there proudly in the centre, was a wardrobe. The butler headed towards it, opening up the double doors. Seeing clothes and two fine-pressed suits, one royal blue and the other a classic black and white tuxedo.


    The butler took the tuxedo out and placed it on the bed for Norbert; bending down to the floor of the wardrobe, he took out a pair of black leather shoes and placed them down there.


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    The butler stood back up, flattening his clothes with the back of his hand to remove any wrinkles before they could form. ¡°You will be having dinner with the lady in a cycle.¡± The butler walked towards the door to the room, closing it behind him. He bowed to Norbert once, righting himself again, ¡°Please do your best in front of the guests,¡± the butler added, almost as an afterthought.


    When the door closed, Norbert opened his mouth to ask what the butler meant. The sound echoing around the room Norbert now found himself in alone. One of the times he had been alone in quite some time, Norbert took the coin out of his pouch and placed his sack in the chest, closing it as he heard it lock shut.


    Taking his weapons off, Norbert leaned the sword up against the door, placed the knives on the chest, and took a throwing dagger out, placing it underneath the pillow. Lying down on the bed, careful not to go on top of the tuxedo, he confirmed the dagger wouldn¡¯t interrupt any sleep when he decided to take it.


    He did not know when he would need to, having rested enough from his encounters and not always having to look over his shoulder. At least, he hoped, as long as he stayed within the mansion.


    Walking towards the window, Norbert moved the curtain to the side, looking as far as he could to confirm there weren¡¯t any Reekss. Closing them again, Norbert thumbed the coin in his hand, licking it into the air and watching as it landed again.


    Sitting down on the bed, Norbert had nothing better to do as he continued to flip the coin, passing the time as he could.


    ¡°You''re going to waste your hour like this?¡± Luck asked him.


    Norbert smiled as he turned around. There by the door stood the goddess, fingering his sword and unsheathing it slightly as she looked down at the blade. Norbert saw that there were still no chips on it, though the blade was starting to get blunt.


    Sighing, he waved the goddess to hand him the sword. Opening the chest, he rooted around, finding the sharpening stone and strop he kept there. The sword was placed leaning against the bed as he took the daggers, his knife, and the one under his bed.


    ¡°Someone''s sleeping lighter than before.¡± Luck said to Norbert.


    He spat on the wet stone, knowing it wasn¡¯t the way to do this properly, and he began running it against the throwing daggers, the thin, small blades having already received chips from his fights so far.


    Running it against it, creating a rhythmic motion as the blade sang to him at finally being maintained.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t wake up to use the dagger in time?¡± Norbert asked the goddess.


    Luck¡¯s laughter twinkled in the air once more. Norbert saw small motes of golden light fall off her hair, disappearing when they hit the bed she sat on next to him. Feeling the mattress move around, Luck sat beside him.


    ¡°I know how you sleep, Norbert. You have no chance of waking, and that¡¯s even if a blind, deaf person tried without magic,¡± Luck said, patting him on the back, a sad smile on her face.


    ¡°At least I know you''re rooting for me. Anyway, why come here?¡± Norbert asked her, knowing she usually didn¡¯t just pop in for a random chat.


    ¡°Just to see how my champion¡¯s doing. Now that there is an entire country out to get him.¡± She stared at him, giving Norbert a bit of a glare as she did so.


    Holding his hands up in defence, Norbert said, ¡°In my defence, I didn¡¯t know the lizard people didn¡¯t like being called lizards. Nobody told me that.¡± He lowered his hands again as he continued sharpening the blade, looking up at it and confirming that it was sharp enough for the job.


    ¡°Yes, but it''s luck that you never heard of it. I haven''t seen whether it was clucking bad until now when you could have killed the offended Kreevss. But not now that it''s been shown everywhere.¡± Luck said to Norbert.


    ¡°Just came down here to rub it in my face?¡± Norbert asked her.


    Luck shook her head as she rubbed her hand against Norbert¡¯s back. ¡°It just seemed like you needed someone to keep you company who doesn¡¯t want something out of you,¡± Luck said to Norbert.


    Half grinning at the words, he turned to look at Luck, ¡°I find it hard to believe you don¡¯t want something from me.¡± Before conceding his point, Norbert said, ¡°Though you are likely to be the least incentive to do so. As you said, I need to keep going what I¡¯m doing.¡± Norbert said, finishing the next dagger as he went for the knife and examined it, not having used the blade that was still sharp to the touch.


    ¡°Two questions?¡± Norbert asked Luck


    ¡°Shoot¡± she replied instantly.


    ¡°Firstly, is there a shrine to you somewhere in either of the cities?¡± Norbert asked her.


    The goddess nodded her head. ¡°Yes, there is, in the city above. I¡¯m sure you can find it on the outskirts easily enough. But I wouldn¡¯t recommend it.¡± She said to Norbert.


    ¡°Why?¡± He asked, knowing she would have said so if he didn¡¯t interrupt, but the nagging feeling unable to stop himself.


    ¡°The Kreevss are crawling all over the city. It''s best to go straight to the arena and back without any distractions,¡± Luck told him.


    Shrugging Norbert, responding, ¡°When have I ever done the best thing?¡± She asked him.


    Seeing Luck tap her chin in thought before concluding, pointing to him, ¡°You¡¯re not wrong there. Now, what was the next question?¡± Mirth coming out of her voice, Norbert seeing by the gleam in her eyes that this was technically the third question he asked her in this encounter.


    ¡°Can you clean me up before I go in the tux?¡±  he asked her, pointing his thumb to the clothing behind them. Norbert watched as Luck¡¯s face morphed, like she finally sLuck¡¯sim her, nose scrunching up as she waved her hand in front of her, motes of light pouring off and covering Norbert.

 Chapter 270 Guess I Deserve

    Norbert, having cleaned off and finished dressing, Luck patted it down and fixed up the tuxedo to ensure there wasn''t anything wrong with it. Ironing out the creases like any good mother would do for their son before going to prom. She placed the sword back next to the door and waved to Norbert as the butler opened it. Motes of golden light appeared where she was before dissipating into the air.


    Norbert turned towards the butler, knowing why he was there, and nodded before walking out, placing his hand on the sword. ¡°Will this be required?¡± he asked the butler, tapping it with his finger.


    The butler looked down at the weapon, and for the first time, Norbert saw an emotion come over his face¡ªa grin that could only be described as evil with a hint of playfulness.


    Norbert looked at his teeth, seeing them completely black, not a hint there; feeling his attention become trapped within, Norbert ripped his eyes away, his heartbeat already at a blazing pace.


    ¡°Though it would be funny to see, it wouldn''t be required, nor would the mask. Guests need no fear for safety whilst within the lady''s manor,¡± the butler spoke to Norbert his voice drifting off, no longer talking to Norbert but someone or something else.


    Conceding to the man, knowing to get on neither his nor Vivienne''s wrong side, if even the door handles could be dangerous to him. Giving a nod, Norbert took off the metal mask that was on his head, feeling naked without having it on.


    Walking out of the room, as the door closed behind him, Norbert realized as he looked down on himself that all his characterizing features weren''t him. Hearing something slithering and sliding downstairs, he was led to another room, and he hoped what he thought wouldn''t be happening.


    ¡°She wouldn''t dare,¡± Norbert spoke aloud, hoping someone would pick up on his distress.


    As he had always seen, the butler''s face was average, with no hint of emotion. Only the eyes betrayed him, a twinkle of knowledge and joy from what Norbert would soon see. The butler''s mouth stayed firmly shut as Norbert was led down the stairs without his gloves on. Norbert used the handrail, the material feeling cold to the touch, trying to sap the life out of him.


    Making it to the bottom of the stairs, Norbert turned around. The place had shifted, for where the drawing room used to be now was a long dining hall. Norbert could only see the table there. There were chairs on either end, cutlery and plates in front of the high-backed chairs.


    In the centre, Norbert saw lines of candelabras lighting the room table, their flickering light dancing over the metal plates, causing the others to come together and reflect there as well. Walking through the doors, the butler stood on the side, not entering after Norbert as he looked at the table, causing himself to pause there for a moment.


    Sat at the head, Norbert saw Vivienne smiling and indicating to one of the empty seats beside her. On the opposite side, Norbert saw Sally and the commander, both staring at him for a fraction of a moment before returning and turning back to Vivienne. Only a twinkle of recognition before being stamped out, not wanting to draw attention from the reptile in the room.


    The last guest Norbert had heard before caused him to freeze in his place. Sitting there, on a special seat to allow the tail to stick out the other end, was a Kreevss. Their yellow, scaly skin flickered in the light, Norbert seeing it have a sheen that he hadn''t seen before.


    It caught the light like the cutlery and plates currently filling the table. Norbert turned to the seat beside the Kreevss that Vivienne had gestured to. Gulping as he sat down, he bowed slightly to them as he landed down at his empty plate.


    Norbert tuned out the conversation as he sat next to one of the Kreevss, wondering when this entire thing would blow up in all of their faces. Everyone turned towards him as the food was placed in front of him. He nodded with a smile and a wave, turning his attention to the food now in front of him, the aroma wafting up towards him.


    Noticing the conversation grow quiet, all eyes turned towards him, ¡°Sorry, what was that? I did quite hear you?¡± Norbert asked around the table, making eye contact with everyone and seeing who had spoken to him.


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    Vivienne smiled as she said, ¡°Kaa, here. Was wondering how you''re enjoying the tournament so far.¡± She asked Norbert.


    Norbert stared blankly at Vivienne, knowing the woman didn''t give any extra helpful knowledge. He knew he couldn''t just tell the truth about his fighting and let the resulting war crime out to everyone. Knowing he would instantly get strung up.


    ¡°This is my First time making it over here compared to watching from afar¡ªIt''s a different atmosphere. But the real killer is the price of everything,¡± Norbert said, letting his explanation trail off, hoping it would be enough not to wade any deeper into the pool of misfortune currently lapping at his toes.


    Vivienne smiled at his remark, and Kaa nodded their heads, turning back to the rest of the conversation. The new guests had lost their interest as they stabbed their fork into their food, causing the table to rattle.


    ¡°Do you dare to continue to hide the black-masked man who insulted my people?¡± Kaa said, glaring at Sally sitting there. ¡°And what are you doing, Captain Oblek? You meant to be neutral and find this person!¡± at the end, Kaa shouts, and all formalities of being tactful go out the window.


    Vivienne steps in, stopping either Sally or Oblek from stepping in. ¡°the reason why I am here is to stop allegations like that from either side,¡± Vivienne says, looking between Oblek and Kaa, her heavy words filling the room.


    Kaa looked silently between them. ¡°Are you going to elaborate or give more details on this persons presence?¡± They said, looking towards Oblek.


    The captain looked impassively at the lizard person, not registering that they were even being talked to about it. With a harrumph, they pushed their empty plate forward, away from themselves.


    ¡°I believe there is nothing more to gain from this conversation; I will leave.¡± Kaa said to Vivienne.


    The witch was smiling, waving towards the door as Norbert heard it open. Turning around in his chair, Norbert saw the butler there, standing to the side of the open doorway. Kaa left as Norbert saw the butler close the doors behind the Kreevss. There was a hint of a smile on their face from the situation that had just occurred.


    As the door closed, everyone was quiet for a moment. Norbert counted in his head how long it would take until someone said anything, breaking the silence. He made it to twenty before Vivienne spoke. ¡°Wasn''t that interesting?¡± she asked around.


    Captain Oblek just snorted as he left the room. Not wanting to be in the presence of the witch or their guest anymore. Without even saying a word to Norbert or Sally, he left, the butler once more opening the door and following behind. Norbert lost track of the pair as the door to the dining room closed. The snake''s head once more, looking towards him.


    ¡°Why the hell did you do that?¡± Norbert instantly said to the witch, holding the knife in his hand; his anger slightly decreased as he went for another piece of meat, cutting it up and placing it in his mouth, letting it melt.


    ¡°That little play, is the easiest way to remove suspicion from you and all of us,¡± Vivienne said, pointing around the table, before adding on, ¡°and because it''s entertaining,¡± she said to him.


    ¡°You''re sounding more like Count von Count, so please stop.¡± Norbert said to Vivienne.


    The witch was about to open her mouth when Sally interrupted her. What are you doing in this place? Vivienne said something about another guest, but I never knew it was you.¡± She said to Norbert.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert turned towards Sally. ¡°Thought you wouldn''t that surprised by now.¡± He said to her.


    Only receiving a nod in return, Sally turned to Vivienne, ¡°Don''t burn us all playing these games. And Norbert, be careful.¡± She said as she also went up from the table, finishing it. The doors once more opened up for her as the butler closed them.


    Oblek turns to Norbert, ¡°Any closer?¡± The question rang around in the air, Norbert trying to remember what the captain could be referring to.


    With a shake of his head about finding the witch, Oblek did not respond as he followed out after Sally. With only the two in there, Norbert turned to Vivienne as he continued eating, the other plates having been emptied.


    ¡°Was that necessary?¡± He asked the witch.


    ¡°It is not for me, but it is helpful for yourself. Flaunting yourself around allows you to walk above without being suspect, even though your name is the same," Vivienne explained to Norbert.


    Nodding his head at a concerted point, he brought out his identity card for Morenas and the token used for the tournament. Neither of these others will ask about it, as it is rude to procure if not part of the agency that handed it out, "Vivienne told Norbert as he placed them back in their appropriate spots.


    Norbert nodded in understanding as he sat there thinking over the conversation, ¡°I hope you do want me to kill Kaa.¡± Norbert told Vivienne, ¡°It would be a shame with all their sparkly scales.¡± Vivienne only nodded in response as Norbert took another bite, a thought coming to him: ¡°If the Kreevss don¡¯t want to be associated with lizards, then what do they want to be associated with?¡± Norbert asked Vivienne.


    ¡°Dragons.¡± She replied with a single word.


    Norbert winced in pain, realizing the errors in his way¡ªIt''s the the same as calling a bunch of people monkeys; yes I deserve all the hate then," Norbert asked her. The witch only takes another bite of food in response.

 Chapter 271 Please Dont Cause any More Trouble

    He was finishing off the meal. Norbert was placing his cutlery neatly on his plate. The servers came through, taking the plates and placing the next one in front of the remaining two occupants. While doing this, the rest of the table was cleared off. Norbert looked down at the long, empty table to one side, with only a seat between himself and the witch.


    As the desert was placed in front of him, Norbert looked down at the cake. As he stared at it, a feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ vu came over him. Knowing he had never been here before but still tickling at the back of his mind. Squashing it down, he took the spoon and cut into the brown cake he hoped to be chocolate.


    Piercing it, a warm, flowing moose came out of its insides, steam wafting up from within the desert. He scooped it up and twirled the spoon around for a moment, getting all of the liquid mouse to attach to the spoon before placing the entire thing in his mouth.


    The soothing dark liquid entered his mouth, sticking to his tongue and throat as he swallowed it. The only thought coming to his mind in relief. It was, in fact, chocolate. The rich chocolate flavour buttered his mouth, filling it with flavour even after nothing was left on the spoon.


    Taking the spoon out of his mouth with an audible pop, Norbert went in for another helping. Picking it up, half the cake was already gone on the second swipe, a slight shame that it couldn''t last for longer. Norbert also placed it in his mouth, moaning audibly when it hit his tongue.


    "How did you change the room around?" Norbert asked Vivienne.


    The witch was just smiling at him as she took another spoonful and placed it in her mouth. Norbert saw her twist the spoon around before pulling the clean spoon out of her mouth.


    Norbert just shook his head as the woman continued to eat in silence. "I''m just going to chalk it up to magic shenanigans in this place," Norbert muffled aloud. He took the last spoon of cake into his mouth and scratched it around on the plate to pick up the last pieces, not wanting to waste any of the crumbs or moose currently stuck to his plate.


    Finishing it off together, Norbert sat there, leaning back in the chair and staring at the ceiling. The chandelier in the centre of the room with their candles, wax dribbling down them and catching onto the basins.


    Norbert sees black snakes on the ceiling, their shimmering green scales depicting an incredible tangle above. As Norbert trailed with his eyes, the snakes slithering and moving as one, spinning about themselves and slowly progressing across the ceiling.


    Turning to Vivienne, Norbert asked the witch, "So what now? After your little introduction, I''m off the hook and can go anywhere in the city?" Norbert asked the question aloud.


    "Most of the time, yes. However, when you go to the tournament to fight in, your appearance in your usual gear must be seen. When you go around the street, you must remove any identifying features you normally wear when fighting," Vivienne explained to Norbert.


    He nodded as he looked down at his tuxedo, with no weapons strapped to his legs and no black helmet with a red glowing light on his head. His face wasn''t shown when he constantly wore the helmet when fighting. But still, his presence would be needed for the Kreevss, or else they may come back here. And the strange guest of Viviennes may be their first target of many.


    "Anything you want me to look at or talk about?" Norbert asked Vivienne.


    With a wave of her hand in dismissal, Norbert nodded as he stood up from the table and headed towards the door.


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    "And where are you going?" The witch asked Norbert. Turning around, she saw her hand on top, two snakes coming from underneath her arm, and motionless black beings staring directly at Norbert, waiting for him to move.


    "Above," Norbert said as he pointed up to the ceiling, Vivienne''s eyes following his direction up to the ceiling of the room.


    Vivienne also went up from the table with a shrug, and the servers came through, cleaning up the remaining plates. Vivienne headed towards the main doors, and Norbert followed after her. The two of them walked up the stairs as Norbert went past her when coming to the landing, heading to the room he was given.


    Opening the door about to enter, Vivienne shouted down the hall, "Please don''t cause any more trouble, for the sake of both our wellbeing."


    Norbert nodded his head as he walked in, closing the door behind him. Looking in the wardrobe, he didn''t find any plain clothes for him to wear. Opening up the chest and rifling through the sack, he found one of his spare sets of clothing a scout would use. Thinking it wouldn''t matter as long as he wasn''t masked, Norbert wore them, skipping the leather coat, just the undershirt and pants, feeling the loose fabric flap around his arms.


    Attaching his belt with his coins, dagger, and knife to him, Norbert patted himself down, confirming nothing was out of place. Shutting the chest, Norbert went downstairs again, passing the mirror as he paused, confirming that nothing was amiss or identifying him. With a satisfied nod, Norbert continued, heading down the stairs and out of the mansion.


    Standing on the steps, looking at the rock garden in the front, surrounded by the iron gate, Norbert stepped through it, opening it without a single squeak coming from the metal. The empty street opened for him once again.


    Walking down it, heading towards the stadium, Norbert remembered the maps Vivienne had shown him. Taking note of the way around, he looked for the closest junction to get above ground.


    Spotting the pillar rising into the air tens of meters away, Norbert walked along the paths, whistling as he did so. Not wanting to draw attention to himself, as someone flying over the heads would raise the suspicion he was trying not to gather onto himself.


    So, walking around, he did; as he went close to the nation, nobody kept to him. No longer getting the stares he had the first time he walked around here, Norbert wondered what change had happened to him.


    He shrugged it away, happy he wasn''t being raided and hounded by anyone, and there were no detours to random alleys as he found the steps. Taking one at a time, Norbert made his way up the spiral structure, hearing several other footsteps on the staircase as well, all coming the same way he was.


    No longer rising, Norbert went up out of the staircase and found himself in a wardrobe. Clothes were around his head as he stepped out, and a busy clothes shop was around him. A rainbow of colours was all around him, rolls of fabric and thread stacked high on one wall of the shop.


    "Evening, sir. May I interest you in our wares?" One of the assistants asked, signalling Norbert out instantly and looking about the store, I saw several other people of all sorts and shapes also being caught within the con the shop had set up. Others only having a quick conversation before wrapped bags were brought out, with a wave they left the shop, the doorbell ringing of someone escaping from the trap set up.


    Shaking his head, Norbert looked down at himself. "Can you cut with the local style?" Norbert asked them.


    The assistant nodded his head like it was the most sensible decision ever. "Ah yes, a splendid choice, sir. Come this way to have yourself measured." They said to Norbert.


    Nodding his head in understanding, he followed the assistant into the back of the shop. Curtains closed around Norbert as a tape measure came out, and his body was arranged like a marionette into whatever position was needed.


    Before Norbert knew it, the curtain was drawn open, bearing the shop to Norbert as directed. "That will be a silver for payment. The clothes will be ready by tomorrow. Is there a name for it to be under?" They asked Norbert.


    Nodding his head, "Norbert." He reached into his coin pouch and provided the appropriate coinage before walking out of the store. The bright moon shone overhead, and Norbert did not know how much time he had spent waiting around as he breathed in the fresh air.


    The wind tickled at his face, blowing through his hair. He took a single step to the side, allowing others to walk in and out of the sandstone shop. He stood there, eyes closed, and the wind blew over him.


    Feeling revitalised by it, Norbert snapped his eyes open, looked across the other side, and stepped onto the street, heading away from the Colosseum. Remembering Lady Luck''s words on finding the temple, Norbert headed off to the city''s outskirts.

 Chapter 272 Hand Out Candies?

    Norbert saw to the right at the city''s outskirts and the nothingness that was past it, as he continued his rough circle, the desert dunes rolling one after the next. No wall protected the city; just one step out, and the sand was under one''s feet.


    Staring, Norbert wondered if this place was ever attacked, not seeing any walls or barriers that could ever protect this place and the residents that lived there¡ªcontinuing to whistle as he made his way around the city''s outskirts. Trash and other items started to be blown his way around the place, moving itself off and into the dunes around him.


    Wondering where it was all going, Norbert dismissed it as he continued, wanting to find the temple section as he wondered what the area for Luck would look like. The buildings around him were the closest to ruins. The walls were thinner at the top from the sand that tried to battle him and the buildings, slowly eroding them away.


    Whenever someone past him on his travels on the outskirts they were wrapped up in duller colours than those further in around the colosseum. Norbert looked across, seeing the people here less clean than the others, and smiled at the realisation of where the two city sections started.


    The affluent were near the centre, away from the constant sand that would berate your property and near the all-important Colosseum. But below, with no sand or anything disturbing you, the more critical section was privacy, pushing yourself away from anyone you didn''t want to interact with.


    The people here, like below, kept their way from him. A stranger walking in a stranger''s land, Norbert did not mind the isolation he was experiencing from them. As long as they didn''t cross any barrier and kept to themselves, so would he.


    Making it to the top, Norbert climbs on top of a dune to look further ahead, seeing a section balloon outwards from the usual circle of the city.


    Curiosity and hope peaked; had he finally found what he sought? Gazing up at the moon, the celestial object still high in the sky, he was thankful that he would have enough time to find it and get it done before needing to go once more.


    Continuing his walking pace, with no need to rush anymore with enough time on his hands, Norbert continued his whistling as he made it around the city.


    He saw it running towards him, puffing into the air with each step they took as they rushed towards Norbert. Coming to a stop, letting the kid finish their journey as they skidded, sliding next to Norbert, the sand kicking slightly up onto his boots and pant legs.


    Smiling, Norbert looked down not wanting to intimidate any more than needed, waiting for the urchin to talk independently. The kid huffing their breath, finally standing up straight, sucking air into their lungs. "Did you hand out candies?" The kid shouted to Norbert.


    He took a step back and nodded in return. With the confirmation, the kid sprinted off, looking back once to see if Norbert was following him. He sighed, and he did not see a way of getting out of it. His curiosity was caught; he wondered what the kid so desperately wanted to show him.


    Heading into the city, Norbert looked to the side as kids stared at him from behind windows and on top of rooves. The further they went, the more Norbert could see, tens of the kids on every street block just looking at him go past.


    There were no looks of animosity or curiosity. Their eyes were sunken into their heads, their nails cracked and blackened, and dirt covering their faces, making them look gaunter rather than natural. Catching up to the kid, Norbert asked, "What happened to them?" Looking over the kid, he saw none of those signs on him, thankful that whatever it could be wasn''t spreading to everyone.


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    A low-rise building stretched over where a street would typically be. The curtain is pushed aside, and Norbert sees only darkness within as he changes his vision. He follows after the kid as the moonlight is blocked by the makeshift door being used.


    Stepping through, Norbert looked around, seeing that the kids here weren''t as bad a condition compared to those outside. Huddled together, they watched Norbert, who had just entered. There was a table and two seats, one already occupied.


    The boy he followed quickly walked over, and Norbert heard the boy whisper in the seated person''s ear, "He should be the one."


    The seated person nodding their head once, Norbert walking towards the chair, pulling it out and sitting down on it. Norbert feeling the rough wooden chair under his hand, sitting down it rocked slightly, one of the legs to short compared to the others.


    Leaning to the back to avoid being on the lowest leg, Norbert took a coin from his pouch, quickly whispering, "Heads I leave, tails I stay." So it only sounded like a buzzing to the ears. He was flicking the coin into the air, Norbert palming to his left at the top of his hand, and he saw the tail''s side looking back at him.


    Surprised at the outcome, Norbert wondered what he could do for a bunch of kids. Tossing the coin back into the air, he watched it reach the apex before coming back down to the ground again. He did this several times, still the kid in front of him doing nothing, and Norbert had had enough of it.


    "Why did you come looking for me?" Norbert asked around the room. The silence was finally broken, and the kid in front of him was finally coming to motion.


    "Were you the one that handed out the candies before the guards came?" They asked Norbert, their voice wavering slightly at the question, Norbert seeing that they were all looking up to the kid in front of him to control and get them the best outcome possible for them.


    "And if I am?" Norbert questioned, leaning back in the chair slightly as he tossed the coin up again, draping one hand off the table and letting it limply towards the ground.


    "Do you have any more candies you can give us?" The kid asked. Norbert looked into their eyes, changing his night vision to see colour better as his eyes naturally became acclimated to the darkness. The kids looked younger than he thought they should be as if they might have started high school back on Earth.


    "A couple left, but not much anymore," Norbert told them, remembering the rest of the collection that Vivienne had returned to his room in the Pudgy Patron, confirming that they had been moved to the witch''s mansion.


    "We need them." The kid said, leaning forward, both hands on the table. The slight coolness and control they tried to grasp at the start were thrown away in that single motion.


    Seeing the desperation painted on the kid''s face, Norbert smiled at him, trying to calm him down. "If you want something from someone, sometimes it helps to provide why you want it and something that is an advantage from the owner to give it to you?" Norbert provided to the kid.


    The words washed over them, Norbert seeing as they tried to calm themselves down before continuing to talk to Norbert.


    "It''s for those outside," the kid said, pointing out the door. Norbert remembered the ones who looked sickly on the way to come here, their sunken eyes staring past him flashing in his mind.


    "Do you have any idea what happened to them?" Norbert asked the kid, looking around at the others in the room with him, trying to spot any sign of them.


    "I have no clue. Just one day, Frang got sick. A couple of cycles later, three more had it. Now nearly everyone here has it¡ªexcept for those you gave the candies to," the leader said, pointing to the huddling kids behind Norbert in the corner.


    Turning around, Norbert stared at them, all ten sets of eyes


    "No parents?" Norbert asked the questions, believing the answer he would receive.


    "People come, people go, and some just get left behind," the kid said, Norbert, tilting his head to the side as he wondered what could have happened to have so many here. He saw he wouldn''t get more information about how these came together.


    "Is there an adult organising you, forcing you to steal or do actions any of you don''t want to do? Is there a ringleader pointing you from behind the stage?" Norbert asked, pushing off the chair as he leaned forward. He stared at the kid before him like a beast, ready to pounce on his prey.


    Norbert stared into their eyes, only cold firmness projected back to Norbert. "Just me now. There was another before, but they left here when they could." The kid sitting in the chair said.


    The kid who brought Norbert over here nodded in agreement. "And what is your name, leader of children?" Norbert asked, leaning back in the chair once more. He rocked backwards as he leaned on the back two legs, placing a foot on the table and using it to rock himself back and forth.

 Chapter 273 A Deal

    "Korn" The kid sitting on the other end of the table replied to his question.


    Norbert nodded as he internally threw the name around in his mouth, wondering how it would feel. Nodding his head again, Norbert spoke the name before continuing, "Korn, ... what can you and your little people do for me?" Norbert asked aloud, letting his voice echo, letting those outside know what was happening. If they had any ideas, then it was now the time to speak.


    Korn opened his mouth, about to speak, when Norbert held his hand, stopping the kid from speaking his thoughts. "But before you say anything, how did you find me?" Norbert asked aloud, looking down at himself again, confirming that he wasn''t wearing anything suspicious of him like Vivienne had asked him to remove.


    Thinking back, he remembered taking his mask off to have the candies, knowing he couldn''t eat them with the piece of metal over his face. In the half-light, he wondered who had the vision to see better than he thought ordinary people could, especially with all the commotion about him.


    "Your tune that you whistle out whenever you walk was recognised by one of the younger ones." Korn said to Norbert.


    He laughed out loud, forcing his voice to boom out and around as he wiped a tear from his eye. Out of everything, it wasn''t even his face or what he wore¡ªjust a habit he picked up along the way to try and pass the time around him. Not some weird power or magic that had foisted him into the light, just some pure, simple detective work.


    Hoping that the Kreevss wouldn''t pick up on the same habit to track him down, inwardly surprised that they hadn''t used it either to track him down or some other manner they may have up their sleeve. Not many other people were whistling about the place.


    Norbert drummed his fingers on the table as he thought about what to do. Slowly, he looked outside the curtain that was being used as a door, catching glimpses of the rest of the city as the wind gently blew. Nothing out there was amiss or would raise suspicion about the Kreevss currently looking for him.


    "Apart from the candies, is there anything else you want from me?" Norbert asked, wanting to get a grander scale of these kid''s ideas of their future. The words Vivienne said about peace being held by just a thread came back into his mind. What would a city like this, a central hub of the best of the best, be like when things go south?


    "To live another day." Korn said to Norbert.


    The simple sentence rang inside his head. Shaking it, he knew what should be a simple request was nothing like that at all. Wondering why he was about to ask it, Norbert just thought up to Luck if this was why she wanted him to go around the outside of the city.


    "Heads to move. Tails to leave," Norbert bellowing aloud, his voice echoing around the room and escaping from the residence to the streets outside, letting everyone know what could be at stake within the room. As he flicked the coin up into the air, Korn leaned forward, wanting to clutch it out of the air and decide his own fate for himself. The table was in the way, and their reach was too small as the coin landed in Norbert''s right hand.


    Palming it over to the top of his left, Norbert kept it there, hiding the result from all around. "You feel lucky, Korn?" Norbert asked the kid.


    They were returning to their chair, returning Norbert''s question with a look, not understanding the question to Norbert.


    "Depending on the coin, being heads or tails, two paths are open to you right now, two paths you can travel. With the reveal of the coin, only one will remain and your world and those that follow you may never be the same" shouting, letting his voice echo out and around so that all could hear, even the half-glazed-over, could hear Norbert.


    "Both options, you have your candies. With heads, I will use everything in my power to get you out of this city¡ªall of you." Norbert told them all, letting his voice carry out, internally not knowing how he would make that happen but leaving that for future Norbert to deal with.


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    "With tails, I drop you the candies, and we will never meet again. Fate and luck will be in your own hands," Norbert growling out, looking around at each face before him, pausing for a moment, and all eyes and attention on him as they waited for him to finish speaking.


    After switching his gaze down to his eyes for a moment, Norbert looked back up at Korn. "So, Korn, let me ask you again. Do you feel lucky?"


    The kid on the other side of the table swallowed before speaking aloud, "Not really, just look at where I am."


    The honesty in the voice surprised Norbert a slight grin of humour unable to be held back, tilting his head as he wondered if this was all just a ploy to tug at his heartstrings. Not caring either way, Norbert asked a question: "Which would you prefer, heads or tails?"


    "I never really thought that far. All that matters is today." Korn said, the others nodding their heads in agreement. Breathing out a shaky breath Korn looked towards Norbert whispering out so only he could hear ¡°For the group of course trying to get them out. But for myself, for Korn ¡­¡± The boy leaned back in the chair, his arms going limp on either side.


    Norbert looked about them all, wondering if he was doing anything to help them, if he could do anything the help them. Opening his hand, he revealed the fate to everyone. Norbert saw the queen''s head looking back up at him. "Heads it is. I''ll return before the sun rises with the candies. I will return a few days later with an update on the upheaval," Norbert said, already getting out of his seat and heading towards the door.


    Brushing the curtain aside, Norbert turned back, a question forming in his mind. "Just curious, but what country or region do most of you come from?" Norbert asked, looking at Korn.


    "Here and there. Some don''t know. Others don''t want to say. Anywhere, really." Korn responded to Norbert.


    He nodded, a sad smile forming on his face, before walking out and looking at the kids, all staring back at him. He walked away from the dilapidated structure, hoping that he could remember the way over here.


    Heading back to the outskirts again, Norbert once more headed to the blister forming on the side of the city. Making his way around, he whistled again as he looked towards the city, wondering if there were any more kids looking out at him from inside, wondering where the stranger could be going.


    Before he knew it, Norbert started spotting people coming to and from the section he was heading in. Lights were on ahead within the section of buildings there. Norbert crossed the path, seeing the stone used for these buildings.


    The grey material broke up the hues of yellow everywhere around the city. The streams of people were greater than they were before; even at this time of night, people were still coming and going from the holy section of the city.


    Walking down and seeing as people and others would segment out, going away from the crowd and into the structures for whatever they worshipped. The busiest, most grand structures with lights beaming out of them even at night, letting everyone know they were open.


    Coming out of the windows and hearing choirs sing their hymns, they sometimes clash against each other, trying to outdo their neighbours. Not caring for what they were saying, Norbert walked past, wondering if there would be a fountain like the one in Alasium.


    He heard people from the side calling out to him and others, wanting them to go inside, as Norbert continued walking past. He did not look towards them, knowing that it would just be a distraction from his goal.


    The sandy cobblestone at his feet, now becoming cracked as he walked. Only several other people are walking with him. They all looked at each other, wondering where they were going. Norbert noticed three of them in robes with symbols on them. Only one other person was in the garb of bright cloth commonly found in the city.


    One by one, they all walked off to their temples, which called out to them. As the last one left in silence, turning to Norbert, seeing he was still walking down the path, only sand remained at his feet. The cobblestones were no longer maintained here; the erosion of time was finally coming for them.


    As Norbert continued walking, he remembered he was meant to avoid any Kreevss he saw. Knowing there were several behind him, going about their business to their appropriate places.


    Stepping forward, Norbert saw his prize out before him. Tens of meters away, surrounded by other statues similar to the one he stared at, the sand had blasted away all of their discerning features, but a feeling, something he couldn''t pinpoint, was drawing him to that one.


    Looking about, seeing nobody else apart from Norbert in this section of the temple district. Walking forward to the statue, Norbert looks up at it, the pedestal it waited on having cracks.


    The statue''s arms had broken off, and Norbert turned towards the ground, seeing no sign of it there. Either being eroded away or taken away, he did not want the broken material there any longer. Looking up into its eyes, he smiled at it as he wondered what else to do.

 Chapter 274 Melodrama Necessary

    Sitting on the ground against the statue''s base, Norbert flicked the coin into the air, higher than usual, as it paused next to the mote of light before falling back into his hand again.


    Holding his hand out for the coin, he counted to three as it still hadn''t landed in his hand. Norbert closed his eyes as he reached for a gold coin from his pouch. Fingering the markings and the weight in his fingers before flicking it up into the air again. Once more, the coin didn''t return to his hand.


    Like clockwork, Norbert reached for his pouch again, flicking the coin into the air as he waited for it to return. He felt three coins land in his hand, the tinkle of his coins music to his ears.


    He smiled, opening his eyes as Luck''s smile shone back at him. His golden hair alighted in the darkness around him, a blazing torch in the city of darkness and decay.


    "Fancy seeing you here of all places," Norbert whispered, not wanting to interrupt the quiet engulfing him. Luck sat beside him, reaching for one of the coins in his hand. The gold coin flicked into the air as she held her hand out in the same way depicted in the statue above them.


    Norbert nodded as he looked toward Luck. "The other gods not playing nicely?" Norbert asked as he wondered what would have caused the goddess to come down here twice in a row, and no motes of light appeared as well for most of their journey.


    "Just the usual mischief and mayhem," Luck notified him, sighing as she finished. Norbert wondered what was happening; the person he usually saw was not like the person now.


    "That bleak?" Norbert asked.


    "The Future always seems bleak when looking at it. Once it''s the past, it all seems easy, the proper path, the right path, the correct path clear." Lady Luck replied to Norbert''s question.


    Nodding his head, seeing nothing good in progressing this line of thought, Norbert looked to the other statues next to them. "Who are all these guys?"


    "What is known as lesser gods. These ones forgot to the races, and everyone else. Statues and other structures are set up for the forgotten and lost gods. Ones that fall out of favour for one reason or another are lost to the sands of time." Luck explained to Norbert.


    As she finished, the wind blew more robustly than before, whipping her hair around. Norbert felt sandblast against his face before swirling off into the air.


    Staring at it as it rose higher and higher, swirling before Norbert lost track of it, he turned to the goddess, "Is that melodrama necessary?"


    "It adds a nice touch. Don''t get pissy with me. If you could, you would do that all the time." Luck said, poking his arm.


    Norbert shook his head as he turned towards her. "Then how come you''re here with them? Your able to have your own champion and not be forgotten like these others?" Norbert questioned, wondering how the specifics of the gods worked from one deity to another.


    Luck laughed at Norbert, a thrill of pleasure coming out of her voice. "That''s due to a funny conundrum," Luck spoke aloud. ¡°Nobody wants the Luck I provide, unless they are desperate. You would say, looking down the barrel of a gun. Only the void of the chamber looking back at you, unsure if it will be a bang or a click."


    "Is that because if they follow you, they will lead themselves to increasingly dangerous situations until they get themselves killed or something like that?" Norbert asked, remembering the multiple times he had been chastised by others about his selection and what to expect from others he had already told.


    "But with one stipulation: Though they are brought to more dangerous situations, the payoff is always worth it, enabling them to get through the next one. If they choose the right path, that¡¯s part of the Luck" Her voice trilling to Norbert.


    He nodded, understanding that he was returning to his adventures in Morenas. "And I can attest to that, but why do people despise you so much for it? I''ve made it out just fine, but from what I''ve heard, others have been pulverised by that decision.


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    Holding a finger to Norbert, Luck said, "Just because you''re lucky doesn''t mean you can''t make a wrong decision in the situation, propelling yourself closer and closer to your demise at an alarming rate." Luck notified Norbert.


    Turning to look at her, stumped by what she was saying ¡°How is that luck at all. Just seems like your blasting your way to your own death.¡± Norbert asked her, not seeing how it was lucky at all.


    "It''s finding the solution that shouldn''t be possible." Luck told Norbert.


    Still stumped, Luck stared up, and Luc thought of how best to explain it to her champion. "Take your casino adventures, for example," Luck said, looking back at Norbert as he nodded slowly, recounting his epic wins there.


    "Most people who have been helped out in that regard, like yourself, would have themselves caught by the house," Luck said to him.


    "Which is what happened?" Norbert said to her.


    "That''s precisely my point. You were caught, but through sheer luck and whatever cogs you have in that noggin of yours, you did not only escape but can now get coins whenever you need them. The only cost is adding a bit of a show."


    Norbert nodded as he remembered. "And others who would have taken the wrong path would have just been caught. Eventually, coins being returned to where they belong and the person left out to hang?" Norbert asked.


    Luck stood up as she gave him thumbs up. "Now you''re getting it."


    "Then how do I prevent that from happening? I''m not looking forward to having an early grave," Norbert asked Lady Luck, staring up at her as she moved to stare at the other statues next to her.


    "Just follow the advice I gave you last time," Luck told Norbert, whipping her head around to face him, the sea of golden locks flying about before falling. Norbert opened his mouth to protest, only to be cut off by Luck. "Now, enough about that. Time is ticking, and don''t you need to give those candies you promised?" Luck asked him.


    Norbert looked at her in confusion as he looked towards the sky, seeing the sunlight come up on the horizon.


    He was blasting out of the position, not believing how he had just flown flew by. Norbert sprinted as he tore down. The street sprinted watched her champion move on the broken cobblestone as he exited the temple district.


    Luck turned towards the statue behind her, letting a single finger reach out and touch it. It slid down the arm before falling off, her hand lying beside her body. She smiled at her predecessor as she looked at the other gods of luck who were lurched from their position. Even to her and the other gods, those stories and what happened to them now were forever lost.


    Luck turned to where Norbert had run off to, hoping she herself would be lucky enough to avoid the same downfall. Something that the gods of luck always see to do, but none of the others. Their temples still reaching high into the air and people coming in and out of them, offering their blessings and their bodies.


    Sitting back down Lady Luck sat with a straight back, a tune escaping from her lips as she started to whistle, following her champion. His habit having finally rubbed off on her, though she had more sensibility to not make a tune that clashed with itself.


    ***


    Norbert burst through the gate; approaching the mansion door, he paused again. Having returned from giving the candies to Korn and his group, there is only one left to ask others about. Looking down at the snake handle in front of him, the eyes once more watching his actions. Reaching out his hand, Norbert knocked on the door using the handle.


    THUMP THUMP


    He quickly let go when he finished it, not wanting to remain in contact any longer than necessary. The door slowly opened without a sound as the butler was presented to him. "Ah, just in time for breakfast."


    Norbert moved past the butler. "No time and no need!" he said as he rushed up the stairs, knowing he didn''t have much daylight to burn, as he needed to come back here anyway to swap his garb. To his room, Norbert reached for his leather garbs to put on the outside. Throwing them on himself, he grabbed his belt and throwing knife holders, took the extra knife he hid under the pillow and put it all on him.


    Reaching for the mask and helmet back, he clipped it to his head as he breathed out, closing the door and his chest as he left. He then headed to the stairs, walking past the mirror in his usual fit, the red light from his mask shining back into his eyes.


    Standing there, the eyes of the reflection flashed red, the flesh off his arm torn off, only the bone remaining as he danced his fingers around something Norbert could not see. The purple-stained nubs dancing around rhymitcally, Norbert envisioning a coin rolling up and down between his fingers. His mask once more ripped in places, others his skin growing around it, pus breaking out on the hard edges of what he wore.


    His leather armour was gone, replaced by a grey, colourless armour. Runes of blood red rushed around the pieces that remained intact. The daggers on his leg were long gone. The sword on his hip was shorter than the one he currently wore and thinner.


    The only pieces that it could see that were depicted the same were his coin pouch and the knife''s handle popping out of the sheath that lived in Flare-dew. A hand touched his own shoulder, Norbert did not see it at all, only felt it as it shook him out of his stupor.


    The butler stood there, looking at him before walking away and heading down the stairs. Norbert briefly glimpsed the mirror in the hallway on top of the dresser; only his expected reflection was shown there. His helmet pulsed rhythmically with his breathing red light, his leather armour on his body, and his weapons strapped where they should be.

 Chapter 275 Windmilling Arms

    Making a bypass for the stairs and coming to the bottom, he looked at the door as the butler guided him to the main room once more. The butler stepped forward as he opened the door for Norbert. Looking forward, the drawing room was once more presented, the table with the maps off to the side, a small coffee table in the centre with an assortment of biscuits and cakes there.


    A cup of hot liquid in a cup and saucer, steam wafting off it as Vivienne looked towards Norbert, a smile on the witch''s face as she placed the teapot back in the centre of the table.


    Sitting down, Norbert popped his helmet off, laying it on the couch next to him as he reached for the tea, sipping the liquid and washing down his troubles. Reaching forward, Norbert took the biscuit, the circle frosted with icing sugar. Biting into it, a cloud of white dust fell to the ground.


    Taking another bite, trying not to spread the mess from the sugar, Norbert nodded in approval of the biscuit. Finishing it off, he reached for another one. The sugar reminded him of the candy upstairs he left behind for testing and confirming. Opening his mouth to ask Vivienne about it, he closed it again, biting into the biscuit. The sugar tickled his throat, causing him to breathe out, and he covered his legs and feet with the light white sugar.


    Nodding his head, satisfied about it, Norbert got up from the table. Vivienne rose with him. "Do you need help out there?" Vivienne sceptically asked him, with all the Kreevss after him.


    "I can easily get in there. It will be a good bit of cardio." Norbert pauses briefly before continuing. "However, your assistance would be greatly appreciated in making it back out." Norbert looks towards the witch, hoping to get her support for his outing.


    "My pleasure. Same place as last time?" The worry gone from Vivienne¡¯s face from hearing Norbert¡¯s confidence.


    "That would be for the best," Norbert said, picking up the helmet and connecting the parts to his face. Patting himself down, making sure everything was as it should be, Norbert, with a nod of his head, aiming for the double doors and exiting the drawing room.


    The butler at the front door was already opening it as Norbert stepped out, looking up and seeing the cavern roof above him as he walked down the path to the wrought iron fence and stepped out of the witch''s.


    Looking both ways, Norbert confirmed that there were no Kreevss in sight. As he looked up into the air, seeing the many columns connecting the two parts of the cities, Norbert wondered which would be the bested for him.


    ***


    The classic path sometimes was the best as Norbert trudged up the stairs. He wondered what Brezan thought when he appeared once more in his inn if there would be a Kreevss waiting in the central area for him to come back. With only one way to tell, Norbert popped open the trapdoor, looking about the store room. Everything looked as he remembered the last time he came down here, only a few days ago.


    Placing an ear to the door, Norbert confirmed that there wasn''t anything there. Peaking around the corner, looking both ways, only the empty hall waiting for him.


    Walking up the stairs, taking as light steps as possible as Norbert entered the main room. Seeing Brezan once more standing behind the bar, Norbert waved to the bartender as he approached.


    "Are there any Kreevss about?" Norbert asked the bartender, preoccupied with watching everyone around him and making sure there weren''t any.


    "You''ve turned the entire place upside down quite splendidly." Brezan gruffly told Norbert, placing the glass down that the bartender was cleaning before Norbert showed up.


    "Not my fault. Hope I haven¡¯t gotten you in any trouble and I¡¯ll be off¡± Norbert quickly spat out, heading towards the door, his hand hovering over


    Brezan wildly exclaims to Norbert, "Where''s Vivienne, I need the second set of hands."


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    "The witch is in her mansion ¡­" Norbert trailed off the sentence, stomping twice on the ground before opening the door. Brezan stared at Norbert in disbelief at his actions.


    The sun hit Norbert''s face as he looked up at it, the bustling crowd on the street, already heading towards the stadium, ready for the next round of battles that Norbert would be competing in and wondering if there would be anything different this time, a change of location or some ridiculous rule that would handicap him Norbert joining the crowd.


    There was only one thought in his mind: "How long would it take until the Kreevss find him?" The question bounced around within his helmet. He was happy to be wearing clothes that correctly covered his body again, knowing he should find some way to reinforce them properly. Even without magic, there should be something better suited to him.


    His nose took an interest in a shop. Passing through the crowd to the other side, Norbert smelt the wares on sale. Looking across at the pastries, Norbert stopped as he saw a set of papers cut into the wooden table with a knife. Imprinted on the front was some writing Norbert didn''t understand. What he did understand was the clear picture of his helmeted face.


    The mask that he currently wore, Norbert hoped, was red ink used on his glowing face pieces. Popping his head out, wondering when they had set up this entire thing, Norbert waving stepped away from the stall, looking for the best way to get out of the busy street.


    Following through, Norbert found an alley, pushing energy into his body, leaping between the two walls. He stood looking out upon the city, planning the best course of action to get to the Colosseum, standing tall in the centre.


    His eyes crossed over the temple section. From here, Norbert could see the tops of the most prominent buildings in that area. He moved his sight slightly to the right, where he believed Korn should be sitting, giving out the candies he had brought them earlier in the day.


    Looking out on either side of the roof, several streets away, Norbert saw some people staring at him, pointing directly at him. Squinting over at them as they quickly rushed over to his side, five appendages bustling in the wind.


    Wondering what they could be on about "FOR GLORY!" Norbert heard travelled over the wind.


    Staring at the figures, Norbert could see others on the main street below, also looking at what created the commotion above them. Norbert''s ''Norbert'' plan had come to its completion. Looking about the other rooftops, more Kreevss were bouncing their way over to him, shouting and brandishing weapons Norbert was sure to use against him.


    Nodding his head that it was time to move off, Norbert jumped off the rooftop, being careful not to break it as he made it to the other side. The Kreevss re-positioned their course to still come into contact with him. With that little bit of worry confirmed in his mind, Norbert changed his direction, heading straight for the Colosseum.


    Changing his course, the biggest group of Kreevss in front of him, the only way out now would either be underground, resulting in an exacerbated chase or make it to the stadium and be free from them for the course of the jousts today.


    Rushing forward, spells formed in front of him as Norbert leapt into the sky, watching as the spell casters stopped running, the runes about to be unleashed following him in the air as they waited for him to come to the apex.


    Norbert watched as they unleashed, not wanting to use any daggers to hopefully distract a spell caster, not knowing when they could be handy in the next fight in the tournament. Residing that Norbert felt the spells impact him, his once nice clothes heated up on top of his skin, and he felt the leather crackle slightly under the heat.


    Falling to the ground, Norbert balled himself up as he crashed into the street, feeling something mush underneath him. Not wanting to look down, Norbert leapt to his feet, the above-the-rooftop trick not working this time, happy that no arrows had been launched his way before. Remembering what the city guards could do to him if they also ganged up.


    Sprinting forward, shouting into the crowd as they passed for him, running straight down the middle of the street, his hopes that there wouldn''t be a mass shooting, likely hitting the citizens of whichever country they resided in rather than Norbert himself.


    His theory proved right, as Norbert was no longer shot at. Looking at the rooftops, the Kreevss were still running, trying to keep up but ultimately not able to.


    As he ran forward, the street finally opened, and he saw a line of bodies before him. Not caring in the slightest, the sun came high as he was dazzled by one of them. Their golden glittering scales directed the sunlight into his eyes.


    Closing his watery eyes, Norbert veered to the side and smashed into a sandstone building. Crumpling to the floor, he heard the building shake and collapsed on top of him. Norbert held still, hoping nobody else was there, waiting for the dust to settle.


    Holding his breath, Norbert waited as he moved around, getting to the top as he put all the energy into his legs, shooting himself out of the crumpled building, the impact cracking its neighbours. Flying through the air, Norbert sees the entrance to the Colosseum shoot by below him.


    Windmilling in the air, Norbert hoped this wouldn''t happen as he smashed into the side of the stadium. Several hands grabbed him and pulled him inside.

 Chapter 276 Because ...

    Opening his eyes, he saw the guards'' uniforms over him as they righted him in place. Norbert spun around, wondering what was happening to him. The shock of the dashing escape that he had just made was still fresh in his mind.


    The hands moved off him as he looked out the window momentarily. An arrow glanced off his mask as one of the Kreevss released their bow at Norbert. Moving away before more could join it, Norbert bent over to pick up the arrow and dropped the projectile out the open window as he stepped away, turning to the guards surrounding him.


    "Here to take me to Captain Oblek?" Norbert asked the guards around him, watching them grit their teeth for a moment. Standing to the side, they led Norbert away from the window and towards a T-junction, heading right to go further inside the Colosseum.


    Being led towards the room again, Norbert sees Oblek already standing there, his moustache as proud as ever. The guards do not walk into the room as Norbert looks back. The guards close the door shut, leaving the two of them in the room.


    The room was the same as before. As he went in it, Norbert was walking towards the seat, and Oblek had his nose in a book once more.


    "Why did you call me over here?" Norbert chipperly asked, hoping he wouldn''t be in too much trouble.


    "You''re late." Captain Oblek slammed the book closed as He looked squarely down at Norbert. The thought of him not being in too much trouble was no longer in his mind.


    "For ¡­" Norbert let the word hang in the air. Knowing exactly why, the reassurance that Vivienne games him can no longer be used.


    "Not turning up."


    "That was entirely intentional because ¡­" Norbert''s brain scurried for an answer.


    "Because!" Shouted the captain, anger rising and starting to bubble for dealing with Norbert.


    "I was busy running around with the witch you met up with the other day?" Norbert scrunched his face, hoping his response wouldn''t cause the captain another outburst.


    "How do you know about that?"


    "I was sitting opposite you at the table." Norbert insisted.


    "No, you weren''t," Oblek said, leaning over. He placed both hands on the desk, causing it to wobble slightly from the force.


    Norbert removes his helmet, holding both in his hands and flushes his face to Oblek.


    The man, still looking obliviously at him, said, "I know what you look like, Norbert, and you weren''t there. After running off after the fight you were last in, you haven''t been seen anywhere." Flushed the captain to Norbert.


    Puzzled by the thought, he knew for sure that he saw the captain there, with Sally and Kaa there as well. Leaving it behind, Norbert said, "I might have someone, but I will need more time to confirm." Nodding his head after giving a thought, he hoped his acting skills were good enough to convince the captain.


    Oblek stared straight at Norbert, scanning the scout''s face as the captain looked for any sign of treachery. He stood up straight again, flipping open the book with one hand as he looked down at the pages again. "Is there Anything else that needs to be reported?" Oblek asked Norbert.


    "Can you do something regarding the Kreevss coming after me?" Norbert asked as he put the two pieces together over his face, feeling the metal resting on his head again.


    Captain Oblek looked at Norbert like he was a complete fool for asking the question, "Do you want to start a war? Because if anyone helps you, that''s what it''s going to be."


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    Norbert nodded, hearing the same thing from Vivienne. Standing up, Norbert stretched as he headed to the door, not hearing any arguments from the captain about his actions.


    Opening it up, Norbert stepped through before ducking his head back in again. "Thanks for pulling me through the window and not pushing me out," he said.


    Captain Oblek only nodded his head, the only sign that Norbert had that he had been heard. Shrugging his shoulders, knowing not to push the military man any more, Norbert quietly closed the door behind him, turning to the two guards on either side.


    "So, which of you can lead me to the slimes?" Norbert asked, placing both hands on his hips.


    As he uttered the word, Norbert saw one appear from the ground before him. The green flabby being just sitting there. Turning to the two guards, Norbert just left them behind, taking out his token from under his shirt and presenting it to the slime.


    "Norbert from Morenas, may you please direct me to the waiting grounds, my good sir?" pompously Norbert combined his words with a bow, lowering his head for the slime to investigate, confirming his identity.


    "This way," the slime robotically stated before moving off, not waiting or looking back to confirm that Norbert was following the creature.


    ***


    The slime melded back into the ground as Norbert looked out at the chamber, seeing even fewer people than last time¡ªonly fifteen people in the room. Wondering what happened, Norbert saw part of his team and Finekus standing in a group. As he looked around, everyone else had huddled around, voices coming from one another, all of them looking towards the board.


    "What happened?" Norbert asked, all eyes turning towards him.


    "You happened!" One of them shouted to Norbert.


    He walked forward as he looked over them. Most of them looked fine to him, a couple with bags under their eyes from a lack of sleep but nothing too strenuous. One of the worst-looking of all was Karr, who looked more like death warmed up as an empty potion bottle lay between their feet.


    "How did I happen to any of you? I haven''t met up with you outside at all."


    "Well, tell that to the Kreevss, then. They''ve been on us constantly. We all had to move here the other night, or we would be attacked." The speaker''s anger rose once more at Norbert''s response.


    Norbert scrunched his forehead in puzzlement. He didn''t have any issues with walking around in the streets at all. Norbert shrugged his shoulders, "Well, that was silly of them, as I don''t reside in that area of the city."


    "We are well aware of that. Try telling the Kreevss the person they are after just up and leaving; nobody has ever met them outside this tournament. They aren''t going to take too nicely to that." Another voice piped up, joining the conversation.


    "I can see why you don''t want that. Is there anything I can do to assist?" Norbert asked, quickly going over the faces. Seeing someone opening their mouth to say something, Norbert quickly added, "That doesn''t mean handing me over to the Kreevss."


    "Don''t just disappear at the very least. Drag all their attention away so we might be able to enjoy the city slightly when we come out later." The person said once more from the crowd.


    Norbert just nodded, looking about to the screen displaying information again. Norbert looked at it, and the team''s list was scrolling once through.


    "Guess they''ve shortened down the teams," Norbert said aloud, feeling the eyes drill into him as he noticed his flash past, seeing Karr also there. Turning to the healer, Norbert nodded to them. Still looking deathly, they looked back up to Norbert, a flash of confirmation in their eyes.


    Norbert waved to the group as he went to one of the beds once more. Closing his eyes, he breathed slowly as he waited for the time to come up for his fight, hoping it would be the only one for the day. By now, the kids in the city should all be cured. Next on the line would be to get them out of the city¡ªthere are several possibilities on who to reach out to in his mind.


    ***


    Norbert woke up as he felt multiple bodies over him, keeping his eyes closed as a piece of cool metal touched his throat. He was hearing the wind flap away above him as he heard hands moving about; he was sure that whoever had the knife to his throat was communicating to their colleagues about the action.


    The hand signs continued further, the blade slowly pressing down on his throat. Having had enough of it, Norbert opened his eyes. Several faces were in his vision, paying attention to him.


    He wondered what to do as he started sending the energy around his body. Confident he could regenerate himself, Norbert reached out, grabbing the blade and forcing it into his neck.


    Blood washed over his hands as everyone stared at him, all stepping back in shock, except for the one whose dagger was on Norbert''s throat. Norbert dug his fingers into the person, stopping them from moving in. He applied even more pressure.


    Feeling the bones starting to bend, Norbert let the arm go, the knife forgotten from the person as they rushed back, falling over another bed. Sitting up, Norbert grasped the knife, removing it from his throat. After several seconds, the blood cleared up.


    "Please don''t try that again," Norbert said, looking around at the people, not caring to remember their faces. The gathering was still where it was, and Norbert said, staring at Karr. "How much longer?"


    "Three more calls," Karr replied.


    Norbert nodded his head, making his way to the bed beside his bloody one. He lay back down on it, closing his eyes once more.

 Chapter 277 About the Grimm

    Norbert felt an arm on his shoulder as he opened his eyes once more. The face of Karr looking down on him, continuing to shake his arm until Norbert showed some signs of moving.


    Patting the healer on the shoulder, Norbert sat up as he moved his feet to the side. Standing up, Norbert stretched as he looked underneath the board towards the platform. Three others were already making their way to it.


    Smiling towards Karr, Norbert walked past several beds, much less than the thousand that were there originally. Norbert nodded to his companions as he stood on the platform, lights filling the chute as he looked up, waiting for it to rise.


    Stumbling slightly as the platform he was standing on descended unexpectedly, the lights above him getting smaller and smaller in the air.


    Norbert got his feet under him as he looked at the others, seeing their faces grow slightly in dread as they waited for the platform to finish. The walls disappeared around them as Norbert was on the platform, Norbert looking around at the crowd. All turn towards the group descending towards the ground.


    Norbert looked towards their opponents. The five figures were wrapped up, and Norbert was unable to see any qualifying markers to them. The platform rested on the ground as Norbert turned to his party. The fire mage was here with the other two warriors, and the spearman and the mace wielder were there with him.


    "Anyone know about Grimm?" The spearman asked the group. Norbert turns towards the person, even underneath the armour seeing.


    "I''ve seen a vampire take out a squad of people before and not look worse for wear," Norbert said distractedly as he looked towards the stands. He saw Count von Count standing there, the witch Vivienne next to him, and Norbert saw their mouths move as they talked to each other.


    Noticing Norbert watching them, Count von Count gave him a smile and two thumbs up. Shaking his head at the ridiculousness of it, he turned towards the crowd, as others had seen the interaction as well.


    "ONE!" The voice boomed out, the barrier disappearing as Norbert''s entire party stood still, nobody wanting to press forward. The Grimm on the other side are standing there as well. Norbert counted to ten as neither party made a move. Sighing, Norbert stepped out. "I''ll try to hold two and finish the other three." The energy coursing through his body had not calmed since he started walking towards the platform. "And Karr, if there''s a vampire, then whenever someone bleeds, you can give it strength, so try not to let anyone get even a scratch." Norbert ran off, not letting the healer give a reply.


    Everyone was now forced into action as Norbert''s party followed after him in a jog, all five of the Grimm coming towards him, dirt getting kicked up into the air from their actions. Patting his legs, all weapons there, now thankful that he hadn''t used any earlier on the Kreevss, with the Grimm about to be breathing down his neck.


    Unsheathing his sword, Norbert saw them drop their covers. The bright colours fell to the ground, clashing with the usual black and dark blues of the armour underneath. Norbert came forward, leaping forward as one of them stopped, looking straight at Norbert as their jaw opened up.


    Norbert dropped to the ground, assaulted by pain in his ears as he felt his entire body vibrate from the shockwave. Placing his arm in front of him, Norbert looked towards the source, seeing the one who had stopped looking straight at him. The air vibrated as the dirt on the ground danced between the two of them.


    Closing his eyes, Norbert lowered the arm he used to protect them as he stood up slightly, getting at the throwing dagger on his leg. Taking a peep, Norbert released the dagger at the screaming person. Feeling it momentarily, Norbert got to his feet as he felt someone running past him on either side.


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    Turning to the back, two ran past Norbert as a head appeared before him. He could not move out of the way as the head met his, unprepared, sending him back into the ground. I was happy the helmet hadn''t moved or dented from the strike as the sound picked up again.


    The energy inside of him healed his ears as they were constantly being damaged by the sound, causing his hearing to come in and out, his head pinging from it as he turned his healing off in that area. His hearing cut out as his ears finally stopped getting wet.


    Still feeling his body shake, he knew he couldn''t do anything about that. Norbert stood up, knowing the position of the screamer with where it was in his body. It cut out for a second as Norbert looked in the direction wondering what had happened.


    His body reeled to the side as he was once more struck in the head. His feet were kicked out of him at the same time as his body was pushed to the ground. Feeling the ground encase around him, Norbert had enough of it as he started pulling himself back out, only for his body to vibrate again. The ground beneath him vibrated as the loose dirt danced once more.


    He stuck his head out of the hole, turning behind him as his team fought against the two that slipped past him. Norbert could tell by their movements that the mace and spear wielder were being careful not to get hit and focusing purely on defence, not wanting to let up and allow the Grimm to have any more of an advantage.


    He sent the energy around his body, feeling it slightly decrease in amount as his body finally stopped vibrating. Standing up and looking towards the sound of the source, his eyeballs no longer felt like they would rupture under the pressure on them.


    Drawing his sword once more, he felt his head get impacted once again. Ready for it, he braced his legs, stiffening his neck as he felt his helmet ring from the impact. Turning to the creature, Norbert breathed out, making it flash red as he swiped out. He took the appendage as he swiped up with this blade, cutting it cleanly off.


    Tossing the arm away from the fight towards the crowd, he watched out of the corner of his eye as it hit a barrier before falling to the ground. Feeling the scream stop for a moment, his body felt so rigid that he couldn''t move it at all. Unstinting his muscles, Norbert leapt towards them, seeing in their eyes as panic came for a moment.


    As Norbert was just about a grin forming as their jaw opened up larger than should be possible, his bones rattling once more as he was blown back from the shockwave. He flew backwards, launching a throwing dagger, seeing as it stopped nearly touching the screamer before flying away without even scratching a hair on their head.


    As Norbert was moved backwards once more, he dug the sword into the ground, cracks appearing under his feet as he stopped. Tensing his muscles, he stopped them from vibrating as he launched himself at the screamer once more.


    Making his way forward, Norbert reached the screamer again, not caring for the sound as he waited for it to increase. Taking a dagger, he wed the sword into the ground again to stop himself from flying away. The screamer just took a single step backwards.


    Running forward once more, he felt his feet lose their grip as he came closer once more. Continuing to run forward, the cat-and-mouse game continued between the two of them. Neither going any further than before as they both raced around the arena.


    Hoping to lock the screamer in a corner, Norbert'' Norbert''s did not work as the two continued around. Seeing behind the screamer as they continued walking backwards, the rest of his team, four on four, happened as the spearman was on the side, clutching at a wound as the healer pointed in their direction.


    Spells were flung with no effect as an ethereal blue light came off one of them, flames flickering up their faces and from their hands. They were also wielding a sword that flickered, the flames seemingly drawing in the light from around them.


    "Cheeky girl!" Norbert shouted, unable to hear his voice and unsure if the screamer even heard him as he ran to the side. He felt himself getting pushed back but not working as well, and he was no longer fighting directly against the waves.


    Turning towards him, Norbert felt himself get pushed away as he was joined together in the fight. Smashing into the flaming individual as the two of them rocketed away, Norbert spun them around, throwing the burning man as far as possible, hoping to buy some time as he looked at the remaining three.


    They were sweeping one with their entire sleeve torn off one of their arms. The white flesh underneath as Norbert saw them bear their fangs at Norbert. They saw their hand blood form from the fight into a ball, slowly travelling up it and disappearing under their shirt.

 Chapter 278 Fangs Open Up

    Norbert saw their fangs open up as he tackled them to the ground; a sword stabbed into their chest as they grabbed at his neck, pulling him in closer. Norbert looked into their eyes as he resisted being dragged in, feeling his arms buckling under the pressure that was exerted on him.


    Giving in, Norbert has one arm over the neck as he lets his body get pulled down. The gurgling vampire underneath him as they tried to bring him closer down, unable to as Norbert held them in position, resting on his elbow, his forearm over their neck.


    Feeling the neck start to give out, the muscles there slowly getting crushed, Norbert was surprised that they were still pulling Norbert in. His elbow propped him up, and Norbert pulled his fist back as he slammed it into the head. The skull cracked under the force as Norbert did it again, the nose breaking as a spray of blood covered Norbert''s face from the wound.


    Pulling his arm back for a third punch, Norbert felt someone grab his leg, dragging him off the vampire. A spike of pain travelled up his leg as the vampire was forced to let go, his sword still pinning the creature into the ground.


    Norbert turned around, seeing who it was that grabbed onto him, pulling him away. Norbert turned to who it was, only to see a boot come down on his face. Norbert pulled it out of the way, moving his body as it came down again.


    It came out of his vision. Norbert moved his head to the side, getting a view of one of the Grimm, ready to stomp on his head again. Feeling the hand still on his leg, Norbert scrunched his body up as it came forward again. Norbert kicked himself out of the hold as best he could, twisting his body away so as not to get stomped on again.


    Grabbing onto one leg, Norbert used it to pull himself up, balancing on one leg as he lifted the one he was holding into the air, trying to make them lose balance. Coming into the air, Norbert came face to face with one of the Grimm, both of them in the same position the other was holding them in.


    Norbert trying to pull his leg down, unable to with the weird angle, at the same time his dance partner trying the same thing. The two of them just wiggled around from side to side, shuffling with one foot down as neither wanted to move their position from where they were.


    Norbert looked around, seeing the vampire rip itself from his blade, creeping their way towards Norbert. Fumbling with his other hand as it was caught in his dance partners. They were holding him together as they waited. Not thinking this was how it would end up, with the two of them hopping around together, neither able to pull the other out of the position of the other.


    Norbert, annoyed, hopped up, raising his foot and causing his entire body to drop to the ground. While hooking around his opponent''s leg behind the knee, causing the two of them to sprawl to the ground.


    Norbert grasped the body in front of him, getting his foot on their chest and kicking them away from him. The opponent tried to grasp on but could not, as Norbert''s was too great. Finally free, Norbert got to his knees and slammed two feet into his chest, toppling him to the ground again.


    Flying through the air, seeing someone from his group on the floor, the Grimm left them alone as they went on to their next target. Norbert now realised, as he skidded on the floor, how it was possible for an entire team to wipe out like what had happened previously with Finekus.


    Norbert tumbled down, got back up to his feet, and looked up to see the vampire lunging at him again. Taking a dagger out of the sheath on his legs, Norbert tackled the creature to the ground, the two of them rolling until he had it positioned in the vampire''s chest.


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    Beginning the pistoning motion, Norbert moved the dagger around the body as he felt the vampire move against him. Throwing a punch straight into the jaw of the creature, feeling bones break in his hand and the jaw as he tried to pry it out, unable to as the vampire latched onto him.


    Seeing the vampire smile at him now that he is trapped, he feels it start to guzzle the blood down into them, its body healing up just as Norbert destroyed it once more. He remembers the time with Count von Count when he was in the last battle of attrition with a vampire, wondering what was the best method as he continued, what he was doing, moving the creature dagger about in the body.


    Remembering his healing, Norbert left the dagger within the chest as he shoved his hand in as deep as possible, pulling out the organs and snapping the bones before flinging them out behind him. Moving to the limbs, Norbert shattered the bones in one of the arms, using his knee on their caved-in chest to hold them in position.


    As Norbert continued, breaking all the limbs only leaving the torso and head connected, the smile no longer appearing on the face, as they still tried to suck down on Norbert''s blood, both hands on it., Norbert lifted the head off, the neck popping as it relented, Norbert just looking at the head, still trying to suck down everything it could.


    Breaking his jaw off, having an odd-shaped ball, Norbert looked to the other side of the arena, lining up as he dropped and kicked the head to the other side, hoping it would give him enough time to sort out the other opponents he would need to face.


    Standing there, looking for his sword, Norbert felt his entire body vibrating again as he was blown back slightly. Tensing his muscles again, Norbert looked towards the screamer once more. The screamer''s jaw was unhinged as before as they continued to wail at Norbert.


    He was annoyed that he would need to deal with it, and no idea came to mind as he was forced to go further away. The others pinned him down as he was pushed backwards towards the barrier. Whenever he tried to go to the side, one of the others hit him back, letting him be in the main range of the attack.


    Norbert dug his heels in, only for the dirt underneath to give in, resulting in his position now with his back pressed towards the barrier, able to see it visibly glow beneath him. Turning to the others on either side, Norbert leaned forward as much as possible, still standing there.


    He stood there as his back was pushed once more against the barrier, the screamer standing a meter and a half away, out of his reach from whatever he could try.


    Placing one foot up as high as it could go against the barrier, Norbert pushed off, using it to make himself stand horizontal on the ground, able to stay there due to the screamer right in front of him. Bending down, Norbert jumped forward, arms reached out as he had just caught a piece of their clothing between two fingers. Not letting his chance at defeating the screamer and victory slip away, Norbert let himself be pushed towards the barrier.


    The screamer came with him as the two of them were dragged closer. Norbert was now a meter away and moved to the side, holding the screamer''s head in place so as not to follow it around. The mouth finally closed as Norbert held the jaw down, stopping anything more from coming out.


    Grabbing hold of it, Norbert ripped it to the side, a crunch coming out and a whimper of pain as the body dropped to the floor. Norbert hoped he hadn''t done any permanent damage and that a healing potion would fix her.


    Finally, with his hearing no longer in danger of being constantly destroyed, Norbert healed it up, and with a pop, everything came back all at once. Stumbling slightly from the information overload, the crowd screaming and booing at him. Surprised to find peace, he focused on the spectator box, which Vivienne had shown him before.


    The giant was still standing there, looking down at Norbert. There was a scowl on his face as Norbert walked away, dashing towards his sword before anyone else could intercept him. Ripping the sword out of the ground, dirt flew behind him as he brought it up, not seeing the strike as it rattled into the blade.


    Flames licked up the sword as Norbert stared down into their socket; the flames moved back and forth. Norbert wondered what they were with as he pushed the blade away, both of them moving backward. Norbert struck in again overhand as his opponent thrust, aiming straight for his body.

 Chapter 279 Honour be Returned

    The sword pierced his chest, Norbert''s strike clattering against the armour as he felt the flames course within his body. Swiping again, his opponent''s hand came up, grasping onto the blade as it was pushed further in, the hilt of the flaming sword reaching his body. Looking down, he knew his clothes would be ruined entirely once again.


    Growling in frustration, Norbert grasped the sword stuck in him, banging his hand down and feeling the vibrations up his body. Now, not needing to concentrate on not healing his hearing, Norbert just let it go full throttle.


    Pulling his body out to the side, his ribs breaking as it did so, Norbert came down with his fist against the helmeted person. Feeling it ring out down his arm, Norbert pulled his fist back again, sending another blow to the head.


    He felt the metal give way under the force; Norbert pulled back a third time. The sword came in from the side, aiming for his cocked arm. Norbert spun his body, allowing the two swords to meet again.


    Hearing the clang resonate as it moved up his arms, Norbert moved his eyes slightly to the side, seeing the other two picking off his last two teammates. Karr pumped everything he could into the fire mage. A geyser of flames was constantly shooting out as the two slowly backed away.


    Focusing back on his fight, Norbert''s blade slipped as he ducked, letting the opponent''s blade go overhead. Going to one hand, Norbert moved his feet out in a spin, sweeping one of the opponent''s feet out of the way, causing him to slightly change his balance.


    Jumping up like a spinning top, Norbert moved forward, holding the blade towards his body as it grazed against the armour. He moved his body out of the way so as not to hit himself, needing to jump into the air as the opponent''s blade came at him.


    Coming to the apex, Norbert extended his legs again, feeling the flames on his feet as he looked down at his foe. Standing on the blade, the flame licking at his feet as the two locked eyes. Norbert finds himself getting lost within the sockets once more.


    His platform fell as the sword was pulled out from under him. He was slicing down Norbert, hitting the helmet off the head, seeing the half remains of flesh trying to cling onto the skin.


    Norbert freaked out momentarily, the flesh looking worse for wear, more degraded and only hanging on in tatters. Norbert felt the flames continue on the sword as the flesh ate away a bit more, falling off the body.


    Aiming the sword straight at the skull like a bat, Norbert dropped it as the skeleton''s sword came up in time, stopping the blade. Letting it go, Norbert let the weapon spin out, cluttering away. Stepping forward, Norbert wrapped his hands around the head as he dropped his body, taking the two of them down to the ground.


    The skeleton cannot hold them up as they tumble to the floor. Norbert moves around his body as he grapples, grabs his arm, and places his legs in an arm lock around the torso.


    Leaning backwards, Norbert pulled the arm back as he put pressure on the arm joint, going the wrong way. Norbert pulled back on it, hearing it creak. His opponent still did not tap out but instead reached up his leg for a dagger and pulled one out.


    Not wanting to let go, Norbert pulled the arm further down, hearing it crack as it broke under him. A blossom of pain came out of Norbert as he looked down, one of his throwing knives sticking out of his thigh, the blood flowing down as his ability tried to push it out, the skeleton holding the blade in, not allowing it to come out.


    The pain subsiding as his ability stopped it from overpowering his mind, twisting his leg out, the blade remaining still as it carved a chunk of his flesh out, Norbert instantly trying to stand up and put weight on it, only to crumple back down onto the skeleton.


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    The dagger went into Norbert''s ear as he stood there, feeling it poke around. The skeleton shoved him to the side, spinning it around and turning Norbert''s brain to jelly as his vision came to darkness. He wondered what happened to his helmet to allow the side of his head to be struck.


    ***


    Opening his eyes, he saw the ceiling far above him as he tried to remember the last thing he was doing. Bolting upright, he remembered the battle, his hand on a dagger, ready to pull it out.


    His heart slamming in his chest, he calmed his breathing down, wondering how he had made it to the bed. Feeling the energy within himself, a stream compared to the torrent, Norbert knew he could normally make it when needed. Trying to press it to go faster, nothing was coming to him, the energy having been used up.


    He groaned as he stood up, holding onto the bed frame as his head spun from the movement. On the bed beside him, Norbert saw both Karr and the fire mage looking at him.


    "Did we make it?" Norbert asked, landing back on the bed. He sat with his legs over the side as he focused on breathing, the splotches of darkness clearing from his vision. Looking down at his body, Norbert looked at his tattered clothes, knowing he would need to have them replaced again.


    "Somehow, we did. Or, more precisely, you did." The fire mage spoke to Norbert.


    Nodding his head as he wondered what happened, "After fighting the skeleton-"


    "Litch", Karr squeaked out to Norbert.


    Norbert nodded in thanks before wondering if that was a glitch and if it had the same connotations as he was used to. "The litch, I can''t remember anything. The last thing that happened for me after getting stabbed in the side of the face was me waking up here," Norbert stated.


    Karr and the fire mage looked at Norbert in amazement. "Simply put, you tore through everyone else like a beast." The fire mage told Norbert.


    Sitting in thought, he wondered what had happened. He nodded as he thought back to the training ground, where he had defeated the dirt monster and then walked through the desert for who knows how long until becoming completely catatonic.


    "Thanks for being here. Are there any more fights planned for today?" Norbert asked.


    The fire mage shook his head. "Not since we have less people left than the organisers expected. Hate to be the organisers needing to re-arrange everything, but we''re in a much worse position." The fire mage stated.


    Norbert''s head no longer spun as he nodded. He stood up, looked at the bed, saw his helmet in the two usual pieces, and picked it up for inspection. Norbert saw the two pieces having minor damage. Placing them together, Norbert sees them still clicking into place, with only a slight warping of the metal on the left side.


    Wondering how the pitch would have removed the helmet from his body. Combining and removing the pieces several times, the mechanism or spell it used was still in position, and Norbert clasped it over his head. Breathing in and out, he heard a faint whistling sound from his left ear, where the warp was in the metal.


    Breathing out again as he covered it, the sound going away, removing it again, the whistling coming up, hoping it wouldn''t get too annoying. Adding onto the next thing to do was repair the helmet. Taking off the back piece as the mask still held onto his face, not seeing a place to put the other side, Norbert combined the two pieces, hearing the whistling sound again.


    Turning to his two companions, picking up his sword as he did so, Norbert asked, "Are you two staying here for the night?"


    Receiving nods from both in response, Norbert gave a wave as he headed towards the exit. He did not see Vivienne standing there as he walked out, heading up the spiral to exit the colosseum.


    As he made it to the top and still saw no sign of the witch, Norbert looked out, seeing a line of Kreevss waiting for him.


    Sucking air into his lungs, his helmet whistling once more as he stepped out into the light, feeling the wind blowing on his stomach from the ripped clothes.


    Standing straight in front of him was the golden Kreevss, the blinding one from the other day. Norbert grasped his sword blade, not pulling it out, as he shouted, "You''re still going to try and get me after seeing what I did?"


    "We will never stop until you breathe your last breath. Only then will our honour be returned."


    Norbert just looked at the golden creature, raising a single eyebrow at the statement and sighing in annoyance that he wouldn''t have an easy way out of there. He only felt the trickle within himself. Cursing for not having anything to replenish his stock, Norbert knew he would need to end this quickly, his usual tactic of delaying as long as possible not seeming to work out.


    His final thought was correct as more Kreevss came out to him, filling the streets and rooftops. All eyes trained on him.

 Chapter 280 Five silver for a sack

    He moved his hand from the sword, not wanting to use it and slowing down his escape any more than needed. He sent the energy around his body, feeling it sluggish compared to normal as he felt it move about his body.


    He was focusing it on his legs. Norbert was looking to see if any side streets were useable, but he did not find any as the Kreevss started to come closer to him, all in a line. The time for action is coming to Norbert, who does not want to get entrapped by the Kreevss.


    Leaning forward, Norbert got down as he pushed a runner off the starting block after the gun had been shot. Several steps took him straight to Kaa, moving his body to the side and avoiding the Kreevss entirely.


    Bursting past the first line, the Kreevss did not even react in time as Norbert started running down the street in front of him. He tried to remember the map on how to get underground, hoping they didn''t have forces waiting there either.


    Arrows above him are being launched out, peppering the street around him and feeling them pierce his back, Norbert grabs them and rips them out, being mindful of healing them up straight away, not wanting to lose the blood or allow it to be a trail for him to follow.


    Seeing people up ahead, Norbert quickly turned around, and the sea of Kreevss follows him, causing the sand to kick up into the air, a sandstorm chasing after him. Seeing no archers around here, he wondered how they would have contained him around the Colosseum. Norbert dived into a side street.


    Continuing to go across to the right, Norbert tries to remember where Vivienne had shown him the wall that gave way, opening up to the underground city below and where he might be able to escape from his pursuers. He does not want to go into the clothing store with this many people following him.


    Norbert diverts towards the clothing store, remembering when nobody could escape from purchasing something, hoping that the Kreevss would also be forced to get something.


    Barging into the store, Norbert screeching on his heels to slow down before knocking on something. Everyone looked at him in the busy store as Norbert quickly hailed someone down.


    "I''m here to pick up some clothes," Norbert told no one in particular.


    A clerk popping up in front of him, moving him to the back of the room, Norbert seeing a cubby hole system with pieces of fabric wrapped up everywhere. Hearing a commotion at the front, the Kreevss likely having arrived just arrived, hoping the store clerks would slow them down.


    The clerk showed Norbert his clothes, seeing the wrapping like usual, and he nodded, giving the rest of the coinage as he started to walk out. Stopping on his heels, Norbert asked the man, "Can I walk out in this, and do you have a sack as well?"


    The clerk looked between Norbert and the Kreevss who started walking into the store, eyeing the two of them. "Five silver for a sack."


    ***


    Norbert was garbed in his new attire, the colourful fabric wrapped around his body. He was leaning over with a hunched back, using his sword as a cane, with part of the sack wrapped around the handle, hiding it.


    Walking past the Kreevss and out of the store, all of them being bombarded by the salespeople, Norbert wondered how much money they would make out of this. Looking on the street outside, archers once more lined the building. Norbert froze for a moment as they stared at him, holding his breath as he began to straighten up, wanting to sprint out of the situation.


    Holding onto his nerves in an iron fist, Norbert calmed his breathing, slowing it down to normal. Looking down towards the ground, he quickly shuffled off. Others in the street were also moving about, and Norbert blended into the crowd around him.


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    Checking that the coast was clear and nobody was after him, Norbert wanted to start whistling. Remembering that was what got him caught previously. Lucky that it was just some kids, but if it had been the Kreevss. Norbert shook his head as he imagined another run around the city, this time not having an easy way to hide himself.


    The first thing on his agenda was a way to fix his helmet. Norbert started following his nose, going this way and that on the upper levels, keeping an eye out for any Kreevss that may come about his path on his journey to find a blacksmith.


    Keeping his ears out as Norbert continued to walk around, not asking for directions as he went around the city, not going into the lower levels, knowing he would be much more easily singled out, his current clothes not blending in with the designs of below.


    Near the centre, the Colosseum was just a block over. Norbert walked around, each street having its own rough type. As he walked across one, hearing the sounds of banging and metal on metal, he stopped for a moment.


    Walking down it, Norbert followed the sounds as he heard more and more. The buildings opened up, and parts of their roofs were exposed to the elements as smoke came up into the air. Walking forward, Norbert went to the first place, walking past the curtain and looking about the establishment.


    Looking about the place, he saw two long tables, weapons and several pieces of armour sitting there. At the other end of the store, beside the person hammering down, Norbert saw a counter with just an empty stool.


    Walking forward to the counter, pulling out the two pieces of the helmet from the sack onto the counter, the two pieces of metal clanging together, the sound cutting the rhythm the blacksmith was creating.


    Norbert smiled as he waited there. The hammering continued undisturbed. Looking forward for a minute, the hammering continued as Norbert turned to the side, wondering what they were doing to entice their attention for so long with a customer waiting.


    He saw the furnace glowing red hot and the bricks glowing a white light from inside. Norbert could see half of a rune on the outside, a crystal on top. Norbert watched the blacksmith as they hammed away at the piece of metal from the furnace, slowly losing its red glow.


    After some time, the blacksmith placed the metal back in the furnace, placing their hand on the crystal on top as the metal turned a cherry red instantly, the runes producing the heat blinding Norbert as he looked away from it, seeing spots in his eyes.


    He blinked as he turned away from the light and leaned on the counter, his eyes watering as he regained his vision. Hearing the hammering go no more, Norbert blinked away the remainder of the tears as he looked at the blacksmith.


    The person disappeared behind the counter, climbing up the stool to sit on, and they leaned over, looking at what Norbert had placed on the counter. Now that he was looking to see a landing, Norbert turned to the anvil, propping it up and allowing someone of a small stature to walk around easily.


    Norbert turned back to the counter, seeing their small stature completely there, even smaller than Stumpy. He wondered how they would operate, not wanting to be any ruder as he remembered the item at hand.


    Pointing towards the mask with the dented sides, "Can you repair this?"


    The blacksmith picked it up, raising an eyebrow to Norbert. Norbert whistled to the blacksmith as he stayed hobbled down, both of them knowing where it came from. Reaching into his coin pouch, Norbert felt around, placing the silver coin on the table.


    The blacksmith looked back at the pieces of metal, turning them around as he looked towards the centre, nodding his head before placing them back down again. Norbert looked at their face, which had discomfort painted on it.


    "You can''t repair it?" Norbert asked, hoping he wasn''t right.


    "Well, I can, just none of the runes will work."


    Norbert just raised his eyebrow, waiting to hear more. The blacksmith spun it around as they pointed to a rune "It''s this little bugger right here. A marker of sorts. Stops this entire array if the mana injected to re-craft it isn''t the same as what created it."


    Norbert leaning forward, "And you don''t have the skills to make it?" Norbert asked.


    "Not in this city. Either go where you came from or possibly up to the northern continent," the blacksmith told Norbert.


    Their eyes widened as he heard mention of a northern continent, filing that later to talk about Norbert just nodding, placing both.


    "Why so short?" Norbert asked as the blacksmith began hammering again. Hearing no reply, Norbert looked to take the silver coin, seeing it had somehow disappeared in the conversation when he wasn''t looking.


    Turning to the door, Norbert opened the curtain "Rude bugger, never ask a half here about their height." The blacksmith muttered out.


    Looking outside, Norbert walked to the following smoke pillar coming off, wondering how there would even be smoke with nothing burning and if they would have the same response to Norbert

 Chapter 281 Were All in the Pot Together

    Norbert walked to the next blacksmith place, several houses down. Walking in, Norbert moved the curtain out of the way as is custom and saw the more square shop compared to before. He saw lines and shields stacked against the wall all sizes.


    He was about to walk away when he saw a shimmer, changing his vision to magic as he confirmed with what he saw, a rune poking out behind a shield. Norbert moved to the shield, pulling the one in the way out of it as he looked down at the shield with the rune.


    The white rune was pained on a red shield, and multiple parts of it formed on the top side. Norbert placed the shield back in place, hoping they had a better idea of what to do with his helmet.


    Walking over to the counter, Norbert saw the stool once more standing there, leaning around the counter to see where the blacksmith was hammering away. Standing on their platform, the blacksmith was hammering away. Norbert was leaning on the counter, the helmet pieces resting there, as he waited for the blacksmith to turn around to Norbert.


    After some time, the blacksmith placed the piece they were working on, the metal nearly as big as themselves, before hopping down, scurrying towards the stool by the counter, climbing on top as they looked down at the two pieces of the helmet Norbert placed there.


    The blacksmith looked down at the piece, the distinct mask with its design, before looking up to Norbert. Not wanting to lose another silver, "You can expect something if you accept the work. So, can you fix it?"


    The blacksmith nodded in acceptance as they looked at the two pieces of the helmet. He was turning them about to look inside, Norbert hearing a nod. They placed it back down again and slid it over to Norbert.


    ¡°Even you can¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°No can do.¡±


    ¡°But you could do the shield with the rune?¡± Norbert pointed towards the front of the shop with the shield he looked at.


    ¡°That wasn''t me, but a joint effort brought from my home,¡± the blacksmith told Norbert.


    Frowning at it, he saw the massive city around them, and there wasn¡¯t any enchanter around. ¡°So none around that can do any enchantments? Not allowed to apply runes?¡± Norbert thought about all the housework needing a rune replaced as he eyed the furnace to the side.


    ¡°Runes for everyday use are fine here, but those for weaponisation or added to elements that can be are heavily monitored here.¡± The blacksmith flipped it around and pointed again to the sigil the previous blacksmith pointed to. ¡°I think I know someone who can crack this, but it¡¯s honestly iffy if they can and may impact how it works. Best to go to its original creators to get it repaired.¡± the" locksmith said with a final nod, completing their thoughts.


    Norbert nodded his head as he considered the implications, seeing all solutions pointing to him getting out of the city and somehow needing to bring the kids with him as well.


    Norbert turned around and gave a wave, knowing his next target to find would be Commander Sally and if she could get him and the kids out of this city. He was turning on his heels, looking around to orient himself as he wondered where the commander could be residing.


    Only two possibilities came to mind: in the stadium in the main box, where he was sure there was one above and underground, or in Morenas Street, where he had been instructed to take residence. From the assessment of his other companions in the contest, he was sure the street would be deserted now due to the Kreevss.


    Figuring there should still be competitions going on, Norbert made his way to the stadium, looking out for any Kreevss that would still be hanging around the centre of the city. He did not know why, as Norbert had never before shown himself there when he had finished his fight.


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    Quickly making his way back, still hunched over, Norbert made his way across. Only a handful of Kreevss were walking about, sticking in groups as they tried to look over everyone. The rest of the city folk avoided them. News had spread as Norbert clung to the group he was currently walking in, keeping his head down and making sure nothing on him would rattle around.


    Finding where he believed the right passageway was, Norbert ducked inside, hugged the right wall, and went up the third entrance, hoping he remembered the correct doorway. As he started going up the stairs, seeing behind him the slime from there, Norbert rushed up them quicker than before, getting to the landing as he looked around, the guards on either side staring at him.


    Before they could intercept, a slime appeared in front of Norbert, forming out of the ground in front of him. Turning back down the stairs, I saw nothing following up after him. The slime''s disembodied voice echoes, ¡°Name and reason for entrance here.¡±


    Norbert swallowed as he looked at the guards, confirming neither was Kreevss. Reaching into his top, Norbert pulled out the piece of metal with his identification. ¡°Norbert¡± were the only words that came out of his mouth. The two guards behind him raised their eyebrows as they realised who they were talking to.


    ¡°And I¡¯m here to see Commander Sally from Morenas, leader of the group I recently joined,¡± Norbert added, hoping that would give him enough credibility to the slime that he wouldn¡¯t be thrown out immediately.


    The slime read over his tag as it waited, and Norbert was about to ask the slime again if it was broken. ¡°Approved, follow,¡± it stated again, heading down the hallway that Norbert had found himself on. The two guards stepped back, allowing Norbert to pass seamlessly between them.


    Making his way down the corridor, Norbert went up a flight of stairs as he navigated his way around the Colosseum. Hunching down once more, he confirmed that his identity tag was once more tucked underneath his clothes so as not to reveal his presence in case a Kreevss or someone else they might have banded with appeared in front of him.


    The slime stopped at a doorway. Norbert heard nothing from inside, so he turned to the slime to make sure that he was at the right spot. The slime dissipated into the ground, leaving Norbert alone, apart from the two guards on either side of the door.


    Looking between them, Norbert knocked his hand on the door, not knowing what would be on the other side. Bent over, Norbert made sure that nothing was showing as the door slowly opened, and someone bowed on the other side as the sound came out.


    Norbert stepped forward into the long room, nobody giving him any attention, the door closing behind him. Turning around, the person by the door looked down at the ground, and the voices talking to each other grabbed his attention as he looked to see where Sally would be.


    The woman looking right at him, having their back to the others in the room. Norbert gazed at them as he went utterly still, seeing a Kreevss looking down at the fight below. The sound of the commentator quieting around him.


    Sally quickly approached him, heading to the door as it was opened. Norbert was pushed through as Commander Sally continued to walk away from Norbert, not looking back to see if he was following her.


    Straightening up his stance to catch up, Norbert followed behind. He saw the woman go into a side room, the door kept ajar as he followed in behind her. He saw a cosy office here in the massive Colosseum. Sally was sitting at the desk, turning to look at Norbert. Going into the folds of his clothes, Norbert passed over to Sally the two pieces of his helmet one at a time.


    ¡°Need to get back to Alasium to repair the mask,¡± Norbert told her.


    The commander looked down at the gash, placed the two pieces together, and saw how properly it couldn¡¯t be there. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°And I need to move at least fifty people out of this city.¡±


    Sally" whistled in response, giving the two pieces back to him. Catching them out of the air, Norbert placed them in their spot: ¡°I can "help with transporting you to Alasium, but the rest is up to you.¡±


    Norbert nodded as he leaned back on the door, mind running through as avenues were cut off.


    ¡°Know anybody that can assist?¡±


    ¡°Not pulling in a favour like that for you now, sorry.¡±


    Norbert tilting his head at the words, ¡°Guess "hat Vivienne was saying was correct, things are starting to boil.¡±


    ¡°And were all in the pot together.¡±


    Norbert just nodded his head, remembering one of the times he saw Obsius.


    ¡°Oh, do you know where Obsius is?¡± Norbert asked Sally.


    Over in Alasium waiting for you. But enough about that; I had something to tell you as well.¡±


    ¡°And that is?¡± Norbert asked, waiting for a proper response instead of Commander Sally just holding out on information.


    ¡°You need to leave the tournament. Sigma Eight needs you for a mission soon.¡±


    The words drummed in Norbert''s needing to leave this dust bowl of a city.

 Chapter 282 GET OUT

    Is this tournament doomed to fail from the start? Was Vivienne about it getting closer than before? Wondering what Sally would position him this way, Norbert had to ask.


    ¡°And what if I don¡¯t want to quit the tournament?¡± Norbert asked her.


    ¡°Rumor among the organisers is you¡¯re going to face Arzlan next,¡± Sally said, looking up at Norbert and gauging his reaction.


    Blowing air out of his mouth, Norbert dismissed it with a wave of his hand: ¡°As long as nothing funny happens, Arzlan isn¡¯t that much of a threat.¡±


    Sally''s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°You believe you can simply march in and defeat one of the undefeated champions from past tournaments? And you''re not concerned about any potential tricks, especially considering how the Kreevss have been provoked?¡± Sally''s voice was laced with worry as she questioned Norbert, her fingers nervously toying with the piece of paper in her hand.


    Norbert stepped forward, taking the piece of paper out of the commander''s fingers as he opened it up. Inside, the single word ripped in the paper was ¡®Martitia¡¯.


    With a calm demeanour, Norbert stepped forward, taking the piece of paper from Sally''s hand. Folding it neatly, he stowed it away in his coin pouch, planning to examine it later. Meeting Sally''s gaze, he explained his rationale and his unwavering confidence in facing Arzlan: ¡°Last time, I was trapped by Hyeon, unable to break free. This time, they won''t be able to make any blatant moves.¡± Norbert shrugged, continuing, ¡°And it''s not like I haven''t grown stronger since then.¡±


    Norbert''s mind raced, calculating the odds. ¡°Arzlan has been here far longer than I have. The likelihood of him having undergone a significant evolution is high,¡± Norbert mused, tapping his chin as he tried to piece together the timeline. "The only issue is the timing. A few days to strategize would be advantageous.¡±


    Sally sighs, trying to think of a way to convince him to stay. ¡°How many days would be preferential?¡±


    Norbert sized it up in his mind, counting how long it would take for his mask to get fixed and adding an extra day to find a way to operate the teleportation gates to get the kids out of there. ¡°Four days at a minimum. Five would be nice before needing to fight again in the tournament.¡±


    Sally nodded, ¡°You have five days, but afterwards, you''re needed. Wrap up everything you can and lose after facing Arzlan. I¡¯ll say you need to train for the next days, so that¡¯s why you¡¯re not around.¡±


    ¡°And the Kreevss?¡± Norbert asked aloud, wondering if they would be placed in their bucket, away from causing him any issues.


    ¡°They will run rampant here as they are now. We aren¡¯t letting any of them move into Morenas through the portals,¡± Commander Sally told Norbert, breathing a sigh of relief that he wouldn¡¯t always need to watch his back for them.


    As he thought about them, the next idea came to him: How would he be able to move the kids over to the other side? He left that for the moment, wanting to tackle getting himself ready and even trying to find someone to move them out of there.


    ¡°I guess you''re not going to allow a stream of children to go through a portal,¡± Norbert asked, hoping that with the deal they had made, he could get something more out of it.


    ¡°Sadly, no, Travellers are a rare commodity. Not even you have enough coin to hire one of them out for fifty people.¡± Sally said to him.


    ¡°Then how does The Frontier pay for them?¡± Norbert asked, not seeing how they could spend that much coin on how many times he had been moved around himself.


    ¡°Private commodity, and protection provided to them. Every country wants another¡¯s travellers.¡± Sally told Norbert as she started looking out the window to the side of him. Norbert opened his mouth to ask the following question on his mind.


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    ¡°Why?¡± He asked, like a child to their mother, at every answer that was given to them.


    ¡°Because they know all the gates in their network. With one, a section or the entire country can easily be yours.¡± Sally provided.


    He is unable to stop himself from whistling at the understanding of what he could be dealing with: ¡°And anyone that cannot give them protection is used with exuberant amounts of coin to stop anything shady from happening?¡±


    ¡°That is one of the reasons why they charge a high price.¡± Sally provided it to Norbert.


    Standing there, waiting for Sally to continue, Norbert heard nothing more from her. The conversation had died to nothing as the two of them stared at each other.


    He nodded, the information he needed for the moment given to him. He nodded, reaching for the handle and opening the door as he stepped out.


    He closed the door behind him, not once hearing Sally''s outcry for him to return and be given another piece of information. Leaning against the door, Norbert breathed in momentarily, kicking off the doorway as he walked down the hallway, heading out of the stadium and towards the gate he had travelled to get to this city.


    ***


    Standing in front of the gate, his coin pouch heavy from his collection to the mansion for the rest of his coins, he did not know who he might need them from as he showed his identification, passing through as he stepped through the blue portal in front of him.


    His body elongated once more, his stomach feeling queasy underneath himself until finally it stopped. Stepping out in the bustling room he came from, quickly walking away from the gate before it changed to the following location, Norbert made his way through the crowd.


    Finally able to stand up straight, placing the damaged mask over his face as he made it to the big open doors. He was standing on the steps, looking to the left and seeing the tree towering over everything else in the city.


    Staring, seeing the damage he had made, what felt like years ago fully recovered, Norbert could not see a single sign of damage. Happy that those days of terrorizing Norbert were behind him, whistling as he made it to the street, he wanted to deliver the mask as soon as possible before finding wherever Obsius would be in this city.


    ***


    Opening the door, Norbert looked down at the shop, not seeing any major difference compared to the last time he had been there. He heard the banging of metal on metal radiating around the shop, pieces that they had made standing proud, waiting for a buyer to come in.


    He was changing his vision to magic. Norbert saw the style similar to his own on all the equipment and weapons and, having seen the engraver having put herself to work, compared to the sparse ones he found in the colosseum city. There, it was much less common to find works such as this. Seeing the engraver sitting at the desk, Norbert shouts over the echoing of the smith in the back of the shop, "Beckia, how''s it been? Have gotten into a bit of a tussle and was told to come back here to have it fixed."


    The engraver looked up from her work, the light she was creating at the end of her tool darkening; Norbert saw a fine chisel placed next to the piece of work and looking up and down Norbert for a moment, trying to place him but was unable to do so in his current clothes wrapping around him until she saw the mask in his hand, recognition dawning on her face. "Ah, niece Nancy''s boy. How has the mask helped out?" She asked joy in her voice over one of her products being used and a returning customer.


    "It has been very helpful indeed, especially against the Grimm. That''s part of the reason why I''m in this neck of the woods," Norbert stated as he walked to the desk and placed the mask and the back of the helmet there, positioned so the deformation was clearly visible.


    Before he could let go of the mask, Beckia picked it up. Holding it up to her face, she twisted the piece of metal around as she looked internally at the mask, her fingers going over the runes within, seeing the damage that had been done to them.


    "It still works; it just doesn''t join as snuggly as before. And not having a hole in the helmet makes me feel more protected, at least," Norbert told the engraver.


    She placed it on the table before looking up at Norbert. ¡°That I can see must have taken quite a beating for that to happen. Sadly, I wasn¡¯t able to watch.¡± Beckia told Norbert.


    As he sat there smiling, unable to hold it in anymore. ¡°Have you seen the current tournament?¡±


    Beckia looked at Norbert like he was a fool. ¡°Only a bit, mostly working here.¡± Pointing around at the room around them.


    Norbert nodded in response as he looked at all the extra equipment now around them, the fact now disturbing him as realisation slowly crept into his mind. Pushing it back again, Norbert turned back to the counter. ¡°Well, did you see the last fight between Morenas and Grimm?¡± Norbert asked as he pointed to the mask on her counter.


    Realisation drawing on her face, ¡°Get OUT!¡± The two words screeched out of the woman¡¯s lips.

 Chapter 283 Colosseum City you Mean

    Norbert stood there momentarily, having not expected that reaction from the woman. Processing what she was saying, Norbert stood still as the hammering stopped from behind the counter. The smith walks out, and a wall of a man stands there, looking down at Norbert.


    In one of their hands, Norbert saw a hammer the size of his head silently swinging in the air. Gulping down, not wanting to get his brains splattered, the annoyance of needing to heal it up and possibly annoy his previous party any more.


    Nodding his head, Norbert left the mask on the table. I do not see a point in picking it back up if one of the only people who could quickly repair it would refuse to do so. Giving a final wave Norbert walked towards the door, having one last look at the equipment there, none that he would ever get to use.


    They opened the door and saw the street, with several people walking about in this city area. It''s not one of the busiest sections, but still, people are crossing. Talking the last step out of the engraver''s domain, Norbert closed the door behind him, hearing it slightly thud as it firmly closed.


    Feeling heavy with the loss of his mask, not having it on his face making him feel naked already, before when he had a choice to put it on, and it never felt the same. Standing there, on the last step before walking off, his plan was in shambles for headgear as he mentally rearranged what he would need to do, now thankful for the extra day.


    Walking down the street, Norbert headed to Martitia, hoping she might know someone in this city who could make a helmet and inspect the candy he now held in his coin pouch. He placed his fist in there, felt it around, and confirmed it was in there, not crushed, not knowing if that would make a difference.


    Hearing a voice shouting behind him but dismissed it as he continued walking down the street, the shouting continuing. Someone came straight to him, waving him down in front. Stopping, Norbert turned to the man, not recognising anything about him, not his finely pressed blue silk clothes or the small hat on his head.


    ¡°Excuse me to interrupt, but I believe that man is calling for you.¡± He spoke, a deep voice reverberating out of his mouth. He pointed behind Norbert, turning around as Norbert followed the man in a blues gesture.


    Standing at the shop, Norbert saw the smith shouting and waving him down. Waving back at the smith, Norbert turned to the man in blue, giving a nod in thanks as Norbert went back to the engraver''s place.


    Seeing as Norbert was returning, the smith walked into the shop, the door closing behind him. Several moments later, Norbert opened the door and stepped through before closing it, hearing the sound from outside snap shut; everything from outside was gone. Changing his vision to magic, Norbert saw along the walls, runes now alight, where previously he never saw anything.


    Changing back to normal, not wanting to see something that could blast his eyes out, Norbert looked across the counter. He saw the smith standing behind the engraver, thankful that the hammer was no longer in hand.


    He breathed in, holding the air in as he prepared himself for whatever was to come. He knew he wasn¡¯t going to get thrown out, and maybe he could convince them to repair the helmet pieces so it could serve him once again.


    Not seeing a seat anywhere on this side of the counter, Norbert stood there, waiting for them to begin. He looked between the two of them, his eyes drifting as he waited for one of them to start the conversation.


    Hrrmph, the sound coming out of the smith standing there.


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    Beckia gave in as she took up the mask again, holding it in front of Norbert¡¯s head like it would be on him. Watching as the runes in the back flared momentarily, she nodded in approval.


    ¡°The Kreevss know you¡¯re here?¡± She asked Norbert, unable to stop her eyes from flicking to the door, checking that nobody would burst through.


    ¡°Of course not. I have no clue where they think I am. Hopefully, they think I''m still back in Colosseum City,¡± Norbert said.


    ¡°Coliseum City, you mean Libitina?¡± She questioned.


    Norbert is standing there, stunned, unable to speak.


    ¡°Have you been calling it Colosseum City or something?¡± She asked him.


    Norbert remained silent as he stood there, trying to remember if he had ever heard the name. He could not even remember when he read it on the globe that Victoria had brought.


    The smith laughed over Beckia¡¯s shoulder, Breaking Norbert out of his stupor as he looked between them. The voice coming out of the smith said, ¡°See, Beckia, I told you he wasn¡¯t malicious.¡±


    ¡°Just incompetently malicious¡±, Came out under Beckia¡¯s breath. Sucking it in, rapping her knuckle on the mask at the table, she spoke to Norbert, ¡°We will repair your helmet.¡±


    A wave of relief swept over Norbert that it would be repaired, able to use the helmet again as intended. Nodding his head, Norbert saw that the engraver would speak more.


    ¡°Any changes to the helmet or issues that you had?¡± She asked him.


    Norbert narrowed his gaze, momentarily silent as he thought about what had happened. The seal was still working fine and breathing as intended. ¡°For its functions, it works. But how much more can you add to it without requiring magic from the user?¡± he asked the engraver.


    Seeing her pause momentarily before nodding, she said, ¡°I forgot that detail about you. Just hearing what you did, surviving a decapitation isn¡¯t a small feat.¡±


    ¡°A what?¡± Norbert asked her.


    ¡°Surprising, well not surprising that you don¡¯t remember. In the last fight you had with the Grimm, before you slumped to the ground, you were decapitated. Everyone thought it was over, including the commentator. The surprise is when your head comes back together, and you tore through everyone, truly like a beast.¡±


    Norbert looked between them in amazement, shaking his head as he remembered being passed out. ¡°Not surprising that happened. I''m a bit annoyed that card was shown, but oh well,¡± Norbert said, shrugging at the end.


    ¡°And yet, out of all that, only this damage has been shown. Quite some good work the two of you have done.¡± Norbert continued, rapping his knuckle on the mask''s face. A dull clunk was heard as the metal tried reverberating the sound but could not do so correctly.


    Receiving a nod from work, the smith reached forward, took the two pieces off the table, and lifted them to examine them himself. Conjoining them together with a tisk before walking away from the front, heading towards the back of the shop, hearing two soft clangs before the sound of air rushing from heat.


    Turning back to Beckia, asking ¡°So, you will do it?¡±


    Receiving a nod in response, Norbert places a silver coin on the counter. Seeing it get whipped up immediately, placed into a draw before Norbert could properly register, ¡°How long?¡± He asked as he began walking away.


    ¡°Three days, and it should be as good as new. Hard to find time with all the other orders from The Frontier, but it¡¯s a quality problem to have.¡± Beckia said to Norbert as she turned away from him, picking up what she was working on. Hearing the room pop again, the faint sounds from outside could be heard again.


    Remembering something, he returned to the counter, pulling out the candy from his pouch. ¡°Do you have any idea who could examine this? They might be able to cure a sickness, and I might need more.¡±


    Beckia looked at it briefly before shrugging, ¡°No clue, not my area. Generally, I would assume one of the temples, but other than that ¡­¡± She left the sentence hanging, going back to her work.


    Closing the door quietly behind him, happy that one task was completed, Norbert turned down the street and began whistling as he walked. He moved away from the tree that occupied the city, idly looking up at the airships moving about in the sky.


    Wondering what the point of those was about, especially with the gates set up everywhere. The amount of time it would take made him think of the amount of coin being spent to whisk him around all over the place.


    His tune was nothing special; he continued to whistle, hoping that if Obsius or the white fox were about, either would locate him. Taking out the piece of paper again, Norbert looked down at it; nothing else special about it or any indication of where he would meet up with the blackbird in the city.


    Going with his original idea of heading to the tavern Martitia used as their base, hoping two of his questions could be answered.

 Chapter 284 An Old Acquaintance

    Coming up to the tavern, Norbert rapped his knuckles on the door. Standing there as he waited, he wondered if there would be any reply at all, if someone was even inside at this moment, knowing that the group would be moving out and about on whatever mission was deemed necessary by the commander. Or if they were currently having a break due to the tournament.


    He looked through the window, seeing through the curtain light coming from the heath. Knowing that someone was in, he just had to wait and hope that they heard his knocking.


    Finally, Norbert heard the door groan from inside. Someone was moving the plank used to lock it in. Opening the door, Norbert looked out at what he didn''t recognise. The man looked over Norbert for a moment before smiling wide.


    "Hey Norbert, long time no see. Come in; your bird friend insisted on one of us waiting for you." The man said Norbert had seen them wearing the usual scout leathers that Norbert was wearing right now.


    Walking in, wondering who this man was, the lines on his face from age and hard work, skin yellowed slightly under the sun, skin hardened like leather by the stiffness of its movements.  Norbert unable to realise who he was speaking to, his mind running through the faces of those he knew within Martitia¡¯s little group.


    Norbert stepped in, allowing the door to close behind him as he looked across. He saw the upper level, the chandelier, and the bar with several round tables scattered about the same as before. Smiling at the memory as he looked over to the man, something in his memory tickled it there.


    Reaching over the bar, the man pulled out a piece of paper before handing it over to Norbert. Looking down on it, Norbert looked up, seeing the man smiling at him. The cheeky grin wriggled Norbert''s mind. "Dobert, what happened to you? You look ¡­ older.¡±


    "Ah, that, nothing too much. Just what happens when an elixir starts to back fire." He said, dismissing anything more Norbert could say with a wave before pointing down to the paper that Norbert was holding in his hands.


    Swallowing down, How was knew he must have had many more elixirs than anyone else. He wasn''t anywhere close to his line. Standing there, Norbert had to ask the question, "Is that from the shady elixir?"


    Only receiving a grin of confirmation, Norbert let Dobert''s condition out of his mind, sitting on a bar stool, looking down at the letter.


    "Where the fire started, find a Traveller."


    Norbert looked at the note, flipping it back and forth, not seeing anything useful. Sighing in annoyance, he looked to Norbert. "Anyone read this before myself?"


    "We all did, and have no clue what it could be talking about. Getting that much detail out of the bird was hard enough. I''m thankful for the fox being there," Dobert said, reaching over, getting a drink to pour himself some of it, and sliding one of the glasses over to Norbert.


    Looking down at it, he smiled and nodded his head as he picked it up. The two of them clinked their cups together before downing the liquor. Feeling it slightly burn inside his mouth, Norbert, leaning back, thought about what Dobert just said: "What do you mean, the fox was helpful?¡±


    "Was pretty talkative when it needed to be," Dobert said to him.


    Surprised, Norbert just nodded as there was no point in further arguing. Reaching into his pouch, Norbert brought out the candy again. "Know anyone that can have a look at this? Able to cure a sickness, want to see if this cure can be replicated." Norbert asked.


    Dobert looked at the candy, picking it up before placing it back "down. "Temples could have something, or the Pink Pair¡¯s; they might be able to direct you to the right place."


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    Norbert remembered the store he brought everything from, the strange candy that stained his tongue for some time coming back to light.


    Nodding his head, adding the piece of paper to his coin pouch, heading back towards the door as he waved to Dobert, seeing the smile on the man''s face as he closed it. Sighing as he leaned against the door, hoping the once jovial friend could make his return.


    Knowing he didn''t have time to sit around, and time was already ticking with what he needed to do, Norbert turned to face the tree, looking up at its branches, which were filled with airships moving about.


    Breathing out Norbert started walking up it, trying to remember if there was a quicker way to get to the base of the tree other than the obvious path he was currently walking on.


    ***


    Looking out over the city beneath him, the airships still moving about, Norbert wonders how much cargo they could be carrying any conventional fuel about; he thinks that the Greenies would be happy with the lack of coal being used in this world.


    Walking away from the edge, not wanting to freak anyone out, Norbert looked across at. The dockworkers are not giving Norbert care as long as it isn''t anyone''s way.


    Norbert looked, confirming with them that they would still be around. Hoping he was on the correct floor, he looked around once more¡ªneither bird nor a traveller around. Nobody was covered entirely, walking around holding a staff.


    Wondering if he was even doing it correctly, Norbert twirled his finger around in the air, his breath whistling out of his mouth as he walked back. Wherever Obsius was and what the bird needed from him, he was sure he birthed himself.


    Having enough of it, Norbert shouted out, "OBSIUS!"


    Everyone stopped what they were doing, looking to Norbert like he was a crazy person. After a moment of nobody moving, those on the docks, having realised nothing more would come from the screaming man, continued with their work before their bosses screamed at them. With that over, Norbert could hear the sound of everyone moving about again, seeing as he still did not have anything more to come by. Norbert looked up at the layer above him, wondering if they were up there, waiting for him right now.


    Turning once more to look over the vast city, he took out Obsius''s note. The twinkling lights of the winding streets as he stepped backward confirmed that no other hidden message was left there. He felt a body there, stopping him from moving.


    Taking a step forward away from the object, he banged into words of forgiveness already escaping his "mouth: "I''m so sorry for any inconvenience. I was waiting for a friend, but they never showed up."


    "So you say¡± The object that Norbert bumped into started back to him.


    Coming out of his daze, Norbert looked up, seeing who or what he had knocked into. A staff towering over the person tapped into the ground, rooting the newcomer in place. Norbert dragged his eyes down the staff, seeing at the bottom the wooden floorboards that made up the dock interlocked with the staff.


    The newcomer lifted the staff, the sound of slight cracking before it was released; a crater had formed on the once-flat wood before the wind from one of the airships took it away, leaving no trace at all.


    Norbert turned the piece of paper out and showed it to the Traveller in front of him. The bird sent me, to you?" Norbert questioned.


    The Traveller tacked the piece of paper in Norbert''s hand, looked it over, flipped around and saw the empty back. Folding it neatly with one hand and placing it into a pocket within their coat, Norbert watched as the Traveller started walking away.


    Norbert watched as they stopped momentarily, drawing the staff out and seemingly cutting the air, a blue disk appearing in the air. Everyone on the dock was going as they watched the Traveller do his work. The silence pervaded out of it as Norbert was struck down, not understanding what was happening before him. Thinking that they needed the appropriate locations to make these portals, that predisposition was now being corrected in front of his very eyes.


    The Traveller walking walks, without even looking back at Norbert. Watching as they disappeared through the portal, a brief flash of blue light coming came, causing spots to dance in front of his eyes, forcing himself to blink them out of his vision.


    Calming his breath, Norbert saw the portal still staying there, beckoning him to cross over. Gulping down any nervousness, he hoped it wasn''t a trap of sorts. Taking the coin out of his pouch, Norbert flicked it into the air out of instinct. Walking towards the portal, it dropped into his open right hand before palming it over to his left.


    Stepping through, Norbert looked down at the coin, seeing the heads shining up at him. He did not know if that was a yes or no. He was unable to turn back as he felt his body start to stretch upwards. Norbert wondered where he was being taken to, only a few places higher than he started from. In this massive tree that was now used as a dock for airships, and possibly much more than what Norbert realised.

 Chapter 285 Person Identified

    Stepping through, Norbert felt pain shoot up from his head. He dropped to the ground in instinct, not wanting to hit it again as he rubbed it, staring at the ceiling and what had caused him the pain. The wooden beam across it stared up at him, and Norbert could almost see a grin forming in the twisted, knotted wood.


    Slowly getting to his feet, he did not stand up straight as he looked around, wondering where the Traveller was. He saw several crates stacked up, the Traveller sitting down on one and Obsius sitting on another, both of them staring at his action.


    He walked across to a crate, plopping himself on it as he looked between the two. Unable to see the face of the Traveller behind their mask, Norbert saw Obsius visibly controlling themselves so as not to go into a burst of laughter. The bird physically vibrated around in response.


    "Go on, let''s get it out of your system before starting this conversation"," Norbert said to the bird.


    The bird instantly fell down, any defences it had built up now crumpling down. Norbert turned over to the Traveller, seeing they were the same indifference as before.


    Norbert stared at the staff, realising where he had seen it before.¡± You''re the one that gave me this", he asked, seeing the white stuff with the runes down it. Reaching into his top, Norbert took out the sigil that was used for translating, the blue stone still there spinning around.


    The Traveller kept his hand open; Norbert flicked it back and forth twice before releasing it, having enough momentum to fly to the air and land in the waiting hand. The braid around it spins around. Locking itself around the hand, it landed in.


    Holding it up, Norbert watched as they flicked it around, causing it to spin in the air. Norbert saw the blue crystal grow brighter and brighter. Releasing it from their hand, Norbert watched as he was thrown towards himself. Catching it out of the air Norbert flung it around his finger before dropping it back around his neck, tucking it under his shirt, getting it back into position"


    "I heard from the Drotha you wanted me for something"?" The Traveller spoke to Norbert.


    Getting himself in position, Norbert nodded his head in confirmation "Movement of fifty or so people from Libitina to somewhere else"." Norbert said, trying to quickly think of a place where he could help the kids out. Only a single place that he had been before came to mind, possibly able to sway their decision with enough coin. "¡­ Ideally to Flare-dew"." Norbert added, hoping Helga would be as kind to these kids as she was to him"


    "A tall order, you ask. Too tall for myself at this current time," The Traveller told Norbert.


    Nodding his head in understanding as he started to get up, the Traveller''s hand appeared on his shoulder, forcing him back down again. "Though from Alasium to that quaint town is possible.¡± The words rushed out of their mouth, causing Norbert to shake slightly at his feet. Relief came together as half of the plan came together, the thoughts ticking in the back of his head as he knew he would need to stop by the casino again on this side, not seeing any other way of getting back to Libitina."


    "And for yourself, what do you need the help of a magic-less person for ?" Norbert asked, the mysticism that shrouded the Travellers and what they did, never thinking that one being as needed as he was previously told would have time to discuss in a random airship"


    "To check up on someone" The Traveller said, the words seemingly shaking around them in the storage section of the ship. The light hanging from the rafter flickered in the air as the words came out.


    Norbert stared at the Traveller, his brain ticking away as cogs started spinning, thinking about who someone like them could not see¡ªsomeone who could go anywhere they desired. His thinking came to a standstill as he realised not everywhere.


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    "Do you know where this person is?" Norbert asked


    "Grim."


    Norbert scrunched his face in confusion, trying to remember what he had been told about the continent: that it was forever dark and that creatures that he associated with the night resided there after being cast out of everywhere else"


    "How so?" He asked the Traveller, trying to remember but unable to find out where it was located on the globe that Vivienne had shown him. The memory is cloudy in his mind as he wasn''t paying attention to it at the time and kicking his previous self for his lack of attention"


    "Eventually. Just eventually"." The words coming out of the mouth were hidden behind.


    Stopping Norbert¡¯s thoughts from continuing to race around in his mind as the sorrow came out of them. Norbert just nodding his head in confirmation. A package being handed over to him, a small envelope with a single name written on it.


    Norbert turned it over, not able to read the writing as he held the envelope up in the air under the light. Words were written on the inside of the paper that Norbert could only read half. Not wanting to divulge into this person''s secrets, Norbert nodded as he placed it within his coat, within the pocket so it wouldn''t be crumpled. He was patting it for a moment until he remembered what happened to the last coat he had.


    Taking it out, Norbert moved it to his money pouch, moving the coins around and placing the envelope on the outside. He knew he would never let his little bag of glitter get cut wherever he was.


    Patting it twice, confirming that it wouldn''t move, Norbert turned to the Traveller. "And who is this supposed to go to?" Norbert pondered out loud. Would it be a lost lover, an old companion, a relative, or the child of someone they knew?


    "Vito, as they like to go by. Down by the Swallowed Tower"


    Trying to remember the location in his head, Norbert did not want to be running around an entire continent, not knowing how large it could be, looking for a single person.


    The Traveller standing up, themselves bowed as they walked between two rafters, finally able to stand up fully themselves"


    "How many days until the transfer?" The Traveller asked Norbert.


    He was keeping track in his mind, having five, now more like four full days to move them about, with the other day as well and needing to treat them, feeling the candy grow in weight"


    "Three days, Obsius here. I will contact you when I''m back"." Norbert spoke, his head thinking back to the candy that could heal. Shaking his head as he remembered the Pink Pair¡¯s. Wondering if the Traveller might know someone better, Norbert added on" "Do you know someone who can investigate this for why it heals"?" Holding the candy out to the light.


    Obsius chirped to Norbert, who nodded. Yes, the candy shop he was thinking of was there, but a second opinion would never hurt"


    "Were the Drotha said is the best "?" They walked through the portal they had just produced, ending the conversation right there.


    Before Norbert could move, the portal closed back around the Traveller, leaving Norbert and Obsius alone. The only way out was above them from the ship they currently resided in. Norbert turned to his bird companion, "Do they always make exits like?" confirmation made Norbert shake his head in frustration. Walking over to the bird, Norbert rubbed his palm on the top of her head. The two looked into each other"


    "Its been quite some time since the two of us have been together.¡±  Norbert said to the bird. He looks above himself and hears the steps of the people walking across the deck. Before he could say anything in protest, the entire ship lurched to the side, causing Norbert to stumble, letting go of Obsius Norbert holding himself against some of the crates, feeling them start to give way until whatever was securing them down stopped them from moving anymore.


    As Norbert looked across, the bird flew over to land on his shoulder. Norbert turned around, steadily swaying, and made his way across the underside of the deck, looking for an exit from the airship.


    Seeing a ladder leading upwards, Norbert swayed as he gripped it, vaulting himself up as he looked around. The deck was a flurry of activity as everyone went about, tying down ropes, preparing for wherever this vehicle intended to go, and seeing the dock grow more minor on the other side, where Norbert was standing, going up and away from its starting position.


    Running to the railing, Norbert looked down, his head swimming slightly. His vision blurred from the height he was looking down on. He took a step back and breathed in, confirming he was still standing there, swaying slightly. Looking out at the crew, one of them storms straight towards him. Able to see the look on their face, Norbert knew he was going to start to get in trouble fairly soon for his sudden appearance on the vessel.

 Chapter 286 Scaly Wags

    "What are you doing here?" The person of the crew shouted as they headed towards Norbert position.


    Taking a step back, Norbert felt his back hit against the railing. He looked back down again, wondering if he should lean back and fall off, hoping he would last the landing. A hand gripped his coat and ripped him forward, away from the edge, as he was picked up and tossed about.


    Unexpected by the action, Norbert landed in a pile near the centre mast. All eyes were now on him as they stared at the unexpected newcomer. Getting to his feet, Norbert looked at the faces staring back at him for a moment before they continued with what they were doing. One of the people scurried off into the housing, not continuing with whatever job they were doing previously.


    The one that dragged him from the side, staring him down, making sure Norbert wouldn''t try any other actions of escape or suicide.


    A moment later, the door banged open, smashing on the wall next to it, as the man Norbert assumed to be the captain of the vessel stepped forward, looking down the railing at Norbert and the man who was keeping an eye on Norbert.


    "Get back to work, Schmidt!" The voice boomed out.


    The person watching Norbert gives a salute before running off. Norbert loses track of the person in the sea of constant movement around him. Norbert turns back to the captain, gives a half-hearted salute, and walks towards the edge again.


    He could only take the first step, and only a staff member was trained down at him. Sighing in annoyance that he couldn''t just easily walk out of the situation, Norbert looked towards the captain, whose wand was pointed at Norbert¡ªthe blue hexagonal crystal lit up the area around them.


    "Not letting me just walk out of here?"


    Norbert received a growling look from the captain, hiding the wand within their clothes they shouted down to Norbert "How did you get on our ship!?"


    "I followed a traveller here for a meeting. They ditched us here quite unceremoniously," Norbert replied. He looked around to see if there was anything close to them that he could leap onto, still hoping he wouldn''t need to fall and crash through a building. He tried to mentally remember where the river was located and how long it would be until they were over it.


    "Find that hard to believe" The captain grimaced at Norbert.


    Standing there, Norbert waited to see if the conversation would continue. Not seeing it doing so, Norbert looked across at the edge once more before turning back to the captain "Names Norbert, if you could stop my curiosity and say where this vessel is headed for that, you won''t let me leave. That would be much appreciated!" Norbert shouted back, the ship starting to rock under his feet as it picked up speed. Looking up, the giant balloon, allowing it to float, started to glow as runes popped up around it, their white runes popping and fizzing in the air.


    "Long trip towards the Frosters, now sadly, from what you may have seen¡ª" the captain started monologing to Norbert.


    Not wanting to see where the conversation would go anymore, Norbert ran to the railing. Leaping over it, he felt something grab at him. Falling down, it clutched at his foot, causing him to flip upside down. Looking up, seeing a blue tendril around his leg, Norbert kicked out against the ship.


    Hearing the wood crack under his foot, Norbert pulled it back for a second go, only for weightlessness to hold onto him as the airship quickly grew smaller. The wind lapping at his clothes, Norbert spun his body around and spread-eagled, hands out, trying to stabilise himself. It was not his first time falling through the air like this.


    Looking out at the sparkling city, unable to see any large body of water, Norbert directed himself towards a street, hoping to not at least completely destroy a stranger''s house. Pumping energy around his body, his eyes darted open with clarity, the energy naturally forcing itself in them, the world sparkling open as he looked about.


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    Positioning himself outside the city walls, Norbert saw the land drop away. Hoping to use it as a way to roll down and not splat into stone like his original plan, Norbert changed his body for the new course of action. Hearing the shouts of the guards on the wall as he raced by them, Norbert hit the ground, spinning off the side as he started down the hill.


    Dirt somehow got in his mouth as his arms and legs started to bend the wrong way before they were ripped back in ly for the next landing to push them into the wrong place again. Each impact got less and less until he just carelessly rolled down the hill, groaning to himself as his body popped itself into the right place once more. Norbert felt his body getting to his knees, confirming his pouch was still where it should be.


    He breathed a sigh of relief, a relief that quickly dashed away as he looked towards the hill he landed on. The large chunks had been blasted away from him, the line of craters and dirt that scattered about the place.


    Turning towards the gates, he was happy that there wasn''t a stream of guards charging out, scouring the landscape, looking for Norbert and holding him responsible for the destruction he had caused. Groaning, Norbert came to his feet, walking back the way he had come. His energy felt mellow after its immediate use of trying to protect Norbert from his skydive.


    A black and white speckled object hurtled towards Norbert before pulling up and landing on his head. Patting Obsius with his hand, Norbert began the trek back to the wall and the city of Elysium beyond it.


    ***


    Norbert looked at the dark entrance of the Pink Pair''s. The sign hanging over the doorway was the only thing blazing, and the lights on the street were the only thing blazing. He was not expecting it to have taken him so long to find after going to the other side of the wall. He was thankful at least that the guards didn''t give a single worry about the damage that he had caused to the hillside.


    Walking up the steps, Norbert quietly rapped his knuckles on the door. Hearing a bell inside tinkle with the noise, he stopped. Not wanting to disturb any of the neighbours, he waited to see if there would be any response from inside before attempting again to call out to them.


    Raising his fist once more to knock on the door, Norbert heard movement from within. A light bounced around one of the windows as someone approached the noise Norbert was generating.


    The door clicking unlocked finally as it was only slightly opened, the light from the lamp dancing on Norbert''s head as he looked down at what was creating it. There stood the mother of one of the pink pairs. Seeing her wipe the sleep from her eyes she looked at Norbert for a moment, not recognising him at all.


    Norbert could see her brain start to warm up, and still, she couldn''t remember where she had seen Norbert before.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be in the tournament?" she asked Norbert, looking back and forth down the street to see if anyone else was following after him.


    In response, Norbert gave a half-painful laugh and looked back over the street, confirming that there wasn''t anyone following him as well. Obsius jabbed him on the head, and Norbert looked up, seeing that the woman had stepped away from the door, allowing him to enter.


    He saw the dimly lit shop, still the same as the last time he entered. To the back of the room, Norbert saw a little girl standing there, looking out from behind the frame, and on her shoulder, a white fox.


    "Is that who I think it is?" Norbert asked Obsius as he pointed towards the fox.


    Seeing the next tail appear then disappear, Norbert''s thoughts were right as it jumped off the little girls shoulder, her pink hair in a swirl of movement as it was kicked up into the air, before lightly falling back around.


    The fox walked on top of the tables, making sure not to hit any candies onto the ground as it continued walking towards Norbert. Standing on the closest table to Norbert, the fox jumped onto his shoulder, wrapping its tail around Norbert. Hearing vibrations from its chest as it came down around Norbert.


    "No fair, that took me ages!" The little girl shouted across the room.


    Norbert looked at her as he smiled, thankful she was still the same as he last remembered.


    "Sorry to inconvenience you at this time of night. Finding your shop again took me much longer than I thought it would." Norbert stated that he would not let his voice grow too loud and possibly disturb some of the neighbours, only the faintest echo being heard around them.


    No one gave any more information, so Norbert went into his jacket and pulled out the candy.


    "Can you see why this candy can cure a disease and possibly replicate it?" Norbert asked.


    The daughter came forward and stared up at Norbert. "I know where you''re from; you got all the candy before," the daughter said gleefully.


    The shop owner clicked her fingers. "That''s where I knew you from. I had the old brain working there for a moment," she said, reaching down and taking the candy out of Norbert''s hand.

 Chapter 287 Candies Acquired

    "Are you here to buy some more candy?" The little girl asked, eyes brimming with hope as she looked towards Norbert and her mother. The girl was so excited that she hadn''t listened adequately to the conversation.


    "He''s not here for candy this time." The mother said.


    Feeling the fox''s tail curl slightly harder around Norbert, "Well ¡­" he provided, feeling the tail lessen around his neck once more. The smell of candy wafting into his nose, its sweetness surrounding him, adding the slight hesitation to his words.


    The little girl''s eyes were brimming, and tears almost fell out of her face in hope. The mother nodded as she walked to the back, and the little girl was already there, fumbling around with something.


    The lights came on above Norbert''s head, his eyes watering from the sudden light. Having been used to the low light that was previously scattered by the lamp used, Norbert stayed still for a moment.


    DING


    The sound came from the counter as Norbert looked up. The little girl standing there looked at Norbert expectantly. "What would you like, sir?"


    Norbert smiled as he stood up straight, looking at the candies and lollies around him, dancing in the light, all wanting to be chosen by himself.


    ***


    Norbert leaning on the counter, a large sack of candies sprawled on the table as the two of them feasted on the spoils that Norbert had bought before. She wondered if her mother would be happy with the amount of sugar this kid had next to him.


    Norbert did not care, as the fox on his shoulder and Obsius joined in on the sugar rush that was given to all in the front of the little, popular candy shop.


    "Hrmmph"


    Everyone stopped their meeting and looked up to where the sound came from. The mother back, looking down at her daughter, whose cheeks were being puffed out with the candies she tried to stuff in there.


    Norbert turned to the mother, hoping to look at her face as she was more presentable now. Norbert put the rest of the lollies in a sack, much to the daughter''s annoyance, until she looked at her mother. She was jumping off the stool and running out of the room before she could get scolded.


    The mother sighed as she sat down on the stool, moving around slightly to get comfortable. Rolling out the candy on the table, Norbert looked down at it, the same as before. Norbert flicked it between two fingers, bouncing it between his hands as he looked towards one of the pink mothers.


    "Able to get anything out of it?" Norbert asked her.


    "Only half the story." The lady said as she rolled out several more next to him. Norbert is looking and unable to tell which was which. Changing his vision to magic, they all looked the same, a gentle hum of green coming off the candies.


    "Then what''s the other half?"


    "Go to the temple quarters; a divine blessing should give the same result as whatever originally cast the spell."


    "Believe it was a witch that cast that," Norbert added, half looking at the candies on the table, wondering how many more the woman could make.


    "Be careful with those witches; there''s a reason why they do everything and normally not for others," she said, her stern voice stopping Norbert from moving the candy.


    Norbert just nodded as he looked at the seven there. How many more candies can you make? Seven isn''t going to cut it," Norbert said as he thought about the kids coughing on the street, wasting away. "Not for those kids, at least," Norbert whispered.


    "Kids?" The mother asked Norbert.


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    Nodding his head, Norbert adds, "A bunch of kids are sick in Libitina. Some of them have already been cured with the same batch I received that one." He points to the candy between my hands before continuing, "But there''s still a bunch more that need to be cured before I move them off."


    "You''re moving them here?" The mother asked, hair prickling at the back of her neck.


    "No, being abandoned in one city, only to be abandoned in the next, doesn''t sit right. Hopefully, taking them to Flare-dew, where someone will help them out." Norbert said wistfully, hoping that Helga could help him out, not having asked the woman or the town about it yet.


    "So, how many candies do you need?" She asked Norbert.


    Norbert sat there, thinking about how many would be needed. "At least a hundred should suffice. I don''t know the exact number, but it''s better to have too many than not enough," Norbert said, shuddering slightly as he thought about the houses that could be filled with kids. At least some of them wouldn''t be as sick now.


    "Then two hundred it is. I''ll get it to you by the morning. There is no charge except for the entertainment of my daughter," the mother said to Norbert, a pained smile on her face before she walked off, stopping Norbert from refusing or adding anything extra to the comment.


    The daughter came out as Norbert heard sounds from the back. Equipment was moved around and fired up, ingredients poured out and began to boil, and the smell of lemon tickled his nose.


    Something pulled on his hand, holding the sack as he looked down. The daughter reached inside for more candies for her to eat. Shaking his finger at her, Norbert sat on the stool, placing her on his lap as he handed him candy.


    "Do you want to hear a story about a giant beanstalk, a golden goose and a boy named Jack?" Norbert asked her.


    "What¡¯s a beanstalk?"


    ***


    "So, what''s the moral of the story? Is there a meaning behind it?" Norbert asked the girl.


    "I don''t know, giants are silly?" She asked him.


    "If that''s what you see, then that''s what you see," Norbert cryptically and annoyingly adds.


    He received a bop on his chest from the little girl looking up at him, who had an annoyed look on her face.


    "That''s not a proper answer." Arms crossed over her chest as she grumbled to Norbert.


    "Okay, okay. Luck comes in many forms, some obvious, some not so obvious. The truly lucky are those who pick the best path and can come out the other side the best." Norbert spoke, lowering his voice to a whisper.


    "Like Jack!"


    "Yes, just like Jack," Norbert said, nodding. Looking outside, Norbert could see people starting to move about through the windows as the sun slowly raised its head over the walls.


    Hearing steps from behind himself, Norbert spun around in the chair, the fox and the bird on either shoulder following with the girl on his lap. Standing there was the mother, a sack in her hand, Norbert already knowing what was inside.


    Picking up the little girl and placing her on the ground, Norbert stood up all the way and stretched his back, hearing it crack as it was finally able to move again.


    Norbert crumpled slightly as he felt the blood rushing properly through his back once more. Standing up straight, he saw the Pink Pair''s looks of slight horror. Norbert just smiled as he reached for the candies.


    "A bit over two hundred in there." The mother said to Norbert.


    Nodding his head, he opened it up and had a quick look inside. All of them looked the same as the others. She placed the other seven she had made before into the sack, keeping the one that could cure by itself in his coin pouch.


    "A temple should be able to help?" Norbert asked.


    "Hopefully."


    "Fingers crossed, you''re right. Now, it''s best that I head off now. I hope you both have a wonderful day", Norbert said as he walked down the aisles once more, the candies glittering in the half-light as he wondered if he should go for another pack for the road.


    He dismissed the thought, knowing he shouldn''t be distracted by the candies around him anymore. Norbert reached for the door, opening it as the bell tinkled above his head.


    Stepping on the street, looking back at the small family, wondering what happened to the husband or if there ever was one. He opened his mouth, only shaking his head, having at least half some sensibility, knowing now wasn''t the time to leave them.


    A pained expression fell on him, shouting out over the shop, the candies trying to act as a barrier.


    "Times are changing."


    "Aren''t they always." The mother sorrowfully added to Norbert.


    Looking into her eyes, Norbert saw the pain of war, the pink hair usually for cotton candy now of poison being poured into wine glasses, now mixed in without a trace. Festered blood fell on the ground, the rain mixing it in and trying to wash it away, but clumps remained there. Families torn apart as spells shot overhead, blasting town to smithereens.


    A lone dog hobbling out of the ruins, torn and demented as it walked on broken limbs, turning back to the family still there, unable to escape, forever stuck on the walls, a reminder to everyone else, as things started living in their heads, pink flowers coming out of it.


    The flowers of the dead litter the hills and valleys. The kids played through them, not knowing what happened under their feet, until someone would trip on an old helmet or shield, unearthing the horror again, the butterflies shooting off and flying into the air from their screams.


    Norbert shook himself from the thought. The smile once returned, and Norbert had an inkling of a feeling that he now knew what had happened to the husband.


    Smiling at her once more, Norbert left, hoping he didn''t impact the business for the day too much with his request.

 Chapter 288 Not the Best

    Norbert looked at the district, wondering which temple would be the best place to help him. Walking through, seeing the god of the hunt, the one of war and the other for laws. None of them tickled the itch that he thought could help him.


    At this time of the morning, his presence stands out compared to everyone else. Only the priests, priestesses, and messengers are about at this time in the morning. There are no worshippers of the gods there at the moment other than Norbert.


    Hoping what he was after would come out to him, Norbert walked through, quickly passing through the district undisturbed, feet clopping on the cobblestone under his feet.


    Whenever a priest approached him, Norbert would just walk past, not giving them a second of thought as he continued to his prize, the fountain that held Lady Luck.


    Knowing he had recently talked to her, I hoped she could use her godly connection to weed out the one who could help him the best or the combination of gods to go to for his task to be completed.


    Walking with his eyes closed, letting his feet take him where he needed to be, Norbert stopped as he felt something hit his toe. Silence surrounded him as he looked around, wondering what took their attention.


    He realized he was all alone in the back reaches of the temple district, the hill that it overlooked dropping away on the other side. The city wall beneath where he was as Norbert stared at the lady sitting in front of him, idly playing with the water in the fountain.


    "Are you sure you''re not a priest?" Luck asked, Norbert.


    Stifled by the question, Norbert looked towards the fountain, remembering the first time he had been here, with it muddy and clogged. Half hidden by things growing on it, not even a drop of water came out of it.


    Unlike now, Norbert could see it was recently clean, the stone shining in the morning sun. The golden colours of her hair came out now, reflecting on his face and making his eyes and teeth sparkle in the golden light.


    Not knowing how it was possible, Norbert looked at Luck, not seeing a difference in her attitude. It was not like he knew what to look for in the first place with his investigation.


    Norbert looked towards Luck as she waited for him to say something.


    "I¡¯m guessing the state of this fountain ¡ªno longer in disarray¡ªdue to my actions," Norbert asked.


    "What you said to that little girl, just that slight sway of wording, and not shoving it down her throat. For many years, hopefully, in her lifetime, she will remember your story about Jack." Luck explained to Norbert.


    Sitting on the fountain next to her, a strange sparkle in her eyes, one that Norbert had never seen before in the woman or the goddess. As Norbert looked closer, staring as it slowly diminished away.


    "I find it funny, the woman so scared of being forgotten recently is now boasting to her champion on her own popularity." Wiggling hi" eyebrows to cause ire free woman.


    "How the tables have turned."


    ¡°How the turns have tabled.¡± Norbert corrected her.


    Norbert received an annoyed look momentarily as if Norbert had not relented in the stare. Receiving a nod of giving in from the goddess, Norbert looked back to the fountain on his side¡ªthe sound of water droplets falling and landing rhythmically.


    "Any other reason why you showed up here. Wasn''t expected up like this?" Norbert asked.


    "It is rude for a god to appear before another champion without that champions backer there already." Luck said, to Norbert, her voice louder than before.


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    Norbert was just staring at her. "But how come Arstech contacted me randomly the first time I was here?" Norbert asked the goddess, still remembering the priest''s reaction and the entire crowd around him. He was happy that the sort of moniker didn''t follow, didn''t round lace, shaking slightly at the thought of everyone following him about like that.


    "Because it''s still iffy if you were claimed by anyone or just up for grabs." Luck sighed, remembering the past times and the council meetings she needed to sway over to allow her to gain a champion. Lucky with Norbert¡¯s introduction, she could claim for herself the most significant claim out of all the other lesser gods and the main ones.


    "So, who is going to come down and ask for assistance?" Norbert asked as he looked out across the crowd, not seeing anyone come to him or appear as he thought they should.


    "Not the best but someone that you''ve interacted before. Still feels slightly in debt and something their champion wants to help with anyway." Luck said, the newcomer seemingly popping out of the ground, walking from a thirty meters away towards them.


    The duo was silent as they waited for their newcomer to arrive. Their slow steps became increasingly frustrating the longer they took. Norbert held himself back so as not to start whistling once again.


    A thought came to me: "Then, what about people like Hyeon, those not picked to be champions?"


    "The rarity of them surviving often gives them something in return, like yourself. One could say you became lucky to get picked by one of the divine." Lady Luck added on the end, giving a half smile to Norbert.


    Half opening his mouth, Norbert saw Luck close it again, stopping the conversation as she grabbed onto his jaw, moving it about to look at their guest. Norbert could now hear his glasses clittering against each other with every step that the person made.


    Stopping a meter away, orange spotty robes around them as he opened his arms out, "Welcome; I hope you have something for me?"


    Norbert looking towards the guest, providing the sack out to him as well as the candy from his coin pouch. "Copy whatever this provides onto the ones in this bag." Norbert said, the words coming out coldly as Norbert sized up the person in front of him. Something raised his suspicions about the figure even though they were technically helping him with something he had done previously.


    "Grosly?" Norbert asked, piercing the items together that the alchemy god made to him.


    "Sadly no, just a follower of the great god. So what do you need help with, other than your copying help?" The priest asked Norbert.


    Turning to the side, he saw Luck still there, the priest only staring him down as he wondered what was happening. Knowing not to seem entirely crazy, Norbert began his explanation, ending it with, "So it would be helpful for the kids if you could add whatever the cure part of the candy added to the rest. Created by the Pink Pair''s saying half can be done by someone here." Norbert finished with a wave of his hand out to the near empty temple district in front of him.


    The priest nodded as he started walking away. "I''ll be back in four rotations."


    Norbert watched as the man once more seemingly disappeared into the ground once he went far enough away.


    Norbert turned towards Luck, who still sat there like she had before their guest arrived. He opened his mouth, the words coming out of his own volition. "Was that a priest or just Grosly?" Norbert asked her.


    "That''s for you. That''s for you to decide on your own, champion," Luck said, half paying attention to Norbert''s words.


    Leaning towards her, Norbert moved a strand of golden hair out of the goddess''s eyes, sending a shiver down her back as she returned to earth, looking to see what Norbert was doing.


    ¡°Is that really necessary?¡±


    ¡°Is zoning out like that really necessary?¡± He replied back straight away


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t would I do it?¡± She rebutted back to him.


    Norbert stared at her, trying to think of what she had done previously. ¡°For myself, most defiantly, but your really not that type.¡± After a moment of thinking, letting the words hang in the air before nodding his head in confirmation of his words.


    Norbert focused his eyes back on Lady Luck, who was staring at him. The two of them were silent as his hand continued to fall down her hair and finally reach the end. Dropping down, Norbert placed both his hands in his lap, dragging his eyes away as he sighed. He looked out towards the temple district, and it started to become increasingly crowded as the day started.


    "I wonder how long this is going to take?" Norbert asked aloud, unbeknownst to Luck, changing the topic of the conversation.


    "Like the man said, about four hours, give or take." The goddess responded.


    Hearing the normal hours and not the twisted but usual time scheme of this place brought the feeling of home greater onto him.


    "Not that, this entire thing. How long do these games normally last?" Norbert asked.


    Silence filled the room as Norbert saw out of the corner of his eye the goddess shake uncontrollably, starting off with little jerks and slowly getting bigger and bigger until pearls of laughter came out.


    ¡°The time has just begun, more perils and journeys await you, young champion.¡± The goddess Lady Luck told Norbert.

 Chapter 289 Wacky is more Appropriate

    Norbert looked to Luck. "You''re going to say something in that tone of voice and then just disappear on me in a stream of golden motes of light?" Norbert berated her, clasping onto her hand.


    Luck looked towards Norbert, a strange smile on her face as he saw her start to disappear in front of him. Shaking his head, he let her go, taking his hand off her own as he saw her rise to the heavens in the corner of his eye.


    Looking back, I saw a little note written on a scrap piece of paper, written on it saying in flowing cursive, "I wasn''t planning but when you said..."


    Norbert carefully folded the paper and placed it into his jacket, an annoyed smile on his face at what he had caused himself. Feeling a peck on his neck and a tail wrap around himself, Norbert brought his hand up to his shoulders, patting both of his companions, who were currently resting on his shoulder.


    "Sorry about that; I did not forget about you too at the moment," Norbert said to both of them, surprised that he was so used to their weight on his shoulders, the two of them playing around while he went about his life.


    Remembering what Dobert had said earlier, Norbert turned to the fox on his shoulder. "And don''t you have some explaining to do? A friend said you helped them out with translating this little guy." Norbert said, pointing to the speckled bird on his other shoulder.


    Receiving a trill of annoyance and a peck on his neck from the bird, Norbert turned to her. "Well, I might be able to, but others don''t have the same kind of grasp on Drotha. And before you start, yes, I know that Traveller can. And calling you guy meant to be neither male nor female, so you stop it." Norbert added, holding up his hand to stop any more disagreements from the bird, not seeing any other ways the little guy could poke its head at him.


    Norbert returned to the point of conversation, being the fox on his other shoulder and staring down at the creature for several moments, hoping to make it budge and communicate better than Obsius.


    But as he continued to stare, with no effect on the creature and starting to feel embarrassed that he was making a fool of himself by his actions, Norbert slowly stopped. I realised he had no clue how to get under the white pelt.


    Shaking his head, Norbert picked the fox up, looking into its eyes as theirs looked back into his. "You do you," Norbert said whimsically, bopping his forehead on the fox''s snout.


    Feeling it wriggle out of his grasp, Norbert loosened his grip, the fox dropping to his lap before hopping down and trotting off.


    Norbert spun his body around so he was lying on the fountain''s rim, one leg draped over the side and on the ground, as the other was straight out, resting as well. Obsius fluttered as Norbert moved, resting again on his right-bent knee.


    Norbert turned his face to look at the fox as it continued to walk away from him, following where the priest had walked away.


    Norbert turned to Obsius, the bird staring at him, almost waiting for him to start talking again, knowing he would. Shaking his head and rested it on the fountain, the cold stone moving up and pressing against it.


    Moving his shoulders about, dislodging the hood, he bundled it up and used it as a cushion against the stone underneath him. Opening his mouth to say something, Norbert closed it again, the thought running out of his brain before he could say it.


    Closing his eyes, Norbert let his breath slow down, basking in the presence of the sun coming out through the clouds and warming his entire body up.


    ***


    Hearing the footsteps again, coming steadily louder, roused Norbert from his slumber. Opening his eyes and looking around, he sees Obsius now moved to the crook of his neck, bundled up and slowly rising and falling. Smiling fondly at the little bird who still followed him through his whimsical and random actions.


    The sound of the footsteps still rising from the right caught his attention and the reason that woke him from his slumber. Seeing it was the same priest as before walking towards him, Norbert stayed in the same position, letting him come the remainder of the way.


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    "It''s unusual for a god to meet another champion like this." Grosly said to Norbert.


    He closed his eyes, did not care for the god in his presence, and felt that he wasn''t showing his power or aura like the others did in the presence of everyone, causing a commotion.


    "That it is, but nobody ever expected you to do the work yourself," Norbert said to the god.


    "That would be too grand of a gesture. I''m just the delivery boy, here for your delivery and a bit of a chat as payment," Grosly said, dropping the package down with a thunck. The candies tossed about as they hit the fountain''s rim.


    The sound roused the bird from its slumber as it started to slowly get up, looking about itself before taking off, landing on top of the fountain, perching on the depiction''s shoulder.


    Norbert, now no longer having a reason to be lying down, sat up, placing either foot on each side of the sack as he opened it up, taking two out as he looked to the side, making sure he couldn''t see the god.


    Changing his vision to magic, Norbert inspected the two, seeing that they both had a slightly different feeling than what he remembered from the candies he received from the Pink Pair.


    Plopping them both back into the sack, Norbert looked back at the god; the fact he was still there and hadn''t walked off meant something. Turning to the side, he saw Luck still not appearing but assumed she was watching over him, like he was sure she usually did.


    "I know of another Grosly. Is it common for children to be named after gods?" Norbert asked aloud, the first thing coming to mind when he heard the name.


    "Depending on the culture, it''s a thing that sometimes happens. Parents want their child to grow up a certain way, have a certain role model." The god stated, shrugging his shoulders with the explanation.


    Norbert remembers the scout he once saw, chuckling at the stark difference in personality and way of life, "For the one I know, that plan didn''t work out too well."


    "Plans like that usually don''t work out to well. Wrong god to follow if that''s your intention." Grosly said, half pointing up to the fountain behind Norbert.


    Leaning backward, she sees the water fountain depiction of Luck and remembers what she can sometimes do: "But even for her, it''s not a true fortune."


    "When one god''s domain brushes against another, peculiarities happen," Grosly said.


    Norbert looked at the god of alchemy. "Are you normally like this, with half-quips meant to make people think in circles?" Norbert questioned.


    "Comes with the domain; as I said earlier, weird things happen when they brush against others," Grosly replied.


    Norbert nodded, not wanting to continue down this train of thought with the god. "Any other reason why you''re here talking?" Norbert asked.


    "Curious to see who helped out my champion from their little struggle," Grosly said, moving about and sitting beside Norbert on the fountain.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert thought back to the Italian boy he helped out long ago, his sense of time now all skewed of what should be long ago as he has been thrown from one outcome to another with very little time for rest.


    "How is Bartholomew doing, by the way?" Norbert asked, remembering the Italian boy with the attitude and how he was trapped in both worlds. Norbert was happy something like that had never happened to him.


    "Surprised you remember his name. Strange boy, that one. Carving out his corner of the world, not similar to you at all." Grosly said, the god physically jabbing Norbert in the ribs, causing him to jump slightly.


    "What you mean not similar. I have my ¡­" Norbert sat there, feeling dumbfounded as he realised what the god was referring to.


    Not having a team or even a start of a team like Sally has, nor the start of some business or empire like he was sure Elizabeth had started making with her casinos, or whatever she could have created first way back when.


    "You''re saying I''m doing this strangely?" Norbert asked.


    "Wacky is a more appropriate word. A wacky man following a wacky path and champion to a wacky god." Grosly slaps Norbert¡¯s back at the end of the declaration.


    Thinking over his path, Norbert had a question regarding the tournament: "How many other champions are there?"


    The god instantly bristled up under the question. Norbert waved it away, not wanting to hear a fake answer if it wouldn''t be provided.


    "No need. I''ll take from your previous experience that some people are there¡ªand even more, just looking from the sidelines," Norbert said.


    He stared out of the corner of his eye, not hearing any comment or body movement, asking if he was right. I''m happy that at least the other champions wouldn''t know about him if some strange agreement hadn''t been met beforehand.


    Norbert did not continue the conversation, wondering what the god would do. As if reading his mind, the god slowly stood up, and Norbert heard the joints cracking as he stood up to his full height.


    The robes were perfectly still even though the wind started to pick up slightly; Norbert watched the man go, a shimmer appearing around him as a smell wafter out, causing his nose to wiggle about.


    With not even a word of goodbye or farewell, the god just walked away, like how he came about. The fog around him was growing thicker, and Norbert felt like he heard a crack of glass shattering on the ground.


    Standing up in surprise, only to see the fog had lifted, people started to walk about, and this section of the temple district didn''t seem so quiet anymore.


    Reaching down between his feet, opening up the bag once more, Norbert looked inside, confirming its contents.


    With a sad sigh, he now had no more reason to stay in Alasium.

 Chapter 290 Outside the Official Channels

    Standing on the steps of the casino, not knowing any other way to get back to Libitina outside the official channels, he was still meant to be away training. This early in the morning, most people were making their way out of the glass building. The day''s responsibilities are now pulling on their coats after spending their money or winning their fortunes.


    Norbert walked up the steps, nodding to the guards as he showed his weapons tied up. He gave them a slightly surprised look before they let him in without more of a word, guessing they were slightly surprised at his knowledge of the customs needed.


    Norbert looked inside the lower floor, not seeing anything different from the other times he had been on this floor. He stood still as people hardly made their way out, cashing in the last couple of chips they earned before heading off for the day. Norbert stared at the back, where he knew the hidden door would be for the kitchens. Down that hallway to the right underground would be the portal he was after.


    Hefting his sack into position once more, making sure it stayed there, slung over his shoulder, Norbert stepped forward. The crowd could see his determination and did not want to get in the way of him as he continued past the exchange counter.


    Thankfully, it quickly emptied, and most were around the entrance and the exchange, wanting to leave for the day. Around him, Norbert could see the wait staff eager to start the clean-up but wanting to wait for the last guest to leave.


    Singled out, with all eyes from the staff following him, Norbert walked through with Obsius on his shoulder, starting to whistle a silly tune as the bird joined in as well. He hoped that Elizabeth would have told them about his eclectic behaviour beforehand so he could easily walk in.


    As he made his way to the section of the wall, nobody said anything, no outcry or asking him what he was doing. Norbert assumed he could continue, likely because the casino owner was already waiting for him down in the belly of her domain.


    Holding his breath, Norbert placed his hand against the wall, watching as it fazed through. Happy that it hadn''t moved, not wanting to smash his face into a solid wall, Norbert walked the rest of the way forward, the torches on either side of the hallway flickering in the light as he made his way down there.


    Thankful that no staff were here trying to go the other way, Norbert stopped at the T junction and looked to the left at the kitchens. He wondered if that chef was still there, following his master around and continuing to cook meals.


    Taking a step there, he stopped by the sudden weight of the candies he was carrying. Pausing momentarily, Norbert turned around, going down the other pathway leading down the spiral staircase.


    Seeing the first guard not stop him from continuing his thoughts were correct, somehow she must have figured out his plan. I don''t think he told anyone about it, but someone must have followed him in Liberia.


    Norbert started down the spiral staircase, one at a time, limping his way down and being careful not to drag the sack of candy on the wall next to him. They stopped momentarily at the bottom, seeing the portal frame as before. Crates pilled around, and workers moved about.


    The door he was looking for was on the far side of the room. Norbert made his way across, watching as the others kept themselves busy with their work. Coming to the door, Norbert wrapped his knuckles in his free hand. Waiting patiently, Norbert looked around, feeling something catch Obsius''s attention as the bird looked around.


    Norbert followed the bird but saw nothing out of place. Before he could say anything to the bird, the door opened before him. Looking inside, he saw Elizabeth sitting at her desk and on it ¡­


    "So it''s you," Norbert said to the white fox sitting there. "You''re the one telling everyone of my plans for my betterment. So thank you, but I thought I was getting lucky." Norbert continued as he pointed accusingly at the fox.


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    Obsius pecks him on the ear in response to his accusation to the fox, but Norbert plans to dismiss it as questioning Norbert''s sanity and his stupidity.


    Walking in, he went to the empty seat, planted himself there, dropped the sack of candies to the side of the chair, and looked towards Elizabeth, who stared back at him.


    "So, will you let me go to Libitina and return with some fifty-odd kids over here?" Norbert asked her, cutting straight to the chase.


    "What would you do if I said no?" She asked him.


    Norbert sighed as the thought rattled through his mind; one of the only ways to connect them would be "Through the direct route. Kreevss be damned."


    Elizabeth slightly paused when she heard what came out of his mouth. Norbert was sure if she was drinking her usual tea, it would have been spat out and flying all over his face at the moment. A part of him was happy that she wasn''t currently drinking it.


    "Would that have been your plan?" She asked him.


    Norbert just nodded his head in response, not seeing a point in hiding the truth to her about it. There wouldn''t be much wrong with him continuing his plan, other than the number of bodies that would be lying in his wake.


    He was dismissing the thought with a wave of his hand, not seeing that it would need to resort to something like that at all.


    "I can tell that either myself or someone else convinced you of this action before I came here?" Norbert asked her, wanting confirmation before departing on his journey.


    Only a nod of her head and a slight point of her wrist down to the fur ball currently sleeping on her table showed any signs of giving up the fugitive. Norbert looked down for a moment at the kitsune. Sure, it had some reason up its sleeve for doing this, and many more tricks as well up there.


    "How long until the kids can be brought back through?" Norbert asked her.


    "Whenever suits you, but bring them through the bottom," Elizabeth added as Norbert started to get up from his chair, not seeing any more point in conversing with the lady, not when he was so close to a part of his plan from being finished.


    The fox remained where it was, and Norbert did not care too much about the creature. It had a habit of appearing whenever it deemed itself necessary, not like Norbert had an idea about whether it was necessary or not. Leaving the fox there, Norbert headed out, closing the door behind him.


    He stood still for a moment, watching over the works as he heard voices from within. He assumed that Elizabeth was talking to someone else, not seeming the type to talk to herself, unlike other individuals that came to his head.


    Making his way to the portal frame, he watched as it was lit up, blue light emanating from the once-empty frame. Walking towards it, Norbert asked the worker closest to it, "Set for Libitina?"


    Only receiving a nod in response, Norbert stepped through, the usual feeling of his body being stretched out. This one felt jumpier than the other times he had travelled across it. Like a string bouncing up and down until it became taught to its destination, finally pulling Norbert through to the other side.


    The usual feeling of his body being stretched along was once again too far for the great distance he was sure to be travelling. Coming out the other side, Norbert continued walking forward. A quick look showed nothing near the portal. I''m happy that word went ahead of him so there wouldn''t be a run-in.


    Looking around the room, now easily able to compare the difference to the casino''s underground as it was still fresh in his mind, Norbert was surprised at the similarities between the two setups.


    Making his way across it, the most significant change being the workers. The difference is stark with the amount of Grimm around him at the moment, compared to being surrounded by humans before in Alasium.


    Wondering how far he had travelled as he made his way up the steps, he turned around and looked out at the same boxes and the now-deactivated portal frame. Wondering where it was taking people now, Norbert looked about. The difference was the lack of a door leading to Elizabeth''s office.


    Leaving the idea for alter, Norbert made his way up the spiral staircase, the torches here once more lit, but the guards missing from their posts. Norbert wondered what happened with that, assuming there must be a reason that was going over his head for the reason of the change.


    Dismissing it, Norbert made it to the top, standing at the T junction, where he looked to the kitchens. Some of him wanted to go in and look, but Norbert stepped away from the kitchens so close to the end, heading down the long corridor. Obsius was still on his shoulder, rubbing against his neck. Norbert smiled in return as he patted the bird with his free hand, stepping through the wall and into the busy casino.


    They stopped momentarily with the activity around them, not expecting to see so many people talking about it. Breathing out, Norbert walked the crowd briskly as it parted around him, sensing his need not to be disturbed.

 Chapter 291 Candy for all

    Trudging up the steps again, aiming to come out at the tailor''s shop, Norbert wondered how many little cloaks they would have made by now, hoping they could be flipped around as he requested. The need to blend in with two different customs was something Norbert would need to deal with.


    As he made the last round, able to see the roof of the stairwell above him, Norbert stopped, realising something. He didn¡¯t have his mask on.


    He cursed internally to himself for missing something so obvious, sure that the Kreevss had seen his face previously. As he stopped at the door, he was internally thankful for one thing. Out of all the places, a tailor shop would be a place that should have what he was looking for.


    Opening the door, the shop was the quietest he had ever seen. Looking about the place, he stopped by the number of colours around him, all grabbing the attention of his eyes, only for the next thing in his peripheral to take his interest instead.


    ¡°Hello, good sir; what can we do for you today?¡± A shop attendant appeared in his face.


    Norbert held his mouth open as he looked about. ¡°I''m here to pick up part of a parcel and something to hide my face,¡± Norbert said as he started to scan around the place, wondering if they had a hat or something that would work well enough.


    ¡°First for that order.¡±


    Norbert was paying attention to the person in front of him. ¡°Believe the order was under Norbert, needing a lot of cloaks, invertible with two different designs,¡± Norbert added, hoping that would be enough detail. Not having properly remembered what information he had given the store the last time, he was rushed to get out unnoticed.


    A nod of the attendant''s head made it seem like he knew exactly what was happening. ¡°Of course, the order is nearly complete. Now for something to hide that face ¡­¡± The attendant walked away from Norbert.


    Following him through the store, Norbert feels out of place with everyone else''s fashion. His current uniform stood out from everyone else who was wearing with their bright colours and vivid cuts compared to Norbert¡¯s simple design.


    The attendant walked off, stopping at some things for a time but ultimately getting dismissed. Picking up one thing as they walked around, the only hat a wide brimmed yellow sun hat. The yellow splotches from multiple colourings, in a random polka dot effect covering the head ware. Norbert, seeing as the sides tried to flop down and hide the face.


    The bright colour made his eyes water even inside the shop. The attendant did not pick anything else up as he walked over towards Norbert, placing it on his head and taking a step back. The brim half went into his eyes, and Norbert stood still as he looked over him up and down.


    ¡°Not the best suiting design for you, but it fits your criteria.¡± The man said to Norbert.


    Still standing there, Norbert watched the man walk off to the back of the shop. Finally able to move again, Norbert walked to the counter, wondering how many coins this hat was going to cost him. He hoped it wouldn¡¯t be too much. Not having had a chance to top up again, he knew he would be losing some more coins when he made it to Flare-dew.


    Fishing around, looking for silver but not wanting to take it out just in case, Norbert waited for the pile of cloaks to be set in front of him. Taking over the entire counter, Norbert just stood there, unexpectedly surprised by how much clothing it had taken up.


    ¡°Can you put it in a sack?¡± Norbert asked, the attendant already one step ahead as he folded it up and placed it inside. Turning around, Norbert saw that everyone was staring at his order, probably wondering what the person with the hat would need with that many clothes.


    Turning back to the attendant, Norbert asked, ¡°How much will it cost me?¡±


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    ¡°Cloaks paid for; the hat is just silver.¡± The man responded back


    Norbert nodded, not wanting to argue about payments, as he couldn¡¯t even remember if he paid. But to him, getting it for free was always good. Sliding the single coin over, Norbert reaches for the sack. ¡°How long until the next batch is ready?¡±


    ¡°Next is already ready, but the final will take until the end of the day,¡± the man said to Norbert.


    Thinking about time, Norbert nodded his head as he made his way outside, mentally planning the route to this section and the number of trips needed to move the kids about, hoping they had thought of some system for moving about in this city.


    ***


    On the outskirts of the city, not having Obsius as last time to navigate him to the hideout of the kids he was meant to pick up, Norbert whistled with his companion, hoping they would be able to pick him up again.


    Skirting around, knowing that he was hopefully heading in the rough direction, a head popped out of a window above him. It was one of the rare two-story buildings on this side. The roof was not intact, as the sandstone showed signs of extreme weathering.


    ¡°Norbert?¡± a voice came out from above, the question hanging in the air as they hoped it was him.


    ¡°That it is. Have the candies for healing and some cloaks to give out and move you out of this city,¡± Norbert said aloud, holding each sack in his hand as he discussed its contents.


    He was scrambling, echoing around as his head disappeared from view. A moment later, the boy came out, carefully walking towards him. Hoping to break the tension with a question, ¡°How¡¯s Korn doing?¡±


    ¡°Not good. The sickness has hit him. A bunch of us are on the lookout for you,¡± the boy said to Norbert as he walked past, not looking back to see if Norbert was following. Taking a moment, shaking his head at the fact that he didn¡¯t have any but was still surrounded, Norbert smiled at the leader of these kids.


    There was silence from the kid as he pattered his dusty feet through the sand. Norbert was happy to see they were at least not cracked and bleeding or that it was actually not for the best.


    Norbert joined the bird in their musical charade. He watched out of the corner of his eyes as they walked, slightly going into this derelict part of the city. More and more kids appeared in the buildings around them. Quickly gazing behind himself, Norbert saw several following him on the street.


    WHEEZE


    The sound made Norbert stop mid-stride as the thoughts of what he was carrying for them returned to him. The music instantly stopped from both of them as Norbert looked around. The place he found himself now familiar. Walking ahead of the kid, Norbert counted the buildings, finding the one he was looking for.


    Making sure not to look at the sick, Norbert walked inside, ducking down slightly so his hat wouldn¡¯t hit the doorway. Looking about in there, Norbert sees Korn sitting there, looking better than death warmed up, sweat going down the boy''s pale skin.


    Norbert closed his eyes, steeling his resolve of what was needed as he internally hoped they would have enough to feed them all.


    ¡°Candies here, and cloaks too, assuming you know who to disperse these. I want to move the first batch over to the casino soon,¡± Norbert said robotically, wanting to get the most of the information out of the way before Korn lost anything more to sickness.


    His voice roused the boy from whatever slumber the sickness induced.


    ¡°You have them?¡± He asked.


    Norbert just shook his head, knowing the boy would need to be more put together than this. Placing the hat on the table, Norbert reached into the sack, pulled out candy, and took the final step.


    Holding up his head, Norbert placed it in the sick boy''s mouth, closing it around as he waited for whatever should be happening. Hoping that Grosly¡¯s work would be quick enough to bring this boy back from the brink soon.


    As the candy slowly dissolved in the boy''s mouth, Norbert looked about, others staring at him as they waited, wondering what the stranger could do.


    Coming out, Norbert saw the one who had found him the first time, surprised as he quickly rushed back, ¡°You came.¡±


    ¡°I said I would; now, do you know who needs these?¡± Norbert asked as he pointed to the rest of the candies.


    A quick nod came out of the boy. Norbert smiled back as he handed the sack of candies over. ¡°Great, now run along and do it in the order Korn asked them to be given,¡± Norbert said aloud, watching as the kid went straight out the doorway, the sounds of kids sucking on candies filling the street.


    Obsius fluttered from his shoulder and moved out of the room, not blaming the bird for doing so as he looked about the dirty place. The smell finally hit him of too many people enclosed in a single space, all sick with ¡­ something.


    Shivering at the thought, Norbert felt his hand pushed off Korn''s face. Looking down, breathing out a thankful breath as the sickness was already cleared from the boy''s eyes. The sharpness as a million thoughts ran through their head, piecing everything together.


    ¡°You came back.¡±


    ¡°I said I would,¡± Norbert replied, stepping back to the other chair, careful not to slide it along the floor as he sat down. He could hear the wood creak underneath him.

 Chapter 292 The Start of the Delivery

    Korn pointed towards the sack of clothing next to him, one of the coats having fallen slightly out. The sack''s multitude of colours was out of place in the room; it only held the colour brown.


    "What''s with the clothing?" He asked Norbert.


    Leaning back in the chair, d¨¦j¨¤ vu hit Norbert as the boys approached. "Aren''t you wondering where the other candies are?"


    "Heard you gave them to Mord, planned on him distributing," Korn said. He was tapping the cloaks again, bringing the conversation back to his question at hand.


    "The cloaks, well, you must navigate this city somehow. Well, I need to, at least, and with the Kreevss last time searching for me, this was an idea that I came up with," Norbert explained to the boy.


    "A stupid idea, but go on." Korn flatly said.


    Norbert looked at the boy, opening his mouth before finally closing it, not wanting to get into an argument with someone who looked two steps away from death''s door a moment ago. "After we go to the below casino ¨C"


    "No", Korn interrupted Norbert.


    "That''s how we''re getting out of there. We need to get to the casino below, take a portal for Alasium, and from there ¡­ it doesn''t matter. You need to go down there," Norbert said, not seeing a point in explaining the plan further if there was a hiccup like this.


    Staring at the boy, who didn''t want to say anything, Norbert sighed, knowing this was a hurdle he didn''t think would happen.


    "Why don''t you go under there."


    "People don''t return." The boy shivered.


    Norbert opened his mouth, remembering the first time that he went down there when nearly assaulted him, someone in a random alley assaulted him.


    "Small groups of five to ten I can handle." Norbert gave back.


    "No"


    "I''ve been down there. I have some people I might be able to call on."


    "How often?"


    "I just came from there, having been about ten times. There are no issues. That''s part of the reason for inverting the cloaks. The colours stand out way too much with the dreary colour scheme they like down there," Norbert added, hoping part of his plan would help convince the kid.


    "Two at a time." The kid almost growled to Norbert.


    Closing his eyes at hearing it, Norbert nodded his head as he considered the logistics of having that many people moving about, thinking he would need to hold them somewhere.


    "And while I fetch the others?" Norbert asked, hoping it would go differently than they had said.


    The boy looked over Norbert as he thought it through, judging Norbert''s reaction to the news.


    "We''ll wait on the other side. How well do you know the casino owner? Not much is known about them other than people liking their games." Korn asked.


    Norbert shrugged his shoulders, "Enough to have something on her so that we can help each other out when needed." He added, "I''m not looking forward to what this bill will cost me, though." He slightly shuddered at the thought, hoping the fox had something up its sleeve to help with the payment.


    The two sit in silence as the coughing and wheezing outside slowly abate. Norbert is at least happy that these kids won''t be hit with whatever is given.


    "The plan, then, is to take two at a time, take you through the portal, and drop you off," Norbert said, counting the stops internally.


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    Receiving a nod in reply as the boy looked squirmish, "Ever taken a portal before?" Norbert asked the kid.


    The boy suddenly looked five years old, rather than the thirteen Norbert would have stuck him by only a slight nod.


    "The first one will be rough, but you have enough time to get over any sickness." Norbert tried to convince the boy that it was safer, not knowing if he was doing a good job.


    Seeing how it wasn''t helping, Norbert sighed again, "How many kids do you have here?" Norbert asked.


    "Hundred and thirteen, but could have some more stragglers unaccounted for popping up when the word spreads," Korn provided.


    Norbert whistled at the number, wondering how long it would take him to escort that many people. He was happy at least that more candies were given, but he did not know how Flare-dew would handle the increase in people.


    Focusing on one problem at a time, Norbert slapped his hands on his face, pepping himself up for the many walks up the steps he would need to take. He knew he would need to go to the Pudgy Patron first and maybe meet up with a particular vampire who could give assistance.


    "So, which two will be first?" Norbert asked as he looked around, staring at those there. Who would be the unlucky ones to be first chosen?


    His eyes went to Korn. The boy stuck his arm up as he stood up, heading outside. Norbert stayed where he was, taking one of the cloaks from the bag.


    I heard Korn talk aloud to his group about the plan. He tuned it out as he continued to look about, wondering what would be needed.


    The bird looks up at him, and Norbert sees Obsius land on the table. Picking the bird up, Norbert places her on his shoulder and lets the bird cuddle. "Is it safe down here now that people are being cured?" Norbert asks the bird.


    The bird did not say much as Korn returned. A small girl followed him.


    "You the first two?" Norbert asked.


    Korn stiffened up and nodded. Norbert continued his train of thought. "And the order is made?"


    Another nod from the young leader''s head. Norbert nodded in return as he picked up two cloaks, throwing them over to each of them.


    Catching it out of the air, Korn quickly wrapped it around his body, the colour on the outside making his skin and clothes look dirtier than before. With the cut just under his knee, Norbert looked to the more petite girl, seeing that hers needed to be tied up or else there was a risk of someone tripping on it.


    Sliding down next to the girl, Norbert quickly tied up the loose fabric. The design was slightly ruined, but it was better. Standing up to his full height and reaching back to pick up his hat, Norbert walked out of the room with barely a nod.


    Quietly speaking to Obsius, I added, "Can you navigate me around this city? I need speed over anything. And did you listen to the plan?" Norbert asked the bird.


    Norbert looked at it as the bird stared back at him like he was a fool. He nodded his head as he turned to Korn, who still stood inside, looking at Norbert with a face mixed with fear and anxiety about finally leaving this old city.


    Obsius was taking flight as Norbert watched the bird up above him. He changed his vision so the speck came into view, and then he started walking off in the most direct path, making his way through an alleyway.


    Turning behind himself, seeing Korn and the girl standing there waiting for him, Norbert wondered what was going on when he realised it, the two of them stopping as he looked up, seeing it was a dead end.


    Sighing at his instructions to the bird, not seeing a point in making himself known, Norbert turned around and headed to them. "Do. you know how to get to the Pudgy Patron?" Norbert asked.


    The boy smiled slyly in response, leading the party from the front.


    Norbert just smiling, happy that at least something was making the previously destitute boy seem much more chipper.


    ***


    Standing at the entrance, Norbert looked back to Korn and the girl, neither wanting to walk through.


    Norbert grabbed both of their hands, sighing once more before pushing through the swinging doors. Once more, the sounds inside quieted as the current guests looked at the newcomers.


    Dismissing them, knowing the stares were following him, Norbert headed towards the bar, sitting down as he waited for Brezan to come to him. Having one last look around the bar, he slowly made eyes with everyone there, hoping the death stare he was giving would be enough to keep them in line.


    "Didn''t expect ever to see you again." The bartender told Norbert, the annoyance of what the human could rope the establishment into once again at the forefront of the bartender''s mind.


    Placing the hat by the side, Norbert spun around, forcing himself to smile as he looked at the bartender, making sure not to look down at his hand. Something the two children by his side could not do, both of them watching as the hand was stuffed inside the glass with the rag, the habit formed of cleaning it out.


    "A welcome surprise, I hope." Norbert tried to tell the bartender charmingly.


    A grunt was returned from his efforts. "What''s with the kids? Didn''t take you for a kidnapper?" The man said.


    With that, everyone else in the bar perked up. Norbert was now aware of the reason why they were all on edge. Dismissing the thought with a wave, Norbert provided, "Just guiding them to the casino down below. Them and another hundred." Norbert added at the end, wanting to get the cat out of the bag before he started appearing time and time again.


    With that, Obsius came swooping in as the door opened once more, Norbert turning around. The group of people he didn''t want to see had just entered the bar. With nothing hiding his face or disguise, Norbert could only swallow as he sent the energy around his body, making sure the purple wasn''t visible in his veins, fingers crossed that his identity wasn''t realised yet.

 Chapter 293 A Meal Sadly Shared

    Norbert looked towards the Kreevss that had entered. He watched as the reptile sat next to him at the bar. He half-gazed at the two kids beside him, watching how they were both on the other side of him. Moving his head slightly, Norbert looked, confirming with everyone else in the bar what was happening.


    Norbert looked to the bartender, knowing he had to say something. "Can we have a meal for the three of us, whatever you have already prepared?" Norbert asked, pointing to himself and the two kids by his side.


    The bartender just nodded before disappearing around the back and into the kitchen. The sounds of pots and pans banging together were louder than before. Norbert turned around, seeing one of the empty tables. He nodded to the Kreevss, stood up, and took the hat. As he sat down, Korn and the girl followed him.


    After he walked away, the conversation started again in the bar, and tension broke between them as the two possibly offending parties could walk away peacefully.


    Or that is what Norbert thought until a second Kreevss came in, once more looking over the room. Norbert groaned inwardly, especially when his eyes were locked on the bird on Norbert''s shoulder.


    Norbert''s hand slowly slide under the table, stopping on the dagger but continuing before going to the coin pouch. His nerves were getting the better of him. He wanted to distract himself as the two Kreevss talked to each other.


    Feeling the coin in his hand take him back, not knowing how much they knew about his mannerisms, Norbert left the coin in the pouch, his hand slowly coming back up to rest on the table.


    Taking the hat, Norbert closed his eyes as he put it on top of his head, stopping the light from going through and obscuring his face in case any more Kreevss appeared, not wanting to add fuel to the potential fire that would blow up in his face.


    Norbert heard Korn''s voice come up to the girl, trying to calm her down, as they might have known each other''s history. Norbert was just staring through as he tried to change his vision, hoping to somehow see through the hat and see what was happening in the bar around him.


    "Mind if I take a ssseat?" A stranger said to the table.


    Norbert stayed quiet, wondering what either of the kids would say to the new guest¡ªfeeling eyes on him as he didn''t say no; the new guest sat down at the table, the grinding of the chair disturbing Norbert from his fake slumber.


    "Mind being any louder?" Norbert sarcastically asked from under the hat, waiting for a response from their new guest.


    "Have an issue with the company?" The Kreevss asked Norbert, feeling them move closer forward, almost imagining the tongue coming out and nearly licking the hat.


    "Calm down, you overgrown liza-dragon" Norbert quickly changed his mind, not wanting to have another running match through the city with two extra guests under his charge.


    He was hearing someone splutter from the near slip of the tongue that he had made.


    Boots came trudging towards Norbert around the table, his hat pulled from his face. Norbert looked up, seeing the first Kreevss that came in towering over him. "Have an issue with us?"


    "About as much of an issue as someone interrupting a possible meal, and for what reason?" Norbert asked, slamming his chair forward. He stood up and leaned over the Kreevss on the other side of the table.


    The one standing up, holding his hat, placed a hand on his shoulder and pushed down on Norbert to sit back in the chair. Norbert was not budging as he tilted his head. "Do we have a problem, Kreevss?"


    Norbert watched as their face started to change colour slightly from the exhaustion placed on Norbert. Relenting the Kreevss, Norbert let go, not moving at all. He moved his head to look ahead of him.


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    Leaning forward,  his head was just a breath away from the one in front ¡°Its rude to stay when someone ¡­ isn¡¯t ¡­ welcome.¡± Norbert growled out to them.


    The Kreevss were now staring intently at Norbert. A bead of sweat was almost forming on their brow, not that Norbert knew if they could sweat."


    "Is that a threat"?" The Kreevss asked Norbert, staring at their seat and looking at Norbert.


    Norbert sat back in his chair, taking the hat out of hand, holding it next to him and placing it on the table" "I might be silly, but I''m not stupid enough to threaten a Kreevss. Unless I want to deal with the consequence"." Norbert added at the end.


    Hearing the kitchen doors open again, Norbert saw Brezan with the food coming out, surprised I wasn''t one of the servers doing it.


    Raising his hand into the air, Norbert said aloud" "But those consequences are worth it when I have a meal so close by. So good day, gentlemen"." Norbert jovially added to the conversation, rubbing his hands together and licking his lips as he eyed down the food coming for them.


    The two Kreevss stared at Norbert''s attitude change, which was not a Norbert''s to do with the person wholly dismissing them. With a grumble, the two of them walked out, Norbert hoping they wouldn''t add any suspicions that it was just a routine patrol happening.


    With the food in front of him, Norbert taking a bite of food as the Kreevss exited, Norbert continuing the charade of eating for a minute, counting in his head as everyone else played with the fact, waiting for the first person to drop the act.


    Finishing the food in his mouth, Norbert moved the stew over to the centre of the table "Either of you can finish it off I''ve had my fill for now", Norbert added as he walked off, heading back to the bar, where Brezan stood once again.


    Leaning on the bar to watch the two kids under his charge, Norbert asked" "Is that a common thin"?"


    "For more than just the Kreevss, everyone is going about like that for personal or public reasons. Some of the Kreevss think you''re still in the city, a fact I can see they are right to assume", Brezan told Norbert. Almost feeling a jab in his shoulder from the words directed his way, Norbert just shrugged them off his shoulder"


    ¡°Is anyone making the rounds like that below?¡± Norbert asked, hoping for an answer


    "No, they know they meant to go under like that. The fact that you do is strange enough. Everybody down there knows about you," Brezan told Norbert.


    Turning around, Norbert looked at the bartender, surprised at the answer" "Really?" Norbert asked.


    Nodding his head, the bartender added "Most others that go down there don¡¯t come back out.¡±


    "See!" Came the muffled voice of Korn from the table, having finished his meal and eating part of Bert''s own, shelving off some of it for the girl already"


    "Is it all good if I come back this way another fifty or so times?" Norbert asked, quickly adding "Not for everyone getting food. I mostly planned on just going straight down there."


    "Payment for the trouble and covering then all your"," Brezan told Norbert.


    Turning around, having his back to the bar, Norbert looked at the bartender, wondering how many coins he would get out of him" "A silver coin for passage and the media"." Brezan quickly added.


    Norbert looked at the man, hearing the skeleton arm clink against the glass he was cleaning again. He twisted his head around as he reached into the pouch, taking out the silver coin. Norbert held it up in front of the bartender"


    "I know your making coin out of me. Now I hope this means that no matter who comes here, I can walk underneath, and you will make up whatever story is needed", Norbert said, sliding the coin on the bench and over to the bartender with a single finger.


    When he let his finger go of the coin, the bartender scooped it up and deposited it somewhere, with a clatter of coins heard within. Norbert turned around, seeing how long the kids were taking.


    Surprised to see all the food gone, the two looked at him as Norbert indicated with his head to the stairs leading underneath. Korn helped the girl off the chair, giving a wide birth to the other guests as they made their way towards the stairwell that Norbert directed to"


    "Well, it''s been the best of fun hanging out with you all, but it''s time for me to leave. For when I meet up with you again in a bit", Norbert said as he popped off the chair, placing the sunhat over his head. Obsius was still there on his shoulder through the entire fiasco, jumping to whatever shoulder was free when needed.


    The group of four made their way underground, past the sandstone steps as he counted the rooms, remembering the store room looked the same as before. Finding the trap door and pulling it up, the darkness underneath the same as before, Norbert held his hand open for both of them"


    "It is best to grab onto me, though it is only a slide of darkness"," Norbert said, letting his voice hang in the air.


    As the word darkness came from his lips, the little girl squealed slightly before reaching for Norbert with her open hands.


    Turning to Korn, the boy was trying to seem more significant than he was. Smiling at him, knowing when an act would need to be had, Norbert stood on either side before jumping in and letting him get encased in darkness.


    Obsius fluttered off his shoulder, staying above as the girl screamed while held in his arms.

 Chapter 294 The First Trip Over

    "AHHHH!"


    The girl''s scream trailed behind him as Norbert felt his back hit the slide. The two were encased in darkness as they plummeted down the slide. As expected, it opened up and started curving out, and the city underneath opened up to them. The sound of the screams dyed out as the girl could look out across the expanse and be slightly mystified like Norbert had been the first time he had seen it.


    The rumours they must have heard are not compared to what was seen. As they started to angle out, Norbert watched as the two guards on the side gave him a single look before dismissing his presence. Brezan''s earlier comment about his association with Vivienne was valid.


    Standing up, Norbert picked up the girl as he moved off the slide, gently placing her down as he looked up it. He was waiting to see Korn come down and possibly catch the boy, or else he would launch himself off the railing; they were near and into the city.


    Changing his vision to better see in the darkness that came with the undercity, Norbert watched the entrance, happy when the boy shot out of it. He was clad in his black cape, and only the slightly rainbow colouring showed through. He watched the terror on his face, eyes scrunched up tight so as not to see anything.


    The boy rocketed down the chute, not slowing down with his feet reminding him of Norbert''s first time. Taking a step away from the girl, Norbert leaned over, hand held out, ready to catch the boy. Just as his fingers grabbed him, something rushed over, clutching his leg, causing him to waver momentarily, spinning around with the boy''s motion.


    Falling into the chute, with two bodies on top of him and a ringing headache coming through as he felt liquid come down the back of his head. The energy was already healing it up before he could check, and a shake of his head caused any weariness to go away. Norbert looked at what was on him.


    On his chest, the boy held onto him tightly. Norbert lifted the boy up and out of the chute, happy that nobody would be following after him, so he had a bit of time left.


    Lifting his foot, the weight came with it as he saw the girl dangling from his appendage. Turning to the skeletal guards, not having moved an inch, Norbert assumed something happened to scare the girl, not that he blamed her.


    With a groan of effort, Norbert hoisted himself out of the chute, watching as Korn looked over the city, Obsius finally coming down and landing on his shoulder. Norbert looked at the bird with a raised eyebrow; there was no need for navigation in these parts.


    Hat somehow still on his head, Norbert turned to the girl, seeing that Korn was in the process of what he was planning on doing, inverting the coat around, the darkness of within taking the girl, with the slight bits of colour still showing, allowing Norbert to make them out if needed quickly.


    Knowing he wouldn''t be winning any hiding contests with his outfit, Norbert looked across, making out the casino he aimed for.


    "That over there is our destination," Norbert said, squatting slightly down as he pointed over the expanse to the barely visible top of the glass cube.


    The two of them tried to look for a moment but could not; with a shrug, Norbert grasped one of them in each of his hands, giving a quick nod to the guards, saying thanks for staying there. "I''ll see you in a bit." Norbert gave them before walking off.


    I wondered what face they would be making as they entered the city underneath.


    ***


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    The uneventful passage through the city that Norbert was thankful for, not wanting to go through all the mess that previously appeared in the upper city. He walked up the steps, still holding onto each of the children Norbert had been designated for.


    Passing the guards, Norbert tipped his hat as he walked through. I''m sure Elizabeth would have told them about his passage over here anyway.


    Walking through the doors, Norbert was not surprised the place was busy even now. Would the Grimm even need to sleep, he thought to himself. Dismissing the silly thought, Norbert eyed the back wall he needed to walk through.


    Getting past the crowded desk once more, Norbert made his way, dragging those over. Sure, people were watching him as he travelled across the country, but he was not blending in with those around him.


    "Going to join us coin flipper?" Someone shouted out from the crowd.


    Stopping for a moment, Norbert looked across. The voice came from one of the back tables. One of the attendants, as he continued to stare, realized he was a dealer Norbert had used before in this place.


    "Not this time. I have too many errands today." Norbert replied, wondering how many people knew of his existence from the little gambling game he played.


    Coming to the wall, both the kids pulled back slightly. Norbert leaned down, and now they had slightly more space. Norbert provided them, "It''s an invisible door; just watch as I pass through. If you''re scared, close your eyes." Norbert gave them a piece of advice


    Instantly, the little girl scrunched her eyes up, and with that, Norbert started walking forward, dragging Korn with him. Entering the passageway, the torches were once more seen. Norbert looked out across the sights, seeing a small group of waiters on this side staring at him.


    With a sheepish grin, Norbert stepped out of the way, allowing them to enter the casino''s lowest floor one at a time.


    With the passageway cleared, Norbert squeezed the girl''s hand before looking around at the flickering passageway.


    Making the usual debate, the right turn, thankful for the lack of guards on the stairwell as both didn''t want to let go of his hand. Making the precarious way down, Norbert was happy when it finally opened up, seeing the portal currently being used as crates were moved out of them, no people, just the boxes pushed through.


    Walking forward, the workers eyed him off momentarily as they stared at him. Norbert''s cameo was the one he assumed was operating the portal network. "How long until a gate to Alasium is open?" Norbert asked.


    The worker looked at Norbert momentarily, scrutinizing him until the light finally came on. "Oh, it''s you, the one the boss said about." The zombie provided to Norbert, the flesh festering slightly on the skin. Looking Norbert up and down, he saw the two kids. "Just two?"


    "Another hundred or so still waiting, doing two at a time from the Kreevss milling about in the upper." Norbert provided.


    A grunt of agreement came, "Assumed to have them all move at once" The worker provided to Norbert.


    Letting go of the kid''s hand, Norbert smashed his fingers on the brow of his nose, trying to think of a possible solution to his current predicament.


    An annoying voice from where the stairwell was. "I could look after them."


    Norbert blew air out of his nose as he looked up, seeing Count von Count staring down at them. He slowly walked down the steps, dramatically taking one at a time.


    Norbert watched as the two kids stared at the vampire, unsure what to make of them. "Eh, sure, why not?? Ready to be a babysitter for over a hundred?" Norbert asked Count von Count.


    There was a slight pause in his step at the sound. "It will be fine, Count von Count", he whispered.


    Norbert eyed the vampire with a half-smile, happy that something could rouse his friend. Turning to the two kids, Korn''s face changed from the frightened kid to the leader he was trying to be. "Before anything, I know it''s not part of the deal. But if that vampire causes any mischief or mayhem to you and doesn''t keep anyone in line. I know some people," Norbert shouted so that everyone could hear his declaration to them.


    Norbert looked at the two kids. "Now I best be off. There are still a lot more to pick up and place in this one''s care," Norbert told them, directing the last bit to Count von Count, who was standing still.


    Walking up to the vampire, who wrapped his arm over Norbert''s neck and dragged him down, "Did you just threaten me" The vampire asked Norbert, seeing the fangs come out "I''m just trying to put at ease the little leader over there. I know out of the two of us who has more leverage on the other. I don''t want my family to be killed or worse over something they never did"" Norbert explained to the vampire, patting him on the back and stepping forward, breaking from the vampire''s grip.


    Making his way up the few stairs to the spiral staircase, Norbert breathed out as he started walking up. Something that could have blown up in his face was now under control. He was hoping the next fifty or so times he trekked this would be easier.

 Chapter 295 Eighty Two

    Eighty-two.


    It took him eighty-two trips as he looked at the last two kids still waiting for him. He held the two cloaks, not nearly having enough and needing to ferry a handful back and forth each time so they were ready when he came up. He did not need any more cloaks left, stuffing the extra in a sack to trudge back down with him.


    Unlike the cloaks, all the candies were eaten. Norbert assumed some kids would not want to make the journey even if their supposed leader was taking it. Shrugging to himself, he looked at the last two kids. ¡°You his right-hand man, Mord?¡± Norbert asked, surprised to see the young kid still here. He had expected someone of that age not to be organising so much and to have gone earlier.


    Mord shrugging partially in response ¡°Someone has to be.¡±


    Norbert looked him up and down, seeing the boy properly for the first time. The squat muscles were hidden under the cloak, and Norbert stared down at the boy coming to his hip. ¡°How old are you?¡±


    A shrug in response to Norbert¡¯s question.


    ¡°Just luck that you fall into the position?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Work and chance. Haven¡¯t believed in luck for a long time, not until you appeared at least.¡± Mord told Norbert.


    The kid next to them was yawning, one of the oldest people Norbert had seen. The boy was at least sixteen years old, not properly called a child.


    ¡°Well, I guess this one is getting tired of the lack of movement, and everyone else is waiting, so let¡¯s head off,¡± Norbert said, turning himself around and heading down the pathway he was so used to taking now. He looked around as the two kids followed after him. There were still some hanging about, but at least these were no longer coughing or looking sickly.


    ¡°Anyone else wants to come with me?¡± Norbert asked around, his voice echoing as he waited and stayed still. ¡°Last call, not coming back here to pick anyone else up!¡± Norbert shouted out loud, letting any other kids have a chance to climb on the Norbert train.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother, the rest have moved off to places they think are better.¡± The older kid spat out to Norbert. Surprised by the croaking voice with such venom, sounding closer to an old man who smoked way to much rather than someone half way through being a teenager.


    Giving one last shrug of his shoulders, his consciousness now abated in turmoil over possibly leaving one of them behind; Norbert made his way back through the city. The spot they were now in was much quieter than the first time he came here. There were no more sounds of people moving about, just the quietness of an emptied city.


    ***


    Stopping at the bar, Norbert sat on the seat as he looked towards Brezan. So. The sun was starting to set on the day with the amount of time it took, unable consistently to carry the kids and needed to take the long way being streets and not leaping over houses and buildings.


    ¡°Last one?¡± The bartender asked Norbert, sliding a drink towards him.


    Norbert nodded his head in thanks, placed the glass to his lip, and drank the clear liquid. He was happy to find it was just water, as his slightly parched throat from the running around he did for the day under the sun was finally being quenched.


    Finishing the glass in a gulp, Norbert gently placed it down on the bar as he went up, heading to the stairs once more. The other patrons did not care for Norbert and his musings, having already gotten used to the man in the sun hat walking around with kids on his heels.


    Standing at the stairs, Norbert shouted, ¡°Any word from Vivienne?¡± Norbert asked.


    Brezan shook his head. ¡°No, were you expecting anything?¡±


    ¡°Nope, which was why I was expecting something,¡± Norbert said.


    The half-skeleton looked at Norbert, a confused expression painting his face. Norbert just waved his hand in dismissal as he walked down the sandstone steps, finally getting to the slide one last time for the day.


    ¡°How many people do you know?¡± Mord asked Norbert.


    Norbert looked at the boy, shrugging his shoulders. ¡°Enough to get stuff done,¡± Norbert replied, not wanting to count the small list of people that he knew. Sometimes, keeping things a mystery was for the better, a skill that he should really be working on with others, and not just random kids he helps out in cities.


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    Coming to the storage once again, Norbert found the trap door open. Nobody saw the point of closing it with Norbert¡¯s many passages he had done that day. As he counted down, waiting in case anyone else had just been, Norbert turned to his last two people under his care.


    ¡°There¡¯s a slide down there. Bundle your hands in. When you see the lower city, try and slow yourself down. If you don¡¯t, its fine; I¡¯ll catch you.¡± Norbert recited his spiel that he was now used to saying. After the first several being scared, Norbert had slightly refined it for the next groups.


    ¡°Anyone want to go with me?¡± Norbert asked, looking at the two kids. Neither of them stepped forward. Standing over the hole, Obsius went off his shoulder as he looked at them. ¡°It''s best to invert your cloaks here.¡±


    With that, Norbert jumped down, waving his hand and holding his sun hat on his head, and plunged into darkness. Twisting his body around so his back would be on the slide, Norbert raced down, thankful for the brief moment of peace he had on the trip when he didn¡¯t need to do anything but sit and wait.


    The city lights opened up around him, waking him from his serenity, having a quick look at the guards, who both waved him down. Norbert slightly wondered what they were there for, maybe assistance when required or to stop people coming up the wrong way, but still, Norbert was thankful for the company.


    Levelling out and coming to a stop, Norbert stepped out, waving over to the guards as he stretched his back out the same way he had done multiple times before.


    ¡°Last time?¡± One of them called out.


    Norbert smiles, nodding in return, ¡°You''re going to be sorry not to see this mug around here anymore.¡±


    ¡°Heh, that¡¯s what you think, and one of them are coming down.¡± The guard Norbert didn¡¯t know their name said to him.


    Nodding in thanks Norbert trained his eyes, watching as one came down, Norbert seeing it was Mord as the small boy¡¯s cloak was in the air, a rainbow flag flapping in the wind.


    Seeing the kid try and slow down, end up going feet overhead as Norbert waited for them to slow down, happy not to see any blood coming out.


    Mord finally stopped as Norbert picked him up, placing him on the side as he looked around. Several bruises were already coming out in the tumble. Holding the boy''s face up, tears started to well in his eyes as Norbert just patted his head, holding it into his body so the boy could cry his tears if needed.


    The next flash of colour came down, and this one was not trying at all to stop as the kid shot down, not slowing down at all. Leaning down, Norbert grabbed the kid by his shirt, feeling it strain and tear slightly from the force as he held him up, thankful that the big one didn¡¯t hit their head, not wanting to look like a complete kidnapper with one crying and the other unconsciousness over his shoulder.


    Picking him up, Norbert gently placed him down, feeling the boy take his own weight as he stepped off. He waved to the two guards to once more make his way through the city.


    Obsius followed down, landing on his shoulder. The bird chirped in annoyance at needing to fly down the dark tunnel.


    ¡°At least this is the last time you will be by yourself today. Just cuddle up to me next time.¡± Norbert said to the bird.


    Obvious tweeted in response, moved about, and finally sat down, waiting for the bumpy ride to the casino to be finished. Norbert began walking off, waving to the two guards who stood watch as he made his way down the stone stairs, stalactites above him as he danced around the lower city.


    ***


    Walking up the casino steps, Norbert was not even getting a look from the bodyguards on the outside anymore. Both were just letting Norbert pass as others were stopped, some of them not knowing of Norbert¡¯s many trips and asking why he was able to walk through.


    Slightly snickering to him, if only they knew how often he had to walk past and get checked to be able to walk in like this they wouldn¡¯t be complaining at all.


    Heading to the doorway, Norbert once more said, "There''s an Invisible door up ahead. You just need to walk through the walls.¡± He reached for both hands; both of them trying to wriggle their way out, but Norbert did not let them as he continued barrelling through the doorway and into the hallway with the torches around it.


    No waiters on the other side were waiting for him, something Norbert was thankful for as he let go of the still-resisting boys, walking forward as he made a beeline for the spiral staircase on the right-hand side. Making his way down for the final time of the day, he could navigate the steps with his eyes closed and backwards, something he tried once to the humour of the two kids that were tailing him that time.


    At the bottom, Norbert looked over the crowd of children, the workers being pushed further and further away as humanity took up their space. With his arrival, everything seemed to quiet down. Count von Count had become a playground for the children, using his blood as slides and whatnot to entertain them. Norbert stood there still as the vampire slowly realised he had arrived.


    "Is that the last one?" The nanny vampire asked Norbert.


    "Yep, last one," Norbert said aloud.


    There was a groan of relief from both the workers and the nanny. Norbert made his way through, coming to where he believed the operator was.


    "All set?" Norbert asked,


    The man grumbled, "It was all set a while ago. This one didn''t want to start the process until you returned."


    Norbert looked to who the undead worker was pointing to, the face of Korn sticking out of the crowd as the boy slowly made his way over to Norbert.


    "Whelp, now that we''re here, I guess it''s time to begin. So, are you all set up?" Norbert asked, pointing at the portal.


    Receiving a nod from the undead worker''s head, annoyed that the person running this operation didn¡¯t have a pair of ears on him. Norbert stepped through, feeling the jitteriness in his body pulsing through him. After the stretch, making it out on the other side, Norbert looked, seeing the familiar doorway there, the human workers around him setting him at ease.


    "A lot of bodies are going to be coming through, so make space!" Norbert shouted out, not replying as he went through again to begin the procession.

 Chapter 296 Back in Alasium

    Norbert looked about the filled room, kids lying down as they tried to regain their stomachs after the first step through the gate. Knowing that wasn''t the most excellent experience. However, Elizabeth has set up a smooth ride, which wasn''t as important as having the system Norbert could tell. As he waited, the last one, once more Mord, came through the gate, where it finally shut off.


    Norbert looked, slightly surprised that Count von Count was still here, the vampire not having run off by now. Making his way through the knee-high sea of kids, Norbert approached the vampire, asking the question on his mind: "How come you''re still here and not run off up the staircase?" Norbert asked as he pointed towards the staircase leading to the exit that they would take, a similar one Norbert knew the vampire took to get down into the other portal room.


    Count von Count indicates to all the people around him, "It looks like you will need a bit of a hand moving them around."


    Norbert opened his mouth to rebuttal before closing it as if the vampire was proper. Moving this many people would be hard enough as it is; Norbert¡¯s plan so far was to head to the inn Martitia owned, hoping they would have enough room for it.


    With nobody in this city actively out to get him, Norbert found he had a better chance of making it here. Nodding his head that it wasn¡¯t a foolish plan and not wanting to spend the entire night moving kids about like he did during the day, Norbert raised his voice so everyone could hear.


    ¡°In three rotations, we are moving out, so limber up, people!¡±


    Korn pushed his way through the crowd, Norbert watching the crowd as the big old one stood next to Mord, the two seemingly inseparable at the moment.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be part of the first group.¡± Korn said to Norbert.


    ¡°Good, because there is only one group,¡± Norbert told the kid.


    His mouth opened up as Norbert took his hat off his head and lightly whacked the boy before he could talk. ¡°Don¡¯t want to hear none of it. We must move out of here while the casino is still in our graces. Count von Count here will assist with the herding, and we will take the main streets. The bird watching from above nobody will get lost.¡± Norbert told the kid, not leaving even a moment for a reply.


    ¡°Two Rotations!¡± Norbert shouted out, the time having gone, causing everyone to stir. Those who were the worst were now being held up and moved to their feet, ready for the big procession out of the casino.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s toughened up¡± Count von Count whispered to him.


    Norbert turned to his friend, shrugging his shoulders. ¡°I gave them enough time already, with only two coming down at a time instead of ten. I need to make up the time and let these kids sleep somewhere,¡± Norbert said, looking around as some tried to fight back yawns.


    ¡°So sweet, you''re still so kind.¡±


    ¡°I never stopped being kind; I don¡¯t know if I ever really started doing it,¡± Norbert said, half thinking about his past actions.


    Count von Count shrugged his shoulders at the comment Norbert made.


    ¡°Can you take the rear?¡± Norbert asked Count von Count.


    ¡°Thought it was already a given?¡±


    Norbert just walked out, waving his hand to the vampire as he headed to the stairwell. Shouting out over the crowd, Norbert told them, ¡°And now we depart. Heading to an inn that hopefully holds all of you before moving to the next town.¡± Norbert told all of them.


    And with that, Norbert moved off, taking the stairs up the winding staircase. The guards here are staring at him. ¡°There¡¯s going to be a lot of traffic. Might be best to move off the stairs.¡± Norbert provided them.


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    The guards stood utterly still in response, not moving off their base. Norbert shrugged as he continued. It would not have been his fault if a warning hadn¡¯t been taken up. The first set of kids now followed behind him. Norbert watched the guard''s eyes grow wide, but he was unable to move now as children swarmed them.


    Making sure not to leave anyone behind, Norbert took slow steps, knowing that now was the time when nobody would get lost from him. Looking back, Norbert said aloud, ¡°Invert the cloaks when you have the chance.¡± Thinking ahead to the street, at least the bright colours would make the task of spotting those that had them and decrease the chance of losing a kid just that little bit more.


    He made his way up to the landing, heading down the hallway with the straight torches, wondering what a sight he would be exiting into the casino with an entire crowd following him.


    Stepping through, he was thankful to be able to see out the other side so the kids wouldn¡¯t be as scared. The sound of the casino hit him, and the first ones noticed Norbert and the stream of children that followed him.


    ¡°Swap the cloaks around,¡± Norbert said aloud. The first few kids did so as Norbert continued to walk forward. Obsius was still on his shoulder as the bird looked around. Norbert felt the bird move about, ready to take off into the air and watch the procession.


    The change flowed down as Norbert turned around, seeing the kids appearing, looking ahead, seeing the changeover and doing so and looking in the crowd, seeing Korn walking, trying to keep them together in the centre.


    Waving to the two guards at the door Norbert made his way down the steps, looking both ways as he tried to remember the best way to navigate, looking up at the tree Norbert made his way that way, before turning around on his heel, remembering it would be the quicker way.


    Obsius took off from his shoulder as Norbert started to walk out. The procession of kids behind him followed him along the street. Seeing the river of colour following after him, he made sure that nobody was diverting as he turned back around, slowly making his way across so as not to lose anyone.


    ***


    The thankfully peaceful walk through the city over, some people asking what was happening, but most of them going with a dismissing comment and a wave of his hand. Norbert stands in front of the inn, hand raised, ready to hit it. Looking behind him at the small sea of colour pooling around him, having underestimated the size of the people that he had under his watch.


    Needing to continue, Norbert still banged his hand on the door, the sound of it rattling once more. Standing there, waiting for someone to come and move the piece of the wood that closed the door.


    Once more, he heard movement from someone walking down the stairs. Norbert looked out at the moon moving over the city walls, thankful that Count von Count wouldn¡¯t be burning to a crisp if they had to wait some more.


    The door opens, and a woman looks back at him.


    ¡°Is it all good if I hold a couple of people for the night?¡± Norbert asked Martitia in front of him.


    The scout leader, looking like she was too deep in a wine barrel, recently swayed slightly as she looked at the crowd outside. Groaning, she stepped aside, keeping the doorway open. ¡°You don¡¯t have another place to keep them for the night, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Norbert waved them inside as he stepped forward, holding the door as the kids streamed inside, one after the other. ¡°Knew I didn¡¯t need a second place,¡± Norbert lightly exclaimed to her, to be heard over the footsteps coming through.


    As the crowd came in, so did Obsius. Looking at the bird, Norbert asked, ¡°Did anybody get left behind?¡±


    A negative in the chirp came back out. Norbert smiled as he rubbed the bird''s head. ¡°Can you locate your Traveller buddy?¡± Norbert asked.


    With a residing chirp, Obsius flew off once more into the night air, Norbert quickly losing track as he saw Martitia¡¯s reaction to his conversation.


    ¡°How do you know a Traveller and move this many? That¡¯s why it''s only for a night.¡± Martitia said, starting to connect the dots.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know one. Obsius does. I''m doing a favour to move them over to Flare-dew, and yes, that¡¯s why it¡¯s only for a night.¡± Norbert added as the final people came through.


    Martitia looked at who the last one was. ¡°Oh, of course, you¡¯re here as well.¡± Looking towards Count von Count as she did so.


    ¡°Sounded fun, and Libitina was getting a bit boring, with this one no longer being chased by the Kreevss.¡± He said, pointing towards Norbert with a thumb. As he sidled towards the bar, one of the kids jumped off the chair to allow the vampire to sit.


    Reaching over, he took a bottle and poured himself a glass before finishing. Grimacing from the alcohol going down his throat.


    Norbert leaned around so the vampire could see him. ¡°You coming to Flare-dew?¡±


    ¡°But of course, why else would I trek out here?¡± Count von Count said, almost like Norbert was a fool.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m planning on staying for at least a day, so you need to wrap up,¡± Norbert said, flinging his sunhat over to the vampire.


    They landed on the head with a slight tilt, a groan coming out of the vampire in confirmation.

 Chapter 297 On the Move Once More

    Norbert handed the sack to Count von Count, letting the vampire create makeshift clothes out of the two-themed cloaks within the bag, imagining how the vampire could use it to protect himself from the sun coming onto to funny results.


    Looking out at the completely filled tavern, some kids even moved over to the steps to have a bit of their space. The chairs and tables were all used to sit down; some slumped over, the day finally catching up with them.


    Turning to Martitia, ¡°Been anywhere exciting?¡± He asked his old scout leader.


    Martitia looked around at the kids around them, with a shake of her head Norbert not having his questioned answered. Wondering what the scouting team could have seen, Norbert did not want to guess if his imagination took hold and spiralled it out of proportion.


    ¡°Similar things are happening, like the last time we went out,¡± Martitia said simply. Norbert remembered what happened when an enemy force attacked him. He found himself humans fighting with Count von Count as the two of them charged ahead, hoping to drag them out as the rest of the party was surrounded.


    ¡°Rough,¡± Norbert said aloud the single word, getting a nod from Martitia.


    ¡°Is anyone else about?¡± he asked, pointing to the stairwell that was slowly being infringed on. Leaning back so the kids who started to climb could see him, Norbert shouted aloud, ¡°Downstairs only!¡±


    The kid on the top step about to go on the landing froze as Norbert stared him down. Eventually, he took a step down as Norbert lost them in the crowd of kids.


    ¡°And now you¡¯ve turned it into a game,¡± Martitia told Norbert.


    Nodding his head, he looked at them from the corner of his eye, ensuring no other trickery happened. ¡°So, everyone else?¡±


    ¡°Rumour spread that you were back in town, so a search came out to see who could find you first. When you came with a procession of kids down your tale, they figured you were landing here and scrammed.¡± Martitia groaned at the end as she looked around at the number of kids now inside her establishment.


    ¡°But enough about me, what about you, the recently promoted to the special group under Commander Sally¡¯s reign?¡± Martitia asked him.


    Norbert sat there, blank-faced momentarily, trying to think of what the woman was referring to. Finally, the cogs ticked as the demonstration flashed in his memory before he was thrust into the halls.


    ¡°Oh yeah, that happened, didn¡¯t it.¡± Norbert was reminded.


    ¡°You forgot?¡± Martitia told him with bewilderment.


    ¡°He forgets a lot of things, and he tries to use that to his advantage as much as possible. Like the city we were just in¡ªask him about that!¡± Count von Count shouted, having been removed from the barstool and taken to underneath the chandelier in the centre of the room, once more playing with the kids.


    Norbert muses to himself that the two groups warmed up quite nicely to each other. Turning his attention back to Martitia, who is staring at him, Norbert just coughs.


    ¡°I was internally calling it Colosseum City, and maybe sometimes aloud, until I was corrected and now call it Libitina,¡± Norbert said dejectedly.


    Turning his attention to Martitia, a smile on her face as she shook her head slowly in disbelief.


    ¡°For someone reaching the tops, not knowing something as simple as names,¡± Martitia said to him, still shaking her head.


    Norbert shrugged his shoulders, ¡°I¡¯m not that high yet. Some people I¡¯ve come across are truly in the upper echelons in comparison.¡± Norbert told her the images of Granny or Skelly flashing through his mind, the many gods he¡¯d seen, and ¡­ the thing he saw in the nothingness the first time he met Lady Luck. He was still shivering from the memory of what he saw, hoping never to see it again.


    ¡°So you have seen some things, going to tell?¡± Martitia asked.


    Norbert looked around at the kids around them. ¡°Some things are very old and best left forgotten, sadly have been dragged back up. An experiment from a lost time, an ancient race. Truly ancient, with most information lost to the collective and only remembered by the few and for good reason.¡± Norbert dribbled out.


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    Silence filled the room as he looked around; everyone had been quiet for his small monologue. As everyone looked at him, wondering if he would continue, Norbert turned around and saw they were expecting something from him.


    ¡°Who here wants to hear a story?¡± Norbert asked.


    Some of the kids were eavesdropping into the conversation, now actively paying attention to what he was saying and no longer pretending not to listen, while others dismissed him with a simple look, going back to whatever they were doing before.


    ¡°And yes, that includes you again. Now come down here while I tell the tale of two kids, Hansel and Gretel, a cautionary tale about going into the forest alone.¡± Norbert¡¯s voice boomed out, going over any chatter, forcing anyone and everyone to listen to the story.


    ¡°Now this story starts with two kids, shocker I know, one named Hansel and the other Gretel. Siblings, twins even.¡± Norbert looked about the crowd, about to open his mouth to ask a question before closing it, knowing that asking about a family with many homeless children probably wasn¡¯t the best move.


    ¡°Their father was a woodcutter with his wife. Sadly, for them, the woodcutting business was in a downturn. Food became increasingly expensive for the family. To the point that only a single spoonful of soup was a dinner for the family.¡±


    ***


    Obsius swooped in, landing on Norbert¡¯s shoulder as he told the story.


    ¡°Now Gretel came to the oven-¡°


    CHIRP


    Norbert turned to Obsius on his shoulder. ¡°What is it, Obsius, someone coming?¡±


    The bird just looked at Norbert shaking his head, Norbert k, knowing w, the hat was; Norbert.


    ¡°Traveller here to pick us up?¡± Norbert asked.


    There was a resounding nod coming from the bird. Norbert nodded his head up, stretched in his body. Everyone was what watching him as he moved about.


    ¡°Coming here or need to move somewhere else?¡±


    Chirp


    Norbert nodded, ¡°Well, isn¡¯t Sally going to have a fun time?¡± Norbert spoke to himself and the bird quietly before turning to the group before him. ¡°Listen up, new location to the portal gates. Our Traveller is there waiting for us. Wake up and get spry. We move in five rotations.¡± Norbert bellowed out, waking up anyone who was trying to get some sleep.


    The sound caused some of them to look at Norbert, wondering why they had been woken, only to be told by the whispers and shouts of everyone around them to get prepared.


    Turning to Martitia, Norbert asked, ¡°Is it ok to enter your room?¡± Norbert asked her.


    The woman raised an eyebrow. ¡°For you, any time.¡±


    Norbert snorted in response as he carefully shuffled his way to the stairs, careful not to tread on anyone or knock them over. Pulling himself up with the fence, Norbert made it to the first floor, looking at the standard rooms he could never call his own.


    Walking his way to the back, he stopped at Martitia¡¯s door, gently opening it as it came forward. The room looked the same as the last time he was there. Even woken in the middle of the night, it was still orderly. Moving to the chest, Norbert thumbed the clasp as it popped open. Some of his worldly possessions were there. Reaching for the coins there, Norbert took two more golden coins out, hoping they wouldn''t be needed for the bartering soon-to-be.


    He was placing them in his coin pouch on his waist, a piece of paper caught between his fingers. Taking it out and releasing it was the letter Lady Luck had given him. Smiling at it, Norbert placed it in the chest and locked it up. There must be a reason why it, out of all things, glued to his fingers when he was changing things about.


    Snapping the lid shut, Norbert made his way back downstairs, seeing Martitia still there, as she had been before.


    Seeing the crowd of children about, Norbert stepped onto the balcony railing and leapt over to the bar area, being careful not to hit the ceiling.


    "Never do that again." Martitia sternly told Norbert.


    Looking at the woman, surprised by her instant reaction to his antics, he nodded in response. Standing on the other side of the bar, Norbert could not remember seeing a child occupying his bar stool.


    "Guess someone tried it before and hurt themselves or the establishment?" Norbert asked.


    "Establishment, yes, and while we are at it, you are not allowed to dangle from the chandelier or stand on the serving side of the bar." Martitia fumed at Norbert, staring him down with deathly eyes as she spoke.


    Norbert looked down at where he was standing, looking to get around.


    "It''s fine for now. Just don''t start serving people, especially not this crowd." Martitia added, taking a bottle that one of the kids was reaching for and handing it to Norbert, who put it behind him, well out of the kids'' reach.


    Norbert looked about, everyone now up and starting to get restless. Sighing as he needed to move around, Norbert walked around the bar, making his way to the front door as everyone watched.


    "We''re moving out now. Grab what you took with you; it will only be a quick trip to the next portal," Norbert said aloud.


    At the mention of a portal, the crowd groaned in annoyance, Norbert watched them start to go green in the face. Norbert quickly yelled, "This one will be much smoother than the last. I promise you that."


    Not giving them a chance to protest, Norbert opened the door, making sure not to hit a child as he did so, and walked out, heading to the left, up the hill, and closer to the centre of the city. Obsius once more took flight to watch the kids and make sure that none of them got lost.


    He started the hike up, watching the people stare at him. He had been attracted to the building the first time they entered it and could half see through the windows the number of people inside. The sound is now evident due to the number of people crammed inside.


    Having a quick After him, Norbert saw Martitia also step out. She smiled as she talked to some children, directing them the correct way up to Norbert. Locking eyes with Norbert, she waved to him. Smiling, Norbert waved back before turning around, no longer walking backwards as he trudged up the hill, hoping there wouldn''t be an issue with having this many people sent through.

 Chapter 298 No Paperwork

    "No paperwork?" The question rang in the air.


    The teller looked at the people behind Norbert; his glasses pushed down his nose as he looked at the sea of children behind him. "Would you like paperwork?" he asked Norbert.


    Quickly gulping, Norbert shook his head, seeing how further questioning could easily blow up in his face. The clerk smiled at Norbert as he dismissed him with a wave, and Norbert quickly walked past.


    "This way, come on now, quickly to clear the space!" Norbert shouted out, going into the next room with portal frames all around them. Only a few were activated, and even fewer people were coming in and out. I am thankful for the lack of people, not wanting to lose any of the kids where they could pop up anywhere.


    "Do you know which frame?" Norbert asked Obsius, the bird chirping in response in his ear. Turning his head slightly to the right, Norbert saw the Traveller he was looking for now standing tall in front of a non-lit portal frame.


    Smiling in relief, Norbert turned around, ready to forward everyone to the correct destination. Upon turning around, Norbert realized he was all alone. The kids who had entered the room were now far behind him, gawking up at the high ceiling above them. The strange people were walking about, and the portal frames were all lining up one after the other. Each activated one was able to take them far, far away from here and their troubles.


    "This way, come on NOW!" Norbert bellowed out, his voice echoing upon the room''s high ceilings and disturbing the quiet shuffling and foot scraping that filled the hall previously. He gave an awkward smile to those around home from the sound he had created, which had finally stopped echoing around the place.


    With that, the kids moved once more. Norbert walks up to the Traveller and the portal frame behind him. Watching Norbert, he saw the Traveller open his eyes in surprise, shaking his head slightly before turning to the portal frame. The blue portal was growing out again, its smoky surface constantly undulating.


    Touching it with the staff tip, confirming it went through before sticking their head inside. Norbert stood there as they disappeared, walking through. A moment later, Norbert saw the staff appear again, gesturing to the portal as Norbert stayed there, trying to remember how much of a shock it was.


    Shrugging his shoulders, hoping it wasn''t that bad for the kids, Norbert looked back along the crowd, giving half a wave to Martitia before stepping through. Feeling his body elongate once again, he was happy that it wasn''t jittery like before as he continued through, happy to feel his body pop out the other end.


    Looking around, seeing that it was dark, Norbert stepped out of the portal area, leaving space for the kids to start moving through. Looking about the town while moving the kids out of the way, he smiled as he looked about. The sound of people in the tavern was already echoing up to where he was now.


    Turning them around, Norbert pointed them off to the field where his last meal in Flare-dew was made. Looking over it, Norbert confirmed with his night vision that nothing was set up there or that he was using it. Sadly, it would be a rough night for the kids, but one last night wouldn''t damage them much¡ªa lot less than whatever sickness was spreading through the slums of Libitina.


    Norbert looked at the others there, seeing they were as he expected. Nodding his head, the first kids were on the correct path as more emerged. A mix of colours being seen as some still had their cloaks, others didn''t. A cool breeze ruffled all the clothing in the square, causing some kids to shiver. Huddling up wouldn''t be needed, thankful it wasn''t snowing in the area, or that would have been a significant spanner to his plans.


    Obsius flutters from his shoulder, heading towards the Traveller standing by the side. The bird tweets to the Traveller, the conversation Norbert drowns out in his mind so as not to be rude to them.


    He continued to herd the kids and point them in the right direction, picking them up when they seemed to get their senses again. Reaching for the next hand, he missed it, as it was too high up for what he was used to.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Staring up at the woman, Norbert smiled at Martitia as she went to stand beside him. He was happy that roughly half the people would have made it through by now. The scout leader, after finishing her assessment, said, ¡°Quite normal where you grew up.¡±


    Norbert, shaking his head, said, ¡°I didn¡¯t grow up in this town. I came up over the plateau somewhere over there.¡± He pointed in a random direction, unable to remember clearly where it was. Obsius chirped to him from the Traveller, causing Norbert to change his direction to the point where the bird said the Highland¡¯s Plateau sat in correspondence to the town.


    ¡°Going to travel over there now that you''re back?¡± Martitia asked.


    Norbert knew it wasn¡¯t possible to walk back home, at least not conventionally. "It''s too far, and it will take longer than the day I have here to spare before getting picked back up again.¡± Norbert gave the information out, hoping that it would be enough to appease the woman.


    The glint in Martia¡¯s eyes, realizing there was something to uncover from the scouts life that could use no magic, ready for the questions he would need to lie about coming through.


    Finally, the last one came, Count von Count coming up, already wrapped up and prepared for the sun to come¡ªa yellow sun hat over his head and a cloak underneath it. Norbert could not stop the smile from cracking his face as the vampire was covered in rainbow colours that were trying to hide underneath the black.


    With nobody else coming through, the Traveller walked forward. ¡°Pick up tomorrow, same time?¡±


    Norbert nodded in response as he walked through, Obsius still on his shoulder as the bird stayed there. The owner of the shoulder she was on pushed the bird off as they stepped through the portal, snapping shut as the mist stopped coming from it.


    Breathing out, Norbert looked towards Martitia. ¡°What are you planning on doing here for a day?¡± he asked her.


    The woman walked off, heading towards the tavern with the light and sounds coming out of it. ¡°Oh, you know. Have a bit of fun and relax,¡± the scout leader told Norbert before spinning around and continuing the walk to her destination, the door opening up as the sounds of merry flooded out onto the street, only to be closed again with the door, the street filling with the sounds of children shuffling about unsure of what to do or where to go next.


    Count von Count moseyed up to him, the last of the kids making their way to the field as Norbert and his little motley crew followed behind. ¡°Do you plan on convincing the village to add another two hundred people to the population?¡± his friend asked Norbert.


    Norbert patting his coin pouch in reply, Count von Count shook his head, ¡°A couple of silvers aren¡¯t going to persuade them.¡±


    Norbert reaches in, takes out a gold coin and shows it to the vampire. ¡°How about some of these?¡±


    The glint of the coin reflected off the vampire''s dark eyes, the white skin now bathed in golden light slightly, the vampire''s jaw open so Norbert could see all of their pristine white teeth. Flicking the coin up, Count von Count''s eyes followed the coin as Norbert caught it, placing it in the coin pouch before revealing which side was on.


    ¡°Tease.¡±


    Norbert shrugged to the vampire''s comment, knowing he was doing so but not caring. The two are now following the kids over to the field, and some people are looking at the sound-making before returning inside. he had either told them beforehand, not that Norbert would know who, or they would deal with it tomorrow.


    Coming to the field, Norbert feeling the grass, happy it wasn¡¯t to damp as he looked about, the kids hopefully would have a restful night here.


    Looking about, not seeing anywhere to sit and still having a vantage point, Norbert leaned against the fence, changing his vision and pumping energy into it. The world turned into grey as the outlines popped out to him.


    Turning to Count von Count, ¡°Mind if you also watch over the kids with me?¡± The pattern of the cloth, now without the colour, seemed able to blend in together, making his body shape blur slightly as it was now broken up.


    ¡°Of course, buddy, there''s not much to do out here anyway.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you come out here?¡± Norbert asked, intrigued by Count von Count''s answer and waiting to hear more.


    ¡°Oh, you know, the usual. I annoyed some people and pissed off some more. Let them cool down for a day or two before heading back over.¡± The vampire told Norbert, a sweet smile on his face, remembering whatever antics he did to get him in the current position.


    ¡°Anything to affect me?¡±


    ¡°Who do you think I am?¡± the vampire asked Norbert, his crooked smile giving away his identity.


    ¡°Ok, guess that''s one more thing to look out for then.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I never said it involved you.¡±


    ¡°Just like how you waving to me and yelling my name at the start of the tournament didn¡¯t involve me?¡± Norbert interjected, hoping that it wouldn¡¯t blow up in his face when he needed to get to Grimm.


    Remembering the Traveller''s note and possibly being able to get some details out of someone who had been to Grimm, Norbert who opened his mouth.


    ¡°Touch¨¦,¡± Count von Count said, giving Norbert that one. Seeing as how he was now just digging a hole, the vampire started whistling. Norbert shook his head. The topic changed. His question would have to wait for another day as he joined in. The two were doing a soft beat but still sporadic so as not to wake the kids up.

 Chapter 299 Imposed on Us

    The sun rose over the field as Norbert turned around, no longer needing to be so attentive to his flock of children. The town finally woke up as people passed by, pausing as they saw Norbert before quickly rushing off.


    Norbert¡¯s hand was always half held up in a wave that was never given back. Looking at the vampire on his side, completely wrapped up now that the sun was starting to poke its head up signalling a new day, Norbert wondered if the townspeople were more concerned about the number of people now camping in the field or the vampire sitting next to the scout.


    With the sun shining on their faces, the kids started to wake up, and Norbert heard grumbling stomachs from the many kids around him. No longer able to put off getting a place for these kids, hoping a skipped meal or two wouldn¡¯t impact their health much.


    Kicking off the fence, Norbert leans on to stand up. The sound echoed around the empty field, all the kid''s eyes turning their attention to him. Seeing who the person they followed to a strange town far away from what they ever called home was doing.


    Waving to them that they weren¡¯t needed for anything, Norbert stood up and turned around, looking at the town as he tried to pick his brain about who the leader of the town could be. He was trying to remember who had talked or given a presentation that night.


    Standing at the entrance to the field, Count von Count is by his side, asking Norbert a question: ¡°Do you know who the leader of this little town is?¡±


    Norbert remained in silence as he tried to pick over in his mind. Knowing that Helga was somewhat high on the food chain over here, assuming she wasn¡¯t a leader with where her house resided, so far away, assuming it wouldn¡¯t be her.


    ¡°Is the plan just to stand here and wait for someone to come?¡± The vampire prodded Norbert.


    Sighing in defeat, Norbert turned to the kids, shouting out so even those in the town could hear, hoping that one of them would spread the word and do part of the work for him. ¡°I¡¯m off to barter residency for you guys here. Sit tight, I¡¯ll be back in a short time.¡±


    And with that, Norbert walked away from the field, feeling the hundreds of eyes staring into him, their hopes and dreams locked in on him.


    Count von Count followed him as the two walked to the town centre, where the portal gate was. Norbert hoped to locate someone who could point him in the right direction.


    Coming to the portal frame in the centre of town, Norbert saw two people standing there, waiting for someone.


    Stepping closer, Norbert realised one of them was Martitia, the other person Norbert still couldn¡¯t make out. Standing behind the scout leader and currently hidden.


    Waving to Martitia, Norbert shouts, ¡°Who do you have there?¡±


    The other person standing out from the other side was the familiar face of a mother who had raised someone else for a time like one of her own.


    Norbert is rooted in place. Count von Count took a step, not realising that his partner hadn¡¯t moved. Stopping, the vampire turned to Norbert and back again to the pair standing near the portal. Count von Count took a step back to join his partner as Norbert remained motionless.


    A single tear came down Norbert¡¯s face as everything he had been through¡ªthe people and creatures he had killed. The family was left behind. The secrets he had made. How close to death he had been several times only to be saved by sheer luck or the power that now resided in his veins that propelled him to this strange world.


    All of it came back as he looked to one of the first faces that gave him a place to stay. He remembered waking up, never expecting to see once again a clear sky or the warmth of the sun on his face.


    Feeling his knees want to collapse, Norbert locked them out, took a deep breath, and wiped the tear that was halfway down his cheek.


    ¡°Hello, Helga; what brings you here this fine morning?¡± He asked the mother.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°You¡¯re a lot cheekier now that you can talk, I see,¡± Helga responded, smiling as she nodded behind him to the field of kids there.


    Norbert nodded as he looked about, stepping forward and going to the portal to stand before the pair of women.


    ¡°How much has Martitia told you?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Not a lot, not that you told her much anyway.¡± Helga gave him.


    Norbert felt slightly annoyed. He now held all the cards in hand for them. Nodding his head, Norbert quickly recounted his story: ¡°Walking around the city of Libitina, I found them. I felt bad for them. I healed them up with godly help, and now I''m hoping to leave them here so they can live a somewhat peaceful life.¡± Norbert told her.


    Count von Count leaned forward. ¡°That really was a quick explanation of the facts,¡± he says, giving it to Norbert.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Norbert turned back to Helga.


    ¡°Will do. Do you know how many there are?¡± Helga asked, looking over the field, a calculating look on her face as she started to move them about in her head into


    ¡°A hundred and seventy or so,¡± Norbert responded to her, turning around to look over the field where he came. The children there looked to Norbert and wondered what would happen would happen to them.


    ¡°It''s going to be a little tight for some time, but we can manage,¡± Helga said before turning to Norbert. Now, onto more important topics: Why haven¡¯t you come home yet, young man?¡±


    Norbert gave a quizzical look to Helga on the tightness.


    ¡°Tight?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Well, a scout cannot provide much; the fact that you organised this many people is a miracle in itself,¡± Helga told Norbert.


    Norbert looked to Martitia, the scout leader, with a smile on her face, the same as that now plastered Count von Count and Norbert¡¯s own.


    Helga looked at them all weirdly, staring at their smiles. ¡°Well, they don¡¯t unless there are major changes since Cossan was there.¡± Helga gave them.


    Norbert reached into his pouch, rummaging around until finally feeling out the gold coin, flicking it into the air as it sailed across. All eyes were on it as it landed in front of Helga, the woman catching it in both hands before holding it up to her face.


    Mouth open wide as she stared at Norbert, quickly looking around before pocketing it. Stepping closer, she went over, grabbing Norbert by the collar of his shirt and whispering into his ear while looking at the vampire by his side, ¡°Thank you for the kids and coin, but we cannot accept it. The kids will be taken by charity, but keep the coin. And I hope you never return. Either of you.¡± Looking between Norbert and Count von Count.


    With a shove, Norbert was pushed back. The woman looked stormy at him, and Norbert just stared at her, surprised by her reaction.


    Turning to Count von Count by his side, his friend leaning towards him, ¡°She thinks you got it doing some shady shit and doesn¡¯t want any of your blood money.¡± The vampire whispered loudly so all four people could hear.


    Norbert was quiet as he turned to Helga, seeing the woman¡¯s consent in a slight nod. The smile once more turned on his face as he shook his head. ¡°Sadly, nothing that interesting, just a bit lucky with gambling. All above board and legal.¡± Norbert quickly told the woman, handing the coin back to her.


    His mind now rambling on, ¡°Not that I even know where to contact those sorts of people or things,¡± he says off handily.


    Count von Count laughed out loud. ¡°You are so close to it; I¡¯m surprised the stench of the work hasn¡¯t sent your nose off and made your eyes water yet,¡± the vampire said before walking off, leaving the trio where they were. Obsius chirped from them on the portal frame, and the bird decided to make its home for the moment.


    Norbert looked up at the bird, wondering why it was talking about Norbert''s lack of awareness of how the world worked.


    Turning to Helga in front of him, Norbert threw the coin back. Catching it out of the air, Norbert stepped to her, arms out, and threw the coin back. Norbert needed to lean down slightly to have a proper hug between them. Helga rubbed on Norbert''s back as she softly cooed in his ear. Norbert held her tight, careful not to squeeze her too tight.


    Patting her on the back, Norbert pulled back from her, Helga smiling up at him. "How long will you be staying?" Her quivering voice broached the question.


    "The Traveller will be coming back tonight for a pickup," Norbert told her, turning his head slightly and looking at the unlit portal. "The tournament isn''t stopping just because I want to have a small break."


    "Yes, and congratulations on that. Everyone was surprised when we saw your name on the list. How is it going?" She asked him.


    Norbert smiled. "Rough, but still in the running."


    "Rough is a light way to put it. Calling the Kreevss lizards and getting yourself decapitated is more accurate!" Norbert heard Count von Count''s voice echo from somewhere; the vampire could not be seen but obviously could still hear Norbert and the conversation he was having.


    "WHAT!" Came Helga¡¯s panicked voice. Instantly, she put her hands on Norbert''s neck, checking to make sure it was still intact. Norbert smiled at her as he let her check before moving her hands off it.


    Regaining her breath, she looked to Norbert. "And the Kreevss to boot. You''re lucky that you''re still alive."


    "It-"


    "Enough of that. I much preferred you, who was quiet and pulled a cart. Now, where are these kids you imposed on us?" Helga asked, already walking away to the field, as she could easily see where the kids were. The children looked at the conversation, only able to hear snippets apart from the shouting. Norbert looked over to Martitia, who followed across, wondering how the scout could find her of all people.

 Chapter 300 By the River

    The kids stared at the three grownups heading their way, wondering what their fates could hold for them.


    Helga stood there and looked out at the crowd before her. Norbert stood still, watching as she inspected the crowd. Through it, Norbert saw Korn slowly wading his way through to the front, the kid staring Norbert down.


    Waiting for him to come to the front, Korn crossed his arms, waiting to hear what the adults would say. Slowly turning his attention from Norbert to Helga, waiting for the first person to say something between them.


    Helga finished her inspection with a nod as she stepped back from the crowd. Norbert turned to her, wondering if she would speak, and only received a nod of her head and a hand beckoning Norbert forward.


    With an audible groan to the crowd, Norbert stepped forward as indicated. Clearing his voice with a cough, Norbert looked out, opening his mouth before speaking, "Talking with Helga, someone important in the town of Flare-dew. And after a brief discussion, you were allowed to join the town."


    WHOOOOOO!!!!


    Cheers erupted out of the crowd, and tension and nerves brought tight were finally released when the truth was told to them. The promise that was made before they made the trek over here was now fulfilled. Korn turned around as he tried and failed to quiet the crowd before the cheering was completed.


    Norbert stood there, waiting patiently. The more sound they made, the fewer people he would need to talk to about it. He knew all these kids would need to go to families and would sadly be unable to continue living in this field, although that would be the easier option.


    Turning to Helga, stepping towards her as the crowd died, she said, "How are the kids going to the families?"


    "Spread the word, and they head around to pick them up. I''ll mark down who it is for two kids each house for two kids each house and give out compensation accordingly."


    "And if there are some kids left?"


    "We make sure there aren''t." Helga told him sternly.


    With a nod of his head, Norbert looked back at the crowd. "I hoped to get some time off and stroll around town."


    "Maybe next time, don''t bring over a hundred children that need to be housed," Martitia said from the side. Norbert was blowing out steam from his nose as he calmed down. The children quieted and looked at him as if there was something else to say.


    "Word will be spread to the families able to take a few more. I will then come down and pick you up. And I say one thing. I will not leave until everyone has a full stomach and a roof over their heads!" Norbert shouted to the crowd, putting some energy into it as his voice echoed around the town and the fields around it. Birds flew off into the sky, fearing what had caused the large and abrupt sound. Dogs barked in the houses as the kids in front of him covered their ears in shock.


    Obsius, coming over to see the noise, landed on his head and pecked him on the forehead for his actions.


    ***


    Norbert looked at Mord and the teenager with him. Everyone else has been collected quite quickly. Norbert was surprised at the speed at which a hundred children would get picked up and collected. The sounds of the town as he walked around with the two of them. Even the leader, Korn, had someone already picked him up, and the boy slowly defrosted as the responsibility of so many was finally lifted from his shoulders.


    Turning to his two escorts, Robert asked, "Why don''t you like anyone? Plenty of people have come over?" Norbert asked them.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The older kid just shrugging, pointing to Mord, the younger boy just shaking his head "Not right" Was the simple explanation given.


    Norbert sighs in response, shaking his head as he wonders what to do. Both Martitia and Helga have left them. One wants to enjoy the town as much as she can, while the other feels the chores of the family and the extra responsibility of making sure the kids are properly looked after now weigh on her shoulders.


    They were leaving Norbert alone with only two ugly ducklings. They looked around the town, unable to hear or see Count von Count anywhere. They wondered what tavern the vampire had locked himself into. He probably drank the place dry. I''m not even sure if the vampire could get drunk.


    Coming to the next place, Norbert did not even knock on the door as he looked at the two kids, giving a quick jerk with his thumb to indicate the place. Mord shook his head as Norbert continued on. They were no longer in the central parts of the city, and the available houses were getting less and less.


    Norbert breathed out his nose as he continued walking around. ¡°Is this some ploy so I don¡¯t leave?¡± Norbert asked them, quickly turning around on his feet to look at Mord, trying to judge his reaction.


    All he received in response was a stone-cold kid whose face raised an eyebrow at Norbert¡¯s question. Sighing and shaking his head, Norbert continued walking around, Obsius on his shoulder, tapping it twice to let him know the kid was grinning at him.


    Norbert is happy that the kid is still a kid at heart, even though, for whatever reason, he tries to play the big game with Norbert.


    Continuing their walk around town, people wave to him and say hello, people that Norbert had never seen before. Or sure that he had seen them but never tried to remember their names. He gave an awkward wave as he continued past them. He was making it to the edge of the town, over the other side being the fields, with the people tilling the land and moving the herds about.


    Stopping on the bridge, Norbert looked down and saw the fish swimming around again. Norbert stopped and stared at their colours as they darted past one another, trying to climb over the other until something happened, and a fight broke up. The actual rainbow appeared around them as water was splashed everywhere.


    The two kids next to him were captivated by the flowing water running underneath them and the fish fighting each other. Suddenly, the two of them ran to the other side of the bridge. Norbert quickly looked, but nobody else was crossing the bridge at the moment.


    Staying on his side, Norbert watched as the two kids followed something up, pointing at something as it continued going up the river. Norbert followed until he spotted a man on the side of the river, fishing rod out as it bobbed up and down in the river''s waters.


    Norbert stared at the man for a moment. The man was far enough away that he had to squint as he placed energy into his eyes, trying to magnify his vision as much as possible.


    Norbert now realised the man was older. His bald head reflected in the sunlight, and a grey moustache covered his mouth, trying to hide it so it wouldn¡¯t get bronzed and slightly leathery like the rest of his skin. The man looked to Norbert, the moustache slightly raised, as he beckoned Norbert and the two kids over with a wave.


    "Come on, have something to show you," Norbert told the two boys, walking off to the other side of the river where the farms were.


    The two boys, looking at Norbert for a moment, caught between the fish and the person they were meant to follow to find someone to look after them. Realising they were meant to be indifferent, they quickly walked away from the edge of the bridge, following Norbert, and the two of them followed after him with a stone face.


    After seeing Norbert''s movement, the fisherman looked back to his task of fishing. His boots crunched through the grass, the slight warmth and moisture from crushing it making the outside of his boots slightly wet. His pants were slightly damp as they brushed by. The path Norbert was following was misused, only one wide as it followed along the river.


    The boys see who they are walking to, but the fisherman does not give the three guests a care in the world. Obsius, intrigued by the old fisherman, takes off into the air and lands on the fishing rod''s edge. This causes it to dip slightly into the water, and Norbert sees the fish aiming for the bait, having missed it; the unnatural motion scares them away momentarily.


    The bird chirped to the fisherman, staring into the older man''s eye, which he had seen more than he would ever tell. A slight nod of his head, so small that Norbert nearly missed it himself as he walked down the path.


    Stopping at the man, Norbert turned to Mord, "This one up to your preference?"


    The old fisherman looks to Norbert, "So, you''re the one trying to do charity work?"


    Norbert shrugged. "And an excuse to come back here. It is a very pretty town. I have several memories made here that I don''t want to lose."


    The older man nodded slowly. "That is the way of life. Now scram while I talk with these two." The fisherman said, indicating to the two boys subconsciously shielding themselves behind Norbert.


    Stepping to the side, Norbert pushed the two boys slightly forward as he looked about. "Well, have fun, you three," Norbert said with a wave, pushing energy into his body and legs. He leapt to the other side of the river, his destination clear in his mind.

 Chapter 301 Knock at the Door

    Norbert gently hit his fist on the doorway, rapping it three times. The house the exact same as it was when he last saw it. Standing on the veranda, Obsius looked out the window on the side of the door to see who was coming.


    The steps on the wooden floorboards were quiet until whoever it was saw the bird sitting there, then they bolted to the door, opening it up as Norbert stood there. Looking down was a boy, not as little as Norbert remembered him by. The months had been and gone, and he had grown slightly taller, but still, a boy was there.


    "NORBERT!" Nassan shouted to Norbert, leaping into his arms.


    Picking up the kid, Norbert looked shocked momentarily, not expecting that sort of reaction. From around the corner, he heard a chair on the dining table scratch open as Helga appeared before him. The woman smiled as she stood there, letting the two boys have their moment together.


    "Did you find the two stragglers a home?" She asked him.


    Norbert shrugged his shoulders, "Possibly. An old man fishing by the river called them over."


    "Old man Fishy, who cleans the weird statues. He¡¯s scary." Nassan interrupted Norbert before he could add anything else.


    ¡°Nassan, you shouldn¡¯t say that.¡±


    ¡°But it''s true, mum.¡±


    ¡°Still doesn¡¯t mean you should say it,¡± Helga told her son, walking forward, taking Nassan off of Norbert and shooing him to the backyard.


    Norbert walks through the house, seeing the magic book out and open on the page. He remembers the time when he tried to use the spells as well. Smiling at the book, flicking through it, Norbert compares it to the other books he has read about casting spells and formulating rune shapes, both simple and complex, and the combination of multiple types.


    Finish his flicking, Norbert felt eyes dig into him; turning to the side where the taps were, Helga looked at him. ¡°Last time you looked at the book and tried to copy it filled you with sorrow.¡± The mother told Norbert.


    A sad smile painted his face as he remembered the day, standing over the sink where she was standing right now. He prayed and hoped something would happen at the faucets, but nothing happened at all, no matter how much he tried to force it or beg something, anything, to happen.


    ¡°You learn to live with what¡¯s given to you. And make the best of what can be done.¡± Norbert said, looking down at his hand, remembering the first time the purple veins painted his body like a mad artist who liked purple a bit too much.


    ¡°Still can¡¯t do magic?¡±


    ¡°Never will be able to, but I¡¯ve come to terms with it. Having more than ten elixirs in your system makes up for a lack of magic, and you can compete in the tournament because of that, more than what some others can say.¡± Norbert spoke aloud.


    ¡°WAIT THE TOURNAMNET!¡± Nassan called back from outside, running back in and looking up wide-eyed at Norbert.


    ¡°Yes, but don¡¯t tell anyone that.¡±


    ¡°How is it? I want to be strong enough to join the tournament when I¡¯m older,¡± Nassan spoke with awe.


    ¡°NO¡± Both Norbert and Helga said at once.


    Both turned to each other, surprised by their reactions to the boys'' outcry. Norbert waved to Helga before she shook her head.


    ¡°The boys heard enough from me about that, and I¡¯m curious about what a runner says about it.¡± She said, moving to one of the chairs and sitting down, indicating to two others for the two boys to sit in.


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    Nassan is sitting in his usual chair, where the book is currently residing, and Sitting on the, left leaning backwards¡ªlooking at a chair sitting; leaning. Norbert counted it, and the son came back. Norbert wondered how long that chair had been sitting out there.


    ¡°If they want you in the tournament, you don¡¯t have a choice.¡± Norbert started, pointing to himself with his thumb, ¡°Case in point.¡±


    Helga¡¯s eyes opened slightly wider as she wondered what Norbert could do to receive that type of forced labour in exchange for joining it.


    Norbert looks to Nassan, the boy''s eyes wide as saucers. ¡°But if you have the choice, still don¡¯t. No extra pay, risking your life with a group of strangers, countries betting on you and cheating one way or another and including your team vying for your demise. And hopefully, it will not annoy any of these people or else have an entire country after your head. With only the slightest pretence holding them back.¡± Norbert recounted what happened to him over the tournament, which he had experienced firsthand.


    ¡°None of that matters; if you can do it, so can I,¡± Nassan repeated, once more stuck in his ways.


    Closing his eyes, Norbert breathed slowly, wondering how to convince a kid not to join a tournament.


    An idea came to mind, a grotesque idea that he hoped wouldn¡¯t bite him on the back later. Or a lot sooner, depending on how bad it went. Taking his gloves off, Norbert turned to Nassan, asking the question on his mind: ¡°But there is one thing more important above all else. How robust are you?¡±


    ¡°Robust?¡± The boy responded like a parrot, not understanding where Norbert was going.


    ¡°Resilience, how much damage can you take before passing out or dying?¡± Norbert asked as he held his right index finger in his left hand.


    Remembering that Cossan was a hunter, the boy would have probably seen blood and gore by now¡ªa lot earlier than someone living rurally on Earth would.


    Pulling his finger back quickly, his eyes staring into Nassan¡¯s as he bent his finger back. The crunch of the bone-breaking pulverised into nothing echoed in the quiet room.


    He is holding the energy back from healing the damage in his right hand, wanting to remain with the broken finger for a bit longer to continue the demonstration.


    ¡°Your mother knows what she¡¯s talking about. You need to be able to take a lot of damage to survive in the tournament. Of having your teammates run away as a Grimm holds your head down and decapitates you. Not a nice feeling.¡±


    ¡°Then can''t I just have what you have?¡± Nassan asked, seemingly desperate as his dreams of following this strange man''s footsteps that washed up on the river bank and stayed in their house for some time seemed to drift away.


    ¡°If you''re okay with throwing away your mother''s work and never doing magic again,¡± Norbert gestured to Helga standing there. The woman looked at her son, making sure the newcomer wasn¡¯t going too far.


    ¡°But there is more than one way to skin a cat,¡± Norbert said, shaking his hand to force the energy in it. He repaired the finger instantly, so quickly that an audible pop could be heard as it came back into place.


    Showing off the repaired finger to the family, Norbert put his glove back on and continued explaining: ¡°You can get fame, strength, power, and recognition through other works and feats.¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡± Nassan automatically replied, barely thinking about the words coming out of the boys mouth.


    ¡°Like helping many orphaned children away from a place they would have died by a disease that went through them. More accurately, after curing them of said disease and moving them out before anything worse can happen.¡± Norbert spoke words now in the quiet room.


    Standing up, the chair grinding on the floor, he looked outside. ¡°Is there any physical labour that needs to be done here or around the town? No trees to be felled or beasts to be run out?¡± Norbert asked the two, looking towards the mother.


    ¡°Creatures from the Highland Plains are encroaching again on the town. We asked the Frontier to investigate, but they are busy now.¡± Helga spoke to him.


    Norbert nodded as he looked towards them, needing to go to the other side of the town. I do not think that he could go up against the wolves again. ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do in the little time here,¡± Norbert said with a nod.


    I was walking to the front door, planning on sprinting through the main path of the town to get there.


    ¡°Are you going to come back for dinner?¡± Nassan shouted out, obviously slightly over the panic that Norbert gave him.


    Turning to Helga, the mother smiled at him as Norbert smiled back, ¡°But of course I will be.¡± Confidently letting the boy know before turning to Helga ¡°Just before sunset?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Just before sunset,¡± Helga confirmed to him.


    Norbert nodded his head as he opened the door. Obsius flew out the back door, and Norbert saw the bird take up into the air. With a wave, Norbert exited out through the front, wondering how long it would take until Obsius met up with him.


    Stepping off the porch, Obsius instantly appeared on Norbert¡¯s head, looking about from his upper position.


    He picked the bird up and placed her in his coat pocket, patting the bird before buttoning it up so it wouldn¡¯t flap in the wind.


    Looking up at the sun just peaking in the sky, knowing he wouldn¡¯t have much time if he dawdled, pushing energy through his legs, Norbert ran off, making sure not to destroy the road he was travelling on too much¡ªno point in solving one problem and creating the next in the process.

 Chapter 302 On the Plataeu

    He looked up at the plateau above him, not having run into any other creatures like he had been told would be milling about. The only place Norbert could think of going further was up. Obsius wriggling in his pocket to get released, doing the bird''s bidding, and realising it from when he was running.


    The black and white speckled bird instantly took off, up into the air, making its way to the top of the plateau, where Norbert first picked it up from or where Obsius first picked Norbert up. At this point, it was hard to tell which way it was.


    Sighing as he started to climb up the cliff face in front of him, leaping from one spot to the next, smashing his fist into the ledge to make his recesses hold onto it. Not wanting to spend precious daylight carefully navigating up the cliff face.


    At the top, Norbert looked around, the sound of water moving off to the waterfall right next to him¡ªthe riverbank with the stones scattered about. The trees started to tower around him. The first ones around him looked only slightly larger than usual. However, behind it, Norbert could see the massive trees he remembered being there.


    He needed to crane his neck slightly, Norbert sharpening his vision to see if he could look above the canopy, wondering if any birds were flying about. He continued to stare, not getting anything Obsius landing on his head.


    Coming out of his gaze, Norbert patted the bird on his head. ¡°Anything out of place?¡± Norbert asked.


    The bird twittered to Norbert. Looking down the river, Norbert saw it, the thing that was out of place here.


    In the riverbank a hundred meters away or so, Norbert saw a battle happen, the bodies still left behind as carnage had swept through the riverbank. It was gone as soon as it had come, not even the slightest presence where he was.


    Looking at the water, Norbert now sees signs: pieces of fabric caught between rocks and pieces of flesh slowly drifting down.


    Norbert cast his eyes back, wondering how soon this battle would happen. Rushing off, Norbert quickly came to the scene of the battle. Obsius was behind him, the bird going up into the air to look around to see if there was anything else she could find.


    Skidding to a stop, pebbles flew into the battlefield as Norbert looked about. Spears were positioned in a somewhat defensive perimeter, with their backs to the water, until they couldn¡¯t hold off whatever happened. Some spears were still intact, but most were crushed and snapped in two, the shafts lying around the ground.


    Standing there, something hit Norbert. There were no bodies from either side. Leaning his head forward, Norbert breathed in as much as possible, trying to get all the smells he could. Standing there, Norbert could smell nothing of death or men. Only the smell of the forest filled his nose¡ªthe smell of dirt, the river, and the trees surrounding him and himself.


    Looking to Obsius above him, Norbert was now getting nervous about what he had stumbled across. He shook his head and slapped his cheeks with his hands to focus on the task, trying to work out what happened to the wielders of the equipment that now lay scattered about.


    Looking at the pebbles around, trying to get an idea of what happened, Norbert threw his hands up in the air in frustration after several minutes of being bent over after several minutes of being bent over. He was never really meant to be a tracker like this. Norbert was utterly lost in working out what happened on the battlefield. His skills were more in running around until he found something, then running back and telling them.


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    He was breathing out, trying to calm himself down as he started to think about what he could do and control. Two ideas came to his head, one being to push forward, the other to go back. Find someone to work out what happened here and go from there.


    Indecision clouded his brain as he tapped his hand against his body, trying to work out what to do. He hand-picked something up and flipped it into the air. He caught it with his right hand and palmed it to his left, realising he had a coin in his hand. He had flicked it up into the air without even thinking.


    Pausing momentarily, he wondered about the two options; he said, "Well, it''s pretty obvious my two choices. Heads to continue forward, tails to go backwards."


    With a nod of his head, firm in his thoughts, Norbert lifted his hand from the coin, the heads looking back at him.


    Flicking the coin in the air, catching it with his coin pouch and closing it back up, Norbert followed the river more profoundly into the forest.


    ***


    Coming up to where the bank on the right-hand side was higher, he remembered when he was running from wolves all those many moons ago when he didn''t understand what was happening to him; the purple energy coursed through his veins. Even before he had a single elixir, those days, trying to live in this forest with his backpack would be ...


    Norbert went utterly still, remembering the pendant he still had, the piece of stone he ripped out with a rune he still hadn''t found a use for and the goblet. He tried to think if that was just his imagination or if it really was there. He also remembered his backpack full of food and items he used to smash into a wolf that was chasing him.


    Curiosity now brimming in his chest as Norbert pushed forward, wondering what could still be there.


    Looking up as he ran, the only sound he made was the pebbles crushed and sprayed under his foot. The trees spread to the other side, joining together and making a path as the sunlight was completely swallowed up. Only small rays and green half-light can be used in the forest. The trees here were the proper large size, still giants even compared to the ones he found in the Halls of the Mountain King with the fox.


    Norbert wondered how fast it would take him to scale one of these genuinely massive giants, remembering how long it took him to scale down using ropes. He shook his head when he was walking about with nothing way up there, what you do for necessity.


    Keeping his earls peeled, trying to hear the sounds of the forest as he flew deeper within it, trying to find out what had caused these people to come here, get attacked, and their bodies disappear.


    As Norbert continued running, the hairs on the back of his neck rose. The air had a strange feeling to it as the trees seemed to lean over towards him, and the once-calming rushing water of the river now grated on his nerves.


    Coming to a stop, Norbert looked around, changing his vision to magic and grinding his teeth at what he saw. Completely surrounded in pink fog, instantly, Norbert pushed energy around his body, letting it go where it was most needed as he carefully looked around the forest. Breathing slowly so as not to freak himself out, he tried to see if he could locate Obsius above him.


    The forest no longer looms as much as it was before. The trees no longer threateningly reaching for him, with scowling faces. The pebbles no longer felt like pins he was walking on. Thankful that he picked it up so quickly, suspicion grew inside of him about what might have happened to the group of people with their broken spears.


    Now, seeing the usefulness of the skill he had been given, through the time, he didn¡¯t lose to develop it. He turned his magic vision off as the forest returned to normal like he was expecting.


    Looking up again, Norbert looked, seeing Obsius sitting on a branch, staring at him.


    The bird chirped down to Norbert. In return, the scout nodded and thumbed up to the bird, a part of him wondering how Obsius was unaffected by it. Before the obvious occurred to him, the bird grew up in this forest.


    ¡°Do you have any idea what created the magic fog?¡± Norbert asked, Obsius flying down to land on his shoulder, pointing off the river path into the forest.


    Norbert turned to the bird, making sure he was following it. Receiving a peck on his neck from the bird, Norbert just walked off in the direction indicated to him, wondering what creature he would find.


    Just after he could no longer hear the river moving behind him, Norbert saw a bush rustling about. He continued to walk through, wondering what that could be. It was one of the only movements he saw other than a stray bird flying way up high through the canopy above him.


    Moving his foot, Norbert felt it snag on something. He looked down; I saw a vine loose on the ground. A moment, wondering what it was when something shot out of his shoulder.

 Chapter 303 An Encounter on the Plataeu

    Moving his hand up and twisting his shoulder around to grab the projectile, Norbert felt pain shoot up his hand. Without thinking, Norbert dismissed the pain, looking about himself to see if there were any other traps or things about to be launched at him or Obsius on his shoulder.


    The forest quieted once more. Norbert looked at his wound, his blood with a slight purple hew bleeding out. The projectile was a sharpened metal spike sticking out of his hand. Pulling it out, his hand instantly healed up. He looked at the hole in his glove, annoyed that he would need to pick up another pair sometime soon.


    Dropping the metal spike on the ground, Norbert looked at the blood coating it. He kicked it into the dirt to clean most of it off, not knowing if there was blood magic, but being attacked or controlled by nobody he could rely on and unknown entities around wasn¡¯t the best time to find out.


    Turning to Obsius on his shoulder, the bird looked about, not disturbed at all, without even a feather out of place or puffed up from the panic. Norbert looked forward as he continued walking, now paying attention to each step, careful not to overshoot, with the energy running through his body, wanting him to make fast and big movements.


    The plants licking at his clothes made it hard to feel if something was out of place. The careful movements were the only way he hadn¡¯t accidentally triggered something else. Seeing other lines taunt, ready for someone to step across or glints of metal shining as a ray of light shone on it, only for it to move out of the way and Norbert just staring at a metal object, half covered by ferns.


    ¡°I wondered how long it will take until something happens?¡± Norbert asked Obsius, getting fed up with the time it took to happen.


    The traps in the place were intended for someone other than him. Their designs are ambiguous and not deadly to him.


    Standing still, he looked around as he waited for something to jump out, a sound of a cry to dance through the forest or just anything. Moving his head around, trying to see what it was about, Norbert did not pick up anything in return.


    He shrugged his shoulders. He looked about as he continued, his foot going over the stone, and then he stopped, the different sound rooting him to the spot. Looking down at what he found, he lifted his foot as a single squarish stone looked up at him¡ªan engraving on it, one Norbert hadn¡¯t seen in a long time.


    ¡°Thanks, Luck, for the indication,¡± Norbert spoke to the air, wondering if a mote of light would appear before him. He looked about and saw nothing, not caring too much, as he bent over, dusting the piece of stone off with his hand. The rune looked up at him like nothing he had ever seen.


    Remembering the leaf he had had used before, an inkling of the purple sap in the trees, like his blood, came to mind. Taking a dagger out, Norbert cut his palm where the hole of his glove was. Pushing a drop of blood out before it was healed, he caught it on the blade before carefully smearing it onto the ground.


    Instantly, a purple light came up from it. Norbert needed to close his eyes and look away to be able to see appropriately.


    ¡°Hands up!¡± The voice came around as movement came from all around him.


    Forcing his eyes open, trying to look through the tears that wouldn¡¯t stop flowing, Norbert looked around, wondering who these people were and what they would do with him.


    ¡°Going after a guy when he¡¯s down?¡± Norbert asked aloud, slowly spinning around as he finally blinked the tears out, getting a view of the people around him.


    Norbert saw them wear clothes draped in greens and browns, the usual camouflage pattern he was used to seeing the army wear. Instead of guns strapped to them, Norbert saw medieval equipment. Staring at their faces, his eyes wanted to skip over them as they had been painted.


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    Turning to the bird on his shoulder, he asked, ¡°How long did you know they had been following us?¡±


    Obsius flapped its wing and flew off, leaving Norbert alone in the middle of the forest. The purple light under his foot started to dissipate so he could more easily see around him.


    Turning back to the people around him, Norbert asked, ¡°So what now?¡±


    The squad stepped forward, and Norbert saw about twenty people move towards him. ¡°Now, you''re coming with us.¡±


    Norbert just nodded, ¡°Do you want me to keep my hands up?¡± Blood started to fall from his fingertips, which had been up in the air for some time.


    ¡°No¡±, Came the stern reply of the person talking to him, watching the front ones start to move off, following in the direction of the river, taking a significant left as they travelled deeper into the forest.


    ***


    Norbert looked up, seeing Obsius still following after him. Nobody was currently in the trees following him from up there. After apprehending him, none of them talked a bit, no matter what Norbert would try.


    Not even his beautiful musical whistling was welcomed, which resulted in a spear appearing on his neck. He wondered what had made these people tense as they continued walking through. The trees opened as Robert could see the river again, hearing it suddenly rush in front of him.


    Wondering what could have happened, Norbert now saw what stopped the sound: the runes littering the ground just before him, a barrier in the air that Norbert could easily see, even with his normal vision.


    There was a distortion to the air as it seemed to crackle slightly with power. Around it, Norbert saw mages in the same garb as those around him. The mages standing there wand out, nothing Norbert had ever seen before, as they had metal chains dangling off them. Each one was a different colour as they swayed in the wind. Sure that when they touched the right way, a spark of something would appear in the air. The people Norbert assumed to be mages did not care for the sparks from their idle movement as Norbert saw them idly tending to the barrier.


    The group bunched up. Norbert now realized their height, realizing only coming up realizing. Having been obscured by obscure forest shrubbery, Norbert thought they had crouched down, balancing out and ready for a fight. Instead, they had been standing at full height.


    The mages were talking to each other. Norbert could not hear them, assuming whatever the barrier was trying to protect also stopped the sound from coming out.


    The mages waved the group through, and Norbert quickly changed his vision to magic, looking about and confirming his thoughts. The barrier looked like a solid wall in his vision, the pink fog that still surrounded him out there clinging to the people and their clothes, seemingly being sucked in before being pushed out to the sides, making a small bubble where the magic wasn¡¯t affecting them.


    Being pushed through to make it past the barrier, Norbert walked inside, and instantly, the sounds of camp assaulted him. Norbert noted a nod as a plan started to form if he needed to, as well as a cape, as the pink mist wasn¡¯t on the inside of the barrier.


    One of the mages turned to someone in his group, and a question was asked in a language Norbert didn¡¯t know. There was a moment of annoyance before it popped into knowing.


    The necklace around his neck and the translator device are now heavy. Norbert is happy that the Traveller refused to take it, not thinking he would have a use for it now.


    ¡°Activated a stone out there,¡± one of them said. Norbert made all his effort to continue looking around. The fact that he hadn¡¯t been searched was an advantage to him now. He wanted to keep that he didn¡¯t know what they were saying as long as possible in case an advantage could be gleamed using it.


    Before Norbert could hear more of the conversation, the others pushed him ahead. Looking down, he gave a slight stink eye before sighing, not seeing a point in purposefully being annoying. He still had the coins on his belt and the weapons strapped to him; they underestimated him for whatever reason.


    Seeing several tents up ahead, all of them long and rectangular, looking primarily like awnings placed on sticks, a dry place to set up under the sun, not like it rained here or was too sunny. One tent off to the side that Norbert was being directed towards was circular like a circus tent but much smaller. Norbert imagined it being a commander''s tent, a table filled with maps and charts of people arguing about matters that didn¡¯t matter to Norbert as he wasn¡¯t part of the group.


    The tent flap opening up as Norbert looked inside, not looking at all as he expected. Instead of a table with maps covered and people organising and strategizing things Norbert found a man in what appeared to be a bedroom, bed on one side, bookshelves on the other and a small table with a tea set, a warm cup already poured as the other was currently being sipped by the man.


    Recognition dawning on the man¡¯s face as he looked at Norbert, the deepest baritone of a voice coming out behind the clean and bushy black beard ¡°Hello Norbert from Morenas, what are you doing so far away from the tournament in Libitina?¡±

 Chapter 304 Tea for Two

    Norbert just stared at the man, the question bouncing around in his mind as he tried to think of what to say.


    The man beckoned to the chair before him, and the floral tea that Norbert could smell emanated from it. Stepping forward, Norbert took the seat as the group member walked forward, quickly whispering to the man sitting before walking out of the tent.


    ¡°What are you doing here in this forest of giants?¡± The man asked Norbert.


    Not answering as Norbert leaned forward, quickly changing his vision to magic, confirming no brown and green aura mixed into the tea. Not seeing anything, Norbert slowly raised it to his lips, scanning the items, but nothing stood out as an alarm to him. What did was the man opposite Norbert had a brown hue almost coming off him, like a stench that permeated and stunk to him.


    ¡°Just out for a stroll. Clearing the head between bouts with a walk.¡± Judging by his treatment, Norbert provided that they wanted something from him, something that likely had to do with him activating that stone by accident.


    ¡°Surprised. Rumour was you were training before a big fight. But your lack of mask and your being here, I guess, says otherwise.¡± The man spoke, sipping his tea, giving Norbert a moment to collect himself.


    ¡°Oh shit, your right.¡± Norbert exclaimed with fake enthusiasm and care ¡°It¡¯ll be fine, and the mask needs to be repaired anyway.¡± Norbert shrugged at the end of the fight he would be having pushed back from his mind, more pressing matters at the forefront of his mind, like what these people wanted with him.


    ¡°But enough about that, onto more pressing matters.¡± The man said, placing his half-finished tea on the table and walking out of the tent.


    Norbert was still sitting there, not moving as he continued sipping his tea, not caring about what the man was saying.


    Feeling him come back in, a hand on his shoulder, still looking up, Norbert saw the man staring down at him.


    ¡°Have an issue?¡± Norbert asked, taking an extraordinarily long and loud sip of his tea, purposefully making it last a highly annoying amount of time.


    ¡°You''re going to come with me.¡± The man said again.


    ¡°And why would I ever do that? You know who I am and what I can do after it was plastered everywhere. I¡¯m alone while you¡¯re trapped by whatever you caused to make the pink mist everywhere.¡± Norbert provided as he sipped another bit of the tea he was provided. ¡°Good tea¡± Raising his cup in a salute.


    The man bitting his hand into Norbert as he felt something sharp dig into him. Norbert continued to stay there, feeling it go to a point until it was a needle and dig into his skin. He was still sitting there, Norbert sending his energy around it, trying to stop the unknown object from entering his body.


    With a slight nudge, the man removed it, a smile as he looked at the purple blood now covering his finger, Norbert seeing a spike having grown on it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let him leave the tent,¡± the man said as he walked out. Instantly, two guards appeared on either side, staring at Norbert. Both of these were of small stature to the group. The man Norbert was talking to now looked like a giant in comparison.


    Watching him walk out, Norbert thought, "Can I have a bottle-o-woter!¡± Norbert shouted to the man, making a look like he was holding a rifle, looking down the sights at the man.


    Norbert watched as he stopped momentarily. Recognition was playing in his eyes before the man walked off without saying another word.


    Stepping away from the entrance, he saw the guards calm down, no longer entirely on edge about what he was doing. Sitting back down in the chair, Norbert took his cup and of it, staring about the contents of the room as he wondered how long it would be until the champion of some god made their way back to him.


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    After finishing the tea, I didn''t feel like another cup, so I was surprised the man still hadn¡¯t come back. I hoped that this entire issue would just deal with itself, allowing the forest to come back to normal.


    At least his fears were confirmed about why everything was in a panic. Whatever caused the pink fog to be everywhere was obviously causing the creatures of the forest to evacuate or else be hit with whatever horrors the mind could concoct.


    Standing up, he instantly saw the men on either side start to panic. Norbert just shook his head as he looked about the room, going over the books there.


    Remembering that he still had to read, Granny gave him Norbert, fingering each one as he carefully tried to read the book.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand a lick of this,¡± Norbert spoke aloud, cursing that they had their own language even between these half-men. Not even a single book was in English or the language used within Morenas, especially when he was still within its borders.


    Moving off it, Norbert looked around the room, but his eyes could not be moved from the bed. Looking at the clean white sheets on top, Norbert wondered how they remained so clean.


    Boots were still on, and Norbert stepped onto the bed, jumping on it twice and stopping when his head nearly hit the tent''s roof. Landing on the bed, Norbert looked up, taking the knife that Cossan had given him. His hand went on a piece of wood under the pillow as he reached around.


    Pulling it out, Norbert seeing a dagger looking back at him, Norbert whistled to himself, looking at the blade not seeing anything on it that Norbert could recognise, no marks or such just an ordinary blade in case the man was jumped in the night.


    Wondering what life he grew up in to be sleeping with a knife in the middle of his camp, Norbert shrugged with difficulty. Not having anything to do with him now that he was a prisoner. Holding the dagger by the blade, Norbert looked at the wooden handle, a thought coming to mind.


    ¡°I wonder how much he would like a new design on it?¡± Norbert asked himself.


    The guard from the door shouted, ¡°Off the bed.¡±


    Norbert is just turning, holding the knife in one hand, and points at the handle of the dagger, shouting back, ¡°Then come in here and do it.¡±


    The two stared at each other momentarily before the guard backed off. Shaking his head, Norbert continued with his work and worked at the dagger away, not knowing what he was doing but not caring. The wood chips landed on his chest, brushing them onto the bed when they came too high.


    Halfway through the work, Norbert heard a commotion coming back to him. He gave a yawn as he looked outside, happy that there was still at least sunlight there. He remembered the promise he made to Nassan to make it back before dinner. This entire expedition was taking much longer than he thought it would.


    ¡°WHAT ARE YOU DOING!¡±


    Norbert looked at the voice. As he looked at Norbert on the bed, any sense of calm and collected calmness from the previous visit was gone. The sheets trampled the books in a completely random order to what it was before, and the dagger handle whittled away into a phallus.


    Norbert looked at the man, stopping his whistling as he showed him the new and improved handle. ¡°Nothing much to do here, so I thought some creativity was in order.¡± He put the dagger back under the pillow, brushing himself off once more before standing up, walking over, and seeing the cold tea with a sad smile on his face. ¡°It really was some good tea.¡±


    The man just stared at Norbert standing by the table.


    ¡°Why?¡± The man asked Norbert. ¡°Why did you do this when I tried to be nice?¡±


    ¡°Taking my blood, locking me up in this tent and not giving me a chance to go to the toilet. And you''re saying that¡¯s nice.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to get ugly?¡± He growled back.


    Norbert shrugged, ¡°Can you afford to get ugly with me? Look, I¡¯m trying to be nice here, but I really must get back. I was asked to see why the critters of this forest are making a mess, and look who I stumble on.¡± Norbert waved his arms in front of him, a presenter to the crowd.


    ¡°So, can you please get to the point of why you want me? Either properly stop me so I don¡¯t feel bad about busting my way out there and letting the pink fog go in, or just show me to whatever you want open so I can leave and at least have a nice warm meal for dinner?¡± Norbert asked.


    The man looked at Norbert, watching as he breathed in and out several times before walking away. ¡°Follow me,¡± he said.


    Norbert stood there, not moving at all, crossing his arms in front of him.


    ¡°Please¡±, The man added.


    Norbert nodded his head, hoping he wouldn¡¯t need to act this annoying for long. He was starting to feel bad for the man in front of him.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s your name? It¡¯s only fair since you know mine?¡±


    ¡°Charles.¡± The man told Norbert, nodding his head and looking up and down the man.


    ¡°Appropriate, now; what cave do you need me cracking open?¡± Norbert asked as he spun around on his heel, seeing the other side of the river a null in the land above, where the tree roots grew out, and something dug into the dirt underneath, making a nice place to sleep for the night for a single man.

 Chapter 305 Underground Once More

    Charles turned to look at Norbert, ¡°You¡¯ve been there before?¡±


    Norbert shrugged his shoulders, ¡°I¡¯ve been to many places before. But I might have been where you''re trying to get into.¡± Norbert remembers his time with the other place where he was ambushed while surrounded by greenery.


    Following through the camp, Norbert headed down the river slightly until stopping at the cavern he was expecting to find. Stepping through, torches on the side provided light as Norbert looked up, seeing the roots above his head breaking through the ground but not further into this little nook.


    Following along the path as the two went further underground, Norbert brushed his hand on the stone next to him, feeling it underneath his fingers, trying to find the pattern he knew should be there.


    Taking the ruined glove off of his left hand, Norbert could now properly feel it without the leather getting in the way. Finding the pattern, Norbert let it trail across, wanting to see it light up again. Norbert took the knife out, cut his finger and smeared a bit of blood on the stone wall over one of the lines.


    Instantly, the wall shone much brighter than the leaves he used; looking up, I saw they were still connected to the roots above his head. I wondered why they had never thought of using it.


    Removing his hand to the wall, Norbert felt a dagger under his neck. Looking at Charles, the man had turned around and was right before him. ¡°What did you do?¡± The man uttered.


    ¡°I placed my finger on the wall with a cut. You never knew about the markings or the leaves?¡± Norbert asked, the engravings still showing purple light, much longer than when he used the leaves for the same effect.


    The two stared off. Norbert stood still as he heard metal hitting on metal, the shape of something small running up to them, clattering about as they rushed through the tunnel.


    ¡°Oh good sir your here, the door finally opened.¡± The small man said, looking between Norbert and Charles, the blade still at Norbert¡¯s throat.


    Standing there, unsure what to do, Norbert smiled as he easily pushed the dagger away from his throat. The shock of what Charles was hearing stopped him from giving any resistance.


    Norbert looked to Charles. ¡°Anything else you want with me so I can¡­¡± Leaving the question hanging, he pointed behind himself with two thumbs.


    The question pulled Charles back to reality, and he realized he was dealing with someone purposefully getting under his skin. ¡°Not so fast.¡± The leader said, ¡°Let''s make sure there isn¡¯t another surprise that needs you.¡±


    Shrugging as Norbert continued deeper down, sure that they wouldn¡¯t find whatever they were looking for down here, a sneaking suspicion that it was wherever the elevator shaft further on left the place.


    Going further down, Norbert looks at the mural and its depictions, which are now only slightly purple this far from when he introduced his blood to them.


    Where Norbert saw the entrance, people were standing around the narrow chamber of the earth, the two rock walls connecting to each other, causing Norbert to walk on the side and easily shuffle his way through.


    The hallway opened up, his feet changing from stone to marble, like what? Here, Norbert could see others had already rushed forward, properly lighting the place up, unlike Norbert could have done the last time he was down here.


    Looking around, Norbert halted, something tickling up his neck once more. Looking behind him, he saw it was the same as before as Norbert walked on through, looking at each of the side rooms and continuing to walk on through. The wooden beds were nice and neatly done one after the other, the sheets almost looking well done and new, not anything like ¡­


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    Norbert shivered instinctually as something seemed to brush against his mind. His body responded without him realizing, pumping energy through his body and whipping his body around to try and find the thing that had brushed against him.


    Heart hammering in his chest, Charles no longer behind him, leaving Norbert to explore as much as he desired, the only exit they knew of being that way.


    Changing his vision, Norbert confirmed that there wasn¡¯t any magic in the air. Closing his eyes, Norbert slowly counted to ten, letting his breathing slow down as much as he could at the moment and trying to empty his thoughts.


    Having calmed down, Norbert opened them again and saw the beds still arranged in lines. Remembering the weird feeling he had when he looked about the place, the fact that it looked clean and still in use, utterly different to the first time he entered here.


    Wondering if it was possible to be in the same place, Norbert rushed out of the side room, headed to the main hallway, and walked down it quickly, the double doors that he had seen before once more there.


    A faint trail of purple following down the hallway and towards the door, Norbert seeing the doorway they were talking about having opened. Watching as it was only a slither, one of them had their eye on the crack and tried to look in as they pushed further, but the door wasn¡¯t budging anymore.


    At least somewhat less alarmed, they must have been here before Norbert turned to one of them. ¡°Have you made it this far?¡±


    They looked up at him, surprised he could talk, before turning to Charles, the man striding towards Norbert. ¡°No, when it narrowed, there was something blocking the way. The first unlock is what we called you down for, but this.¡± The leader stopped next to Norbert as he looked up at the pattern. ¡°This is what we have been looking for.¡±


    Standing forward, he pressed his hand against it, feeling the ground slightly rumble. Then, nothing else happened. Charles turned to Norbert, indicating with his head.


    Breathing out, annoyed that he wouldn¡¯t get the easy escape he wanted, he looked around. ¡°Just something I might like to add. The last time I was in one of these, nothing was left, the beds and pots destroyed to time.¡± Norbert spoke as he stared at Charles, hoping to understand this.


    He was getting the same indicator as before. Norbert was doing as instructed, but a part of him was also curious about what would be found here.


    I took a step back to look at the floral pattern filling the room. A tree was depicted there, now being cut as the door was slightly open. The roots interlocked one after the other as they came together, rooting themselves into the floor. Norbert¡¯s eyes followed, and they saw the same roots on the floor. The two were still connected, stopping the door from moving any more.


    He followed his eyes up the trunk to the canopy above, flowing out over the tops of the doors, a single leaf falling down on each door. He looked at it almost like he could touch it if he reached his hand out.


    Cutting his finger, Norbert pushed it against the door, running up the tree as he watched it the tree come to life. A groaning came from the door as the roots connecting it to the floor were finally released.


    The trunk of the tree had the purple lines that he was used to, running up and down the bark. The leaves had a slight purple tinge, and the remainder of the light coalesced on each leaf. Mid-fall on the door.


    The doors pushed away as Norbert stood, looking out to the next room and the alter he expected to see. Charles and the rest rushed forward, looking desperately for something Norbert knew wouldn¡¯t be there.


    Stepping forward, Norbert looked towards the alter, walking up the perfectly preserved steps, thinking someone must have taken it as he stood next to Charles.


    ¡°Where is it?¡±


    Norbert looked at where he was pointing. There was only a hole in the alter leading somewhere underneath. Looking around, he saw no single pipe connecting it to the liquid.


    Norbert looked about, smiling as he looked down the pipe. ¡°What are you looking for? I might be able to help you.¡±


    ¡°You took it, didn¡¯t you, whenever you were here last,¡± Charles growled out, stepping next to Norbert.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the same place as where I went. I don¡¯t know where you found it, but the altar was different. If I had to guess, it''s probably down there.¡± Norbert gave his advice, pointing down the hole in the alter.


    ¡°Now, can I leave? I really must be going to that meal,¡± Norbert asked, taking a step back as he looked about. He did not find the elevator he was looking for, and he was slightly annoyed that his quick escape would be thwarted. He knew he would need to go back the way he had come.


    ¡°Not until we get what you got here,¡± Charles said, his hand going to the dagger on his waist, his other hand by his side. Norbert knew the moment he did something, the rocks around him would be moving unnaturally.


    ¡°Truly, I had the last of it, nothing left, and it was so long ago. Do you think I would remember a random place like this after I don¡¯t even know how long?¡± Norbert asked, taking a step backwards and looking over his shoulder. The commotion had already alerted the half-men behind him as they looked at Norbert, weapons already out.


    ¡°This place isn¡¯t random; you just need your memory refreshed.¡± Charles leapt towards Norbert.

 Chapter 306 Escape

    Taking a step back, Norbert felt his back hit into something as Charles came rushing towards him, dagger straight for his eye. Unable to go backwards, Norbert met the attack, hand shooting up to go for the one aiming for his eye.


    The two men were impacted as Norbert was sent into the barrier, stopping him from going further backward. He squeezed down on the arm underneath him, feeling the bones hold firm for a moment¡ªmuch more robust than average bones¡ªuntil they snapped under the pressure. Charles dropped the face of fury, replacing it with one of pain as it shot up his arm, the dagger going slightly limp momentarily.


    And the moment was all that Norbert needed, flinging the man away Norbert turned around, finding the stone barrier only a meter wide and two tall where he was standing, running around it, Norbert looked to the rest of the hallway, and the only way out up the steps.


    The light of lamps and torches fuelled by magic was all about the place, their constant light source not providing any shadows or dark spots for Norbert to even try hiding in. The only solution coming to mind was running right through and hoping there hadn''t been any traps set up in the small amount of time it took Norbert to deal with Charles.


    A bolt came at him; Norbert looked at the projectile as it slammed into his shoulder, not flinching as he continued running down the centre of the hallway, focusing on speed rather than killing them all. Only one of them could get in position before Norbert, just sidestepping around him as the great war axe went for where his neck was before. The weapon slammed into the ground as Norbert made it up the stairs, holding himself not to look back as he pushed forward, once more becoming encased in stone.


    Feeling it on all sides, much tighter than it was previously, spikes digging into him and trying to trip him up, he pushed through, knowing that if he stopped for a moment, he would be trapped within the chamber with no proper way out. Not wanting to bust his hands into stumps, he punched his way out, not knowing what the ones above could be doing while he was trapped underneath.


    Pushing forward, Norbert made it past the rock wall, the last bit ripping and tearing through his clothes. Norbert keeps a hand by his waist to protect his knife and coin pouch. Running out, the walls not closing around him as he made it out underground; seeing the entrance above, Norbert quickly changed his vision to magic, ensuring there wasn''t a spell hiding up there prepared to blast him the moment his head popped up.


    There was nothing above there. Norbert leapt out of the hole, aiming to fly into the air as soon as possible, hoping to overshoot anything that he might have missed. When his foot left the ground, Norbert saw something shoot towards him. Unable to move, he let it hit him as he was slammed to the ground by a force.


    Standing up, Norbert dashed out of the way as arrows were launched towards him, going much faster than the crossbows the half-men were using around him. One of them slams into his shoulder, his body wanting to spin around and lift off the ground, but unable to as his feet become rooted in the ground.


    Staring down at them, seeing the pebbles of the river holding onto him, stopping him from moving any further. Looking about, the mages now moved as the ring came around him.


    ¡°Do you have him?¡± Charles shouted from the tunnel entrance, the man finally coming out as he looked around desperately trying to find Norbert, finally spotting him before he walked towards Norbert.


    ¡°You thought we wouldn¡¯t be able to hold you? How foolish you must feel now!¡± Charles continued as he walked towards Norbert, standing right in front of him and smashing his fist into Norbert¡¯s gut.


    Falling in half, Norbert dropped, letting the air return to his lungs. Coughing as he tried to regain his breath and stop the tea from returning, Norbert looked up and saw Charles¡¯s sneering face staring back at him.


    Reaching up, Norbert stood up, grabbing Charles by the back of his neck, hoisting the man into the air as Norbert presented him to the group. Shaking him about for a moment like a ragdoll as Charles tried to resist, he then hung limp, trying to look back and see what Norbert was doing.


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    ¡°Tell them to back off,¡± Norbert whispered to the man he held up in the air, not even his feet touching the ground. Stepping himself out of the spot, feeling the pebbles crack around his feet as it finally let him go.


    ¡°Or what, you¡¯re going to kill another from Earth? Already turned into a barbarian like these people?¡± Charles whispered back, an edge to his voice Norbert was starting to hear, the condescending tone coming out of it.


    Tightening his grip in response, Norbert did not see a point in discussing with Charles any longer, internally not having decided whether he would finish the man off he was holding up.


    Growing tighter, Norbert was now scared that he would have to go through with his threat, and then all hell would break loose, and he needed to run to make a way out.


    ¡°Hold off, let him out,¡± Charles told the group staring off at Norbert and their leader, tense as to wait for what could happen.


    When the words were uttered, Norbert looked besides, seeing a corridor open up, allowing him to exit it. Changing his vision to magic, Norbert analysed around him, not wanting to get caught by anything unsuspecting.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he sees a brief glimmer of brown going down Charles''s hand. Norbert grabbed the man''s other hand and squeezed it, crushing the bone and causing the man to scream out.


    Whatever the man was trying stopped, and the group became tense once more as they stared at Norbert. One of them, being trigger-happy, launched a crossbow bolt at Norbert, Moving Charles around to catch it with his body. In response to the direction, Norbert launched a dagger out.


    The throwing dagger on his legs travelled half the distance before stopping mid-air and falling to the ground, like it had lost the energy Norbert had put into it. Looking down at the metal around his waist, he saw tendrils of magic around them, brown with flecks of red underneath.


    ¡°Oh, someone¡¯s being cheeky,¡± Norbert said aloud so everyone could hear what he was saying. He took another dagger out and stabbed it into the same arm that he had pulverised, cleaning the blade on the back of his shirt before putting it back in its sheath.


    Norbert started walking backwards, not knowing how long this would work for holding them off or how many more ploys they could throw at him before it all went up in smoke.


    Looking behind him, seeing the portal about a meter behind him, Norbert took another two steps backwards so half his body was on the other side, hoping that would stop it.


    ¡°This is where we part ways, but it was fun,¡± Norbert told Charles, holding the man up and ensuring he didn¡¯t touch the ground.


    Looking around him, he saw the runes for the portal about on either side of them. Norbert quickly threw Charles over it, seeing the pebble in the correct place.


    Instantly turning and running, the moment of stillness went as he was instantly held by the ground. Taking a dagger out and throwing it in a random direction, hoping it would hit someone, he lifted his foot slightly, slamming the energy he collected into the ground. Two things resulted from it.


    The first was Norbert getting flung into the air, shooting further than the barrier up into the lower limbs of the trees'' branches, crashing through them until finally getting stuck in one.


    The second is the crater that Norbert created in response to his sudden launch. The ground around the barrier is a meter deeper and three wide, and dirt and soil are launched everywhere.


    The biggest effect was on the barrier, which would have been annoying but would have still held with the appropriate mages constantly managing it. It cracked and broke under the force it tried to push out and the missing runes in its structure.


    With it pushing itself to contain an area too large and with no support, it failed utterly, the temporary barrier faulting as the scream below him assaulted Norbert.


    Shaking his head, the energy depleted from his explosive use, he was able to hold a bit back, hoping it would be enough to make it back to Flare-dew. He was not looking forward to the fall from the plateau he would need to do.


    The sounds below of men and women screaming until their throats went horse, only to grow quiet like they had been snapped off by something. The pink fog floods into the once-clear area, and the sounds of metal hitting something rigid ring out.


    Norbert pulled himself up, not wanting to go onto the ground in case any of that team was still around, not knowing if he could take them in his current condition.


    With the flapping of wings above him, Norbert saw a black and white speckled bird approaching him. He smiled as Obsius landed on his head, the bird making its spot and ruffling his hair a bit before standing still.


    He reached up and patted Norbert, and Norbert looked in the general direction, where the river slightly meandered through.


    ¡°Can you show me the best way back?¡± Norbert asked his female companion, confident that the bird knew his abilities and how much he could be pushed after seeing a release like that.


    Obsius pecked his head in annoyance at finally having a rest as it flew off into the tree, further across the branch that Norbert was on before landing on the next, indicating for Norbert to follow across.

 Chapter 307 Family Dinner

    Standing on the edge of the plateau, Norbert watched as the sun started to set. The way back took much longer than he thought it would, and he needed to take a wide berth and make inconvenient crossings to stay off the ground.


    Part of the way, Norbert, having not seen anything coming from below, started to go down, only to get berated by the bird for continuing his monkey path in the trees.


    Turning to Obsius as he thought about it, he stood there deciding whether he should take the plunge into the river below or carefully climb down the side of the plateau. ¡°Was it really necessary to stay up there?¡±


    Obsius flew off, leaving Norbert there as he stood alone, his question unanswered.


    Norbert followed the bird with his eyes, looking down at the river below him, breathing out a breath as he took a step away. He headed to the edge, where he began the slow, careful descent down the plateau. He did not want to hurt himself and waste the energy he could use to propel himself back on solid ground again to make it back in time for dinner.


    Skipping several times more than he should, Norbert landed on the ground. Obsius joined him and went into his coat as Norbert dashed off, following the river as he made his way to town. The lack of trees and shrubbery made it the quickest for Norbert, allowing him to just focus on keeping his pace.


    Passing the river, Norbert saw three people on the other side slowly making their way back to town. Slowing down, he saw the fishing pole and the two boys. The fact that they were still together must mean something, as Norbert gave them a wave as he passed.


    Seeing out of the corner of his eye, the three wave back, and the slight smile on Mord¡¯s face from the passing. Hoping the boys would have a place to call home, away from whatever was happening in that city with the disease spreading throughout it.


    Norbert smiled as he passed them, his appointment growing closer and closer to being late.


    ***


    Running down the street, Norbert slid to a stop as he looked up at the wooden porch in front of him. Patting his body down, he made sure that there wasn¡¯t any dirt stuck to him. Walking up the steps, the door already opened as Norbert looked down, seeing Nassan standing there.


    ¡°You''re late, and the food''s getting cold,¡± the boy said, running to the table and jumping into his seat.


    ¡°Norbert¡¯s back!¡± The boy shouted to the rest of the family.


    Norbert saw the others come in from the back and stood there as everyone else sat down before he headed to the spare seat at the table. Scrunching up a bit on the side to make it work, Norbert smiled as he looked around the table and the food in front of him.


    Not hearing any words as everyone else started eating, Obsius came out of his coat, jumped on the table, and ate the piece of bread and meat left on a plate in front of Norbert.


    Placing the spoon to his mouth as he drank the soup, smiling as it warmed his body up, happy that he didn¡¯t go diving into the river, not knowing how he would have dried himself for dinner.


    ¡°Norbert?¡± His name came out from one of the people at the table.


    Looking up from his meal, Norbert saw everyone staring at him. Smiling as he took another spoonful, he said, ¡°It''s just really good. I haven¡¯t had a meal made with love in a couple of days.¡±


    ¡°What happened on the plateau?¡± Nassan asked Norbert, beady-eyed and barely paying attention to the food in front of him.


    ¡°Oh, nothing much. A couple up there trying to look for something might want to talk to someone about that,¡± Norbert said calmly as he continued eating.


    Feeling three sets of eyes boring into him, the next spoonful was only halfway up to his mouth when he stopped, looked about, and stared at the others around him, his eyes going across to the three glowering sets and the one filled with wonder.


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    "No topics about?" Norbert asked the table, seeing that he had accidentally stumbled onto a sour point.


    "Anything else happened?" Helga asked Norbert, trying to move the conversation past any details she didn''t want Nassan to hear.


    "Oh, I saw Mord with the old fisherman. The boy looked happy." Norbert smiled as well.


    "And that''s the last off your list?" Cossan, using his voice at last, heard the smooth words coming out of the man, having forgotten what the man sounded like.


    "That''s the last one, then I''ll be heading off after this," Norbert said, pointing towards the spoonful of soup he currently had. A piece of meat was hanging off the spoon as he carefully moved it to his mouth to eat.


    "But do you have to go?" Nassan asked. Delga just snorted in response, and Norbert looked at the man around his age before going back to eating.


    "Oh, can I also see the basement before I go?" Norbert asked, remembering the runes that must have been used for whatever preservation was being used underneath his feet.


    "You showed him the basement?" Delga asked, and Norbert heard the boys'' annoyance in the words as Delga stared at him. Shrugging his shoulders at the response, Norbert continued to eat.


    Turning to Norbert, "Why would you want even to look down there?"


    "I have a Personal interest in the way the world works, nothing more, nothing less." Norbert gave him the answer.


    "What position are you?" Delga questioned Norbert.


    I was fearing where this could go, looking at Helga and Cossan, neither of them giving a protest to Norbert. Nassan looked between the two boys, wondering if there would be a fight or commotion.


    "Scout." Norbert gave the single word out to the open, letting it bounce around inside the heads of each family member before taking its hold on Delga.


    ¡°A scout, but you¡¯re in the tournament?¡± Delga questioned, face scrunching up, unable to comprehend how it was possible.


    ¡°That¡¯s because Norbert¡¯s awesome,¡± Nassan told his brother, his arms crossed in front of him, to himself, having won the argument.


    ¡°Maybe slightly, but mostly lucky.¡± Norbert nodded to his younger brother as he pulled a coin out of his pouch, flicking it into the air and letting it land on the table. Picking up the bowl to get the last pieces of the soup, the coin landed vertically on the table, neither side going up.


    Plucking the coin off the table, Norbert put it back in his coin pouch and placed the bowl back on the table.


    ¡°Mind me asking what your role in the Frontier was?¡± Norbert asked, turning to


    ¡°Archer,¡± Delga told him.


    Norbert just nodded, remembering the arrows that would be launched and the teams going either way. The men standing in the back launch volley after volley or target the weak points.


    ¡°Makes sense with what Cossan showed me many moons ago,¡± Norbert replied, half going back to the time with the deer, one of the first when he had controlled the energy within him. The feat now would be something he could do with his eyes closed.


    ¡°Nothing else to say?¡± Delga asked, almost bracing himself for the backlash that Norbert would give him.


    Norbert shrugged in response, ¡°Not really. Archer saved my neck a few times, which I¡¯m aware of. And many more that I¡¯m not.¡±


    Turning to Nassan as he spoke, he said, ¡°Every role is important, from the fighter to the mage to the healer and even the scout. I don¡¯t see this one able to run for the entire day.¡±


    ¡°Most scouts can¡¯t do that,¡± Delga said under his breath, unsure if he was admitting that Norbert may be better than the others.


    ¡°Some can get pretty close to it, though, but no. Most can¡¯t do what I can. That¡¯s why I''m in the tournament and others aren¡¯t. Though I wish I hadn¡¯t,¡± Norbert said as he looked around the table, seeing everyone else had finished eating.


    ¡°But don¡¯t feel too bad, Delga. There''s always a price to pay.¡± Norbert said to the man as he stood up, taking all the dishes and walking to the sink. Standing over it, Norbert rested his hand over the rune that would be for the water, trying to send energy down into it. Norbert stayed there for a moment, nothing happening as he placed the dishes in the sink, raising his hands in the air.


    ¡°Like I said, I can''t do everything except run really far, thus scout.¡± Norbert gave a little bow as he walked to the trap door, pulling it open as he looked down below.


    ¡°Is it all good if I take a gander?¡± Norbert asked, waiting a moment. Helga only smiled at him as he took that as an affirmative. Heading down the ladder, Norbert changed his vision to magic as he looked around.


    Expecting to see either white or dark blue, some way of freezing or cooling in the air around him, Norbert was not expecting to see the white and golden flecks surrounding him.


    He gazed at the food underneath, which looked fresh and like it had been pushed off the other day. The idea of this being some fridge out the door. Whatever this massive room used for preservation wasn¡¯t anything Norbert was used to or had ever seen on Earth. He took a step as he tried to memorise the strange rune to look up later when he had the chance.


    ¡°Norbert, are you in there? We need to leave soon!¡± Count von Count¡¯s voice came from up above. Norbert sighing, unable to look at the runes anymore, quickly went up the ladder and closed the trap door.


    Standing at the doorway was the vampire, smiling at the doorway and waving to the family.


    ¡°Mind if I come in?¡± The vampire asked.


    Delga and Nassan took a step back as they recognised the vampire. Norbert shook his head as he waved the vampire inside, hoping Count von Count was just being annoying.

 Chapter 308 Saying Goodbyes ... again

    The vampire smiled, giving a bow to Norbert as he continued inside.


    Delga and Nassan both jump out of their chairs. Delga, with a knife in hand, takes a step forward, and Nassan hides behind his mother.


    Both parents stayed in their chairs, breathing calmly as they waited. Cossan looked towards Helga, only paying attention to the vampire out of the corner of his eye. He figured that if his wife had been calm with the vampire, for whatever reason, she would have interacted more, and for the moment, there wasn¡¯t a threat. Helga looked at Norbert, one hand draped over a chair, holding her fingers out as she waited for any sudden movements.


    Norbert assumed she had a spell lined up, not wanting to know what the woman could be cooking up to protect her family. Now, on the same level, Norbert stepped forward, standing between the family and the vampire. Leaning on the wall, Norbert asked the question in everyone¡¯s mind, ¡°What did you do today?¡±


    Count von Count was stunned for a moment, not having expected that question to come out, anticipating the other one of why he was standing here being menacing. Taking a moment to compose himself, Count von Count uttered, ¡°Stayed inside a tavern, brooding in a corner until the sun fell.¡±


    ¡°But you''re all wrapped up?¡± Norbert asked, pointing to Count von Count¡¯s multiple colours the vampire was swathed in.


    Count von Count shrugged, ¡°It''s not fun to terrorise an entire town that¡¯s already been terrorised with nearly hundreds of kids from a completely different place being shuttled for a day with no food or water. I might be annoying, but I¡¯m not a monster.¡± He defended himself at the end.


    Obsius chirped in response to the last sentence that the vampire spoke.


    ¡°Good point Obsius, depending where you are from a vampire is a monster. But enough semantics.¡± Norbert talked aloud to the bird as he walked over, plucking it up and placing it on his shoulder.


    Turning to the family, Norbert spoke up. ¡°It''s best that I head off and take this one back with me,¡± Norbert said, pointing to the vampire behind him. Nassan waved to Norbert, still standing behind his mum, not wanting it to go any further, even though Norbert was in front of him.


    Giving them a wave, Norbert shouted out, "I¡¯ll try and come back here when possible!" as he walked out the front door with Count von Count in tow.


    The door closed behind them as Nassan smiled, Helga gave a slight wave, and Delga turned his back to the two leaving the home. Obsius moved to Norbert¡¯s head, where the bird started whistling about. Norbert turned to the vampire. "So what were you actually doing today?" he asked him.


    "You had quite a stupid fight today with the half-dwarves." Count von Count replied, starting to whistle as he walked ahead.


    Norbert stopped, surprised at the response, "Hey, how did you know about that?" Norbert asked, taking several quick steps to catch up with the vampire.


    ¡°Oh, so it''s fine when you have your secrets, but not when I have mine?¡± Count von Count questioned Norbert, increasing his pace as he started to jog down the road heading towards the portal.


    Norbert ran to catch up. ¡°But that¡¯s not a secret, you¡¯ve told me. It isn¡¯t normal to lurk around the place. What happened to staying at an inn?¡±


    Just as Norbert was about to catch up to Count von Count, the vampire added a burst of speed, ¡°But following you around was way more fun. And having a buddy watching your back is always helpful!¡± The vampire shouted back to Norbert.


    Sending energy into his body, Norbert powered into his legs, making sure not to tear up the road they were now running on. I do not want to be more of a nuisance to anyone tomorrow who might want to move a cart for moving items.


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    Catching up once again to the vampire, now the wind whipped past Norbert¡¯s face, needing to squint his eyes to stop the water from running out of them. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you help me?¡± Norbert shouted, needing to spend energy into his voice to project it forward as the vampire continued going faster and faster.


    The vampire did not stop as their leaps grew longer. Norbert saw shadows start to cling to them, deep and rich red shadows as they pulled the vampire forward.


    Not seeing that the vampire was playing fair at all, Norbert pushed on the speed, coming up as he saw two people standing around a structure. Slowing himself down, Norbert, his feet skidding and jumping, slowed down as quickly as possible without damaging the environment around him.


    Count von Count in front of him stopped almost immediately, taking a single step to slow down to a casual walking speed.


    ¡°Because Norbert, you didn¡¯t need it.¡± The vampire told him, walking through the already lit-up portal and stepping through.


    Norbert turns. The other turns are just standing; who are you there? Martitia and the Traveller are standing them to go and get you. He was busy moping in a tavern, wondering where you went.¡±


    Norbert just looked between them, fazed momentarily, not knowing who to believe anymore. ¡°But, the men over there?¡±


    ¡°The half-dwarves, they¡¯ve been known to operate in the area. You¡¯ll need to debrief what happened when you were on the Highlands Plateau.¡± Martitia told him as she, too, walked through the portal.


    Norbert shook his head and sighed as he waved to the Traveller by the portal, the man taking him by the shoulder. ¡°Still have the letter?¡± He asked Norbert.


    Nodding his head and patting his coin pouch, Norbert walked to the portal, about to step through. He let the Traveller know, ¡°That I do, and I will give it to them ¡­ eventually.¡± Norbert added as he quickly stepped through the portal, feeling his body elongate again before popping out the other side.


    Quickly stepping through, Norbert looked around, seeing it wasn¡¯t that busy compared to what he was expecting with the streams of people.


    Turning to Martitia, the woman standing just before him, ¡°Wait, in the same bar as before?¡± Norbert asked, nodding to the waiting room with the bar the first time he had to debrief with the entire squad, remembering the packed room he had been in.


    ¡°That¡¯s the one. Keep an eye on this one; I¡¯m heading off to get some sleep.¡± The scout leader told Norbert and Count von Count, walking away with a wave of her hand.


    Norbert walked over to the place he indicated, Count von Count following after him, stepping in. Norbert saw it mostly empty. But even though it was primarily empty, a bartender stood at attention, waiting for people to come forward and enter.


    ¡°Two orders of whatever is on tap. Surprise us.¡± Norbert said as he waved towards the handles where the beer on tap came out.


    Receiving a nod in return, the man did not say a word as Norbert found a table and sat down. Leaning backwards in his chair, he rocked slightly. Count von Count took the chair opposite him, leaving another two chairs empty on the small round table.


    ¡°And now we wait, drink, and talk,¡± Norbert said to the vampire, pursing his lips as the scout whistled.


    Feeling the ire of the other patrons behind him, they scattered about the place as they looked towards him, disturbing their peace and stopping the mood they had made with their secret conversations, crowding the place in whispers.


    Count von Count looked behind Norbert as he joined in with the whistling. Obsius popped out of Norbert¡¯s coat, landed on the table and joined in as well; the three of them did not make a single tune in cohesion but three that clashed into one another.


    After finishing the first tune and moving to the second, the two beers appeared on the table. Nodding to the bartender who served them, Norbert stopped his whistling as he raised the drink to his lip, carefully sipping the bubbly liquid.


    He kept it on his tongue, tasting the barely changed liquid to this golden liquid or whatever grain equivalent they would have over here. Swallowing it down, Norbert took a larger gulp as he finished a quarter of the drink.


    He placed it down with a slam, feeling the liquid go over his hands from the force of his slam. He looked towards Count von Count, ¡°Ahhhh, not my cup of tea.¡±


    Count von Count shook his head as he took a sip of the drink. Gently placing the pint down on the table, he asked Norbert the question on his mind: ¡°How long do you reckon until someone comes to ask you questions?¡±


    Norbert pulled up the sleeve on his left wrist, looking at the watch that wasn¡¯t there, not even a tan on his wrist, indicating that the man never wore a watch. ¡°Looking at my time, it seems five seconds from now. The most annoying time.¡±


    Rolling his sleeve back down again, Norbert lifted the pint to his lips and took another sip as a man stood at the doorway to the bar.


    ¡°May Norbert and his guest please come with me.¡±


    Norbert held up his hand as he started to down the drink, not wanting to waste even a drop of the liquid he hadn¡¯t paid for with coin.

 Chapter 309 Never Forget a Face

    Norbert stood up, and Obsius fluttered over to land on his head. Walking behind Count von Count, Count slaps the vampire on the back, ¡°It''s show time, buddy.¡±


    His buddy was just staring back at him, and the beer he was trying to drink now spilled everywhere from Norbert¡¯s unnecessary gesture.


    Looking down at his wet clothes, he shrugged as he took them off. The multitudes of colour were no longer needed for the moment. Norbert saw what Count von Count was doing. ¡°Why are you talking them off? I¡¯m not leaving here for at least another day.¡±


    The vampire''s groan was worth the comment as he looked down at his wet clothes, not knowing what he would be doing.


    Norbert looked at what the others had been doing, seeing the pleading looks on their faces as they waited for the two latest arrivals to leave and the bar to return to its previous state.


    ¡°So long and farewell! I hope you enjoyed our stay and the entertainment we provided!¡± Norbert shouted over, hearing his voice echo around the walls of the pub. Behind him, he heard a slight wince from the person who had called Norbert over.


    Norbert walked around, saying goodbye with a final wave, Count von Count begrudgingly following after the scout. The attendant breathing out as he walked away, Norbert seeing the same corridor the last time he walked through.


    The group walked down the corridor, passing several doors, until the man stopped at one, opening it up as a white room greeted Norbert. All four walls, the floor and ceiling painted white, and the stone that made up the floor of the hallway he was currently standing on seemingly disappeared past the door frame.


    As a man looked over papers, The black metal table with three seats around it, two on one side and the third already being used.


    Stepping through, Norbert took the seat on the right and Count von Count on the left, the two of them scraping the metal chairs along the floor. Norbert was unsure of what material it was, for even though it felt hard under his feet, the chairs themselves didn¡¯t make a single noise, almost like gliding over the carpet, even though his feet and eyes said otherwise.


    Staring at the nondescript man sitting in front of him, going over the papers, Norbert stared at him, something tickling in his mind, a memory of the man. Unable to pinpoint exactly what it was, he sat "Hello there, my name is Oscar. I heard you came in contact with others on your ¡­ trip?¡± The man questioned Norbert, having stopped writing whatever he had been and now staring down Count von Count, even though Norbert knew he was talking to him.


    Norbert was surprised by the looks that the vampire was experiencing from an office worker in the Frontier. ¡°That¡¯s where I remember you!¡± Norbert exclaimed aloud, causing Oscar to stop his death stare at the vampire and focus on Norbert.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one that first interviewed me.¡± Norbert pointed his finger, triumphantly adding, ¡°I never forget a face!¡±


    ¡°Norbert, are you really going to claim that statement?¡± Count von Count asked Norbert, Obsius on his head piping up in agreement with the vampire.


    Dismissing them without even a flick of his wrist, Norbert leaned forward, looking towards Oscar. ¡°Even if you don¡¯t remember, it should be written down in one of those reports?¡± Norbert asked, leaning forward, trying to read the reports upside down.


    Getting a single look of annoyance, Norbert slowly returned to his chair, and Oscar looked through the papers again. He took one out as he quickly scanned through it. ¡°Though Norbert does seem to be correct that I was the one that interviewed you. But please, let¡¯s put this discussion to rest, and please let me know what happened?¡± Oscar told them, purposefully looking over Norbert, pumping his fist in the air in victory before turning back to Oscar.


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    Nodding his head, Norbert began, ¡°When in Flare-dew, I, I had a bit of time until I was picked up. So¡ª¡± Norbert spoke before getting interrupted almost immediately.


    ¡°By who?¡±


    ¡°Traveller friend of this guy,¡± Norbert told him, pointing at Obsius, the bird still sitting on his head.


    Oscar looked up at the bird for a moment before he continued scribbling down again on the paper.


    ¡°So after dropping off the kids, I headed towards t-¡± Norbert continued his story before getting interrupted again.


    ¡°Kids?¡± Oscar interrupted once more, and not at the point in the sentence.


    ¡°Yes, kids, didn¡¯t you see them all ¡­¡± Norbert stopped as he looked to Count von Count on his side. The vampire wiggled his eyebrows in response to Norbert.


    ¡°Do you know how annoying that is?¡± Norbert asked the vampire about his new antics.


    ¡°I have no clue what you¡¯re talking about. Now, what did you do with your free time?¡± Count von Count asked Norbert, Oscar nodding his head in agreement, wanting the interview to proceed in its normal manner.


    Norbert quickly changed his vision to magic as he looked around the room. There were multiple runes that Oscar was using for recording devices like the pen, and one was inscribed on the table as well. Several were on the walls Norbert thought he had seen previously for air, but he was not sure what they could be for as his attention was taken up by Count von Count by his side.


    The vampire was invisible to Norbert. A shroud of pink mist pumped out of him, filling the room as it started tentatively snaking its way to Oscar.


    He pushed energy through his body, not feeling any difference as Norbert saw he was not in the cloud. Before looking at Count von Count, he wondered what the vampire was playing at, but whatever it was. Norbert knew best than to let the Frontier know he knew something was up, or else a punishment more than what he already may be receiving would come to him.


    Continuing the story, Norbert had to describe to Oscar, ¡°Had free time and was told that the creatures of the plateau were coming down near the town. Said they already asked the Frontier for help, but since I¡¯m there¡­¡± Norbert let his explanation hang in the air, waiting to see if Oscar would interrupt him again.


    Not hearing anything from the man, Norbert continued, ¡°After climbing up the plateau, I followed down the river until I interacted with the people.¡± Norbert added as he looked back to Oscar. The man nodded his head and waited for Norbert to continue.


    ¡°Men about the height of this chair, the mages they had, could move metal around. The entire group was governed by a man, Charles Nais Med Charles, like someone rough. The entire group was looking inside ancient ruins.¡± Norbert told Oscar.


    ¡°Know what they were looking for?¡± Oscar asked Norbert.


    Norbert plucked Obsius off his head, placing the bird in front of Count von Count and leaning back in his chair as far as he could. Norbert gazed around the place, finding where one of the runes was on the wall. Flinging one of his throwing daggers, strapped to his leg at it, Norbert releases the energy into it so it is smashed in, a cloud of dust hanging in the air.


    Once it settled, Oscar turned around, seeing the dagger now a bent piece of metal warped from the impact. The wall had a large crack running down to the floor.


    ¡°If either you or Sally can¡¯t work it out, you don¡¯t need to know,¡± Norbert added as he continued.


    ¡°Whatever they were after, they didn¡¯t get it when I was there. I left promptly afterwards, seeing as they wanted to trap me there to assist them with the next place they wanted to investigate. And as I had already reserved dinner, I was not planning on missing it.¡± Norbert told Oscar, the man, to write away what Norbert had added.


    ¡°They had a barrier up, which failed for a moment. In the resulting confusion, I escaped, made it back to the town, had my dinner, and now I¡¯m here.¡± Norbert finished by showing his hands in the air to them.


    Oscar continued to write for a moment before looking up. ¡°And why did you choose that place out of all?¡±


    ¡°The family helped me when I fell off the plateau, should be in the previous report. And I thought it would be nice to see them again, especially their son, as he seemed so sad when I had to depart last time.¡± Norbert added, remembering Nassan waving to him the first time he went through the portal.


    ¡°Ah, good kid, thought it would be nice to see them again. He seemed pretty excited when I showed up out of the blue. Though they did mention one thing.¡± Norbert added as he landed his chair again, no longer leaning back on it. Obsius jumped off from Count von Count and headed over to Obsius, resting back on the scout''s head once more, fluffing herself up before resting.


    Making note not to make any sudden movements, Norbert continued, ¡°They asked me where I had gone for my break instead of back to them. To which I replied I hadn¡¯t been on a break and still haven¡¯t. Now, isn¡¯t that peculiar?¡± Norbert asked as he looked towards the crack that was still in the wall before returning his eyes to Oscar.

 Chapter 310 What Have you Done Now

    Oscar looked towards Norbert, looked at the papers again for a moment, and leafed through them again and a third time before reaching over and touched the rune.


    A display popped up backwards for Norbert as the man continued to type away at it frantically. Norbert turned to Count von Count to the side. ¡°How much trouble am I in?¡± Norbert asked as Oscar started typing even more furiously, Norbert scared he was going to get poked if the man didn¡¯t stop his fingers in time.


    Oscar nods before sitting down again. ¡°It says here that you have... You have taken significant time off between your last time in the jungle and your tournament.¡± Oscar said to them.


    The door opening up behind them, Norbert turning around as someone came in, delivering a single piece of paper in front of Norbert before exiting, the memory of what they looked like fading from his memory until it was only a figure.


    Shaking his head, Norbert felt the energy turn slightly sluggish inside him before ramping it up again, whatever had happened to him causing the hairs to stand at the back of his neck. A response that worried Norbert when he was supposed to be safe here, wondering how safe he was.


    Oscar placed the paper on the table after giving a satisfying nod and spinning it around for Norbert to see. He reached forward, and Norbert picked it up as he quickly read through it.


    ¡°As you can see its all filled out and with your approval, orders from Commander Sally are to keep your leave until later. The reasoning under ¡®he will need it.¡¯¡± Oscar said quickly, as Norbert¡¯s eyes flew over the piece of paper, quickly grazing the information that confirmed what the man in front of him said.


    Placed it down, Norbert slid the paper back to Oscar, drumming his fingers on the table as he thought about what it could be referring to. ¡°Ever seen this before?¡± Norbert asked Oscar.


    ¡°Your entire file is strange, stranger than I last left it. Some things are best not to make comments any more than needed,¡± Oscar told Norbert.


    Norbert raised an eyebrow as he heard the words, concerned for a moment before dismissing it with a shrug. He placed it in the back of his head for the moment, something to ask Sally later if he hadn¡¯t figured it out himself.


    ¡°Anything else you want?¡± Norbert asked as he sat there, most of the questions already answered.


    ¡°Yes, a few more things like travel? Putting aside the Traveller you somehow bargained to help you, they should not have transported you from Libitina to Alasium.¡± Oscar told them, Norbert wondering which part they were more interested in, his movement or the use of the Traveller outside of their limits.


    ¡°No, different method. Didn¡¯t use the Traveller that brought us to Flare-dew for the ride from Libitina to Alasium.¡± Norbert told them, seeing Oscar visibly deflate, whatever worry they had about a Traveller going AWOL was the major thing on their mind.


    Norbert is sitting there tapping his fingers on the table, his right hand going from his thumb to pinkie on the table, only to repeat.


    ¡°Anything else you want of me?¡± Norbert asked, feeling like a slightly broken record at this point, the interview much more tedious than he thought it would be.


    ¡°Just want to flesh out some more details,¡± Oscar told Norbert.


    Count von Count groaned from the side as Norbert mentally reflected the same thoughts but did a slightly better job of hiding his annoyance at the inconvenience. The only part holding him back was knowing he didn¡¯t have much to do in the city besides picking up his mask.


    ***


    ¡°That took forever!¡± Count von Count shouted out as he walked out of The Frontier building; Norbert, ignoring his remarks, followed him down the steps, looking around the city as he tried to remember the best way to navigate to Beckia¡¯s shop.


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    Staring at the sun, Norbert said to Count von Count, ¡°You really should wrap yourself up. The sun''s about to rise soon.¡± Norbert pointed to the wall, where the sky was lightening up.


    Count von Count cursed for a moment as he began wrapping the clothes around him, having only half placed them around his body, wanting to carry them in case he needed them.


    Standing on the steps, Norbert watched the vampire, not caring which way was black or rainbow, as he stepped off the stairs and moved to the buildings on the other side of the street. He hoped to get himself out of the approaching sun for a month before moving.


    Norbert looked around in magic vision, finally seeing what was happening inside as he changed it back to normal. He was thankful that everything returned to how it should be, slowing down the energy within his body as he no longer needed to protect himself.


    Feeling the purple energy within at an acceptable level, I was still surprised by how much it would rise just from having a meal and letting it rest without constant explosive use.


    Standing in the sun as it hit his head, Norbert looked out at Count von Count, having finished the final pieces. ¡°All good over there?¡± Norbert asked him.


    The vampire walked towards Norbert, looking at both sides of the road as traffic started to move about. People were moving d it towards the walls as carts clacked across the cobblestones.


    ¡°All good. Now, where is this mask? You''re so desperate to get your hands on it.¡± Count von Count asked Norbert.


    ¡°No clue, really; that¡¯s what this guy is for,¡± Norbert spoke as he patted Obsius, who was once more on his head.


    The bird chirping to Norbert in annoyance, Norbert just nodding his head ¡°Yes yes, it¡¯s a mystery I find my way out of bed every morning without it taking me half a day.¡± Norbert agreed with the bird, hoping it would stem the conversation before progressing further into a pick on Norbert.


    Seeing Count von Count open his mouth, Norbert whipped his head around, looking at him, the bird pecking Norbert on the forehead for his quick movement.


    Norbert just looked back as he started walking towards the tree that towered over the city, nodding as he mentally confirmed the damage he did so long ago, having previously confirmed it wasn¡¯t there hadn¡¯t magically re-appeared to him.


    Moving down an alleyway from Obsius''s direction, Norbert made it through several streets, feeling the sun in his eye as he scratched his forehead, feeling sweat drip down.


    Making another turn, Norbert continued walking, feeling the sweat in his eyebrows again and wiping it off again. He was surprised not to have been sweating for such a long time. He placed his gloved hand in front of his eyes as he spun around, walking backwards up the street and staring at the sun, making sure it wasn¡¯t anything different.


    Count von Count turned around, looking at Norbert as the two passed, only for the vampire to stop.


    ¡°What have you done now?¡± the vampire asked, locking his lips before realising what he was doing and stopping himself.


    Norbert wiped the sweat from his brow once more, turning to Count von Count, wondering what the vampire was on about. ¡°What are you on about?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Look at your hand, dumb skull and your head in a reflection. You''re thick, but being this thick is a bit much even for you.¡± Count von Count told Norbert as Norbert was dragged to the closest window on the side of the street.


    Norbert was being pulled, looking at his reflection, the blistering skin that had cracked, the blood now trickling down his face. Once Norbert saw it, he was holding down the energy within him much more than he thought as he released it to its natural level, the wound on his head already working away, disappearing, only leaving the blood on his head behind.


    Leaning forward, Norbert looked at his slightly pale skin, shaking his head as he turned to Count von Count. ¡°What is happening to me?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Why would I know what¡¯s happening to you? I¡¯m not you.¡± Count von Count told Norbert.


    Shaking his head, feeling the energy within him cleared up, he continued walking to where Beckia had her store, his mind racing as he tried to think of what could be happening to him.


    Count von Count followed after Norbert as the scout went quiet, starting to think to himself about when it could have happened.


    ¡°Drank, anything funny?¡± Count von Count asked as he saw his friend worry about it.


    Norbert shook his head, a slight smile on his face. ¡°I¡¯ve been drinking funny things since I set foot here, literally,¡± Norbert added as he quickly flashed through his mind all the elixirs he had taken.


    ¡°Ok, but apart from the first thing, what other strange things are there?¡± Count von Count asked, prodding the question, hoping to add something more beneficial to the conversation and get out of the sun.


    ¡°Apart from the weird foods around me, the first thing that kicked this started,¡± Norbert said, waving his hand in the air, flashing purple. ¡°Lots of times, with the random drops from the casino when help was needed.¡± Norbert sighed, thinking about all the elixirs he had drunk.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯ve hit your max, and it¡¯s only the start.¡± Count von Count added to Norbert.


    Nodding, Norbert smiled at the vampire. ¡°Yeah, just the start. I guess the easy progress is gone for now.¡± Norbert added with a sigh as he walked several streets down the road, taking heavy steps before stopping at one and opening the door.


    The familiar sounds of banging escaped from the open door as the bell nailed to the doorframe rung announcing Norbert¡¯s welcome.

 Chapter 311 Helmet Acquired

    Norbert walked into the shop, seeing the usual Beckia face down as she continued working on whatever she deemed necessary to tinker on. Walking through the store, he stopped when he realised something: ¡°Where are all your products?¡± The empty racks stared back at Norbert as he scanned them, seeing one after the other empty.


    Only several pieces remained, and Norbert did not see his helmet in any of them. Hearing the door close behind him, Norbert turned around and saw Count von Count not standing in the shop. Leaving the vampire to do what he wanted, Norbert walked over to the counter where Beckia was working.


    Standing there, he let the woman continue to work as Norbert looked around at the pieces left behind, unpicked for whatever reason Norbert could discern just from looking.


    ¡°Beckia, someone just came in!¡± The booming voice from the smithy came from the other room behind the counter. The lack of rhythmic hammering took Beckia out of her work''s trances. She looked around the room, locking eyes on Norbert, and she seemed to jump in the chair out of surprise.


    ¡°You took a day longer.¡± The words came out, the slight venom coming off them. Norbert was still guessing she wasn¡¯t happy with his actions, probably for the better that Count von Count wasn¡¯t there with him, not knowing how she would take the guest from Grimm.


    ¡°Had some things come up, I¡¯m guessing it''s ready?¡± Norbert asked the woman.


    Watching her bend over for a moment, she disappeared behind the counter. Items ruffled around before she popped back up again, and Norbert looked at the black helmet once more.


    The two pieces came together as Norbert watched them, the previous smooth seal between them now jagged. Norbert noticed runes connecting the two pieces together as he picked them up, the two coming up as the runes were one and connecting together.


    ¡°The helmet has the same features as previously due to your constraint,¡± Beckia told Norbert.


    He nodded as he placed his hand on either side, trying to pry the helmet apart, his fingers sliding off it.


    ¡°The structural change you noted will increase its strength; the seam won¡¯t be such a weak spot,¡± she said.


    Norbert clicked them apart again as his finger brushed the edges, feeling the point poke into it.


    ¡°There''s the obvious downside of having it accidentally poke you, but I¡¯m sure that won¡¯t bother you to much,¡± Beckia added to Norbert, once more receiving the hint of annoyance from the woman about his actions.


    Nodding his head in thanks, Norbert reached into his pouch and pulled out a silver coin, adding it to the table. ¡°As thanks for the job. Won''t accept no.¡± Norbert quickly said, taking both pieces and stepping away from the table.


    Obsius jumped off his head and onto the table, looking at the scattered knick and knacks. Norbert holding the mask up to his face and feeling it click in place, the weight he had been missing now returned to its proper place.


    Breathing out slowly, Norbert smiled and nodded his head. Turning about, he indicated to the rest of the shop that Beckia was listening to him now.


    ¡°What happened to all your stock?¡± Norbert asked as he pointed around.


    ¡°The Frontier took it all, gave the going rate, and have asked for more to be sent to them¡ªn¡ªnearly everything,¡± Beckia said, the exhaustion starting to ebb into her voice.


    Norbert nodded as he looked back. ¡°How long has this been going for? It must have been recent,¡± he asked, remembering the last time he was in here; the place had been as full as he would have expected it, with multiple wares for those passing through to pick out exactly what they needed.


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    ¡°Just the day after you came, I started going around to all the shops and buying up all the weapons and armour, taking it off to their building and who knows where from there,¡± Beckia told Norbert.


    Nodding his head, he picked Obsius up, placed the bird on his shoulder, and picked up the other half as he headed outside.


    Beckia looked down at Norbert. ¡°Need another dagger?¡± She asked him.


    Norbert stopped and looking down at his throwing dagger and the one missing, remembering the one he had thrown into the wall.


    Turning back around to Beckia, Norbert said, ¡°If you have one that fits, then sure. It''s always better to have it even out,¡± he said as he patted the missing slot in the sheath.


    Beckia went to the back when he heard pieces of metal hit together. The clanging of the metal stopped as the smith had stopped his work, probably looking at what his wife was doing.


    A moment later, the smith came out, Norbert looking slightly up to the man, nodding to him.


    ¡°Sorry about Beckia from before; she¡¯s had a bad history with the Kreevss from when she was in the Frontier.¡± The smith told Norbert.


    Norbert nodded his head in agreement. ¡°She¡¯s not the only one, it seems. And another great piece of work you¡¯ve done repairing this,¡± Norbert said, tapping his mask and the back of the helmet together. A clang resonated out as Norbert felt his skull shake. ¡°Norbert, by the way,¡± he added at the end and held his hand out.


    ¡°Frank,¡± the smith told Norbert, the two shaking hands. Norbert felt his start to get crushed by the smith, and the muscles of the man bulged out as he tried to crush Norbert¡¯s hand.


    Norbert just smiled back, putting the same pressure he was receiving back to the smith.


    Beckia returned, stopping as she saw what the two men were doing.


    ¡°Frank, what are you doing? Norbert here is probably not even trying against you,¡± she told her husband, handing the dagger over to Norbert.


    I gave the man a quick squeeze, feeling it squash slightly before letting go. I was thankful he didn¡¯t squeeze too hard and accidentally broke the smith''s hand.


    ¡°Thank you for that. It feels much better.¡± Norbert reached for the dagger as he slotted it in, not realising he was walking slightly funny around with the uneven weight on his legs.


    Moving the mask around, feeling it jab in but not cut himself enough to draw blood, Norbert clicked the other half of the helmet, feeling it slot in together and form into one piece.


    Taking a glove off, Norbert ran his finger around it, not feeling the crack and only the runes on it. He nodded as he put the glove back in his hand, shaking the helmet around, feeling the same.


    ¡°For repairs, can anyone do it?¡± Norbert asked them, remembering the last time.


    ¡°If they know how to. Most in Liberia won¡¯t know. As usual, it''s always best to return to the original creators for custom work.¡± Beckia recited to Norbert.


    Nodding his head in agreement, he waved as he walked out of the shop. The bell rang again, and the sounds of hammering in the back came up once more. Closing the door behind him, Norbert shouted out so both inside could hear, ¡°Best of luck with the demand!¡±


    Dingle


    The bell chimed once more as the door hit the bell, and the sound cut off when it closed.


    Count von Count walks over from between an alleyway, stands in the shade; there is no point in tempting fate by standing outside in the sun.


    As Norbert looked out towards the tree, the vampire beside him said, ¡°What was that about?¡±


    ¡°What was what about?¡±


    ¡°The best of luck with the demand?¡± Count von Count specified.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s because the Frontier is taking up all the weapons and armour,¡± Norbert said matter of factly as he turned around, staring to go towards the wall, heading back to the inn to say one last goodbye.


    ¡°Dang it, developing much quicker than I wanted.¡± Count von Count said as he walked past Norbert, the vampire lost in thought as he walked down the path, heading back to the inn.


    Norbert caught up to the vampire and quickly spoke before the vampire lost their point. ¡°And now it''s my turn to ask, what was that about?¡±


    ¡°What was what about?¡± Count von Count asked, a cheeky smile on the vampire''s face, knowing precisely what Norbert was asking about but being annoying anyway.


    ¡°The entire, it''s developing quicker than I wanted, bit?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Exactly as I was saying, it''s developing quicker, so we need to get back to Libitina lickety-split,¡± Count von Count said, starting to steer Norbert towards the casino.


    Norbert sighed. ¡°But you owe me for not saying goodbye.¡± As he added.


    ¡°Any small thing, that¡¯s all.¡± Count von Count replied.


    The paper the Traveller gave him suddenly felt heavy in his pouch. Not feeling now was the right time to ask, Norbert just added, ¡°Where a place is? I need to go there to deliver a letter, but I''m just waiting for the location.¡±


    Count von Count turns around, looks at Norbert and his strange question, shrugs his shoulders, and walks back down again, heading to the casino.


    Putting it off for a bit longer wouldn¡¯t hurt him, not like he was anywhere to getting to Grimm anyway Norbert thought to himself, following after Count von Count, ready to get back to Libitina and hopefully get some rest before the match.

 Chapter 312 This Entire Thing Isnt Safe

    Making his way down the casino stairs to the portal room, Norbert had no issues with anyone other than the guards asking him to remove the helmet. Holding the metal helmet under his arm, he made the last revolution of the staircase before the door opened up, the single flight of stairs leading to the bottom of the room and the portal frame that was standing there.


    Crates were being moved out of them. The room was already reasonably full, yet more and more crates were still getting partially pushed through before being taken by workers on this side.


    Coming up to the portal, Count von Count in tow with Obsius on Norbert¡¯s head, having moved up after removing the helmet, her spot now clear from any uncomfortable metal.


    ¡°Morning, just wondering when this will be done so we can get to Libitina?¡± Norbert asked the man near the portal as he looked down at a checklist, quickly tallying up and marking crates off when they arrived. The writing tool danced up and down the page so quickly that Norbert did not know how he was able to keep track of any of it.


    ¡°Several rotations¡ªit just happened. But it''s coming from Libitina, so just scurry on through the backside,¡± the man told Norbert, indicating with his clipboard to the back side where nothing was coming through.


    Norbert stared at him for a moment. ¡°Is that really safe?¡± Norbert asked, looking expectantly at Count von Count, hoping he would voice some concern.


    ¡°This entire thing isn¡¯t safe. It''s an illegal, illegitimate portal connecting up who knows how many places over only a few know how far. Crossing countries'' borders like this is very much not legal.¡± Count von Count told Norbert. The vampire walks through the portal from the other end.


    Turning back to the man Norbert was talking to with the clipboard, nothing came as he was dismissed. Breathing out, he didn''t see another way, and at least Count von Count didn¡¯t convulse, as crates still came through without being interrupted.


    Breathing out slowly, Norbert stepped around to the back, looking at the portal before stepping through. Norbert felt his body extend again, jittering around as he finally went to the other side.


    Stepping several times away on instinct, he felt his stomach now jostled around, the food and beverages he consumed fighting with him for a moment before it all settled.


    He looked around, seeing all the Grimm around him, happy that he hadn¡¯t been sent elsewhere to another city and needed to find his way back. Seeing the other side of the operation, this room mostly empty, the crates that would have been here now moved off.


    Turning around, his eyes going up the cavern and the steps, Count von Count was already moving off and heading to the spiral staircase. Norbert ran after him as he looked about, the vampire''s words bouncing in his head.


    Partially up the staircase, Norbert had caught up, having moved Obsius to his shoulder and his helmet now properly fastened to his head as he reached out to the vampire. Count von Count looked back around, smiling at Norbert, tapping his nose twice and leaving Norbert in confusion.


    Coming to the landing, the guards were behind them as Norbert continued across the hallway, passing through the invisible hole and coming out the other side, the casino once more full of people.


    Scanning the crowd, Norbert sees Count von Count exiting, having a quick word with the bouncers, and pointing to Norbert before exiting. He sees them stare at him, neither of them moving as Norbert stands still. The two groups stare at each other, wondering who will move first.


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    "You''ve come back, coin flipper. Are you ready for a game?" a voice shouted across from one of the tables.


    Norbert turned in the direction of the voice as he saw the dealer smile at him. Sighing, he gave a slight wave as he walked to the exit, where the two security guards still stood.


    "How long until you let me leave?" Norbert asked them.


    "A cycle or two wouldn''t hurt." The security guard on the right told him. Looking up at the man, Norbert saw he was one of the big guys as before, easily towering over Norbert. Reaching down to his waist with his right hand, Norbert taps over the dagger and knife. Norbert watching as the security guards slightly tensed up, Norbert snorting as he moved his hand away, giving a wave to the security guard, walking to the counter in the centre of the room to collect several chips.


    Coming down the line, Norbert changed the few coppers he had left, wanting to increase the amount he had of them for the chips. The woman stared at him, giving a slight wave and a smile. Norbert smiled back, surprised to see a human, until Norbert saw a slight slit down her cheek, noticing the jaw structure was slightly different, allowing it to be open wider.


    Smiling at the banshee, not wanting to seem rude, he plastered a smile, walking towards the table he was called out to. Seeing it was still empty like the first time Norbert sat down, the roulette wheel staring back at him, the ball sitting in the 0 position.


    Placing the chips down in his area, Norbert turned to the dealer. "Busy night?" Norbert asked, not knowing if it was day or night. The crossing of distance and being trapped underground did not help it at all.


    The dealer smiled back. "It''s somewhat quiet, but I feel it will change for a short time."


    "How so?" Norbert enquired, Obsius having jumped off his shoulder and currently strutting around the table''s ring, examining. Whenever someone that isn''t staff appears there, something interesting is bound to happen, mainly when someone listens to a simple dealer such as myself," adding a slight bow to the end of his explanation.


    Norbert changed his vision to magic, getting creeped out by the ghoul in front of him; the skeletal and half-dead flesh became more apparent as his vision changed more and more. He was focusing on Norbert''s face, seeing the crooked nose that had been broken and re-set poorly many times before. His eyes cannot move from the split down the man''s left side of his face; Norbert saw the bone split, the flesh and slight darkness within the crack, calling to things unknown within Norbert.


    "Even more interesting, it seems." The dealer spoke out, Grabbing Norbert¡¯s attention. Realising he had been staring at the crack in the man''s face, shaking his head, Norbert felt the need to speak.


    "I thought I recognised you from somewhere. But I guess I was wrong." Norbert gave the half-hearted explanation away, feeling the need to progress further, wanting to get this interaction over as quickly as possible and get him used to what he was used to: winning coins from the casino.


    ***


    People once more surrounded Norbert, the other seats filled as others tried to tap into his luck. The drinks were not coming this time as Norbert continued to wear his helmet. Flipping the coin one last time in the air, catching it as he moved the chips across, the pile of silver chips worth half a gold coin laid out in front of him.


    Taking his innings one last time, Norbert stood up and looked to the security guards by the door, indicating with his head to leave. Receiving a nod in confirmation in return that he could now leave without being obstructed, Norbert turned to the table.


    ¡°And with that, I shall take my leave. Have fun, and until next time I pop up in one of these places!¡± Norbert shouted aloud, his voice echoing around the entire room. Leaning forward, he picked up the chips he had earned, happy to have some smaller coins on him rather than the few gold ones he still held.


    Heading to the counter, Norbert smiled as he approached the same attendant as last time. The chips were placed neatly on the counter in piles of ten, as Norbert placed nine there and several ones for the copper chips.


    The attendant nodded and quickly counted them, giving Norbert the equivalent change. Norbert smiled as he added the coins to the pouch. She gave a half wave with his fingers to the banshee before him. Watching the woman smile slightly at Norbert before the next customer came along, wanting to take some chips out and try their luck.


    With his coin pouch bulging with small change, Norbert headed towards the exit; the two bouncers let him past without even a half look; Norbert was just another person leaving their premises.


    Wondering which way to go, Norbert thought it would be best to pick up his sword from Vivienne. He spun his feet around as he headed down the side street, which would lead him to the main path to the witch¡¯s mansion.

 Chapter 313 Exquisite wine

    Norbert looked at the mansion before him, looking the same as ever. The mansion doors just out in front of him as Norbert stared at the snake knocker staring back at him. Norbert did not want to move first, remembering the last time he had grabbed onto one of these handles and getting enough surprised for a lifetime. Trying to swallow the nerves down, Norbert moved his hand to the door, going to the side of the knocker. He rapped his knuckles on the door, the sound echoing inside.


    Moving his hand down, Norbert whistled as he waited for a moment. Obsius started to join in when the handle moved. The door opened, swinging inside, and the butler''s form stood there in the middle of the double doors.


    "Welcome, Norbert; how was your trip?" the butler asked, moving out of the way so Norbert could come in. Norbert stood there for a moment, doing a quick once-over of the place. Nothing was out of place, but the hairs on the back of his neck stood out. Finding no different feeling than the last time he was here, Norbert smiled at the butler, making his way up the stairs.


    "Same room as before?" Norbert asked the butler.


    "Yes, the same room as before. And please make it down to the main room for a chat with the lady after you¡¯ve rested for a moment." the butler told Norbert before walking off to one of the rooms downstairs that Norbert had never been into.


    With a slight shiver from the voice escaping the butler''s lips, Norbert walked down the hallway, making sure not to look into the mirror, not wanting to be enchanted by the scenes it would show him.


    Stepping past, Norbert made his way to the doorway, quickly opening it up before he could get distracted again. Seeing the chest and bed the same way he last left it. Closing the door, Norbert sees his sword silently lying there on the other side.


    Smiling at it, Norbert quickly held it by the handle, still sheathed, feeling the weight in his hands. Slowly and methodically, Norbert raised it above himself, feeling his muscles slightly tense to hold the blade up as he silently went through the few moves he was taught.


    Obsius, annoyed by the movement of having left Norbert¡¯s shoulder, headed for the chest as she looked about. She wanted to get into the biscuits; Norbert kept a stash there for later.


    Stopping his movements, Norbert popped the chest open, bringing out the sacks from the second coin pouch¡ªthe birds¡ªas he gave one to her. Satisfied with her new gain, the bird flew onto the pillow and began making a mess while she ate the biscuit.


    Norbert stared at the bird momentarily, shutting the chest with his foot as he continued his dance with the blade. He took the sight of Obsius still eating out of his mind as he moved his body through the swings.


    Stopping, Norbert took the sword out of the sheath, looking at its blade, happy that he didn¡¯t need to maintain it. Remembering maintenance, Norbert looked back to the chest with a sigh, unable to perform the needed maintenance on his many daggers and knife. Norbert removed the pack, removed the stone for sharpening and began work.


    Closing the chest lid and using it as a stool, Norbert began the laborious and time-consuming task of sharpening the many daggers he used to an edge that could stay lodged inside a person. The biggest thing Norbert was focusing on, however, was all the nicks the blades had experienced on their many journeys flying through the air.


    ***


    KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK


    The sound coming from the door woke Norbert from his trance of sharpening the daggers. Placing the daggers back into his chest, Norbert righted himself as he stepped towards the door, opening it up and seeing the butler standing there.


    ¡°The lady would like to welcome you now.¡± The butler told Norbert before walking off.


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    Norbert stood for a moment, looking down at himself. He raised his voice slightly so the butler, who was walking away, could hear him. ¡°Is this okay?¡± he asked, pointing to his clothing.


    ¡°That attire is acceptable,¡± the butler told Norbert, his voice not raised or strained in the slightest, but the sound still easily reached his ears, like the man was standing right in front of him.


    Shaking his head in confusion, Norbert turned to Obsius, who was now sleeping on the pillow.


    ¡°Want to come along?¡± Norbert asked the bird.


    The only response Norbert received was the slight rise and fall of the bird as she breathed slowly. Smiling underneath his helmet, Norbert gently closed the door so as not to disturb the bird''s sleep.


    Walking down the hall, feeling proper once more with the weight of the sword on his hip, finally feeling correctly balanced and ready for what the world had to throw at him. However, he was hoping it wouldn¡¯t be too much as he was still within the mansion that was supposed to be safe.


    Making his way down the stairs, he made sure not to touch the railing, not wanting to cause extra work for one of the workers in the mansion. Turning to the double doors under the stairs, he saw them slightly ajar as Norbert pressed his boot at the bottom. The door gliding open as he continued walking in, and he wondered what type of orientation the room would now be in.


    Norbert stood there as he gazed at the room¡ªa combination of the few he had seen before. Only a small square table for two was set for eating. The cutlery was laid out, and a silver trolley with domed lids was on the side, with a small handle on top of each one to delicately present the food and move the dishes to the respective plates.


    To the left of it, Norbert could see a work table. The wood was almost black, with lines of florescent green growing through the grain. It was slightly moving, reminding him of the trees on the Highlands Plateau, except these had no purple in them.


    Norbert walked slightly over, wondering what it was about with the single old tome sitting on it, half open as it slowly flicked from one page to the next. Standing still, Norbert looked around, seeing if someone was there that he had missed on his first go, hiding somewhere and possibly flicking the pages.


    Placing his head on the floor to look around, Norbert squinted as he looked under the front of the desk, which had a backing made to hide the feet of someone who would sit there.


    Only seeing four legs, Norbert continued to look, feeling someone looking at him, his curiosity peeking as he couldn¡¯t understand his current predicament.


    ¡°Having fun on the floor there, Norbert?¡± Vivienne asked him from behind.


    Jumping into the air, Norbert quickly got to his feet as he looked around, finding the source of the noise.


    Vivienne stands there, watching him with a smile. The woman wearing a loose top reminds Norbert of the togas the Greeks would wear. Both arms are exposed, and the snakes on each arm look down at Norbert, enquiring about what he is doing there.


    Norbert looked at the table, the witch indicating for him to sit down. He took the seat, pulling it out as he sat down. He looked at the three sets of knives and fork on either side, and he saw the trolley on the side with six lids sitting there.


    His back to the door as Vivienne sat on the other side of the small table. Taking one of the glass cups to her lips, she drank down the red liquid Norbert hadn¡¯t seen before filling them.


    Taking it himself, Norbert moved it to his nose, only to hear it rattle against his helmet.


    ¡°You missed it that much?¡± Vivienne asked Norbert, indicating with her glass that the helmet was still on Norbert¡¯s head.


    A sheepish smile was revealed to the witch as Norbert took his helmet off, holding both pieces in each hand, combining them, and placing them on the floor next to his seat. Retaking the glass Norbert swished it under his nose, giving it a smell as the wine came and hit his nose.


    Smiling, Norbert took a slight swish of it, smiling as he felt the liquid dance on his tongue before swallowing it down his throat. Sighing audibly at the taste, Norbert went for another sip, taking a gulp instead as he downed the drink. Smiling, Norbert placed it back down on the table.


    ¡°Exquisite wine, I must say,¡± Norbert told her.


    Vivienne smiles, ¡°Thank you. Now I heard you had quite a few kids running around down here.¡±


    Norbert nodded; the witch moved over to the table, picking up the first two and setting the dishes in front of herself and Norbert.


    ¡°Well, it began when I was stumbling around the city¡­¡±


    ***


    Norbert smiled as he sat there, unable to keep his eyes open. The stress finally came off Norbert as he could finally relax.


    ¡°Well, I think that was one glass too many. I''d better retire and try to get some sleep. Can you excuse me?¡± Norbert asked, half leaving the table.


    Vivienne smiled as she waved, taking her glass and finishing it off. ¡°Perfect timing, actually. I have some work to do now.¡±


    Norbert nodded as he exited, placing his hand on the door handle to open the door. He made his way up the stairs. Stumbling past the mirror, Norbert slammed his door open with his shoulder, walked forward and tripped on the


    ¡°Talk about being a fish,¡± Norbert heard a voice half say as his dreams were taken up by an old fisherman who wanted to catch the biggest fish he saw when he was a boy.

 Chapter 314 A True Bargain

    A knocking on the door disturbed Norbert from his slumber. His brain was not properly functioning as he looked up at the strange ceiling above him, his heart in a panic for a moment, thinking he had been captured. Only after a jerk to alert himself did he look around the rest of the room.


    The wardrobe was to the side, his sword leaning on the chest at the foot of his bed. Norbert breathing out as he calmed himself down, sitting up properly Norbert lifted his legs off the side of the bed, careful not to get the sheets he was under on the ground.


    Looking about, not seeing Obsius anywhere around, assuming the bird must have gone out earlier, having slept through the dinner. Norbert stood up, the knocking still coming from the door. Stumbling towards it, Norbert swung the door open, seeing Vivienne standing there, arm out, as she was about to knock again.


    ¡°I just woke up. Is something important happening?¡± Norbert asked the witch.


    ¡°Nothing much except the fight you have in the tournament today.¡± Vivienne told Norbert.


    Stuck for a moment, Norbert looked at her, the relief of finding the kids a place to live and getting his mask back that Norbert forgot why he could bargain for the time off in the first place.


    ¡°Is that today?¡± Norbert asked Vivienne. The witch responded with a nod, and she leaned on the doorframe. Norbert ran back into the room, opening the chest. He looked in there and confirmed there was nothing he would need immediately. Remembering the note that he had to give, not wanting it to be ruined in the tournament, Norbert but not wanting to leave it behind or let Vivienne see whatever was written on it, Norbert left it where it was.


    Having another once over, happy that he didn¡¯t forget anything, Norbert closed the chest lid and felt it slam down. Picking up the sword, Norbert gave it a single swing in the air, hearing its whistle, its cry to be used.


    Strapping it to himself, Norbert turned to Vivienne, now noticing the woman was looking at him, probably staring at him from the amount of time she had spent looking before. Feeling uncomfortable from the contact, Norbert turned around, finding his helmet on his bed. Reaching over, Norbert unclasped both sides as he placed the helmet on his head, the two pieces of metal clicking together as they formed one.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± She asked him.


    Norbert stared at her, shrugging, before walking to the door and walking past. He headed to the other side as he looked at the mirror; there was no depiction of a corrupted world, only his reflection. Stopping at it, Norbert leaned forward, his eyes catching him. There was a shimmer of green there before it disappeared.


    Looking behind him, Norbert saw a lamp had recently been hung, the green light it emitted slightly moving about within its glass chamber. Looking over the balcony, he wondered what the point of the light with the chandelier so close was.


    It was not his place to design or critique, and he did not want to get thrown out. Norbert gave a slight wave, ¡°I¡¯m feeling fine for the fight to come. I appreciate your concern. Now I better be off before I miss it.¡± Norbert spoke aloud, his voice echoing around the mansion, which seemed eerily quiet to him at this moment, the usual hustle and bustle was missing. But Norbert couldn''t put his finger on what exactly it was.


    Taking steps two at a time, Norbert walks down the stairs and heads to the door. Norbert opened it up as he looked around the yard outside, smiling for a reason. Norbert didn¡¯t know why as he stepped over the wrought iron gate.


    Opening it up without even a sound, Norbert was happy that it wasn¡¯t creaking as he walked out. He looked both ways before heading to the stairs that would lead to the tailor, hoping he wouldn¡¯t be forced to buy anything after the last time he bought all of the cloaks.


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    ***


    ¡°But you must get it.¡± The tailor told Norbert in a tone that wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer.


    Norbert looked down at the clothing at hand, a pair of knitted gloves he was holdingng up to the tailor with the leather ones he had on.


    ¡°Isn''t this a bit ridiculous?¡± Norbert asked, indicating outside with a head wave as sand blew down the street. Norbert saw the people entering from outside, slightly damp from the sweat produced by the heat.


    ¡°But it¡¯s the highest of fashion, and only for a gold coin. A true bargain.¡± The tailor started to plead with Norbert.


    Holding them up once more, Norbert looked at the designs on them, internally gagging at what he looked at. On either one, embroidered was a massive love heard, taking up both sides of the hand area; Norbert shook his head as he turned it around, the gloves cut in half, each side having their colour, dark on the top half and light on the bottom. Each heart uses the fabric colour of the other side.


    ¡°I need to leave,¡± Norbert said again, stepping towards the door, only for the tailor to appear in front of him again, blocking his way. Looking to anyone else in the shop, even the other workers, not wanting to pay attention to Norbert in case they grabbed the attention of the tailor trying to sell the gloves to Norbert.


    ¡°Then you should buy them and best get on your way.¡± The tailor told Norbert.


    Sighing, Norbert grabbed the pair of gloves and trudged towards the counter. Reaching into his pouch, he pulled out a silver coin and placed it on the wooden counter, pushing energy into the movement of the coin as it became lodged in the table.


    Walking away with the gloves in hand, reaching into his coat as he put the gloves in there, not wanting to put them on as his fingers would be stuck together, unable to move or grip anything properly. He did not want to throw out the gloves in case one of the workers might see him and refuse to use the exit. Other countries would have the same monopolies for getting between the two cities. It''s not worth disturbing the apple cart in Norbert''s mind to move to a potentially worse place.


    Looking both ways, he no longer hid as he walked around, heading towards the Colosseum, wondering how long it would take until the first Kreevss would pop their heads out and start chasing him. Walking further, Norbert wondered how he hadn''t seen any when, up ahead outside one of the entrances, he stopped, having spotted the first Kreevss.


    Standing there, half slumping against the wall, Norbert not recognising them, not knowing if it was a good or bad thing that it wasn''t the leader. At least Norbert knew his standing of running, but with the lone Kreevss, the others would be searching elsewhere for him, and Norbert did not want to have another chase around the city.


    Norbert walked straight up, feeling the energy coursing through his body, ready to be released as Norbert plastered a smile hidden behind his helmet, hoping it would be better and give some aura of positivity.


    Norbert smiled as he waved to the Kreevss. "How goes it?" The moment Norbert spoke, his voice echoing from behind the mask, the people around him instantly moved away, parting like the Red Sea. Wondering how they knew about the interaction, supposing he was in his usual gear as Norbert looked down at himself.


    "Carry on. You''ve got a fight, and I''ve placed coins on you to lose. So I hope for your own interests that you don''t make me chase after you." The Kreevss mostly slithered out to Norbert.


    Norbert stood for a moment before shrugging and, in the future, making his way around the stadium. As he passed, he passed more and more. On the fourth one, Norbert hears the same sentiment from the creatures. He smiled as he passed it, heading inside the colossum, waiting for a slime to appear before him and direct him to the correct place. Fishing out his token, Norbert presented it prematurely as he thought to himself, "It''s funny that all these people want me to die after seeing myself get beheaded."


    The slime appeared in front of Norbert. "Name and number, please, none of that drabble." Its monotone voice breaks slightly with its comment about Norbert.


    Staring down at the creature, Norbert quickly spouts off his credentials,, "Norbert, number 1543.."


    The slime moved to the right, once more heading towards the underground passage, assuming he would be going to the same room as before. Making going down and down the ramp he was making it across with others also moving about. The slime stopped at one of the entranceways; Norbert looked up and saw the smooth rock above him. He felt the structure''s weight above his head as he walked through, looking at only a handful of beds left.


    Walking around, he saw the one with his tag as Norbert flopped down on it, half surprised not to see Obsius waiting for him. Turning around, looking at Norbert, staring at the only words there.


    Arzlan against Norbert.

 Chapter 315 The Foretold Hour

    Norbert looked, waiting for another set of names to appear, something else filling up the day, that his fight wouldn¡¯t be the main show. But still, Norbert saw only his own and the beast man, both staring at him.


    Half twisting over, Norbert froze, the reality of what would happen to him staring back at him. He was no longer able to escape the fate staring back at him. His body moved jerkily as he stood up, remembering the last time he fought the lion.


    Standing there, as Norbert remembered, ¡°I would have made it, or I think I would have.¡± Whispering out that there was a shadow barrier locking him in and stopping him from escaping. Remembering the arena was another place he couldn¡¯t escape from, his fate would be sealed once he entered.


    The only piece that Norbert could hold onto was that they wouldn¡¯t outright kill him, seeing the others had previously made it out, recovered, and were on the outside, contrary to what his group had told him earlier.


    Breathing in, he felt his entire body standing and almost pulling the calm energy of the earth into him. The longer he breathed in, the more he felt himself centred. Slowly, carefully, Norbert breathed out, his tension escaping from his body as he looked towards the gate, seeing the doors open up as he headed towards them.


    Patting his body down, making sure everything was where it should be. He took the knife out and continued to walk, looking down at the gift he had given so long ago. He had a smile on his face, knowing that he would be able to use it later. He let the person who gave it to him see the knife still intact and in use.


    Stepping onto the platform, Norbert felt it rise into the air, the slight inertia making his guts drop slightly. The acceleration stopped, and Norbert continued to rise. Seeing the door above him open out as the lift decelerated, the sounds from outside came down the shaft that Norbert was currently travelling in.


    Coming up, Norbert looked around at the empty arena, the crowd''s voices in an uproar. Norbert looked across the arena to the other side, another figure having popped out.


    Squinting slightly, Norbert put energy into his eyes as he looked, his vision sharpening as the things near went slightly out of focus as he stared. He saw the half lion, half man look directly at him. Arzlan, realising he was being watched, licked his lips under the gaze.


    ¡°The little break from the tournament for what we are about to see!¡± The commentator screamed aloud, and Norbert could hear his voice, unlike many other times when it was just a bubble of unknown noise until the final call was made.


    ¡°But before we see that, I think there¡¯s a little bit too much space. Let''s shrink it a bit and allow them to have a bit of a more ¡­ personal time together,¡± the commentator told the crowd once more.


    Moving his attention to the box, Norbert saw the golden Kreevss looking down at him, smiling as Norbert felt something hit his back and carefully push him forward.


    Feeling slightly unbalanced from being pushed from the barrier, Norbert stepped forward, walking roughly to where he thought the centre would be. Touching his weapons once more as he turned around, the barrier no longer followed him.


    Seeing the beast man standing too close for Norbert¡¯s comfort, still not going full out as Norbert was towered on. Looking over the body, seeing it mostly repaired, the signs of battle no longer on the lion''s skin.


    ¡°Oh, what¡¯s this? There is a change to the usual rules. Norbert from Masanu declared for this to be a fight to-the-death,¡± the commentator said aloud.


    Norbert whipped his head around to see where the voice was coming from. ¡°I said WHAT?!¡± Norbert exclaimed aloud, his voice echoing around the arena. All the others who were talking now died off.


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    ¡°Whoa, hold on. I never said or agreed to anything like that,¡± Norbert shouted again, staring at where he thought it would be coming from.


    ¡°Now, due to the uncommon rules, it''s up to the other members if they agree with it, so Arzlan, what¡¯s the verdict? To the death?¡± The commentator asked. Norbert felt all eyes turn to the beast man, wondering what the verdict would be.


    Norbert stared into Arzlan¡¯s eyes, staring down his executioner and whether they would lower the axe on the prisoner''s neck. Arzlan licked his lips once more. ¡°I ACCEPT!¡± The lion boomed out, causing Norbert to wince from the noise.


    ¡°And so, the bout between Arzlan, the undefeated, and Norbert, the head flipper, will begin. Let¡¯s see if his luck holds as well out here as it does in the casino ¡­¡±


    Arzlan spoke up, his growly voice coming through. ¡°This is why you don¡¯t get under the Kreevs''s skin. Or ruin the plans of Arzatech,¡± he explained to his opponent.


    Norbert stood there, the words echoing through Norbert¡¯s head as he instinctually went for his sword. ¡°Wait, this is one big ploy to get me killed by the Kreevss?¡± Norbert asked Arzlan.


    Not seeing a response, Arzlan leaned down, ready to pounce on Norbert.


    ¡°Three!¡± The voice of the announcer is verbatim.


    ¡°Are they this petty, needing to get a third party in to win their battles?¡± Norbert asked Arzlan, the response slightly getting under the lion''s nose as Norbert saw the mane puff up in annoyance, wanting to try and intimidate Norbert.


    He was sending energy around his body, Norbert, preparing for the explosive start that was to come.


    ¡°Two!¡± The commentator notifying the countdown was past halfway.


    ¡°And they want to be called dragons, mighty creatures that hold honour and take challenges properly!¡± Norbert shouted aloud, feeling the stares on his back even greater than before.


    ¡°ONE!¡± The commentator spat out, Norbert feeling the tension behind the words, happy the barrier was around them, protecting any projectiles from the crowd from interrupting the match. Arzlan would be more than enough to deal with.


    ¡°This entire hiding around really does suit a lizard, slinking between rocks and waiting for others to do their bidding. Lizards are trying to hide behind a scaredy cat!¡± Norbert shouted, lowering his body as he prepared to leap forward.


    BEGIN!


    Norbert leapt into the air, feeling the wind go against his face. He locked onto Arzlan¡¯s head, and the beast-man stayed still as Norbert raised into the air.


    Stepping forward to be in Norbert¡¯s path, he lowered down, ready to pounce as Norbert came plummeting to the earth. Holding the blade in two hands, Norbert brought the tip straight down with his weight as he fell, planning on pinning the lion down into the ground.


    But plans rarely went as they should.


    Norbert felt his arm gripped as Arzlan spun around, Norbert going along as he was smashed into the ground. The air getting knocked out of Norbert¡¯s lungs, sword nicking the lion but not doing any proper damage to it.


    Feeling Arzlan pull back, Norbert spun around on the ground, thankful the arena was reinforced so he wasn¡¯t stuck in the ground like a cartoon character. Spinning his body around, Norbert kicked into the back of Arzlan¡¯s left leg, causing the beat man to stumble slightly. Norbert continued his momentum and rolled out of the way before the fist could crash into him.


    And crash it did, causing a ripple of dust to move away from the impact zone. Remembering the last time he battled the beast, Norbert continued to roll away until he was as far back as he could be, back against the wall. Still only a few meters between them, not having created enough space to make Norbert happy.


    Where Arzlan was standing off to the right, Norbert saw his sword lying on the ground. Running to the side, Norbert launched a dagger at the giant of a man.


    Arzlan looked as the dagger impacted his flesh, took a step towards Norbert, pulled the dagger out, and threw it at Norbert in turn.


    Norbert heard the dagger whistle through the air, sliding on the ground as he dodged out of the way. Getting back to his feet, he was able to reach down and launch the other matching one on his other leg, the same one having the same effect as the first.


    Following the throwing dagger, Norbert took the dagger out next to his knife, catching the throwing dagger out of the air. Norbert lowered it down as the two slammed into Arzlan¡¯s guts. Norbert twisted them around as he felt two massive paws grab onto both of his, starting to squeeze down on him.


    Norbert pushed energy into his body to reinforce it, not wanting to try and escape when the beast person was so close to him. He pushed the daggers in deeper, one going up and the other lowering until they hit something, no longer wanting to glide through the flesh easily.


    The pressure on Norbert continued to increase, looking into Arzlan¡¯s eyes something swam through it for a moment before disappearing from where it came from.

 Chapter 316 Throes of Attrition

    ¡°Whose going to stop first?¡± Arzlan posed the question. Now, feet dangling off the ground, Norbert started to feel his bones bend. Kicking around


    ¡°We both know that even if you break me, I¡¯ll just get back up again,¡± Norbert spat out as his arms became crushed under the weight. Bones snapped audibly around them, pumping energy into his leg. Norbert released it off, just scraping against the beast-man.


    Where his foot connected, his boot evaporated in the force of the power being unleashed. Not expecting it, Arzlan was slightly lifted off the ground before moving back several paces, having let go of Norbert in the reply.


    Flying backwards further in response, Norbert bit his lip in pain as both arms straightened out, positioning themselves correctly. Running forward, Norbert scooped the sword off the ground as he came towards Arzlan.


    The beast-man was still stumbling slightly as Norbert came up, slicing the sword into Arzlan¡¯s arm. The sword sliced through the flesh until it hit something, unable to move as Norbert felt vibrations coming up his arm.


    Wrenching the sword out once more, Norbert sheaved off a piece of flesh when he cut the sword out. Wondering what the beast man did to himself, Norbert saw bones of complete black, totally different from what he was expecting, as he looked at the jaw.


    ¡°What did you do to yourself?¡± Norbert asked, expecting Arzlan to be the same as the last time they fought. Taking a step back, Norbert was thankful that the flesh he cut off wasn¡¯t growing back instantly; there were only so many changes he could take.


    The energy within Norbert ramped up on its own, continuing to circulate his body, causing Norbert to grow slightly twitchy. His eyes wanted to lock down automatically on the black bone that he had brought to light.


    Leaping forward, Norbert slides underneath the first that comes for his head. Backing around the left-hand side, Norbert racks his sword against the back, trying to get as much flesh as possible, hoping that without the flesh, Arzlan will no longer be able to move properly.


    Backing off, Arzlan twisted his body around, trying to grab at Norbert once again. Not moving out of the way fast enough, Norbert felt one of the claws rake across Norbert¡¯s helmet. Snapping his head to the left from the response, Norbert spun around as he backed away, head swimming slightly from the knock.


    Taking a step back, Norbert felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise. He moved his sword around and held it vertically, placing his other hand on the flat of the blade. Placing one foot behind the other, Norbert instinctively leaned forward as an impact came from the front.


    Feeling his back foot pushed back as Arzlan charged into him, Norbert stopped the fist with his sword as Arzlan pushed Norbert back. He moved his sword to the side as Norbert twisted it around, thrusting its point into Arzlan and knocking on the last upper dagger he had launched at the beast man.


    Digging his feet in, Norbert roared in exertion. Lifting Arzlan off his feet, the sword didn¡¯t want to cut once it hit the bone instead of slicing through the beast man like Norbert had hoped for. Bringing the sword back down, Norbert slammed it into the ground as he dashed away, not wanting to get caught up in the paws of Arzlan once more.


    Another swiping towards him, Norbert kicking with a foot into the side of the bicep, causing Arzlan¡¯s arm to falter, the swipe going inside and not grabbing onto Norbert. Ducking down under the giant''s legs again, Norbert came up the backside, striking again at the back, hearing the clang again.


    Backing off, wondering what he constantly hit, he realized there must be more than bones as he had prepared himself. Underneath the fur and blood, Norbert watched as Arzlan brought out his two cleavers.


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    The weapons seemingly ripped out of Arzlan''s body. Norbert struck still for a moment, wondering where the weapons had been stored. He heard the sloth slightly as bodily liquids oozed off the weapons and the beast man¡¯s back.


    ¡°That is truly disgusting¡±, Norbert spoke, shaking uncontrollably at the sight as, even more frightening, the gore dripping on the ground subsided.


    Focusing on the arm, Norbert saw the skin covering up the black bone¡ªstill, a divot where the wound had been, but way faster than it should be.


    ¡°Your one to talk, surviving a decapitation and breaking your body like it¡¯s a tool that can be easily replaced¡± Arzlan growled back.


    Norbert rooted for a moment as the sound reached his ears. Standing there, he thought about what the giant had told him. The energy in his body did not stop circulating around as Norbert felt the rush of cleaver coming for him.


    Unable to move the sword up in time, Norbert stared down as his arm was chopped off at the shoulder, the second cleaver coming for the side of him. Norbert¡¯s mind sped up, the roar having taken him out momentarily. Norbert leapt into the air, able to escape only with his feet being lopped off.


    Tumbling to the ground, Norbert squirmed away, leaving his feet and arm lying beneath Arzlan. Focusing on his feet, he needed to be able to run and hoped to reattach his arm.


    An object sailed over his head as Norbert slammed his body to the ground, taking a moment to see what it was.


    CRACKLE


    The object hitting the barrier, part pulverising to mush and the other part flying off, spinning end over end to land on Norbert''s left. Able to wiggle his toes, Norbert rolled forward onto his feet as he looked around for his arm and the sword that should still be attached to it.


    I only see the two feet where Arzlan stood, the arm and sword nowhere to be. Quickly flashing his vision to the side, seeing the sword lying there, Norbert realised what was the object that was thrown his way.


    Groaning in annoyance, Arzlan quickly walked towards him, knowing a cornered animal when he saw one. ¡°What happened to the bravado from earlier?¡± Arzlan commented to Norbert.


    Norbert stopped himself from rising to the outburst, knowing it wouldn¡¯t get him anywhere, and felt the energy within his body finally ticking over.


    The speed was getting fast enough to trigger whatever was needed. Norbert felt it ramping up within himself as his energy was depleting. Feeling the air on his right arm, Norbert knew it was healing and possibly allowing him to win the fight.


    Arzlan upon him. Norbert did not want to unleash any more energy into the giant, not knowing if his opponent could even be taken down in a single shot like that, now with whatever modifications had been done to the giant.


    Taking a throwing dagger out, Norbert felt one of the cleavers go past him. He was so close to the giant he could lick Arzlan¡¯s mane. Swiping up the arm, he knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to pierce the bone but hoped to take enough flesh off that would impede the arm''s movement.


    Now, way too close, Arzlan¡¯s right arm grabbed Norbert and kept him jumping into the air as hard as he could. He jumped off the arm going to him as Norbert flew directly upwards.


    Flipping himself around in the air, feet at the top of the dome barrier around it, he looked to the side and saw the crowd point at him. Pushing off it, Norbert slammed back into the ground, aiming for Arzlan¡¯s head. The two fell to the ground. Lifting the fist with the dagger, Norbert slams it down into Arzlan¡¯s head.


    Feeling the lion''s head smash backwards into the ground, Norbert half-straddled the giant, needing to stand to get his feet on either side of the body. With the left Norbert smashed down, the bones started to break within the lion''s skull from the force. Once more, Norbert lowered his fist, embedding the throwing dagger into the eye. Norbert saw the thing within swim around for a moment before blood came pooling out of the wound.


    ARRRGGGGGH


    Norbert was hit with a swipe of the arm, taken aback by the sound. His body flew through the air, cartwheeling around, the dagger lost out of his grip. Norbert rolled until slamming into the barrier, watching as it shot blue up and around the side. The wind smashed out of Norbert''s breath as the energy within him faltered until Norbert recovered, and it continued starting up again.


    Getting to his feet, half the barrier had changed colour from the impact, and only now, several seconds later, was it becoming invisible again. He hoped that it would last, not wanting him or his opponent to fly into the crowd.


    Running over to Arzlan, wanting to get the most out of the damage he gave, Norbert came up, seeing his sword flying towards him point first.


    Twisting around it, grabbing the handle as Norbert was shot backwards, tumbling and finally stopping again. Feeling like his arm had been slightly dislocated, he was unsure as it was already feeling better.


    Charging forward once again, leaning low as he ran, Norbert looked at the wounds¡ªall the canines of the lion were there¡ªas Arzlan¡ªat the lion''s canines weakened¡ªboth on the ground.


    The battle of attrition was well underway.

 Chapter 317 Just a Knick

    Norbert buckled down, seeing that the teeth that were once bone white, turned black like the rest of the bones underneath Arzlan¡¯s flesh. Wondering how long Arzlan could keep up, Norbert looked for his sword, Arzlan roaring and coming up to him.


    Preparing for the sound, he gritted his teeth as the roar echoed down his ear drums into his jaw. For some reason, his entire skull felt like it was vibrating, and the sound started to get more irritating than even the banshee.


    Leaning down, he scooped up the sword, amazed that the edge no longer smooth and clear, but still ready to be used for its next victim. Hoping he would be able to buffer the knick out, he remembered that the point of being given this sword was for it not to get damaged.


    Holding the sword in both hands as Arzlan came at him, the cleaver pressing down on him as Norbert swiped it to the side, only for its pair to come around at Norbert.


    Striking into the side, Norbert dug the entire sword in, twisting it around the bones wanting to grab the sword, only allowing it to be slid free when properly positioned. The sword slid out as the cleaver came down at his hands. Pulling the blade out just enough, the cleaver banged into the blade''s flat, and the sword''s tip slamming down into the ground made Norbert lean over.


    Squatting down instinctively, Norbert was able to hold the blade mostly flat as Arzlan twisted his body around, swinging both cleavers wildly in the hopes of hitting Norbert. Both going under him, Norbert sliced upwards with his sword, catching Arzlan underneath the jaw and lodging it into the giant''s head.


    Norbert, holding up, lifted off the ground as the sword remained stuck, looking at the belly of the creature, hoping that it would finally be the end of the battle.


    ¡°Surprised you didn¡¯t change over,¡± Norbert spoke aloud, breathing in slightly as the energy within him started to slow down. Norbert was no longer forcing it to move so fast around him, sapping into its pool to keep it moving and fuelling his body at that level.


    Chuckle


    WHOOOOSH


    Norbert felt himself flying through the air, not knowing what happened as his body smashed into the barrier, still holding onto his sword Norbert gripping it tighter as he ramped it up again, sadly he had not won yet.


    Falling to the ground, Norbert rolled to the side, feeling like he was needed. A moment later, a clang and crackle came from his position. Norbert looked down at what it was, and half of his sword had made its way to the other side of the barrier, resting about a meter away, red hot and smoking in the dirt.


    Captivated, Norbert quickly changed his vision, seeing a hole in the barrier. Before he could even move to possibly escape out of it, the barrier had been mended and repaired, and it quickly died down, becoming a slow-moving bubble around Norbert.


    Following the sword path, Norbert looked towards Arzlan, the giant on the ground, panting hard as its face was covered in blood, half split open from the sword in its chin. It ripped through the front of his face.


    Around the beast man, a thick miasma of black collected, and Norbert watched as two white lights seemed to watch him from within, drawing him into it and causing him to continue staring, and it didn¡¯t matter about anything else around him.


    ROAAARRRR


    Norbert shook his head and smashed his magic vision closed as the black mist and the two white lights disappeared. He was thankful for Arzlan¡¯s roar as the lion charged at him on all fours.


    Looking down at his broken sword, he was surprised this could even happen to the weapon that was meant to be reinforced. Throwing the broken weapon towards Arzlan, Norbert grabbed two more throwing daggers, placing them into his hands, and reversed them as the lion opened its maw to Norbert.


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    Shoving his right hand inside the jaw, Norbert crawled the top of his dagger against the roof of the lion''s mouth¡ªthat is until he felt the teeth bite down, stopping him from reaching any deeper down the lion''s gullet.


    Grabbing the other one Norbert brought it down towards the lions eye, pushing energy into it, something he didn¡¯t want to do but forced to, whatever had grabbed his attention still making him twitchy and wanting to get away from it and Arzlan as soon as possible.


    Norbert pushed all of his energy into it, imagining it was cleaving through the lion, grazing past its back, and travelling down the creature''s spine.


    And that is what the energy did.


    A wave of force shot out like a dagger, travelling at supersonic speeds before it hit the lion''s eye. It shattered when it made contact with the gooey orb before continuing, turning into pieces and shredding Arzlan.


    The lion was blown off Norbert''s arm, as his own was shredded in the process, only the bone remaining on his hand. Having completely spent everything within him, Norbert screamed, not wanting to hold anything back,


    Screamed and screamed, whenever he looked at his bone, he would scream again, until finally his throat became horse, the pain there as he fought himself not to think about it.


    ¡°You¡¯ve finally stopped!¡± A hoarse roar came from the other side of the arena.


    Norbert slowly looked up to where the sound came from. There, being kept upright, leaning on the barrier, was the disfigured face of Arzlan¡ªblack blood drooling down his torn and matted central. The king of the jungle no longer looks regal.


    Norbert chuckles out between his teeth gritted tight, blood starting to pool down his arm, leaving a trail as Norbert slowly walks towards Arzlan.


    ¡°You got any more of that juice in you?¡± Norbert asked the giant.


    Arzlan chuckled, the effort causing another wave of blood to come out. Norbert was now in front of the lion, watching the skin slowly get pieced back together.


    ¡°So, can you go another round?¡± Norbert asked, stars starting to flash in his vision from the blood loss, slowly Norbert started to rock on his feet.


    ¡°More than you could even imagine,¡± Arzlan growled out. Norbert saw that the giant didn¡¯t cough up any more blood this time. The hole in the lion''s face slowly came together again, and Norbert saw the two sides reach out, starting to build bridges and healing the beast man before his eyes.


    Closing his eyes, Norbert tried to force the energy around him. Although the channel was there and waiting, there was no liquid to fill it. He wished he had a mana potion here so he could fill up at least a little bit and end this.


    Norbert looked around the ruined battlefield, pieces of body parts flung about, their liquids sprayed everywhere from a mad painter, struggling to do their last work before being locked away.


    Turning back to Arzlan, Norbert saw the blood slow down the trickle, feeling his pool again; it just had the smallest drop, only to disappear instantly. He groaned to himself as he looked down at Arzlan, even though standing still was getting too complicated. The giant looked straight at Norbert, a single raised lip, as both knew how the fight would play out.


    Crossing the fingers of his left hand, Norbert fumbled for his last throwing dagger, not wanting to dirty the knife with the task he would need to complete. Falling, arm out as Norbert cut into Arzlan, tearing into the giant, cutting a section of his flesh out.


    Arzlan looked in horror at Norbert''s actions, not imagining that a Morenas would stoop so low.


    Norbert was pushed away, but holding his prize in his hand, he quickly took his helmet off, holding all three items as he tried to juggle it while half gagging. He forced the bile down with the flesh he took, the black blood oozing out, a single white speckle flowing outwards as Norbert bit down, quickly eating it as he hoped it was worth the effort.


    Swallowing it down Norbert¡¯s body, instantly ripping it apart for any magic it had in there, and a little it did as it was quickly taken in, his pool bubbling on the lowest levels, the pain finally and properly leaving him.


    Twitching his right hand, Norbert looked down, seeing the muscle starting to grow. He pulled the energy away, not wanting to waste it. As Arzlan got to his feet, the giaforceding itself into action due to Norbert¡¯s rash actions. Quickly Norbert placed his helmet back together, finally when he could see again Arzlan was in front of him, surprised the beast man could move so silently.


    Norbert was smashed in the chest with a backhand and toppled to the ground. He smiled as he fell, Arzlan towering over him. He was no longer able to stop the stars dancing in his eyes as darkness crept in from either side.


    He smiled to himself, knowing the other person would take over when he passed out. He was happy to finally wake up in bed with several potions and his arm fully healed.


    Their eyes rolled back in his head as Norbert passed out in the arena. The battle continued, and the crowd looked shocked, as neither heart had stopped beating.

 Chapter 318 THUD

    THUD


    Norbert half opened his eyes, wondering why his room was banging, hoping his dad wasn¡¯t doing some house maintenance he would need to help out with.


    THUD


    His arm still hurt him as his eyes danced open, a weird shadow over his head. Remembering the arena battle, his being in the hospital after his fight, and still alive, meaning that his plan worked, his safe card coming in clutch once again.


    THUD


    The shadow moved above him, and an impossibly large figure, once towering over him, now leaning right on top of him. The doctor or nurse must be checking his head for a concussion.


    ¡°You take quite a beating¡± the voice growled out to Norbert.


    The sound traveling to his brain sparks flying, shocked Norbert into action, a voice that he hoped never to hear again after the battle had been over.


    THUD


    Something came down into Norbert¡¯s vision, a ringing filling his ears. Blinking away the tears, finally his vision coming into focus.


    Lifting his head slightly, he looked down at his body as he groaned as the pain flooded back, the energy within him picking up as it instantly stopped any more discomfort. Arzlan had one foot on his chest, stopping him from moving; his head in a slight crater from the punches the helmet had been taking, thankful that it was still together.


    ¡°Done playing with your food?¡± Norbert asked Arzlan, feeling the dried blood cacking his throat, swirling some saliva around before swallowing it, still feeling the crusty dried liquid on his cheeks.


    "I''m trying to open that helmet to watch the light disappear from your eyes. Thankfully for you, it''s made surprisingly well." Arzlan spoke to Norbert, his fist flying down again and smashing into his face. Tensing his body by instinct, Norbert''s head slammed into the ground, the THUD once more coming back to him, ears ringing inside.


    As Arzlan pulled his fist back up, Norbert tried to wiggle out. The giant just pushed harder on his chest, and Norbert stopped as he looked up at him.


    "Are you going to finish me off?" Norbert asked, no longer caring about his opponent, looking up limply at the sky. The clouds overhead not obscured by the barrier, remembering when he fell so far, before getting caught in the trees.


    "So this is what you meant by needing to outrun luck?" Norbert asked the heavens.


    As he stared, the fist once more coming down, in the darkness it produced, Norbert saw two light motes appear before.


    THUD


    The first was pulled up again, and Norbert couldn''t believe Lady Luck''s response.


    "Well, if the Lady thinks it''s possible," Norbert groaned, getting a headache from all the banging his head had endured.


    "You''ve finally lost it," Arzlan said to Norbert, having heard the scout talk to himself. ¡°Well, it''s time for you to meet this Lady of yours."


    With the fist coming down once more, Norbert lifted his body up as much as possible and twisted his head to the side.


    THUD


    His fist collided with the earth next to him. Grabbing onto it as Norbert was lifted, feeling his body start to stretch wiggling his torso as much as possible in an attempt to escape.


    A light appeared behind Norbert, showing the damage that Arzlan had taken to him. The giant was no longer hiding in shadows. The once shadowy figure to Norbert seemed completely fine, possibly even better than when Arzlan first started fighting from the chipper mood the beast-man was talking about.


    However, with a proper look under the limelight, Norbert thought, " Maybe you''re right?" about Lucks comment to him. He didn''t see the tremendous standing lion, the king of the jungle with pristine fur and a main that radiated the sun. The being in front of him was of an entirely different breed. The splotchy mane, tufts of hair missing, what remained mattered in black blood. Norbert saw the hair itself greyed and darkened with age or the blood that was caked onto it. But the most alarming thing was the scarring, unlike when he first met the lion, even in the torchlight with few scars, unlike what he saw now. Not a single piece of fur was on the giant''s body, just a smattering of silver scars.


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    Norbert looked down at himself, the damage that was done to him during this fight, having lost his leg, arm now both re-healed, the amount of energy it cost him. His mana pool dangerously low, silently bubbling away as it held onto what little remained. All just to be standing here, with both of them having put all their cards on the table, now time to see who had the winning hand.


    As Arzlan came to, seeing Norbert standing there, no longer dizzy from the blood loss, the white bone glistening in the sunlight, only several faint lines of purple visible, caked on from how it was repaired to allow the energy to fill Norbert¡¯s body when required.


    "The worst thing about being at the top is being king. Is there is only one to go?" Norbert shouted out as loudly and clearly as he could, not knowing if those outside could hear him but hoping they could read his lips.


    "To be standing here, you''ve climbed the ranks yourself high. But from one king to a lowly subject," Arzlan whispered out to Norbert, tilting his face down so nobody could read his lips, the interaction hidden from the prying eyes watching the fight for their entertainment or for revenge. "Think for yourself, and don''t get yourself roped into other people''s business, it will never be in your favour."


    With a shudder, Arzlan leapt towards Norbert, the giant''s body fighting itself, not wanting to make such a significant movement. Norbert came forward and punched straight into Arzlan, the giant''s chest exploding behind him. Toppling down for a moment, Norbert stood there, looking down at the crumpled figure before him. Removing his left hand, Norbert flicked the gore off it as he looked towards the barrier, seeing if it had come down.


    The slight distortion was still in the air as Norbert sighed, half his body almost falling down, a shadow coming up as Norbert looked at the old form of Arzlan. Norbert shaking his head, punching forward once more, the giant toppling to the ground. Not looking away, Norbert saw the giant still for a moment before shuddering and coming back again, slowly regaining his feet, looking down at Norbert as a grin bore down on him.


    Punching again, Arzlan once more toppled to the ground, shuddering before coming back up again. Norbert looked at the giant''s stomach, the body not looking much different than the first time, as Norbert punched higher into the giant''s chest. Hearing the bones snap of the rib cage, the indestructible nature now leaves the material brittle and old.


    Arzlan once more dropping as Norbert stared down at the wound, seeing the pieces of bone and flesh roll themselves back together, Arzlan taking a deep breath before coming to his feet again, looking down at Norbert.


    Norbert closed his eyes as he punched again, not wanting to look at Arzlan in the face anymore¡ªthe giant dropped to the ground with a rattle and a shiver before slowly returning to his feet.


    Downing the giant once more, watching as Arzlan died before him. ¡°Luck, can you show me how to put this cat down?¡± Norbert asked


    Seeing a single mote of light appear before a line trailed off, going from his left fist and following Arzlan¡¯s chest on the left side, where Norbert assumed the heart would be.


    Arzlan came to still, grinning once more, now moving forward ever so slowly as Norbert stared down, watching the line he had to move on become chaotic, moving from side to side, up and down and back on itself before finally finishing at Arzlan¡¯s heart.


    Norbert rushed forward, letting his body twist around as Arzlan tried to keep up, always missing by a hair''s breadth until Norbert finally made contact.


    The giant toppled to the ground once more, but unlike the other times, Norbert joined in as well, clawing away at the flesh until Norbert could see the bones.


    Taking one, Norbert wrenched it free. This section of the rib cage being more resilient than the other bones he had removed from the lion, hoping it to be a fortunate sign. Norbert stomped his foot on the connecting pieces and wiggled it back and forth until it finally broke.


    Norbert flew back from the effort before even stopping, quickly jumping back onto Arzlan, not wanting the lion to recover again and his efforts lost.


    Looking into the beast man¡¯s eyes, seeing them start to move about, Norbert took the broken rib, holding his thumb over one end, before smashing it into those eyes, the entire thing up to his hand disappearing inside the lion¡¯s head. Instantly, Arzlan stopped moving, Norbert removing the bone before getting back to work, knowing that would not be enough to end the fight.


    Making his way through the body, Norbert stopped as he reached the heart. Instead of finding old grey meat, the red flesh thumping around and inscribed on it, Norbert saw a white rune dripping with black liquid.


    He stopped in his tracks as he stared down, analysing it and trying to remember, knowing someone would have purposefully done this, having never seen or heard mention of runes appearing on people''s hearts.


    Shivering at the possibility, Norbert felt Arzlan start to stir underneath him. He grabbed the bone again, marking down each of the lion''s arms, and smacked the jaw, causing the head to roll back and the eyes to close again.


    Holding the bone, Norbert shoved it into the heart, quickly cutting it out before grabbing onto it and ripping the flesh away.


    Smiling in triumph, Norbert held it up before it twisted in his face, seeing the blood still come out, flowing through the air and back into the body.


    Stomping down on the wound, the blood trail to the heart stopped for a moment before continuing again.


    Shouting up at the heavens, Norbert exclaimed his annoyance, ¡°AND WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO NOW?¡±

 Chapter 319 The Weight of a Heart

    No response heard, or any indication of what to do, Norbert looked down at the heart in his hand. The blood flowing to and from it, Arzlan slowly regaining consciousness of his surroundings, to Norbert¡¯s reply of stomping on the giant again, in the process trying not to get himself bloodier.


    Turning the heart in his hand, Norbert squeezed down on the organ, and burst in his hands. Covered by the black blood, he noticed a slightly red tinge in parts. Breathing out a sigh of relief, he looked up again to the crowd, staring at the barrier to see if it would be taken down.


    The barrier remained intact, a slight blur and sheen hiding the faces of the crowd. The heart reforming in his hand, its weight seemingly increasing out of thin air. Out of the corner of his eye, the blood started moving again. Turning the heart to pulp once more, Norbert shouted out to the announcer.


    "Must this continue, for does someone still count as alive without a heart?" Norbert asked aloud, hoping for a decisive answer and his victory.


    Quiet momentarily, Norbert almost heard the conversation between the officials and his statement. "Does someone still live after being beheaded?"


    Norbert scrunched his left hand in annoyance, knowing the answer that as long as Arzlan was reforming, he couldn¡¯t get an easy win out of immobilising the giant.


    Shaking his head, Norbert stared into it and saw a faint golden line pointing to the rune on the heart. Following it with his finger digging inside of it and popping the muscle like a balloon.


    Watching it reform in his hand again, Norbert fuming at his predicament. Squeezing his eyes shut to still his nerves before opening his eyes. Norbert looked down at the rune, stamping his foot into the chest cavity he had created, making it bigger once more and stopping Arzlan from moving.


    Knowing this would no longer be an entertaining fight, the officials still wanting to press on with it for some reason that Norbert didn¡¯t grasp. Closing his eyes, Norbert wondered what he would need to do. Playing around with thoughts as the energy in his body moved about, letting it move its natural course around his inner path.


    Following one section, Norbert felt it go to his fingers, where it seemed to dance off and, with a burst of energy, disappear. Opening his eyes, stomping down once more on Arzlan, Norbert looked down at the rune, seeming to be smoking slightly. Moving his finger, a small piece of it had been wiped out.


    Smiling, Norbert stomped down on Arzlan, not wanting to be disturbed by the sleeping giant. Feeling the energy in his body again, Norbert travelled it across, focusing on moving it out to his finger; in the same manner, he tried many times before to activate runes, this one having the same result as the past attempts.


    The energy bounced off, feeding out into the rune underneath his finger. Opening his eyes, Norbert looked as it sizzled, the rune disappearing more and more. Squeezing the last of his energy into it, Norbert started to feel light-headed again from straining his body.


    Norbert watched, sending the last bit of energy into it as the last of the rune faded from the heart. The blood that before was flowing steadily out of the muscle, only several red drops dripping out, before it stopped as well. Norbert watched, crushing it under his hand and counting in his head as he waited for it to reform.


    After several long seconds and not feeling the weight in his hand, Norbert looked to the crowd. Seeing the barrier now gone, everyone was silent in the arena, and Norbert wondered what they were looking at.


    Thrusting his hand in the air in victory, Norbert suddenly lost all control of his body, like he had just run a marathon and getting dizzy from standing up to fast, his body just wanted to sleep. Unable to keep his eyes open, the drawbridge to his mind closed as Norbert lost his bearing in the world.


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    ***


    Opening his eyes, feeling like complete road kill, Norbert eyes gravitating above him, the familiar site of the ceiling in Vivienne¡¯s mansion. Lifting his head up slightly, the wardrobe on the side, the chest by the foot of the bed, and the door to his right.


    Unable to keep it up from the effort, Norbert flopped his head on the pillow, breathing slowly and feeling the energy within only a trickle. Closing his eyes, Norbert thought about the events of the last match he did. The fact that he was still alive meant that he had won if they could even be called a victory.


    Turning his head to the side, Norbert saw a mana potion on the bedside table. The blue liquid with rainbow swirls planted in his mind. His mana pool was crying out from overuse; only a tiny drop had been restored to the pool he had created from his elixirs.


    Reaching his shaky hand over, Norbert grasped it as firmly as he could, moving his other to pull the cork. The skeletal hand was there, somehow still intact and without missing any bones. Sitting up as much as he could, Norbert bit into the cork before pulling it out with his teeth. Dropping it onto his lap, Norbert lifted the potion to his lips, tipping it back as he felt the liquid quench his thirst.


    His dry and cracked tongue was now liquid as Norbert guzzled it down. He felt it being transferred and changed into energy almost immediately. Slowly, Norbert felt it move inside him, surprised at how still it was.


    Pushing slightly on it only made it budge a bit more. Norbert was already feeling the strain on his body from even that exertion. Flopping back on the bed, Norbert placed the cork back in and the empty bottle back on the bedside table.


    Flopping his hand on top of the covers, not wanting to look at the slow process of his flesh regrowing, Norbert just stared at the ceiling. He felt the potion in his stomach as it was slowly absorbed, only slightly pushing the energy around his body to try and speed the process up as much as he could.


    ***


    PECK


    Shooting whatever was disturbing his sleep, Norbert turned himself over.


    PECK


    The annoyance is coming around again, now on the ear that was exposed. He covered it up and wriggled around a bit as he made himself comfortable again before going back to sleep.


    ¡°Eh hrmmm, the Lady is waiting for you.¡± A voice seemed to boom out from the doorway.


    Jumping into the air, Norbert flipped around to see who had spoken to him, disturbing his sleep.


    With a flutter of wings, Obsius landed on his head, pecking his forehead in annoyance at being shooed away. Norbert turned to the door and saw the butler standing there, an odd expression on his face as he stared at Norbert.


    ¡°The lady is waiting for you; the required garb is in the wardrobe.¡± The butler notified Norbert once again before walking out of the room, closing the door so gently that not even a whisper was made.


    Turning to Obsius, the bird still on his head. Smiling, Norbert patted the bird, hoping to make up some brownie points with the bird. Heading towards the chest, popping the lid, Norbert took out one of the few biscuits he had left. Holding it up above his head for the bird, Norbert felt Obsius stamp around in his hair for a moment before giving in and taking the biscuit out of Norbert¡¯s hand.


    The bird placed it on his head and stomped down as he heard Obsius take bits and pieces, creating a mess in his head.


    Wanting to shake his head but not wanting to annoy the bird any more, Norbert carefully walked over to the wardrobe, wondering what clothes Vivienne would want him to wear. Opening it up, Norbert stared at it for a moment, stumped as he tried to process what Vivienne had laid out for him.


    ¡°Is she pulling a fast one on me?¡± Norbert turned around and asked Obsius about it as he showed off the contents. Norbert saw a black jumper and pants, a black beanie covering Norbert''s face, and holes in his eyes and mouth so he could breathe and usually see.


    But the most egregious part was that there was a sack full of items. Stitched into one side in bright gold thread was the sign on the gold coin, the symbol of Morenas, for all to see.


    He shook his hands as he opened it, peering inside at the contents and shaking his head as he dropped it. After seeing the bolt cutters and a rope with a grappling hook attached, Norbert suspected who orchestrated this getup.


    Not wanting to let Vivienne wait any longer, Norbert quickly changed his outfit, thankful to be walking level again and in clean clothes. Giving himself a quick smell, Norbert asked aloud, ¡°Luck, can you please give me a once-over?¡±


    A single mote of light appeared as he smelt clean. The dirt and sweat that had been sticking to his body were now gone, and Norbert''s lack of presence made him aware of how bad he truly had been.


    Tipping his invisible hat to Luck, Norbert placed Obsius on the bedside table as he quickly dressed. The bird had finished as Norbert left his belt there, feeling weird without the weight on his hips.


    Turning to the door, Obsius fluttered over to land on his shoulder, pecking at the beanie as Norbert walked past the mirror, making sure not to look at it as he made his way down the stairs and towards the main room, wondering what the inside would look like with the waiting Vivienne.

 Chapter 320 The Stealthy Type

    Norbert knocked on the door while waiting for someone to open it on the other side. He stared down at the snake handles, not wanting to touch them as their eyes looked into his own. Someone on the other side answered the door as they swung inside. Norbert stopped momentarily and looked inside, mouth open at what he saw.


    A metal table in the middle of the white-tiled room looked completely different from the stone he was currently standing on.


    A board with wheels and maps stuck to it as Norbert stared, realising it was of the city for the main one. Looking at the others around Norbert, I saw more of the Colosseum, parts of it that Norbert had never been in before.


    One of them had a big red X on it. Norbert quickly looked around it, seeing it was a box room with no windows and only one entrance or exit in a random location, for what it seemed to Norbert. There was no rhyme or reason for it to be placed in that location.


    Walking over to the table, seeing papers thrown about, Norbert looking at the handwritten notes, Vivienne staring over them, trying to put it together in her mind.


    Norbert walked up as he read it upside down until he realised he couldn¡¯t read the language.


    URGHHH


    Norbert cleared his throat before speaking, and Vivienne looked up at the noise. ¡°Did Count von Count have any choice in this?¡± he asked, pointing down at what he was wearing.


    ¡°Why yes, he did help with it. Who do you think procured most of these maps?¡± Vivienne asked Norbert.


    Turning around, looking about the room with all of it, ¡°He never struck me as being the stealthy type.¡±


    Vivienne shaking her head at him ¡°Your right in that, he isn¡¯t stealthy, but he knows people, even out here.¡± She finished, looking about the walls.


    Norbert raised an eyebrow, turning to Vivienne. ¡°Now, isn¡¯t that ominous? But why this style?¡± Norbert asked her, trying to find the following punch line for the clothing choice.


    ¡°My question to him exactly isn¡¯t very inconspicuous. But quoting him, ¡®You become so obvious you turn invisible,¡¯¡± Vivienne changed her voice slightly deeper, trying to mimic Count von Count whistling a random tune.


    ¡°You need to practice whistling, but that checks out with the vampires style,¡± Norbert told her as he walked to the table, spreading his hands out and engulfing the entire room. ¡°So what¡¯s the plan? I¡¯m assuming this is to get whatever you asked me to help you find?¡± Norbert looked down at the papers, trying to piece together what he was meant to be showing them.


    ¡°Precisely that the object is a blood orb.¡± Vivienne reached for a paper and slid it towards Norbert.


    Looking down at the piece, the depiction resembled what he remembered from the last one he saw: ¡°What is it with you, Grimm and the blood orbs?¡±


    Vivienne stopped. ¡°You¡¯ve seen one?¡±


    ¡°I nearly touched it. It was back under the Halls of the Mountain King, but it was no longer there, as the vampire took me to search for it,¡± Norbert explained to her.


    Norbert watched as he visibly saw Vivienne deflate in front of him, shaking her head before moving back to the plans around it.


    ¡°The plan is to go in there and make our way out as silently as possible.¡± Vivienne told Norbert.


    Norbert raised his eyebrow. ¡°I hoped that was the plan; too many guards patrolling the place. There are way too many guards. But can¡¯t I even have a day of rest after nearly getting killed?¡± Norbert asked her, the energy in his body still not feeling as it should, hoping he could get a few more potions before doing anything exertive.


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    ¡°There are not enough people to do a full raid, so stealth it is. And tonight, because everyone thinks you¡¯re still recovering after your battle. Not many know about your ability to bounce back up from potions.¡± Vivienne told Norbert, reaching underneath the table. Norbert heard the clink of glass before two mana potions were brought out from underneath the table.


    Norbert reached for one as he downed it, feeling it instantly get absorbed, before going to the second and downing it as well. Finally, he felt himself getting properly used. Running the energy through his body, he confirmed that it was the same speed as it should be.


    ¡°Much better.¡± Norbert breathed out, looking to Vivienne, who had just stared at Norbert, looking at the snake shiver on her arm for a moment before stilling. Norbert waved her hand in front of her face, getting her attention again.


    Vivienne shuddered for a moment, focusing on Norbert properly. ¡°Doesn¡¯t that feel ¡­ wrong?¡± she asked him.


    Norbert stopped as he considered how he felt; nothing seemed wrong with himself or his actions. ¡°No, not particularly. I feel fine, better than before I had them, if that is what you''re referring to?¡± Norbert asked Vivienne, looking sceptically at her.


    Vivienne held her mouth open for a moment before shaking her head. ¡°You''re strange, like what Count von Count said. I just need to accept it.¡± She talked to herself loud enough for Norbert to hear.


    ¡°Anyway, my plan is for me to disguise us both, make our way inside carefully, trying not to trigger anything, and then go back out.¡± Vivienne told Norbert.


    Looking at the maps around him, he tried to memorise the layout and potential path that they might take to retrieve the blood orb that Vivienne was after. Looking about at the planning and the maps, seeing all the planning that had been done without him, the thought left Norbert¡¯s tongue. ¡°Then why did you want me? You¡¯ve seen my work. I¡¯m anything but stealthy,¡± Norbert asked her, not seeing how he would add up in this picture.


    Vivienne just stared at him blankly in return. ¡°Norbert, don¡¯t even try to hide the only reason why I¡¯m keeping you around. You¡¯re a follower of Lady Luck.¡±


    Norbert nodded, seeing how she could get to thinking, ¡°Well, yes, not an unknown secret, but why not become one yourself if you¡¯re looking so openly for it?¡± Norbert asked her.


    Vivienne tilted her head to the side, hair swaying down her face, half obscuring it. ¡°Why would I want to be a walking trap? It''s much better to have someone close by but far enough away that I¡¯m not caught when it''s triggered,¡± Vivienne told him.


    Norbert opened his mouth to interject before closing it again, hearing similar things from anyone he spoke to about it. Thinking back to his last fight, how close he had gotten to being defeated, trying to push back the memory of it happening.


    ¡°You may have a point, but are you sure it will work?¡± Norbert asked her, thinking about trying to be fickle with a god''s power like that. There are many stories about being chewed up and spat out by doing that.


    ¡°Worked so far, don¡¯t see why not. But that¡¯s your role. And to act as a distraction if needed.¡± She told him.


    Norbert nodded his head, seeing where it would now fit together. His role was now properly filled out. ¡°And this is for boarding here and the safety you¡¯ve provided,¡± Norbert asked her.


    Receiving a nod of Vivienne¡¯s head in return, Norbert continued, ¡°And if I were to say no? For example, what would happen?¡± Norbert asked, grinning as he leaned forward, one hand lowering under the table to where his daggers usually would be.


    Vivienne raised an eyebrow before looking back to her work, dismissing Norbert. Still leaning over awkwardly, Norbert sighs, stands up, and walks over to the maps, trying to make the path that they will travel obvious to him.


    ¡°So, are we hitting the one above or below?¡± Norbert asked Vivienne, trying to discern which one would be required.


    ¡°Enter through the top; what we are looking for is halfway through, and exit down the bottom.¡± Vivienne told Norbert.


    Norbert turned around a sceptical look on his face. ¡°But the colosseum ends at the bottom; it doesn¡¯t connect to the cavern ceiling?¡± Norbert asked her, not seeing how it would be possible to make this happen.


    ¡°Illusion runes for aesthetics.¡± Vivienne told Norbert.


    Norbert looked at her, ¡°Really, that¡¯s it?¡± Norbert asked her.


    ¡°Those down here protested that they couldn¡¯t get the proper experience, so the change was made,¡± Vivienne explained to Norbert.


    ¡°It seems like an out-of-the-way reason for doing it, but I can''t complain. How long until we need to leave?¡± Norbert asked her.


    Vivienne staring for a moment as she started counting, Norbert looking around the room to where she was staring, not seeing a clock or any device to tell the time strapped there. Norbert turned back to Vivienne as she nodded her head, organising the papers into piles in front of Norbert.


    ¡°Is it time to leave?¡± Norbert asked her again, having not received an answer the previous time he asked the question.


    ¡°It is, prepare ¡­ whatever you need to prepare yourself with.¡± Vivienne looked up at Norbert, seeing he was primarily ready by then.


    Norbert nodded as he picked up the sack he had been given, opening it up to at least know what was inside. Norbert pulled out a grappling hook, rope, lock picks, a hacky sack, the bolt cutters and a crowbar.


    Norbert looked at the eclectic use of items scattered about, shaking his head as he placed them all back in, making sure none of the tools would clatter against themselves and make a noise.

 Chapter 321 Coinage

    Everything sitting in neat piles and not taking any of the papers. Vivienne walked towards the double doors and pulled them open. Norbert quickly slipped out behind her before they could close on their own, not wanting to deal with the handles. The butler was standing there on the side, bowing to Vivienne as she passed, Obsius tweeting a greeting to the head butler as Norbert just gave a pained smile, his face covered by the balaclava, hoping he wasn¡¯t too annoying to the man.


    Walking out into the garden, the gate opened as Vivienne stepped into the street, the gate closing behind them. Stopping as he looked both ways, wondering which way the witch would take to head up above.


    Norbert saw her go left as she started making her way towards the stairwell. People seeing them as they looked towards Vivienne, pointing before seeing Norbert in his outfit and trying to look away, that they hadn¡¯t seen the man yet or else accidentally be associated with his activities.


    Seeing her make her way as Norbert stopped outside the staircase, ¡°Do we need to go up this one?¡± Norbert asked, not wanting to deal with the clothes store again, at least this time not having any coin on him to spend.


    Vivienne was already halfway up the first spiral when she looked back to Norbert. ¡°It¡¯s the place to be, and you come here so frequently; I thought you loved the place.¡± Vivienne quickly ran up the stairs before Norbert could protest anymore.


    Norbert leaned backwards, looking at the other passageways he could use instead before sighing. He started trudging up the staircase, hoping the lack of coin on him would at least stop the store clerks from being so persistent.


    ***


    ¡°Ah, dearest customer, you can bring coinage next time you pass through,¡± the clerk in front of him insisted. Norbert forced a smile on his face as the socks were given to him. He looked at the thick woollen socks, not knowing how he could put on any shoes his current size with them on.


    Holding the pattern up, Norbert sees coins of varying colours, copper, silver, and gold, on a green background of varying sizes. Looking like someone had chucked coins on top of a field of grass.


    Norbert turned to Vivienne, seeing that no clerk was ¡°assisting¡± her in making a purchase. Norbert gave a pleading look as Vivienne just watched on, smiling at Norbert as he stood there, not knowing what else to do.


    With a smile, Norbert took the socks and stuffed them into the sack he had on before shuffling out of the store. He did not even look away from the door, or else he would be swarmed by another person. Opening the door, the bell dinged on top as Norbert started to step through and head outside.


    ¡°Thank you for the sale, and remember to bring a coin next time, any coin you find suitable!¡± the clerk shouted out to Norbert as the door closed behind him. Breathing out with the door closed, they always wanted to make a sale, as Norbert walked down the street several steps, just breathing out as he shook his head.


    The bell dangled once more as Vivienne walked out, smiling at Norbert as he noticed she had nothing extra on her. Following her, seeing they were headed straight down the road to the Colosseum, Robert asked the dire question ¡°How did you avoid not getting hounded?¡± Norbert asked her.


    ¡°Once you buy something from that store, you can never leave without buying something else. And the more you buy, the worse they become,¡± Vivienne explained to Norbert.


    Surprised by the answer, Norbert, seeing that he was well, truly snared in the trap, asked her, ¡°And ordering lots of cloaks that are inverted colouring puts me in the worst place?¡±


    Vivienne just smiled at him, not even needing to nod her head to understand.


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    Norbert furrows his eyebrow. ¡°But if you knew that and I bought so much, why did we go that way?¡± Norbert asks her.


    ¡°It''s funny seeing the strong contestant of the champion, who defeated the beast man Arzlan, cowered into buying clothing not needed by a random store that does it as a strong selling method¡ªand effective, it seems.¡± Vivienne gave a slight smile as she continued.


    Norbert looked about in her explanation, looking back and forth, wondering if it was safe to say ¡°Should you really be talking about me like that?¡± Norbert asked her.


    ¡°Oh, it''s perfectly safe. The moment we came out onto the street, we were concealed. As long as you don¡¯t act out of place and stick to me, you''re fine,¡± Vivienne explained to him.


    Norbert instantly stepped forward, almost grabbing onto the witch as he looked around. People gave him a weird look for clutching onto Vivienne but nothing at all for what he was currently wearing.


    Relaxing slightly, he was only standing shoulder to shoulder with the witch as Norbert looked about, confirming that nothing extra was happening with those around him, as they started to lose interest in Norbert and Vivienne and going about their day.


    Vivienne walking towards the entrance, the Kreevss on duty there not bothering them at all. Going through the closest one, walking across much further until finally taking a left passageway, Vivienne leaning against the door, hand pressed against it until it opened up, Vivienne quickly walking through as Norbert followed behind, the darkness of the passageway that they entered causing Norbert to be slightly panicked.


    He changed his vision to see, and the world became grey just as Vivienne held her hand out. A light appeared before it.


    ¡°Warning next time!¡± Norbert whispered out in pain, looking away as he blinked the tears out of his eyes. He saw stars leaning against the door they had just entered through until he could partially see.


    ¡°Oh, sorry. I didn¡¯t know you could see in the dark,¡± Vivienne said, waving a hand over her eyes before walking ahead. Norbert listened to the clipping of her shoes on the ground.


    Norbert slowly changed his vision back to night vision to see again. Norbert saw they were in some maintenance walkway. On either side of him, Norbert spotted the runes etched into the stone used to make this place move.


    Catching up to Vivienne, Norbert watched what she was looking at, wondering what had her so interested. Norbert looked at the runes in front of him, quickly changing his vision, wanting to see what was flowing through them. The entire place came alight, a myriad of colours coming together, reminding Norbert of an 80s disco rather than a maintenance hallway.


    She was focusing on what Vivienne was doing in front of him. Norbert saw around her hand the snakes with a green hue flowing out, touching and investigating each of the runes, one after the other.


    ¡°What are you looking for?¡± Norbert asked the witch, unable to differentiate any of these by their appearance or what they could be for.


    ¡°Runes set up to stop illusions from working. The closer to the prize, the harder it is to keep up without alerting everyone in the building.¡± Vivienne explained to Norbert, not moving her body as she continued to scan the wall, looking for whatever she needed.


    ¡°I thought you were good enough that we could just walk on through,¡± Norbert asked her.


    ¡°I am good, but not my only specialty, which is good. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be able to hold you down.¡± Vivienne whispered to Norbert, burrow furrowing, ¡°And there ¡­ we ¡­ go¡± She finished off, a smile on her face as she looked about, Norbert not seeing anything that would be an alarm setting off, alerting every one of their presence.


    Norbert looked as Vivienne headed further down, quickly catching up to her as she stopped at a ladder and went down below. Norbert turned off his magic vision to see further down there, the lights of the runes stopping him from seeing properly. As the world became grey, Norbert stuck his head down, feeling a blast of wind from underneath ruffle against his clothes and hit his eyes.


    Squinting slightly, Norbert looked back to see Vivienne looking from over his shoulder. Turning to the witch, Norbert asked the question, ¡°Down there?¡±


    Vivienne nodded in response as she continued to look. Norbert moved back, seeing the hole in the floor. The stone rungs seemingly came out of the side of the tunnel itself and poured from the water before becoming solid.


    Norbert sat down as he hopped onto the ladder, going down a rung before looking up at Vivienne. ¡°Are you scared of the black hole?¡± Norbert asked her.


    Vivienne shook her head. ¡°No, but of whatever is down there. Not something that should be over here.¡± Vivienne told him.


    Norbert looked back down the chute, focusing and trying to feel whatever she sensed. But all he came back with was nothing, just the slight wind, making his fingers slightly cold as he continued to hold onto the ladder.


    ¡°Well, you said we need to go down that way?¡± Norbert asked her as he climbed the ladder, hoping it would continue at this size. He was having a hard enough time holding the sack in one hand and the ladder, his back nearly being pushed against the back wall.

 Chapter 322 Change of Plans

    Norbert went down, making sure that he wasn¡¯t too far from Vivienne above him. He looked up every now and then and saw her boots nearly hitting his face. The wind was blowing against Norbert harder and harder the lower he went, knowing they still had a long way to go before making it to the lower Colosseum.


    Making down another rung, Norbert wiped the sweat from his brow, looking up as he spoke so the wind would take what he was shouting: ¡°Is it getting hotter down here?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it''s an exhaust vent for the runes. The exit should be just a bit further down!¡± Vivienne shouted back, and Norbert needed to strain his ears to hear even that much. The witch continued her explanation, but she was talking too quietly for Norbert to hear properly.


    Continuing down, Norbert feels the stone start to get hot to the touch of his hands. Looking up at Vivienne, Norbert shouts again, ¡°How much further?¡±


    Hearing a muffled reply before the woman fell. Slamming into Norbert, he held onto the ladder, pushing his body against the wall on the other side to not let the woman fall. Pulling her over his shoulder and under his arm, holding the sack of tools, Norbert quickly made his way down, Obsius cooing on his other shoulder about the heat.


    His back fell away as he found the tunnel''s exit. Norbert quickly stood up as he looked around, confirming that they weren¡¯t in a super-heated tunnel. Seeing it cool down further away from the chute they had just exited, Obsius was already flying over to escape the heat, so Norbert pulled Vivienne onto his back and quickly made his way over.


    Turning to Vivienne, he placed his hand under her neck, feeling for a pulse. Norbersawone of the snakes came up from her shoulder, the tattoo slithering around to where Norbert was touching her as he slowly moved his finger away. The snake hissed him before returning the way it had come.


    Leaving her there, Norbert lowers her head onto the sack so that it won¡¯t be on the hard ground. Obsius lands on the woman, and Norbert looks around the room they are currently in.


    Seeing the runes on the wall, Norbert quickly changed his vision for a moment to magic, only to confirm that the room was as functional as the last one, the runes shining back at him, all in use. Turning back to Vivienne, he saw the woman¡¯s cheeks no longer flushed, a shaky breath coming over her body.


    Norbert stood over her as he gently shook against her shoulder, the witch opening her eyes, hands coming up ready as the snakes started to strike out towards him. Moving backwards, Norbert, seeing it, comes right where his nose was before.


    ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± Norbert asked her, and she saw the worry go out of her eyes as she saw Norbert leaning over her.


    ¡°Least I¡¯m awake now? How long was I out?¡±


    Norbert looked up at the ceiling, thinking about how long it had been, converting the time in his head. ¡°About a rotation,¡± he said.


    Vivienne nodded her head, slowly getting to her feet, holding her hands out in front of her to stop herself from feeling as dizzy. Norbert leaned over, grabbing.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Norbert asked her.


    ¡°Trying to multitask to many things¡± Vivienne explained in exasperation ¡°Didn¡¯t realise the heat was that bad until I passed out.¡±


    Norbert shook his head, something so simple as not realising it was too hot in the chute. Having felt it long before the heat, Obsius is still operational.


    ¡°Is this the room you wanted to find?¡± Norbert asked her, wanting to distract himself from any more derailing thoughts of the operation at hand.


    ¡°Close enough; I don¡¯t want to go further down there, so a change of plans is needed.¡± Vivienne walked away from Norbert, heading further down the hallway away from the heat of the runes below.


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    Following her, Norbert looked to each side, seeing the runes slowly die around them until they were in a standard tunnel. Norbert seeing Vivienne stop as she looked down once more, Norbert feeling cool air sucking at him from below.


    The hole led downwards. Norbert placed a foot over it, standing in the middle of the air as a barrier formed under his feet, stopping him from falling down. His boots started to freeze over. He stepped off the barrier, wriggling his toes to get the blood circulating down there again. The frost started to disappear, leaving a slight wet patch on the ground.


    Vivienne was waling around the hole in the ground, and a plume of her breath was visible. Obsius lands on Norbert, pecking at him. Opening up his shirt, the bird climbed down so it was inside, the little creature chattering away as it tried to warm up from Norbert¡¯s body heat.


    Norbert followed her across, finding her kneeling and placing her hand on the next pipe for a moment. Reaching over to Norbert, he gave the sack to her, watching as she brought out the saw and started going into the metal. Punishing her hand against it, a barrier came up, stopping her from entering. One of the snakes slithered over to the barrier, passing through it before going around the hole and returning to Vivienne.


    The witch placed her hand into the pipe, watching as it started to go blue from the freezing temperatures it was subjected to. She was moving her hand away, moving it around as it quickly became red from the intense temperature change.


    Breathing out, Norbert saw her hold her hands in front of herself for a moment, the discolouration from the cold disappearing as the flesh returned to its usual pasty colour. Vivienne turned to Norbert, ¡°We need to go all the way down to the bottom. Once there, follow through the opening I make and don¡¯t dawdle.¡±


    Before Norbert could even say something in retort, the witch jumped down the pipe, disappearing from his view. Breathing to get himself ready, Norbert quickly looked about, seeing that no alarms had dinged off. The one that was meant to be hiding him from surveillance was now plummeting down a freezing pipe.


    Ice started to form on the ground around the pipe, making its way out of the opening Vivienne had created for them to use. Picking up the cutters she left there, the metal was already cold as Norbert threw them in the sack and jumped down into the pipe.


    Holding his shirt down, stopping the bird from escaping, Norbert began counting. Holding the sack above his head so it wouldn¡¯t get caught, Norbert bent his knees to take the fall, energy shooting out as he waited to see if his legs would break on impact.


    CRACK


    Norbert slammed into the ground, hearing the stone crack underneath him. One hand was still clutched over the bird, the one previously holding the sack now underneath him, holding his body up.


    CLICK CLICK CLICK


    Norbert was pushed up as his legs healed underneath him. He saw the next hole in the pipe, breathed out, and saw crystals drop out of the air from his breath. He remembered what Vivienne had told him as he leapt out of the opening in the pipe, sprinting down the hallway as pipes appeared in the ceiling, the air being blown upwards further away as some type of cooling.


    He heard his boots clunk on the stone floor, looking down instead. Looking he saw two ice rectan, he sawttling against the ground, sheering off with each step as he looked behind himself, a path with every st. She took as the ice formed, growing more green.


    Scrunching down on Obsius under his clothes, Norbert runs ahead, seeing Vivienne standing on the other side of a doorway, the shadow of her head barely visible through the frosted glass.


    Just as Norbert started reaching for the handle, the door opened up, a blast of warm air assaulting him. Norbert stepped through as the door was slammed behind him. Feeling Obsius start to move about underneath his hand, Norbert let the bird go as he moved his hands about, stepping out of the puddle of water he formed on the ground.


    ¡°Do we have to go down any deeper?¡± Norbert asked her.


    Vivienne shook her head as Norbert looked about. On the other side of the small square room, another door was visible. Someone was walking past, thankful that they hadn¡¯t heard the doorway. Norbert looked on the other side of the glass and saw two guards standing on the other side of the door.


    ¡°We''re just out there, around a couple of busy walkways, and then we should be outside the entrance,¡± Vivienne told him.


    Norbert nodded, jumping from foot to foot to warm himself up. ¡°Is there a plan or idea you have that doesn¡¯t mean me running around trying to grab as much attention as possible?¡± Norbert asked her.


    Vivienne shook her head as she tapped her hand against the wall, a slot opening up as she pushed against a rune, a locker visible and a set of clothes inside. Going to the next one across, she opened it with a splash of magic.


    Looking down at his clothes, Norbert asked, ¡°Are we going to get changed anyway?¡± The question hanging in the air for a moment.


    ¡°To get you in the sneaky mood, you need all the help you can get,¡± Vivienne told Norbert as she reached for the hem of her top. Norbert jumped into his locker, turning around so his back was to the woman, and started getting changed.

 Chapter 323 The Vault

    Wearing his new guard uniform, Norbert takes Obsius and stuffs the bird down the coat of the brightly coloured uniform. A mirror in the locker door as Norbert looks at himself, giving a half grin, trying to impose some confidence on himself.


    The image of a man giving a sly look in the reflection, wearing a uniform that wasn¡¯t fitting correctly, a child wearing their parent''s clothes in an act to seem more grown up than they were. Stretching his toes in the confines of the black shoes they currently resided in, the sound of popping stitches followed suit as the seams gave way, relief spreading over Norbert.


    His toes caught his eye as he took a few steps on the spot, the shoes'' soles still flapping about but enabling him to walk still if he was careful. Hearing the locker slamming next to him as Vivienne finished, Norbert brought the sack around. ¡°Do we still need this?¡±


    ¡°Of course, it''s fundamental to busting in,¡± Vivienne told him.


    Norbert nodded as he closed the door to his locker, leaving the clothes he had previously picked up inside. Obsius crawled out from inside and flapped to Norbert¡¯s head. The scout turned to the witch, groaning in annoyance as the embroidered coat seemed to fit her just right, tailor-made even, with not even the sleeves being too long or short.


    Vivienne looked down, fiddling with one of the cufflinks. A smile came up on her face as she looked up at Norbert, dropping both hands to her side.


    ¡°Something caught your attention?¡± Vivienne questioned, walking towards Norbert, the clack of her shoes on the stone floor.


    Norbert gulped as he forced himself to look at the woman¡¯s forehead, not wanting to make eye contact with the witch or else he would lose his soul forever.


    ¡°That yours is fitting properly, but mine is ¡­¡± Norbert lifted his hands up and dropped them back down again, his sleeves getting caught on his forearms and staying up. He stared at Vivienne¡¯s, whose own were able to not move at all, sitting perfectly on her body.


    ¡°Just a little, special something,¡± She Flickered her fingers in front of Norbert. ¡°Now, enough whining; we have a blood orb to steal.¡±


    Before Norbert could even express his opinion, Vivienne headed towards the door, her hand on the handle, looking back at Norbert, who was still stuck in place. ¡°Would it be best if you followed after me unless you want to exercise?¡± she asked him.


    Norbert quickly came forward, standing right behind the woman as she opened the door. The guards standing on either side jumped as the door swung inwards, and two people walked out.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know a check was ongoing.¡± The one on the left spoke to the new guests. Norbert eyed up the small sword strapped to the man''s waist, meant for the tight confines of the walkways Norbert was currently in.


    Vivienne smiled as she turned to the guard who spoke, ¡°Some disturbances called to investigate, worse than told.¡± Vivienne headed to the right as Norbert nodded his head, giving a painful smile to the guard before following after her. Conscious of the bird rusting in his hair, he hoped the guards wouldn¡¯t pay attention to it.


    ¡°It¡¯s always like that. It¡¯ll only be a few rotations, and next thing you know, a cycle has gone by, and now you¡¯re in trouble for taking too long.¡± The guard on the right spoke to their pair, and Norbert raised his hand in return, knowing how these things would always go out of control.


    ¡°How do they not see Obsius?¡± Norbert asked her.


    Vivienne scowled at Norbert, continuing to walk and not giving Norbert an answer. Wondering why, as he looked, the guards he passed when he asked the question gave the trio a quick look, stopping for a moment until a shake of their head and they continued with their jobs.


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    Knowing the witch would not answer any more questions, Norbert zipped his lips and followed after her, continuing down the windy corridors. He did not even try to remember which way they needed to go.


    Pulling down a corridor, Norbert stopped as he looked at the doorway on the other end. The dark metal gleamed back to Norbert, testing him to go on and take it while the two guards on either side tightened their grip on the spears they currently held.


    The white metal flashed light against the dark behind them.


    ¡°What business do you have?¡± One of them asked.


    Vivienne continued to walk forward, crossing the distance between the two groups without a word.


    Stopping in front of the guards, the two spears lowering, one pointed at each of them. Norbert see the spear tip pointed at his chest waver slightly.


    ¡°If you could catch that one.¡± The witch pointed to the one in front of Norbert. The three other people wondering what she could be after, one of the guards about to shout out, stopped by their eyes rolling to the backs of their heads as they fell to the floor.


    Norbert rushed forward, Obsius descending from the head as Norbert grabbed the spear in one hand and slung his arm around the other, gently lowering the unconscious guard to the ground.


    Still holding the man, the sack he was carrying now dropped to the floor where Norbert was previously standing as he looked behind over at Vivienne. The woman smiled as she gently placed the guards back against the wall, Norbert following suit with the spear on their laps.


    Reaching back, picking up the sack, Norbert looked at the door. Stepping forward, he tapped his hand against it. The dull thud resounded back to Norbert; he nodded as he looked towards Vivienne, wondering how she could get in without making too much noise.


    The witch reached for the bag, Norbert passing it over to her as she looked inside. Pulling out the items until a stethoscope came out, she placed it into her ears, the metal place holding against the door, holding her other hand out to it.


    Norbert watched as the snakes came down her arm once more, coiling around the fingers on her hand before melding into the door. Norbert lost track of the reptile as it went inside. The only indication that it was still moving as the scales continued going further down was Norbert wondering how long that thing was.


    Tilting one side to the other, the witch slowly moved her hand about. Norbert looked towards the two guards, one snoring in their sleep, drool coming down their mouth as Norbert smiled at their predicament.


    Moving over to the other side, Norbert nodded his head as he looked down the hallway, arms crossed in front of himself, hoping that to any passer-by giving a brief glance, all would seem as it should.


    ¡°And there ¡­ we ¡­ go¡±


    CREAAAAK


    Norbert raised his eyebrows, turning still as a statue, eyes dancing about, trying to see any movements or alarms ringing off announcing the robber¡¯s presence to the staff inside the colosseum.


    Turning about, his eyes grew wide as he looked inside. The metal door was fully opened and showing its contents to Norbert.


    Vivienne turned around, beckoning Norbert forward with a wave of her hand. The snake''s tendrils slither back under her clothes. Norbert shivered at the sight, not wanting to be hit by them at all.


    Stepping forward, Norbert looked at the lines of glass boxes, some holding complete sets of armour, others mostly empty as something floated about. I am trying to check the contents and the colour of magic it would show Norbert.


    Two motes of golden light appeared in front of Norbert, smiling at the sign as he walked away, knowing when not to push his luck¡ªcontinuing down, Norbert stopped at a trinket, a wooden beaded necklace, salt seemingly still sticking to the wood, reaching out with his hand as he bent down, wiping the plaque clean as he looked at the words, unable to read what it was trying to say.


    Dismissing it out of his mind, Norbert turned to Vivienne, the woman quickly walking deeper and deeper into the vault, passing over most of the relics that Norbert could see. On the side, Norbert saw a single copper coin in the glass case, reminding him of a museum, as Norbert had seen other coins in the same display case.


    Walking to it, Norbert¡¯s eyes went to the sparkly nature of the coins, tiny sparks seemingly resonating from within them, dancing from one to the other. He looked towards the plaque, thankful that he could read this one.


    ¡°Magic copper¡±, Norbert read aloud.


    The sound caused Vivienne¡¯s head to stare at Norbert,  looking back at the display Norbert was currently looking at. ¡°A single coin that can buy a city. The amount that you have acquired is a pittance in comparison to a single one of those. Now stop distracting me while I crack open this case.¡± Vivienne hissed at Norbert, heading towards a case that Norbert could see the blood orb currently residing in.


    Nodding his head, Norbert left it there as he walked to the back of the vault, coming to the other side as he rested his head, wondering how long it would take for Vivienne to be done and retrieve her prize.


    Turning his head to the side, hidden between armour, Norbert¡¯s eyes were drawn to an object, something inside of him, a desire more potent than any Norbert had ever felt, for the item standing within that case.

 Chapter 324 Off with the Prize

    The blade held within the case, showing its glory for anything to gaze at. Norbert taking a mindless step forward, his hand outstretched to take the forgotten weapon. Brushing his hand against the case, feeling its pristine feel, a slight crack could be felt that caught his finger tip.


    Looking at the blade through the crack in the glass, almost wanting to reach out and touch it as Norbert¡¯s attention was engulfed by the blade. Staring at it Norbert¡¯s eyes traveling up the metal. A deep black, along the edge a river of crimson following the length of the blade. The curved blade reminding him of a scimitar, getting thicker half way through before narrowing off at the hilt. A true pirates sword.


    The hilt having a deep mauve tint to the black hilt, a simple leather band wrapped around the handle with a metal loop on the end. Reaching forward Norbert¡¯s eyes unable to move from the simple blade that called out to him.


    Pushing his hand against the glass crack, a desire welling up inside to hold onto the blade and use it. After all, he would need a sword after the last one was destroyed. His gaunt smile turning into a pursed line, remembering the weapon that had been gifted to him by Dousan, hoping he wouldn¡¯t get to annoyed at the state of the weapon.


    ¡°Norbert, what are you doing?¡±


    Norbert turned around, the fog in his mind lifting as he saw Vivienne bitting her lip as she stared at him. A flash of concern traveling up Norbert¡¯s spine as his eyes made contact with hers. Turning back to the scimitar that caught his attention, the lustre in the blade now gone. The weapon mostly looking the same. Knicks taken out of the blade, lines of stress traveling up the metal the veins of a person.


    The crimson red that was bright before now looking like dried rust, the leather of the handle now caked with sweat, discoloured and a slight bit of mould Norbert could be seen growing in part of it. The band now disappeared, gone to the passage of time, only a small stub remained, attaching through a hole added to the blade.


    ¡°Just ¡­ captivated by an artwork.¡± Norbert trying to explain himself as he walked away, meeting up with Vivienne, Obsius having left his head and now on the witches shoulder. In her hand Norbert seeing the blood orb, the red liquid inside constantly swirling around in high velocity. Streaks of darker crimson blood becoming visible before disappearing.


    Vivienne reaching for the sack on Norbert¡¯s back, Norbert giving it over as she brought out the blanket, the tools clacking about as she wrapped it around the orb, placing it back inside the sack. Handing it over to Norbert, heading back to the entrance of the safe.


    Norbert following behind, catching up with the quick pace she was giving. Going past all of the items once more, the magical copper coins as Norbert¡¯s fingers danced over the case, knowing although it would be worth everything, he wouldn¡¯t be able to spend it anywhere.


    Reaching the entrance, Norbert holding the door as he started swinging it close, as the two pieces came together the blade that once captivated him looking pristine in its glory, gone was the ancient weapon, Norbert now imagining it brand new. Before he could reach out to snatch it the door to the safe closed.


    ¡°Maybe next time¡± Norbert whispered out, swallowing down as he bit his lip, stopping anything else from coming out.


    ¡°Your greed for coins is too great.¡± Vivienne spoke, shaking her head as she pushed him out of the way, placing her hand back on the safe door, reaching a hand out to Norbert as the snakes once more slithered out. Norbert reaching into the sack as he pulled out the stethoscope, the witch taking it as she began to listen to the inner workings of the door.


    Having the sack open, waiting for Vivienne to drop it inside as Norbert looked about, the entrance hall to the vault looking the same as ever. His eyes passing over where the guards were resting, Norbert looking to the drooling guard, seeing a wet patch on their hand.


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    Staring at the guard Norbert looking at their body, their chest staying still as Norbert continued to stare, then quickly lowering. Turning away as Norbert dismissed it, seeing Vivienne breathing out as she removed her hand from the safe door. To Norbert the metal looking no different than it did a moment ago.


    ¡°Now we best be off.¡± Vivienne stepping past Norbert as she headed down the hallway. Norbert following behind her, taking the stethoscope and placing it back in the sack.


    Obsius landing on Norbert¡¯s head, pecking at him as the bird tweeted their concern.


    ¡°Yeah I¡¯m all good now. Sorry to freak you out there for a moment buddy.¡± Norbert reaching out and patting the bird on the head.


    Giving one last turn around, looking down the hallway as Norbert gave a small salute to the vault door, and the scimitar on the other side, still now calling out to him even through the door.  Turning to the two guards, one of them moving their hands down the sword while they were sleeping,


    ¡°Need to see if items tempting you to use them is normal.¡± Norbert told himself, another thing to add to the collection of things to ask about.


    Vivienne turning the corner as she nodded her head ¡°Oh yes, quite normal to happen. Almost a given in a place back there, will all those items wanting to get out and used.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean ¡­ wanting?¡±


    Vivienne giving a scole as they passed another set of guards coming down the other side of the passageway. As they passed Vivienne talking in a loud voice ¡°A desire to be used, to continue with whatever purpose was instilled in them in their creation. All things that aren¡¯t my specialty.¡±


    Norbert frowning ¡°Seems like an issue to have items like that, only wanting to do one thing, swaying the user.¡±


    Vivienne nodding her head ¡°Yes, it does have some downsides like steadily forcing people to take actions they wouldn¡¯t do without the item. But most of the time they are designed for a purpose, and the user will chose situations that make that purpose a strength.¡±


    ¡°But aren¡¯t they scared of being corrupted by the tool?¡±


    ¡°Those are very different type of items, to have lasting impressions on people. Whenever one is found they are destroyed. Some do slip past but that¡¯s what the extreme security is for.¡± Vivienne taking a left out of the doorway, Norbert realising they had walked up and now on the main passage.


    ¡°Extreme security?¡± Norbert asked, pointing towards the exit to the below city that was sprawled out before them.


    ¡°I¡¯m just good at my job is all, just to show that nothing has been alerted.¡±


    Norbert stopping in his tracks as he looked around, eyes shooting around, finding if anyone was alarmed by the words the witch had uttered. Has she sealed their fate and the two of them would need to dash outside, if their identities even hidden.


    Looking about, nobody moving at all as Norbert continued to stand there, not moving. Holding his breath, his energy zipping around his body, waiting to be used as he continued to stand there, the people around him giving a strange look before going past. Whispers of the work load getting to Norbert¡¯s brain.


    ¡°You done being a fool?¡± Vivienne asked Norbert, having stopped as well, a meter away from Norbert as she tapped her foot.


    Catching up to her Norbert whispering out ¡°Why do you tempt the fates to turn this entire heist around?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think I brought you here, for the very reason that I can say stuff like that and have no effect.¡± Vivienne trying to explain to Norbert.


    Norbert moving his head to the side ¡°Hey Luck, is what she saying hold up?¡±


    Hearing a faint chuckle in his ears as two motes of light appeared in front of Norbert.


    ¡°Far out Vivienne, what happens if they figure out what we are doing?¡± Norbert shot out, turning about as he continued to look at people, staring them down as their eyes twitching as they passed, quickly passing over the two of them.


    ¡°Not much, run ahead, split up and try loose them, meet up back in the mansion or someplace else.¡± Vivienne now looking around as well, the tense attitude Norbert was showing them all now infecting herself as well.


    Making it to the exit Norbert stopped, seeing a line of people now visible to him. Norbert tapping Vivienne on the shoulder and pointing ahead.


    Nodding her head in recognition, Norbert taking a half step behind, feeling the weight of the sack now seemingly digging into his shoulder, breath starting to become haggard, forcing himself to stay calm or else ruin any chance they had of walking away scot free.


    Stopping just inside the entrance Norbert looked to the crowd forming, the guards having moved in a ring around the entrance they were currently trying to exit from. Spears pointed down unwavering as Norbert stared at them.


    The only man in the centre without a weapon trained on the trio, a grin on his face, a cat having caught the cannery.


    ¡°Why, it wasn¡¯t to hard to find you thief and your ¡­ accomplice?¡± Captain Oblek shouted out in a half question to the two people having walked out of the lower colosseum.

 Chapter 325 Doing your Job

    Captain Oblek turned, looking at Norbert, screwing his face up in confusion, turning to the bird that was on Vivienne¡¯s shoulder and back to Norbert, skipping between the two as the Captain¡¯s brain whirred.


    ¡°What a surprise! You might have actually been doing your job,¡± Captain Oblek shouted over to Norbert.


    Vivienne shifted her head slightly to Norbert, seeing what the captain was talking about.


    Norbert stood there, taking a single step forward, Obsius fluttering onto his shoulder as he looked between the two groups.


    ¡°What is he on about?¡± Vivienne hissed to him.


    Captain Oblek turned to Vivienne, eyes wide ¡°Did this dunce convince you he was tagging along with you down here for what ¡­ free lodging, protection?¡± amazement slipped into his voice.


    Norbert turned to Vivienne, the weight of the sack digging into his shoulder. ¡°You have been a great help to me, honestly, you have¡­¡±


    ¡°But?¡± Vivienne asked Norbert, waiting for Norbert to continue.


    ¡°But, I think it would be best not to have another group of people after me,¡± Norbert told her, stepping towards Captain Oblek and the rest.


    ¡°You¡¯re not even going to hand the orb over?¡±


    ¡°That would defeat the purpose of me walking away now. Only slightly.¡± Norbert told her, taking another step away from the witch.


    ¡°You do know you won¡¯t be able to go back and retrieve what you have stored at the mansion,¡± Vivienne told him, looking to Norbert to see if it would convince him.


    ¡°Oh well, I will miss most of that stuff, except for the mask, dearly. But it''s still replaceable.¡±


    ¡°That includes Obsius¡¯s coins.¡± Vivienne crossed her arms in front of her, glowering at Norbert.


    PECK


    ¡°Ouch, is that necessary, Obsius?¡± Norbert asked the bird, rubbing his hand on his forehead where the bird had pecked him.


    ¡°Do the right thing and stop talking to that witch before she poisons your mind anymore,¡± Captain Oblek said.


    Norbert raised an eyebrow at the man. ¡°Really, ¡®Do the right thing?¡¯ Is that the best you have?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to do any better. I didn¡¯t want to play the order card, but as stated in our first meeting,¡± Captain Oblek opened his hands and stepped forward away from the semi-circle of troops under his command. ¡°Commander Sally has ordered you to comply with my directions in the matter of finding the thief and bringing them in.¡±


    Norbert turns to Vivienne, ¡°Hey witch, what judiciary power do these guys have?¡±


    Oblek opens his mouth to respond, but Norbert stops him, holding a hand up to stop the man from talking, knowing he would give a biased opinion. He waits for Vivienne to talk and gives her own biased opinion in trying to sway Norbert.


    Vivienne turns to them, ¡°There is no jurisdiction outside of this city. They only, truly hold sway when a tournament is on.¡±


    Norbert raised a single eyebrow at Captain Oblek, waiting to see if the man dared speak.


    ¡°Will they interrupt anyone from competing?¡±


    Vivienne beckoned for Captain Oblek to answer Norbert¡¯s last question.


    ¡°There will be no direct interruption to the tournament and the competitors once they are secured within their rooms.¡± The Captain quoted from a passage previously memorised.


    ¡°But then I¡¯d have another group of people trying to chase after me. And this one even inside the colosseum, that would be very annoying.¡± Norbert nodded to what Captain Oblek was speaking, tilting his head to the side and behind, waiting for Vivienne to give her counterpoint.


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    Obsius nearly fell off his head in the motion, talons digging into his skin and holding onto his hair with her beak.


    ¡°Just ask Luck which choice to make.¡±


    ¡°Pshhh, like a god, even one of that calibre would answer anyone¡¯s prayers.¡±


    Norbert turns to Captain Oblek, ¡°Your idea of convincing me is to insult the goddess I follow?¡±


    Captain Oblek closed his eyes for a moment, breathing out slowly before opening them again. ¡°You follow, out of all the gods, Luck? Just my luck.¡±


    ¡°You know what? That sounds like a wonderful idea, something that hasn¡¯t strayed me in the wrong,¡± Norbert told them as he picked up a coin from his pouch and flicked it into the air, catching it in one hand and closing it so nobody could see the results.


    ¡°Heads, I go with you,¡± Norbert said, pointing to Captain Oblek before spinning his body around. ¡°And tails with her.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re putting this to a coin toss?¡± Captain Oblek asked. Norbert spun back around, seeing the guards had taken a step closer, having formed the semi-circle just a bit tighter around the trio of potential robbers.


    ¡°You''re making it really easy for me not to hand you over the blood orb right now. Only the annoyance you will provide is stopping me from not giving you this,¡± Norbert told him, raising the sack slightly.


    Captain Oblek¡¯s moustache started quivering in the air. Norbert saw the twirled facial hair shake about as the man tried to comprehend what


    ¡°You''re flippant. Now get this scam over with and pass the orb over here.¡± Captain Oblek nearly screamed at Norbert, his face turning beet red and starting to shake about with the moustache.


    The guards on either side look to their captain for direction, if they should just go in and take it. Norbert watched as the two sides battled before they finally stilled.


    Letting the tension grow in the air, he opened his hand and looked down at the side of the coin facing him.


    Smiling, he turned to Vivienne. "You''re not going to like this,¡± he said, taking a step towards Captain Oblek and the guards.


    He placed the coin back in his coin pouch and took several more steps until he was in front of Captain Oblek. ¡°I just have two questions?¡±


    Captain Oblek is standing there, the spears no longer pointing towards him, but Vivienne and Norbert are wondering what expression she is currently making. ¡°First, how did you find out we were here?¡±


    ¡°A Tracking spell was placed on the equipment you were wearing when you entered the safe, something a maintenance runer wouldn¡¯t enter unless permission were explicitly given.¡±


    Norbert turns to Vivienne, having his back to Captain Oblek, ¡°Did the great witch not find it?¡±


    ¡°Thought my lucky charm was working.¡± The witch giving her excuse.


    ¡°Now, what¡¯s the second question?¡± Captain Oblek interrupted the exchange between the two former companions.


    ¡°I hate your moustache, the way it wiggles whenever you move your face, like another pair of lips trying to talk over you. It''s quite annoying; how do you even keep that clean? I imagine that it will get all over it anytime you have something to eat. Do you always care for it whenever someone isn¡¯t around? Is that why you always seemed annoyed whenever we exchanged, wanting to be somewhere else? Did you picture your placement here as something else? You wouldn¡¯t be stuck in some random city in the middle of a desert with only something going on occasionally. Or are you the expert, coming in from the holiday home that you¡¯ve been living there for over twenty years, the only part of yourself you can properly control being the moustache that you have slowly grown out and is a souvenir of your dedication to the craft?¡± Norbert asked Captain Oblek, the silence ensuing from


    ¡°You are insufferable, and that wasn¡¯t a question.¡±


    ¡°I know. It just sounds better than saying I have a question and a rant about your moustache,¡± Norbert said, taking another step closer until the two men¡¯s noses were almost touching. ¡°It''s not like you will need to care about it for long.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± The question came from multiple mouths around Norbert.


    Stepping forward, Norbert gripped onto the left side of the moustache and pulled down, the captain''s head jerking down until he stopped himself from smashing his face into the ground.


    AAAAAAAAHHHH


    The resulting scream filled the silence, the shuffling of feet as the guards changed their position, now the spears pointing towards him, the hostility apparent on their faces, not liking Norbert¡¯s current reaction at all.


    ¡°I¡¯ll never forget the face you''re making. Can¡¯t wait to see the other side!¡± Norbert shouted, taking a runner''s start as he shot off from the mark. The face of bewilderment from having his facial hair removed, the welt already forming where the skin had been aggravated from Norbert¡¯s quick removal. Spots of blood appeared, turning the once formal and regal face into one of anger.


    Having passed them, Norbert grabbed onto Obsius. He stuffed him inside the jacket, the bird struggling momentarily as Norbert let her go, the white speckles going upwards until they disappeared underneath the cavern ceiling.


    I heard shouts from behind as Norbert raced along the streets. He did not care about his direction; he just wanted to get away from the Colosseum. People pointed and shouted at him, and the guard was being chased by the other guards.


    Taking a left down a side street, Norbert sprinted across before going down another man, trying to lose them as he went further away from the colosseum. Knowing if he went far enough away, there would be fewer places to hide as the wealthy congregated there.

 Chapter 326 An Extra Passenger

    He stopped in an alleyway and held his breath as he listened to the hustle and bustle of the city around him. Hearing a commotion behind him, the longer he sat and listened, the worse it became, growing ever closer. Resting his back against the wall, trying to blend into the surroundings of the alleyway. Crates from shops on either side of him, previously used to contain food, Norbert peeked into and saw only several vegetables, some going black and spotty.


    Covering his mouth with his hand, Norbert took a step away. The smell hit him, a wave overcoming his senses, causing an increased commotion on the main street that was slowly getting pushed away from him but growing louder as it echoed around the alleyway he currently resided in.


    Boiled cabbages and rotten mushrooms fought within Norbert¡¯s nose to determine which one was the most overpowering smell. Neither could override the other, as Norbert also had to cover his mouth and start swallowing bile before whatever contents were still in his stomach would come out.


    Continuing through the alleyway out the other side, Norbert took the biggest breath possible of clean air. The lack of wind caused him to grimace slightly, and he turned around and spit most of the bile out into the alleyway.


    Patting his coin pouch, Norbert went away from the commotion behind him, making a quick turnaround to gauge his sense of direction. He paused in the middle of the street as he finally saw what the commotion was.


    The citizens of the under city were rioting, people and things pushing out, forcing the second group not to continue forward.


    ¡°One of them made it through!¡± A voice shouted from the other side of the street.


    Turning to the outcry, he saw a banshee pointing at him. His mouth was spread open, and the air rippled in front of him, hitting him and blasting him off his feet back into the alleyway he had just exited from. Smashing into sets of crates, the wood splintered and stung his arms and back. The only thing he had to make sure of was holding onto the sack it was all about.


    Impacting off the wall, one of the crates finally took his weight as he fell into one, arms and legs on the outside of it, a wet liquid licking at his backside. He stared up at the cavern ceiling, his pants getting wetter and wetter, the smell once more hitting him, pushing against the crate, breaking it into pieces, and falling to the ground with a squelch.


    Lifting his head, he saw people rush inside the alleyway, haltering slightly as the stench of the place confronted them. Getting to his feet, Norbert skittered the way he had first entered in several leaps, making it to the other side, not caring about the uniform getting wrecked now. The energy coursed through his body; the fabric of the guard uniform was already tearing and fraying from his musings through the under city.


    Taking a left, Norbert sprinted down the city, no longer caring for being hidden, as he started tearing the guard uniform off him. The coat got flung behind, and the sack was carried over his shoulder, the fibres rubbing against his skin with his jostling.


    Jumping onto one of the roofs, he slowed down as he turned around, seeing the ruckus of the riot dying down now. The guards of the Colosseum were now off the streets, pushed back to the area they were authorised to protect and stand watch.


    There were no more spells shooting about that he would need to avoid. He was just able to focus on heading back to the mansion, jumping to the next rooftop, and no longer hearing the whales of the banshee that had surprised him at the start.


    Jumping to the next one, Norbert windmilled his arms. The sack of the robber''s items went wild as he tried to stop himself in mid-air so as not to crash into the child staring up at him. The ball they had been bouncing against the ledge rolled away.


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    Nicking the child, Norbert grabbed onto them as he continued, skidding across the roof, the sack tumbling about, hitting the ledge where it precariously tried to tip over.


    Unable to stop himself in time without hurting the child now in his arms, Norbert leapt across the main street with a stall underneath him and onto the angled roof on the other side.


    Feet scrambling to get a grip, flipping his body around, Norbert jammed his hand into the roof tiles, feeling them slip and break under his fingertips.


    Curling his face and biting on his lower lip, Norbert reached further in, impacting with a beam as his hand tried to grab on desperately. Arm jolted as his body cut into the roof tiles. Norbert raised his knees, trying to take the brunt of the force.


    Pulling himself up, Norbert sat on the beam that stopped his fall, the child shaking in his arms. Dangling his legs over the room below him, Norbert held the child briefly as he looked down at them.


    The single black eye they had, the whites of what he was used to now wholly black, an iris of golden dazzling him in the wreckage. Quickly looking over the child, Norbert noted only a slight grazing on their foot from his fall.


    Looking the girl in her eyes, Norbert smiled. ¡°Now, who have I picked up this time?¡±


    The girl shrank up in response, pulling her legs up so Norbert was holding her in the air. She covered her face with her hands and looked away to the street. Pausing for a moment, she leapt straight onto Norbert, wrapping her arms around his neck as tightly as her small arms could.


    Norbert patted her on the head, feeling the coarse brown hair through his fingertips, thankful that his hands weren¡¯t getting wet. He heard shouts from down below as people walking by started pointing at him from the stalls underneath. Tent flaps and awnings of grey and black coverings filled most of the street.


    Jolting off the beam, Norbert slid onto the rest of the roof, the tiles breaking underfoot. He kicked off the wall as a surge of debris followed him¡ªshouts from below as shoppers quickly went out of the way of the man falling from the sky.


    Norbert delicately landed on his feet, looking up at the house where he had met the girl. He saw part of his sack just lying there. Turning to the girl, he felt her hold still shake around his neck. ¡°Can you direct me to the front door?¡± Norbert asked her as the last debris stopped falling from the sky.


    The girl unwrapped one of her hands from around Norbert¡¯s neck and pointed down the end of the street and around the corner. Following the direction given, smiling as he continued to walk at the passers-by, the murmurs and looks given when they didn¡¯t think Norbert was looking at them, only for the person to shuffle off, turning around and pretending to continue with their day, that there was nothing to see with the pair.


    Looking down at himself, his coat having wholly been removed, the undershirt ruined and tared the girls shaking under him. Turning the corner, Norbert patted the girl on the head as she looked around again, pointing to the first house on the corner, the door still closed, hearing a slight commotion from inside.


    Knocking on the front door, the black metal used to connect the pieces staining the white wood around it. Lines of rust falling down the door, skipping over knicks and cracks made in the door. Shuffling on one foot to the other as he waited for someone to open the door, a tinkling sound came from the ground next to his feet.


    Knocking again, he did not hear anything more as the other side of the door became quiet. Whistling in boredom, he tapped his foot on the ground. A sharp pain shot from the ball of his foot. Stopping his tapping, Norbert looked under to see what had dug in.


    A piece of pottery had been smashed against the door, the pieces shattering and scattering about, picking the piece off before flicking it away.


    ¡°FREAK!¡±


    Norbert half-turned as he located the source of the outcry, only to see an object hurtling to his face. Closing his eyes, a liquid covered his face, drenching his body as the smell hit him once more. His face smelling foul, his pants soiled, Norbert just looked down at the girl still clutching him, smiling, seeing her spared from the filth that was thrown at him.


    Still hearing no response, Norbert reached for the door handle, halting his hand as he changed his vision to magic. He confirmed no spells or runes lingering on the door handle, to exact some punishment on anyone that would enter without permission.


    Pulling the door towards him, the broken rubbish being swept away and onto the street, Norbert took a step inside as he looked about. The child in his hands wriggled her way out of his grip. He placed her on the ground, closed the door behind him as he was surrounded by darkness, and heard the pitter-patter of steps going upstairs.

 Chapter 327 Oh, that

    Changing his vision, the darkness peeling away, the edges making up the room popping out at him. Looking up, seeing the stairwell that the child had scrambled up from, Norbert looked around the small room. A table in the centre, two chairs sitting on each side, waiting to be used. Eyes glancing over the small kitchen, just a sink and a cupboard underneath it, on the counter to the side, Norbert saw a set of plates and cutlery, crusted food on the utensils, waiting to be washed up.


    In the confined space, the smell clinging to his clothes and body started to sting his nose. Running his hand near the faucet, not feeling any taps, just the smooth stone slab, Norbert nodded in defeat; the smell would cling onto him a bit longer.


    Hearing chatter and a joyous cry upstairs, Norbert stalled for a moment, his foot on the first step as he contemplated how vital the blood orb would be¡ªa nudging in the back of his mind warning him of the witch''s capabilities. A shiver went up Norbert¡¯s spine, and he resolved into action as he started climbing the stairs.


    ¡°How come you went outside?¡± an overjoyed voice said. Norbert looked up, the ceiling staring back at him. This room had more light, a skylight in one of the corners, and a ladder leading up to the rooftop.


    ¡°A man took me.¡± The girl spoke back.


    Norbert sneaked around, trying not to disturb their moment, as the little girl pointed straight at Norbert. Frozen as the accusing finger, the parental figure turned at the outstretched hand, eyes falling onto Norbert¡¯s dishevelled and vile form.


    Giving a smile and a half wave, Norbert quickly explained, ¡°Sorry about that. I ran through the city and accidentally clipped your girl and took her into the other building, but there was only a small scrape on her foot from the small adventure.¡± He stared at the parental figure, both hands open and outstretched, showing he had nothing on hand.


    The father turned back to his daughter, clutching her once more. The man who put her at risk was now gone from his mind. Norbert stood there for a moment, fiddling with his thumbs as he waited for the father to engage with him once more.


    The father having completely dismissed Norbert from his mind, as Norbert to dismissed the family, looking up at the ceiling, where the sack still sat on the roof, Norbert scampered up the ladder and onto the roof. Finding the sack still leaning against the rim of the roof, Norbert strode over to it, opening it up as he looked down, the blood orb still there with all his other tools.


    He breathed out a sigh, his body properly relaxing as he gazed over the street below him. No guards were moving about, and no people were searching in hives for him.


    ¡°That¡¯s the person!¡± Someone shouted from below, pointing straight up at Norbert.


    Frozen, ready to pounce away at the first sign of a spell or object being flung his way, turning his head to the person pointing and shouting at him, Norbert shouted back, ¡°What are you accusing me of?¡±


    The crowd of people was just pointing to the house on the other side, Norbert curling his face as he winced. Half of the mansion was on the other side, and Norbert saw the clear divide with the stall. The other houses on the other side of the street were getting bigger and showing signs of more affluence.


    Gardens and courtyards grew deeper and deeper outside the property, and every street went further back. The houses grew larger; Norbert saw their roofs peek over their neighbour, who was closer to Norbert. Statues were popping up on the stone fence posts, and depictions of people in more intense forms of pain withering on their faces.


    ¡°Oh, that¡±


    ¡°Yes, that. Now come down here and pay for the damages!¡± the person shouted accusingly at Norbert again.


    Staring down at the man, the cut of his clothes looking slightly better, the colours more vibrant in their difference bouncing off from one to the other. Clear lines showing where one ended and the next began.


    ¡°Come in, meet me inside where we won''t be disturbed!¡± Norbert shouted back. The man shouted up to Norbert in reply, freezing for a moment before nodding slowly and heading to the front of the house. Everyone else made way for the man, who trudged towards the door.


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    Norbert slung his sack over his shoulder and made his way downstairs, walking to the hole in the roof.


    ¡°And that¡¯s when he jumped down!¡± The girl told her doting parent.


    Norbert looked between the two of them. ¡°Is it all good if I have a discussion with someone about the damages I did downstairs?¡±


    ¡°If you can get them to come in.¡± The father told Norbert.


    Norbert pauses at the top of the stairs. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t know, it doesn¡¯t matter now; don¡¯t like talking about it with her around.¡± The father motioned to the child who had walked away, climbing up the ladder to get onto the roof. There will be plenty of people who will tell you.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, walking down the steps as he heard a slight patter on the door outside. ¡°And thank you for not shying away from my daughter,¡± the man whispered out, Norbert just barely able to hear it over the rapping on the front door.


    ¡°Coming!¡± Norbert shouted, making it down the several steps to the bottom. Swinging the door forward a bit, the wooden door got stuck on something, stopping it from opening fully.


    Pulling it slightly back in, Norbert tried again, the door swinging properly out this time. He looked at what could have caused the door to malfunction momentarily. The man who had shouted at Norbert was now standing before him, taking a half step back.


    Norbert looked towards the person, watching as their face twisted into a look of disgust. He stepped to the side, holding his arm out, waiting, and invited the disgruntled man inside.


    The man nodded to himself before walking in and heading to one of the chairs at the table. Norbert closed the door, surrounded by darkness, as he changed his vision, the world becoming greys and edges once more.


    Making his way to the other chair, he could see the stairway and the door leading outside from his position. Dropping the sack on the ground with a clang, the accuser of the damages jumped at the sound, his head focusing on the ground where the tools rattled against each other.


    Turning to the man, Norbert did not see anything identifying him as a Grimm on his face or hands, the only parts of the body that Norbert could see.


    ¡°You asked about payment for damages?¡± Norbert asked the man, placing his hands entwined on the table.


    ¡°Oh yes ¡­ the damages.¡±


    ¡°The damages for your roof?¡± Norbert asked again, the eyes of the man opposite him jerking around, looking out for something.


    ¡°Oh yes, the damages. If you could pay for them, then I can be on my way.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, reaching for his coin pouch. The man in front of him tensed momentarily, only to relax when the pouch appeared.


    Norbert pulled out a silver coin, sliding it across the table. ¡°Will this be enough?¡±


    The man did not even look at the coin, just swiping it and nodding his head before walking out of the room, heading straight towards the door and opening it up. Light floods the place, and the man looks noticeably paler than Norbert¡¯s first interaction with him.


    The man, taking a breath in the outside air, turned around before shouting out, ¡°This won¡¯t be the last you hear from me!¡± The door slammed shut afterwards.


    Norbert is just staring at the door, wondering what the man could be talking about. He does not want this to turn into an issue later; it is better to nip things in the bud at the start.


    Taking the sack, slung over his shoulder again, Norbert shouted up the stairs, ¡°I¡¯ll be on my way now; best of luck!¡±


    Opening the door once again, he hopped outside. He changed his vision, closed his eyes, and waited for them to adjust so he didn¡¯t blind himself. Closing the door behind him, he saw the people look out, shocked at his arrival. Norbert scanned over the crowd, looking at the man he had just had an agreement with.


    Spotting him walking away, back to their place, ¡°Is this what you meant!¡± Norbert bellowed out, not caring for being subtle at all, his voice echoing around the streets, everyone freezing as the offended man stopped and slowly turned around.


    Norbert trudged down towards him, looking the man straight in the eye. ¡°We agreed previously that it was done; no issues here.


    ¡°You''re out of your depth, Moren. Don''t go back before you get in any more trouble,¡± the man whispered to Norbert, his eyes once more skittering around to those around him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not moving until we agree it''s over. You accepted the coin, and now there is nothing more for me to repay.¡±


    ¡°You think a silver is worth that?¡± The man shouted, pointing at the roof that Norbert had damaged.


    ¡°Oh god no, but you taking the coin, that you currently hold, is you accepting the deal made inside. The time for bargaining is over. Now, I don¡¯t want any more issues with you or for you to exact some kind of petty revenge on the house we just left.¡± Norbert growled out, taking a step forward onto the man''s boot, pushing down as he started to feel the foot flatten out.


    ¡°You¡¯re a crook.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re a bully. Can we stop the name-calling and be on our way.¡± Norbert tried to convince the man, lightening up off the foot he had just treaded on. Sighing to himself, he continued, ¡°I still need to drop an item off at Vivienne¡¯s.¡±


    The name causes the man to stop for a moment ¡°The witch Vivienne?¡±


    ¡°Precisely that one. Say, do you know where her mansion is? It would save me some time and be a real favour.¡±


    ¡°Of course, it''s over there three streets down, then head left.¡± The man quickly sounded off.


    Norbert nodded as he went in the direction he had been indicated.


    Norbert stopped, realising he never received his name. ¡°By the way, what¡¯s your name?¡±

 Chapter 328 The Cursed Child

    Norbert walked into the main room, seeing it was still in the heist setup, which he had last left. He placed the sack on the table and, tossing the opening over to her, jumped onto the table and sat on it. ¡°Do you know who Franstran is?¡± Norbert asked Vivienne.


    Vivienne tapped her chin for a moment. ¡°Right next to the market?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the one. I had an altercation with him. I thought it was all sorted out, but then, once outside, he was about to cause a scene. Saying your name calmed it all down, and I told him I had a package to deliver.¡± Norbert pointed towards the sack dumped on the table.


    ¡°He¡¯s a bit of a prickly pear, that one. What were you doing to catch his attention?¡± Vivienne asked him.


    Norbert quickly recounts his story about being chased after by people, thinking he was with one of the guards, nearly taking the child out, damaging the roof and talking with Franstran in the house where he dropped the girl off.


    ¡°And nobody told you why the building is like that?¡± Vivienne asked Norbert.


    He shook his head in response, only for Vivienne to move her head sideways. ¡°Trust you to find the cursed child out of everyone in this city.¡±


    ¡°Cursed child?¡± Norbert asked her, looking down at himself, not seeing any weird growths or spots now developed on him.


    ¡°That¡¯s just what they are called, those that can control the dead.¡±


    ¡°You mean necromancers?¡± Norbert questioned.


    ¡°That is what a cursed child can become, one of the few paths for them. One of the better paths.¡± Vivienne no longer looked at Norbert but passed him.


    Norbert swallowing. ¡°What are the other paths?¡±


    ¡°Being killed, starved by neglect, or used for research. Wait, was this the little girl living with her father?¡± Vivienne asked him.


    Norbert nodded, ¡°Yes, with a single black eye where it should be white and a golden iris.¡±


    ¡°Enid, a bright child who was given a hard life from the start.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up with her? She is living with no lights on and marks on the door. A father that doesn¡¯t open the door when someone is banging on it after losing their daughter?¡± Norbert asked, trying to picture a situation leading to that scenario in his head.


    ¡°The main reason people say they are cursed is due to being like you; they cannot activate runes or any conventional magic. Only raising and communicating with the dead.¡± Vivienne explained to him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t see that being much of an issue. Not like most here are dead.¡± Norbert speaks his thoughts to Vivienne.


    ¡°Maybe for you and everyone else above. But to a Grimm, we are already one step into the grave, the only difference between each other is how close the second foot is.¡±


    ¡°Are you dead?¡± Norbert asked, looking around the room to see if anyone else was there.


    ¡°Only slightly though that¡¯s a discussion for another day. But there are some a lot closer. Take the skeletons, ghouls and zombies you see. Those are the closest, most susceptible to a necromancer''s doings. Like our friend Franstran.¡±


    Norbert nods his head before pausing. ¡°But he looks normal,¡± Norbert asked. Vivienne gave him a single look with his eye, gulping as he corrected himself. ¡°As a Morenas or a Moren as Franstran called me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, he''s a zombie, flesh half decomposing and falling off, a human if you will, like yourself before being infected by the Grimm and turning into that. Forced to embrace his new place in life, he''s bitter to anyone and anything that disturbs him even slightly.¡± Vivienne explained to Norbert, the pretence in her eyes gone.


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    ¡°Back to Enid? Why is she living like that, especially this far away from the Colosseum?¡± Norbert changed the conversation back to what he had asked before.


    ¡°Enid, a child from a family that was once well off, with a mother''s death and a father who needed to pick up the pieces, was forced out of Grimm and here, the small fortune they had amassed before, now gone after slowly being chipped away from the hardships of life.¡±


    ¡°And do you know why they live in the dark? It mustn¡¯t be that hard to power a rune for him?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Because the father likes it that way. With no lights on, there is less of a chance of people disturbing them.¡±


    Norbert frowned, remembering the girl playing with her ball on the rooftop. ¡°Guess Enid wanted some fresh air, but how do you know so much about this family being harassed?¡± Norbert asked, hopping off the table and turning around to look at Vivienne.


    ¡°Having a potential necromancer on hand is handy,¡± Vivienne shrugs to Norbert, giving all the explanation needed.


    Norbert was just shaking his head. ¡°You have your plans. Now what about this blood orb?¡± Norbert asked, pointing towards the sack he had left on the table.


    ¡°That, nothing much, just waiting for the person to pick it up.¡± Vivienne picked up the documents needed for the heist, but the information was no longer needed.


    ¡°So you''re not even going to use it for your witchy work?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Oh heavens no, I have no use for it at all; it¡¯s something worthy of a trade.¡± Vivienne told Norbert.


    Norbert opened his mouth; a knock came from the study''s door. Vivienne held her hand up to quiet Norbert before he spoke anything more.


    ¡°Come in!¡± Vivienne to the person outside as she rummaged around in the sack, pulling out the blood orb and resting it on a podium, Norbert hadn¡¯t seen before, now sitting on the desk.


    Norbert turned to see who was walking in, stopping as the vampire beamed back at him, ¡°Norbert, what are you doing here?¡±


    Count von Count walked forward, arms outstretched, waiting to give Norbert a hug. Stepping forward away from the table, Norbert opened his arms out.


    Norbert closed in for the embrace as Count von Count stepped backwards, pinching his nose as the other hand waved it in front of his face. ¡°You reek, dude, what did you do? Jump into a sewer?¡±


    Norbert punches Count von Count in the shoulder. ¡°Really, dude, you disappear after me dropping you off here, and not even mentioning about you picking up what I ran around a heavily guarded building for? And the outfit?¡± Norbert asks, pointing towards the sack with the coin, the only piece of original costume Norbert still has.


    ¡°The outfit is iconic, something to get you in the mood.¡± Count von Count told him, stepping around Norbert as he rubbed his hands together. ¡°Now, where is this blood orb of mine.¡±


    Norbert stepped back in front of Count von Count, going in-between the vampire and what he came there for. ¡°You''re not going to get around me that easily; why didn¡¯t you just go and collect it from the colosseum yourself? Or just tell me you wanted it collected rather than this weird scheme of putting us in touch by recommending me to stay at a tavern completely hostile to me.¡± Norbert crossed his arms in front of him.


    ¡°Plans within plans, my boy. Some things are better for you not to know; keep that innocence a tad bit longer.¡± Count von Count patted Norbert on the shoulder, stepping around the scout and in front of the table. ¡°Oh, and just for your future reference¡±, Count von Count added as he turned his head ", it''s tough to take a person seriously when they are in rags and have soiled their pants.¡±


    Norbert opened his mouth, only to close it again, not having anything to come up that would be a relatable reply.


    ¡°So that¡¯s mine?¡± Count von Count asked, leaning over the table as his hand reached for the orb on its wooden pedestal.


    ¡°Not so fast, cowboy, first, hand over the goods,¡± Vivienne told him as she reached over, blocking the vampire''s hand from reaching the orb.


    Count von Count, tilting his head slightly at Vivienne¡¯s words, teaching as he reached inside his top, pulling out an envelope and sliding it across the table.


    Vivienne kept a hand on the orb as she slowly dragged it over to her, out of Count von Count''s reach. Safe out of the vampire''s clutches, she opened the envelope, Count von Count turning to Norbert. ¡°Is there Anything interesting that I don¡¯t know about?¡± the vampire asked Norbert.


    Standing there for a moment, thinking about it, Norbert only drew blanks: ¡°Not really, other than the fight with Arzlan and this¡­¡± Norbert trailed off as he continued to think, something tickling at the back of his mind.


    Count von Count just stood there, waiting for Norbert to reply. ¡°I¡¯m not going to ask you anything until you spit out what¡¯s on your mind.¡±


    Norbert burrows his brows together as he continues to think. Tapping his fingers on his coin pouch, the coins clink as the gears in his mind begin to turn. Hearing them pitter against something, Norbert reaches in for what it is as it comes to him, opening it up and seeing the envelope there.


    ¡°Oh, does one of you know of this place called Swallowed Tower? I was told it''s somewhere in Grimm,¡± Norbert asked as he closed the pouch back up.


    Vivienne looked up from her own letter as she started at Count von Count, her eyes flicking across to Norbert and back to the vampire. Norbert saw the vampires make several jerky movements in their arms.


    ¡°So sweetie,¡± Vivienne richly asked him, ¡°who told you about that place?¡±

 Chapter 329 Toodaloo

    Norbert looked between the two of them, sighing as he spoke, ¡°How much trouble am I in now?¡±


    Count von Count draped his arm over Norbert¡¯s shoulder. "You''re not in trouble; I just want to know who told you about it.¡±


    ¡°Only if you tell me where it''s located.¡± Norbert retorted back, taking Count von Count''s arm and dropping it from around Norbert¡¯s shoulder.


    Count von Count nodded. ¡°Swear on a vampire.¡± At the same time, making an x on his heart.


    ¡°Does that work?¡±


    Count von Count shrugging: ¡°It does if it makes you feel better.¡±


    ¡°So I will take that as a no, then,¡± Norbert said, conforming to the vampire, who nodded his head in confirmation.


    ¡°Can you please stop this tryst?¡± Vivienne flicks her finger from Norbert to Count von Count. ¡°And just tell us who told you about Swallowed Tower.¡±


    ¡°The traveller person who took me around wanted to deliver a letter to someone there,¡± Norbert said, patting his pouch again.


    Vivienne continued to stare at Norbert. ¡°And the name of the person?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see how knowing the name would help me locate this place,¡± Norbert crossing his arms in front of him.


    Vivienne looked at Count von Count, the vampire scratching the back of his head, giving a slight shrug. Turning to Norbert Count von Count, Count speaks, ¡°Head to Grimm. Then, just ask for the place. You might need to exercise, but keep moving, and you will make it. Or don¡¯t. I¡¯m sure the little goddess watching over you will steer you in the right direction.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, looking up at the ceiling. He shouted, ¡°You hear that, Luck. It looks like someone is on your tail.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to shout when I¡¯m right here.¡± Luck spoke from behind his shoulder.


    He spun around, opening his arms wide as he hugged the goddess. Feeling the woman¡¯s arms wrap around his body, Norbert stayed there momentarily. Feeling a set of eyes drilling into his back, Norbert slowly let go of the goddess. He turned around and saw Vivienne wholly frozen.


    ¡°Do you know what you did wrong?¡± Lady Luck asked Vivienne, taking a step toward the woman and seemingly phasing to the other side of the table.


    Vivienne¡¯s mouth slowly opened as she nodded.


    ¡°And will you do it again?¡± Lady Luck asked the witch.


    Vivienne shook her head, slowly making the woman¡¯s face smaller and paler.


    Luck beamed back at Vivienne as she walked around. ¡°Now, is there anything else you want to ask?¡±


    Norbert just shrugged. ¡°Nah, it''s all good for me. Thanks for dropping by unannounced. It''s always good to see you. Maybe we should have some tea next time?¡±


    Lady Luck smiled, ¡°A tea sounds wonderful.¡± Fading away into a stream of motes of light, a hint of floral tea filled his nose.


    Norbert breathed in the last vestiges before they disappeared from his nose. Then, turning around to Vivienne, the movement unfreezed the witch. ¡°What was that about?¡±


    ¡°Nothing to concern you with.¡± Vivienne grumbled to Norbert.


    Turning to Count von Count, only to not see him. The sound of the door opening grabbed his attention as Norbert saw the vampire with the sack in tow leaving the room.


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    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°No other reason to stay, and she will need some time to recover.¡±


    Norbert turns to Vivienne. ¡°Recover from what?¡±


    ¡°Irking a god. Now I better be off. I have a blood orb to make good use of, so toodaloo,¡± said Count von Count, closing the door to the main room behind him.


    Norbert turned to Obsius. ¡°What was all that about?¡±


    The bird tweeted to Norbert, jumping up and landing


    ¡°You¡¯ll be ok?¡± Norbert asked Vivienne, watching as she just mindlessly gazed ahead, not registering Norbert''s words.


    Norbert, not seeing what else he could do, picked up Obsius and placed the bird on his head, heading towards the door, his hand hovering over the handle, hoping someone would swing them open.


    Holding his breath for a moment in hope, Norbert gripped the door and flung it open, quickly stepping through as the door slammed back on him. Breathing out in relief, the butler stood at the main doors and walked towards Norbert.


    ¡°Vivienne might need some assistance,¡± Norbert suggested to the butler. The servant increased his step even faster, stepped past Norbert, and opened the doors, watching Vivienne as she hadn¡¯t moved at all.


    ¡°What happened to her?¡± The butler asked himself.


    ¡°Irking a goddess with her past actions?¡± Norbert suggested to the butler.


    The butler turned to Norbert, ¡°Thank you for the assistance, but we can take it from here.¡± The doors creaked shut without anyone¡¯s assistance. The two pieces slammed shut, and the snakes on the door handle hissed slightly when clicking into place.


    Standing there, Norbert wondered what to do as Obsius pecked at his forehead. Looking down at his body, seeing the holes in his clothes, Norbert resided, knowing he would need to replace these with a new set before he went outside again.


    Quickly making his way up the stairs, he passed by the mirror as he looked the other way, making sure not to look at his reflection. Heading into his room, Norbert quickly got changed, and Obsius fluttered around and looked out the window.


    Once he was dressed again, he patted himself down; he confirmed his clothes weren¡¯t caught on anything, and none of them were ruffled. Attaching his daggers to his body once more, Norbert reached out to place a sword on his belt, his hand grasping nothing. Connecting the two pieces of the helmet together, he found little comfort in the weight on his head.


    Looking in the chest, he found nothing to weigh that side down. Norbert closed the lid, feeling the coins in his pouch had enough for what he intended to do.


    ¡°Heading out for some food, want to come?¡± Norbert asked the bird, seeing if it would fly in through the window and land on Norbert¡¯s head, eager to go outside. Patting the bird, Norbert exited the room, closing the door as he listened, not hearing any other sounds from around the mansion.


    He made his way down the stairs, hand hovering above the handrail, and quickly exited out of the mansion''s main doors. Closing them behind him, Norbert skipped to the iron gate, hearing it squeak as he opened it. He looked up at the sky to check the time, only the cavern above his head.


    Turning his way around, trying to remember where the street stands for food was as he looked about, he saw a mote of light appear in the sky. Following the lane closer toward the Colosseum, Norbert headed in that direction.


    Obsius chirped, ¡°Yes, we will get you some food, but first, we need to make a stop.¡±


    ***


    With a sack full of food, Norbert banged on the scarred and damaged door, tapping his foot on the ground as he waited. He felt people staring at him, whispers flowing off his back.


    Obsius is twittering in his ear.


    ¡°It''s more annoying that they are trying to be stealthy about it rather than coming out and saying it to my face,¡± Norbert grunted to the bird. The whisperings behind him died down, having heard Norbert¡¯s conversation with the friend on his shoulder.


    Banging on the door once again, Norbert whistled as he continued to tap. Looking around the corner at the street vendors, he saw the damaged roof on the other side of the street still had a hole in it.


    Smiling slightly at that, Norbert knocked on the door again, still not hearing a response from those inside. Taking the handle, Norbert twisted it open, letting the small amount of trash that had accumulated in front of the door be swept to the side.


    Stepping inside, Norbert gave a slight wave to the onlookers as he closed the door. Hearing steps move upstairs, he saw Enid stare up at him, ball in hand. ¡°Your back!¡± she shouted to him, dropping the ball in shock.


    Norbert smiled, removing the helmet and placing it on the table. Placing the sack of food next to it, Norbert looked at the cabinets, opened them up, and noticed the cutlery, plates, and a small amount of food. He took what he assumed to be a vegetable out, sniffed it, and slightly squished it, the rigidity of the vegetable gone, turning to mush.


    They heard rustling behind him, looked around and saw Enid¡¯s cheeks stuffed with food and frozen as she looked, tensing up, ready to react to Norbert.


    Smiling, Norbert went to the table, taking a chair out as he sat. ¡°It¡¯s yours to have. And your fathers.¡±


    Enid nodded her head as she took another piece out of the sack. Obsius hopped down from him, walked towards the sack and going inside. Norbert sat back as he spun his helmet towards him, looking into its empty eyes.

 Chapter 330 Interrogation

    Norbert stares into the mask, his finger trailing over the edges before falling off. Taking it in his hands, Norbert pops it off, breaks it apart, reveals the jagged edge, spins the black metal around, and trails his finger inside, feeling the runes etched into the metal.


    ¡°Is your father upstairs?¡± Norbert asked, watching as Enid slowed down her eating.


    ¡°No, he went out.¡±


    Norbert nodded. ¡°Do you know when he will be back?¡±


    ¡°Later,¡± Enid replied, pushing the chair back with her in it, hopping off, and heading up the stairs. Norbert stayed where he was, flicking his thumbs together as he waited for the father to return.


    ***


    The door opened, and light flooded the room as a man limped inside. Norbert turned to him, clicking the two helmet pieces together and drumming his fingertips on the top. The sound echoed around the entire room.


    The man froze at the unexpected sound, slowly turning to Norbert. Pointing to the seat opposite him, the man gently closed the door and walked over to Norbert as he sat down, tapping his hands on the table as he looked up at Norbert.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Norbert questioned the man.


    The man¡¯s hands no longer tapping together, staring into Norbert''s eyes. ¡°Out and about.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, ¡°And leaving your daughter here alone?¡±


    ¡°She can¡¯t go outside.¡±


    ¡°And why not?¡± Norbert asked. Obsius came out and chirped at Norbert. For a moment, he looked at the bird, a faint smile on his face and a nod of his head. The bird alighted off the table and flew up the stairs.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t take you for a fool; maybe the rumours are true. But you¡¯ve seen the door, the looks they gave her when you walked across the street with her in your arms?¡± The father spoke, gesturing behind him to where the stalls were. And yet, you ask me why I don¡¯t let my daughter out there?¡±


    ¡°It''s not good for her to be locked up.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you have any right to come into my house and tell me how to raise my daughter?¡± the man questioned Norbert. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, she could be out there right now!¡± the father''s booming voice echoed out of his mouth. Norbert felt his helmet vibrate underneath his hand.


    Sighing at how the question was divulging to ¡°Quite a voice you have there.¡± Continuing to tap on the helmet as he thought of what to say next.


    The father saw that Norbert was not going to add anything more except tapping the helmet. The father opened the bag, examining the contents of what Norbert had brought.


    Taking out a piece that Norbert thought to be a carrot, pointing the vegetable at Norbert, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Why what?¡± Norbert raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Why come in here? Act all threateningly like you''re going to jump me, then my kid after taking her on the street, only to deliver food. For which I am grateful, but ¡­ why?¡±


    ¡°After having a little chat about cursed children, I felt a bit sad for her living like this¡ªlocked up and in the dark, like a mushroom, for what might be her own good.¡± Norbert waved to the room he was currently located in.


    ¡°A bit sad?¡±


    ¡°How much do you know about me?¡± Norbert asked the father, spinning the helmet around on the table and presenting the face to the father.


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    ¡°A bit, from Morenas, beaten Arzlan and can survive decapitation ¡­ and you have another fight in two cycles.¡± The father notified Norbert.


    Eyes widen at the fight''s announcement, ¡°Dang, I completely forgot about that.¡± Norbert relinquished the information, tapping his hands on the helmet, wondering if he needed to return to Vivienne. Looking down at himself, definitely not having enough coin or time to get himself a sword, Norbert shrugged. What he had on him would have to do.


    ¡°But there is one more thing that you didn¡¯t say. It might be released later, so it doesn¡¯t really matter,¡± Norbert told the father. Grinding the chair up, Norbert walked towards the sink, running his hand along where the basin sat, knowing there should be a rune there. Forcing the magic out and nothing happening, he was careful not to break the house down instead of a little demonstration of nothing happening.


    ¡°Your child isn¡¯t the only one who can do no conventional magic,¡± Norbert told the father before making his way back to the table and sitting down.


    ¡°But you¡¯re a Morenas?¡± The father asked.


    ¡°I could have before, but after taking a little something something. I''m not going to divulge what it is or where I found it. But it allowed me to survive losing a head, sadly at the cost of no magic.¡± Norbert shrugged, hiding the fact he could never do any magic to begin with. But compared to the other champions he had seen, both of his generation and the previous, it seemed it should be held in his tool belt.


    ¡°And you made it here?¡± The father asked Norbert.


    ¡°It''s slightly difficult and with a lot of help. Whenever I want a meal, I need to pay for it. If I want to wash myself, I either need to find a river or ask a goddess to clean myself.¡± Norbert stops his rant halfway through, lifts his arm up, and smells himself.


    He had a deep whiff, and there was no smell of sweat on him for the moment. ¡°Just take it as an act of charity; I¡¯ll be back after the match,¡± Norbert told the father.


    ¡°Who down here is supporting you?¡± The father asked.


    Norbert stopped by the stairs, wondering what the father could have been discussing. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    The father waved his hand around Norbert¡¯s entire body ¡°Someone other than a Grimm to be down here is rare, and never for as long as you have been. Most are sensible enough not to stay down here. Unlike yourself, you must have a place down here you''re living.¡± The father spoke aloud, listing off the facts on his fingers individually. ¡°And you don¡¯t seem the type to be forcing your way into their life of a poor sod, taking over their establishment. So somebody is assisting you. Who is it?¡±


    Norbert sighed, a feeling bubbling down his back that it was about to blow up in his face. ¡°The witch, Vivienne,¡± Norbert told him.


    The father''s hand tightened around the sack of food, his knuckles going white. Norbert stood still, waiting to see what the father did. The words coming out of the fathers mouth ¡°Did she send you?¡±


    ¡°She has no idea I¡¯m here. No idea what your intention she has with you or your daughter.¡±


    The father slowly nodded his head. ¡°Well, you best be off now. Don¡¯t want to miss your match.¡± The father ended the conversation like that.


    Norbert nodded, put on his helmet, looked up at the stairs, and left Obsius with the girl doing whatever the bird was still doing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back later with some more, but just a piece of advice. Take the assistance that Vivienne is offering. Something¡¯s bubbling up there, making the hairs on my neck stand up.¡±


    ¡°Just be gone and stop trying to tempt me with your sweet words.¡± The father told Norbert, standing up, taking the sack to the kitchen, and placing the rest of the food in the cabinets.


    Norbert nodded, seeing no more point in talking, the father having quite efficiently dismissed him.


    Taking a deep breath, Norbert opened the door, the light shining in as he changed his vision. The world was popping into colour again, though he did not see much difference in the under city.


    Closing the door behind him, knowing people were staring at him as he made it down the two steps onto the street, staring up at the ceiling, looking for the closest pathway to go above ground.


    He is groaning groaned, recognising which one to head upwards through. Norbert patted the coin pouch, knowing that he would need to make a payment as he trekked his way through the city.


    ***


    Norbert came up the last step, not even wanting to carry any extra clothing that would be forced on him. He took a coin out of his pouch and flicked it to the attendant who was walking towards him as he entered the shop proper.


    ¡°Fee for not being disturbed,¡± Norbert says to the attendant, beelining out of the shop.


    The bell tinkled above as Norbert continued walking down the block. The sun beat down on him, covering his face as he looked up at the orb. He continued down the street, slipping into the crowd as best he could, making his way to the Colosseum while on the lookout for any Kreevss or the guards who would now also be after him.


    She was taking a look at Norbert, hoping that Sally wouldn¡¯t be too annoyed with his decision.


    Crossing the next street corner, Norbert stopped; sitting in a coffee shop was the woman in tow with one of his former instructors, Lily.


    Norbert stopped, turned in their direction as he made his way there, and sat in the third empty chair.

 Chapter 331 Take the Helmet Off

    ¡°Take the helmet off,¡± Sally ordered Norbert.


    He looked around for a moment, complying with the order, popping the two pieces off his head, and leaving them on top of each other on the table.


    ¡°Do you know how much of a headache you have caused?¡± Sally asked him.


    Lily looked between the two of them, taking a sip of her drink suspiciously loudly.


    ¡°No clue, haven¡¯t talked much in a while. Been a bit busy.¡± Norbert nonchalantly replied, tracing the number system on the table.


    ¡°Your business has what caused it for me. You think you would lie low after five days of rest.¡±


    ¡°Look, if it was the thing on the Highland Plateau, I have no clue that was happening.¡± Norbert offered the offended commander, raising both his hands in surrender.


    ¡°When we went to investigate, they were all gone. The only report coming from you. And the villagers of Flare-dew noting the creatures of the plateau going back.¡±


    ¡°So, what about it?¡± Norbert asked, seeing a waiter come out as he flagged them down. The conversation quieted as Norbert pointed to what Lily was drunk. ¡°Can I have one of those?¡±


    The waiter looked at Lily, nodding and returning to what they were doing without saying a word.


    Commander Sally stared down Norbert as he continued to look at the commander, wondering how long until smoke started shooting out of her ears. ¡°What? I¡¯m thirsty, and you have a lot to say.¡± Norbert apologetically shrugged as well, raising both hands slightly and dropping them onto his lap.


    ¡°Why did you bring Count von Count everywhere? A Grimm is seeing the internals of our nation. Any clue as to what a security risk that is?¡± Commander Sally asked him.


    Norbert just shrugged. ¡°No idea it was any security risk is. Not like we are at war with them, so why does it matter?¡± Norbert shrugged as he spoke.


    Lily slurped a bit louder at her drink. Norbert darted inside, seeing the same waiter come out again with a cup and saucer. Norbert smiled at them as they delivered it in front of him: ¡°Thank you for the drink, and so quick as well.¡± Norbert gave a slight wave to the waitress, reaching forward and smelling the fragrance as he lifted the cup to his nose.


    Faint scents of watermelon and honey, a strange combination, danced around in his schnoz. He took a slight sip, feeling the sweetness of the watermelon travelling with the honey down his tongue. Sighing in satisfaction, Norbert slightly saluted the staff by raising his cup.


    ¡°So now Count von Count knows about some stuff. Not a lot, as I followed him around most of the time.¡± Norbert told them.


    ¡°That¡¯s a slight relief, as reflected in the report given. But then you cocked it all up by siding with the Grimm when Captain Oblek asked for the blood orb.¡± Commander Sally ranted to Norbert again, pausing momentarily as she sipped her drink. ¡°Any idea what happened to the object?¡±


    ¡°Last I saw, Vivienne handed it over to Count von Count for some information. Well, it was written in an envelope he handed to her. And no, I do not know what was written on it.¡± Norbert quickly explained before he was potentially interrupted.


    ¡°That blasted witch, getting her fingers in everyone¡¯s pie.¡± Lily shook her head the first time Norbert had heard her speak.


    ¡°You know that term?¡± Norbert asked his previous instructor.


    ¡°I like to read, and Sally brings much better books than what can be found. There are a few weird terms, but you get used to them.¡± Lily explains to Norbert how she heard a term from Earth.


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    ¡°Do you even have pies here?¡± Norbert asked, unable to remember seeing the golden, crumbly pastry filled with meat.


    ¡°No pies over here, and please don¡¯t talk about random topics. Especially about lands and foods that shouldn¡¯t exist.¡± Sally groaned.


    Norbert squinted at her, taking another sip of tea, ¡°So we can¡¯t talk about it, but Elizabeth setting up all of her casinos using games from over there is fine?¡± Norbert questioned here, wondering where the commander''s logic would falter and crumble.


    ¡°She has properly integrated that idea. Not haphazardly talking about dishes you want to eat on a street corner where anybody could eavesdrop.¡±


    Norbert looked up, pointing out one of the eaves under which they were. ¡°One of those?¡± Norbert asked. Seeing Sally getting even more annoyed at Norbert, seeing her open her mouth, ¡°But I know you have something to stop them hearing us.¡± Norbert quickly shot out, interrupting the commander¡¯s train of thought.


    ¡°Why else do you think nobody is bothering us? Now stop being so distracting and let me concentrate.¡± Lily spoke up, Norbert watching her momentarily as she took another sip of her drink. Turning slightly around at the street, I confirmed what was being said about how people just glossed over the three of them even though there was a fourth seat free at the bustling establishment.


    ¡°Stop trailing the conversation to other matters of unimportance.¡± Sally bereted Norbert.


    Tching in response to his plan thwarted, Norbert took another sip of his tea, allowing Commander Sally to continue on her journey.


    ¡°Back to you siding with the Grimm. What compelled you to do so?¡±


    ¡°Captain Oblek is a prick of a man. Someone that was getting under my skin. The cherry on top is his annoying moustache. The man put way too much effort into keeping it maintained.¡±


    Commander Sally stared, leaning forward, grabbing his jaw and positioning it so he could face her. Drilling into Norbert¡¯s eyes, staring into his soul, Norbert felt like she was trying to look for something within him, a moment of worry flickering on the Commander''s face of a unit compromised.


    I went from the left eye to the right, then back again, looking into what Norbert had. A nod on her head. ¡°At least he isn¡¯t compromised, just deranged.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not nice, and what do you mean compromised?¡± Norbert asked a flicker of worry breaking out of him, hoping it wasn¡¯t as he seemed. The insides of his mind warring against him, the words Vivienne spoke about items nudging people into specific directions banging inside his skull.


    ¡°Nothing that I can see. The Grimm have a nasty habit of swaying those to do their bidding. Slightly at first but to grander and grander actions over time.¡±


    ¡°And you think I had been swayed?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°It is one of the simplest explanations for why you didn¡¯t follow an order. Other than a strange personality.¡± Commander Sally told Norbert, taking another sip of tea, ¡°And let''s not forget the amount of time you¡¯ve spent down there.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head. ¡°Well, part of why I did it is because, other than an annoyed Oblek, there isn¡¯t much recourse given to me. Oh, other than needing to be careful entering the Colosseum, that isn¡¯t any different from how it was before.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡±, Lily butted in. ¡°You used your brain?¡±


    Norbert turned to his orange-haired instructor, shaking his head in annoyance. ¡°Yes, over the time we have spent apart, I have learnt a thing or two.¡±


    ¡°Think it¡¯s just a thing,¡± Lily whispered loud enough to Sally for Norbert to hear.


    ¡°Anything more you want to say to me?¡± Norbert asked, taking the last sip of his tea, saddened that he didn¡¯t have any more.


    ¡°That about covers it. Don¡¯t be such a loose cannon; someone might want to put you down.¡±


    ¡°I ain''t no rabid dog lady,¡± Norbert said in a southern drawl. And I already have two groups after me. I don¡¯t see them doing much damage anyway.¡±


    Standing up, he placed his helmet back on his head, feeling the weight on his skull again and feeling comfortable removing the edge Norbert didn¡¯t realise he had. ¡°Now I best be off before I do miss the fight.¡±


    Sally nodded her head, letting the scout walk off. Lily breathed out in relief, having dropped the spell she was maintaining. ¡°Hey, Norbert!¡± She shouted out.


    The crowd seemingly grew quiet as he turned around, looking at his instructor. ¡°Know what you want as your prize from the vault?¡±


    Norbert¡¯s heart beat fast, her words echoing as he stood motionless. The jingle of men rushing towards him buckles clacking against each other as they busily made their way through the street. Not knowing how long before they intercepted Norbert, they turned to Lily and smiled ¡°Oh, I .have my eye on one blade. An old derelict thing is in dire need of a new home.¡± Norbert shouted back to her.


    Lily opened her mouth again only to quieten it down, the guards coming about, Norbert looking up at the rooves, the archers once more having their bows drawn on Norbert.


    Sighing as he turned around, wondering where their leader would be, ¡°We¡¯ve done this once before; how about we cut to the chase and let me have my fight in there?¡± Norbert asked, pointing at the Colosseum.

 Chapter 332 The Champion has Finally Returned

    Norbert waited, seeing a city guard step forward that Norbert didn¡¯t recognise. The man standing forward, Norbert seeing under their helmet sweat falling off their chin. Norbert is standing there, tapping his fingers between his knife and dagger on his hip, waiting to see what the guard would say.


    Unfurling a parchment, Norbert was taken aback by the archaic form of communication as the guard began reading, ¡°By decree of Captain Oblek, acting supervisor of Libitina Norbert number one thousand, five hundred and forty three is to be apprehended for siding with those against the guard.¡± Seeing the guard steadily rolling through the parchment, Norbert gets to the next part of their speech: ¡°The competitor Norbert to come into our control to be further treated.¡± The guard rolled up the parchment, holding it in front of him in both hands.


    ¡°And what if I don¡¯t want to?¡± Norbert asked.


    TWANG


    SHWING


    A sharp pain sprung from Norbert¡¯s foot before quickly reseeding, and looking down, he saw an arrow now sticking out of his foot. The energy in his body immediately masked the pain when he realised it would come, stiffening his face for a moment. Reaching down, Norbert ripped the arrow out of his foot. The skin is already healing from the hole in his boot.


    Lifting his foot in the air for the guards to see the hole in his boot, ¡°And this was a new pair too. I hope you will pay for a replacement if I turn myself in.¡± Norbert spoke as he wiggled the boot.


    ¡°A traitor gets what they deserve.¡±


    Norbert turns to Sally and Lily, watching him from the coffee shop. The two of them give a wave to Norbert before sipping at their beverages. On the table, several glittering gold coins take the light.


    Stepping to the side as another arrow was launched in his direction. Sprinting forward, Norbert charged for the guard who announced the parchment. Smashing into him, Norbert slammed his shoulder into the man as they both toppled onto the ground.


    Rolling away, the parchment flew as Norbert dashed towards it. Leaping up hand out, he caught it between his fingertips. Gravity acted on his body again, plummeting towards the ground, but not before being skewered by two more arrows in his chest.


    Touching the ground, Norbert barrelled forward. Sending energy pumping through his body, quickly checking not to mow down any pedestrians. The guards stepped away from him as Norbert continued forward, nobody wanting to get in the way of the arrows peppering the ground.


    Up ahead, the archers no longer appear on the rooftops and jump onto the closest one to make their way out of the street channel. Arrows flew overhead, and below him, the guards shouted accusatory words, saying only weaklings ran away from a fight.


    Pushing ahead, Norbert sees the shadows on the next building waver under the sun''s heat. Checking the stadium, he gave a slight nod to himself, seeing it was the same as he had expected. No strange contraptions or people waiting alone in front of the building to slow him down.


    Norbert leapt over, foot extended, as he landed on the flat roof of the next building. His foot slipped on something as he rolled forward, keeping his momentum and returning to his feet.


    A black object came straight at his face and ducked under the object, feeling as it smashed into his helmet, pulling him off his feet and hitting the ground and somersaulting backwards, forming a ball he spun backwards slightly from the force of the blow.


    Landing on the roof, Norbert looked up at the sky and wondered where the object had come from. A cloud moving overhead, a shadow blocking the sun, stopping him from squinting.


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    Smiling and giving a slight wave, Norbert tilted his head, the shadow of the person appearing where he was. An arm comes out with a black stick at the end, all the light absorbed. Norbert cannot determine the edges and creases of the person or their weapon.


    The stick rocketed towards his head, and Norbert moved his arm up. It smashes into his forearm, following down and sliding off his body. Feeling it vibrate down his arm, Norbert turns himself onto his stomach as he hops onto his feet.


    Ringing in his head, his body moving to the side from the impact to his body. Norbert moving himself back upright as he looked about, confirming that he was still standing. In the corner of his vision, the second figure in all black, still outstretched with the stick against Norbert¡¯s helmet.


    Bending slightly downwards, Norbert took a step forward, uppercutting the figure in the chin. Norbert watched them as they flew upwards into the air. Turning around, looking for the next one an object causing his helmet to ring.


    A third one appeared out of the shadows. Norbert punched them straight in the face. The body shoots backwards off the roof. Heading back off towards the stadium, not wanting to get swarmed again by these figures


    PING


    An arrow had sprouted from the sandstone next to his leg, knocked into the floor. Norbert leapt into the air, arms waving about as he reached for the roof on the other side. As his shadow crossed over, his feet about to land, another figure appeared, coming out of the tiny shadow of his feet and wedging their stick against the ground so Norbert would land on it.


    His foot slipped as Norbert fell to the ground, the black figure holding onto his foot, stopping him from escaping. Another volley of arrows launched on the roof of the building. Sinking both into Norbert and the figure that was holding him.


    Kicking his assailant off, Norbert scrambled to his feet, and leapt forward again, pushing some energy out to propel him away from those chasing him.


    Still rising into the air, Norbert looked about, confirming that there wasn¡¯t anyone waiting for him ahead in his path. The civilians on the street moved off, going into houses as they cleared away from the danger.


    On the ground, as he passed over the rooftops, Norbert saw more of the shadow figures appearing and disappearing again, following after him as he flew above them. Coming back to the ground, Norbert expected something to appear as he landed on the rooftop.


    Jumping to the side head first, Norbert sailed towards the street. Smashing headfirst, Norbert was up on his feet, arms pumping as he sprinted down the street, no longer caring if any shadowy figures appeared.


    One running from a side street up ahead, stick swung backwards, ready to take a shot at Norbert¡¯s stomach, as Norbert moved to the left slightly, smashing into the figure and trampling them. Their body seemingly more reinforced, more challenging than he expected it to be. His feet are not squelching into the body but almost drumming off it, sounding hollow underneath his feet.


    The second and third tried the same trick, as they, too, were mowed down without a care. The colosseum ahead of him, Norbert reaching into his shirt, taking out his identity card for his entry.


    Coming to the main street, the shadow figures no longer appeared, making a run at him as Norbert slipped inside the entrance to the Colosseum. A slime appeared before him; Norbert thrust the card out as he looked around. ¡°Norbert, Morenas number one thousand, five hundred and forty three.¡±


    The slime paused momentarily before moving off, not saying a single thing to Norbert. Walking after the slime, heading down the ramp as Norbert started to go underneath the arena. He was watching the shadows here, passing several guards, all just watching him, hands on weapons, waiting to draw on Norbert.


    He was smiling,, giving a bit of a wave, and holding his hands far away from the daggers on his belt and legs. Each one he passed grimacing at him as he passed, Norbert just happy that no shadow figures deemed to come here and interrupt.


    He calmed the energy in his body, feeling his reserves, having a small piece missing from his stunt, and flying into the air. Turning the corner, the slime morphed into the ground as Norbert continued walking in the room, stopping once more as he looked at the beds remaining.


    Only two remained in the now empty room. Norbert started walking again, looking around the room and trying to find who it could be.


    Norbert turned and saw a black sphere hovering over one of the two beds. Walking up to it, he looked at the empty one and saw his name and number inscribed on the card there.


    Sitting on the bed, the springs squeaking with his weight, Norbert stared at the room, trying to comprehend what happened. Biting the inside of his lower lip, hearing it squelch around as he moved his lip about


    Hearing something drop next to him, he turned to the side of Norbert and saw Finekus now out of his little bubble looking at Norbert.


    ¡°The champion has finally returned.¡± A high-pitched voice came out of the man, almost squeaking and whining in Norbert¡¯s ears.

 Chapter 333 Your a Weird One

    ¡°What happened to your voice?¡± Norbert asked, still not believing the sounds coming out of Finekus''s mouth.


    Finekus just shook his head. ¡°Nothing, and now you''re back.¡±


    ¡°What happened to everyone?¡±


    ¡°All eliminated while you had your vacation.¡±


    ¡°I had a busy schedule, which I am now in trouble for. But what happened to everyone else?¡±


    Finekus shook his head. ¡°You''re really out of the loop. The match is rigged, only one way about it.¡±


    ¡°Guess all of this,¡± Norbert says, waving his hands around at the empty room. ¡°Is this the result of this rigging?¡±


    Finekus just nodded his head. ¡°After you left, they matched the rest of the groups against the worst combination for us, elimination after elimination.¡±


    ¡°Then how come you¡¯re here alone?¡±


    ¡°Split the teams up into individuals, and once again, the same results. Even had some Morenas fighting each other,¡± Finekus shaking his head.


    ¡°And so the one that was undefeated has remained, number one hundred and one.¡±


    Finekus nods, and Norbert sees the orb starting to form again. Norbert reaches out, ¡°Why did you finally talk?¡±


    The darkness around Finekus dropped, the man shrugging. ¡°You¡¯re a weird one.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not that weird?¡±


    Finekus turned to Norbert, cracking his fingers above his head and rolling his shoulders before finally opening his mouth. ¡°Launch a spell at me, any spell, your pick.¡±


    Norbert turned around on his bed, looking at Finekus. Sending his energy into his finger, Norbert flicked it against the air. A crack happened, and the wind whipped the covers and the man¡¯s clothes around. ¡°How was that?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Something that supports my point. Weird stuff is what that was.¡± Finekus replied, shivering slightly at the sight of what he had witnessed.


    ¡°I did exactly as you asked for; magic.¡±


    ¡°But not normal, something like this,¡± Finekus said, opening his hand. A black little man appeared, giving a wave to Norbert before disappearing again. ¡°Something like this is normal, not what you did.¡±


    ¡°Then what did I do?¡±


    ¡°That was purely physical; I''m guessing you enhanced your body to produce that amount of wind with a single flick, which is magical that a body can do it, but not magic like what I demonstrated.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head in thought. Standing up, he grabbed the pillow on the bed, holding it out in front of him, and released it. As it started to fall, Norbert struck out, punching the pillow with all his might, making sure not to release any of his energy. The pillow flew several meters before sliding across the stone floor.


    Norbert turns to Finekus, ¡°What do you think of that?¡±


    ¡°Just a normal punch.¡±


    Norbert nodded, walking towards the pillow and picking it up before returning to his position again. The energy coursing through his body, Norbert let it spin up within himself for a moment. Holding the pillow up in the air, Norbert let go as he punched it, sending more energy and focusing on the pillow to go further.


    With his fist connecting, the pillow shot outwards, like coming out of a rail gun, flying across the empty room. Norbert watched it slowly arc, losing several feathers from a tear he created from the force.


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    Turning to Finekus, ¡°What do you think of that?¡±


    ¡°Just a normal punch, with great force behind it.¡±


    Norbert moved back to the bed, not wanting to demonstrate anymore. ¡°You did see the distance that they went?¡± Norbert asked again, wondering what the man was talking about.


    Changing his vision to magic, Norbert looked down at his hand. Taking a coin out of his pouch, he sent it into the coin as he flicked it into the air. Watching as Norbert saw a tiny spark of purple moving into the coin, flicking into the air, he leaned upwards, hearing a ding as it came back down, landing in his hand.


    ¡°No little purple spark?¡± Norbert asked in confirmation, turning to


    ¡°You really are weird, even weirder than I thought.¡±


    Norbert looked at Finekus, saw the blackness sticking to the man like a second shadow, and watched as it pooled off the man, becoming something physical, dropping to the floor and making a puddle. ¡°Can you make the little man again?¡±


    Norbert watched as the blackness flowed from the floor, sticking to the man as it became the figure Norbert had seen before. ¡°Sure you aren¡¯t the weird one?¡± Norbert asked again, seeing the blackness slip before thrusting towards him.


    Dropping the magic vision, Norbert was pushed back as the darkness wrapped around his wrists and ankles, stopping him from moving at all, pinning him to the bed.


    Forcing his arms up, only moving an inch before the force on him increased, causing them to drop into the mattress.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Never, do that again, weirdo.¡±


    Norbert gazed up at Finekus, who was standing over him. The dark user''s hands outstretched as black tentacles came out, securing themselves to Norbert¡¯s limbs. ¡°You''re got to come up with a new insult other than weirdo. It''s not hitting as hard anymore.¡±


    Finekus stared at Norbert for several moments, the veins starting to bubble inside his head so that Norbert could see. Norbert stared up at Finekus, waiting for the next thing to happen.


    The man buckled internally, and the pressure on Norbert¡¯s hands released. Finekus jumped over to his bed, and Norbert stared at the ceiling.


    ¡°Is this another thing that makes me weird?¡± Norbert asked


    ¡°Most definitely; how are you able to see magic with what I assume is no magic?¡±


    Norbert sat crossing his legs as he answered Finekus¡¯s question, ¡°Had an elixir that allows me to see magic.¡±


    ¡°That would have cost a pretty gold.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head in response, thinking back to the amount


    ¡°Wait, how can you even pay for something like that if you''re a scout? Not even I can afford to buy an elixir.¡±


    ¡°Well, how about buying ten?¡± Norbert asked, watching as Finekus¡¯s eyes went wide with the amount . ¡°For my secret, just gamble.¡±


    Finekus looked at Norbert as if he was an imbecile. ¡°But you always lose more.¡±


    ¡°Not if you follow the goddess Lady Luck!¡± Norbert shouted out, flicking his hand into the air as several golden motes of light came down, showering Norbert in their glow.


    Finekus shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re a real fool, you know that.¡±


    Norbert just nodded his head. ¡°Yep, but if I¡¯m a fool, what does it make everyone else who couldn¡¯t even scratch me?¡± Norbert asked, waving to the empty room around him.


    Finekus nodded his head as he, too, looked around the empty room. Staring up at the board, Norbert saw that his name appeared there. Stretching himself, Norbert went to his feet, sending the energy around his body.


    ¡°Your up now, go and make Morenas proud.¡±


    Norbert walked over to Finekus, clasping the man on the shoulder. ¡°But, of course, and do you know anything about it?¡± Norbert looked up at the board, reading the origin of his opponent. ¡°Atlantians?¡±


    ¡°Fish people hate everyone on land. Must be some natural stream over here in this sandy wasteland.¡± Finekus quickly shot out, the black orb starting to form around him.


    ¡°Any tips against them?¡±


    ¡°Hold your breath and swim.¡± The black orb closed around the man, and Norbert could not see him at all, with the non-reflective blackness staring back at him.


    He moved his shoulder to limber himself up for the fight ahead of him. ¡°Thanks for the advice!¡± Norbert shouted out, letting his voice echo around the empty room.


    Stopping on the platform, Norbert felt it shudder momentarily before lifting into the air. Norbert was surprised if they needed water, seeing it much easier to fill than dealing with the lack of a top in the upper stadium.


    Light came down over Norbert, squinting slightly as his eyes adjusted. He looked over at the other side of the arena and saw what they would look like. The platform finally came to a rest as Norbert looked across, the usual compact dirt that made up the platform gone.


    The entire arena was flooded with water, and the only piece was a lip around the platform, which stopped the water from falling down the chute and into the rooms below.


    The other platforms around them dotted the arena, the only dry places that Norbert could see. He looked down at the water, his reflection rippling up at him. He saw the bottom, about a quarter of a meter deep.


    ¡°What is all of this!¡± Norbert shouted out, staring at the crowd around him and seeing a mix of everyone he would expect there. He gave a slight wave until he locked in on the box above, turning to the announcer.


    ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡±


    Norbert waved around him again. ¡°How come they have a different arena? What¡¯s with all this water they can use when I can¡¯t even get a drop of a mana potion!¡±


    ¡°To accommodate and allow them to fight properly. The same reason the Grimm fight below.¡± The announcer told Norbert. When the words Grimm uttered, the crowd around became silent. Thousands of eyes bearing into Norbert for making that word be uttered.

 Chapter 334 Underwater

    ¡°Now, without further interruptions, we have Norbert from Morenas, the head flipper and winner against the former undefeated champion Arzlan!¡± Norbert focused on his opponent, the announcer''s voice blurring out as Norbert looked over at his opponent.


    The figure stood on their own, already manipulating the water to their will, a slight shimmer in the air. Norbert pushed energy into his eyes as he focused on his opponent¡¯s face, not seeing anything odd about the Atlantian¡ªno fish head or tail on them. His vision returned to normal as the barrier in front of him disappeared, the fight having started.


    Standing still, Norbert waited, his opponent stepping into the water as they zoomed towards him. He patted his daggers, confirmed their location and his fingers danced over the blades, itching to use them; however, no plan was formulated for the best way to put the blades strapped to him to use.


    With Finekus''s words flashing through his head, Norbert breathed in, releasing his breath,  repeating as his opponent came closer, the water rippling around them several meters ahead of them.


    Stretching himself out again, Norbert took two of the throwing daggers and launched them towards the Atlantian, propelling them slightly with energy. Shockwaves coming from the two pieces of metal caused ripples in the water.


    His opponent raised his hand, a wall of water coming out, Norbert seeing the water around him drop slightly as a result. Ripping his eyes back upwards, seeing what the two daggers would do.


    The first one hit the wall, and a spray of water came out, blasting forward as it absorbed the energy. He sprayed his opponent with water, only for them to redirect it around themselves. Norbert, seeing that they hadn¡¯t become drenched. The dagger dropped out of the air and caught in the water as Norbert started to see it come back towards him.


    The second dagger made its way through the wall undisturbed. Norbert watched the dagger smash into the Atlantian, blasting out the other side in a shower of blue blood. A crater appeared in their torso, splashing into the water, no longer propelling themselves forward.


    Norbert stood on his tippy toes, watching as the Atlantian continued moving towards him, spinning and losing speed. Norbert did not move off the platform, not wanting to step in the water and have who knows what done to him.


    Continuing his deep breathing, Norbert waited for the body to come back up, splashing out of the water in a coughing fit, clutching their sides in pain.


    Waiting


    Waiting


    The seconds he was passed, and still no sign of his opponent in the water. The hairs on the back of Norbert¡¯s neck started to raise in alarm as he quickly scanned the water, turning about on the platform. Seeing the water bubble, Norbert leapt into the air, the water chasing after him with the Atlantian on it, propelling himself to chase after Norbert.


    Seeing the hole still in the opponent''s side, no blood coming out, the guts somehow remaining inside, but the sheer size of the hole making it ghastly, thankful he wouldn¡¯t need to deal with them being healed by the immense amount of water in the arena.


    No longer rising, Norbert took out one more dagger from his legs, falling back down towards the ground. The Atlantian was still being propelled upwards, and the two of them met together.


    The two of them impact in the air, and water surrounds Norbert. Norbert slices forward, feeling the blade get harder and harder to move, and the water turns thicker and thicker around the blade.


    Reaching out to grab the Atlantian with his hand, Norbert saw his opponent smiling as they started plummeting towards the ground.


    His finger tips just brushed the Atlantian, unable to properly take hold. The two of them separate as the water forces him apart.


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    As Norbert finally drifted away, he saw the mostly human-like figure in front of him. Slight scales shimmered down their arms and legs, which weren¡¯t protected in blue swirling armour. Seeing no weapons on the Atlantian, not even a small knife to protect themselves, Norbert just shook his head at the site.


    Crashing into the water below, Norbert never touched the bottom as he seemed to fall endlessly. The arena obscured by the water clinging to his body, slowing down his movements, forcing him to start expending energy to move himself about.


    Paddling in what he believed to be upwards, Norbert steadily continued in that direction, knowing that it wouldn¡¯t be much of a fight if someone just drowned, for this was still part of a show as well as which country was strongest.


    Continuing to swim upwards, Norbert sees an object falling towards him, the ripples it causes impacting his body. He twists his body, trying to avoid the object hurtling towards him. Twisting his body to the side, Norbert brushes up against it. The dagger that he threw before at the Atlantian is now hurtling past his head.


    Cheeks puffed up, Norbert held on, ensuring not to let any of the precious air escape. Spinning himself around in all directions, Norbert spotted the Atlantian slowly approaching him. They were standing perfectly upright as they moved through the water towards Norbert.


    Taking a dagger, Norbert threw it, not even getting close to the Atlantian as it lost its power, trailing down and falling above Norbert. Taking the other daggers, as the Atlantian approached Norbert, Norbert threw them behind him, sending energy into them as they blasted away from him.


    Norbert moved towards the Atlantians, grasping forward, his fingers just curling around one of the swirls on the plate of the chest armour. Smiling in glee, Norbert brought the Atlantians towards him, bubbles escaping from the crack in his mouth. Taking his hand, Norbert held it over the Atlantians'' throat, feeling the gills there rippling against his soaked gloves.


    Clamping down so they wouldn¡¯t escape, Norbert threw his fist back. ¡°Give up now; you''re not going to get out.¡±


    Norbert stared into the Atlantian''s green eyes, fear flashing momentarily before they steeled. Norbert bringing his fist forward, the closer it came to the Atlantian the harder it was to move, when impacting no longer a destructive blow but a soft slap to the face.


    Moving his arm back again, Norbert felt his toes start to get cold. Clucking harder on the neck, he took the dagger out from his belt on his waist. Pulling it up, he held it in front of the Atlantian eye.


    Bubbles escaped Norbert¡¯s mouth. ¡°Forfeit.¡±


    The Atlantian started down the blade, bashing his head forward, piercing their eye on the dagger. Norbert squeezed his hand around the neck, feeling it snap as he winced at the sound.


    Bringing the knife away, the water suddenly fell away from them; Norbert followed its path as he fell upwards, only realising that he had been pointed down.


    Throwing the knife away, Norbert curled himself around the Atlantian as the two of them hit the water and the submerged arena floor.


    Hitting the bottom, Norbert sat up, moving the body of the Atlantian off him. The water started to drain out of the arena as Norbert stretched, standing up. His clothes stuck to him. He felt his coin pouch, the outside wet, remembering how he had placed the letter he needed to take to Grimm in there. He opened it up, relieved when he felt it only slightly damp inside.


    Closing up the coin pouch, Norbert turned up towards the booth. ¡°We done with this?¡±


    ¡°And there we have it, Floomy from Atlanta has been defeated, and what a surprise to all. Guess that¡¯s what happens when you get too full of yourself.¡± The announcer is speaking to the crowd.


    Norbert nodded, turning about as he looked around the arena for the daggers he used during the fight. Trudging through the water, hearing it slosh under his feet as he looked down, hearing voices and people move about behind him.


    Looking up, I saw several people come forward, lifting the Atlantian from the ground and transporting him away, the body seemingly floating in mid-air. One of them coming towards him, Norbert waving them off, knowing he wouldn¡¯t need any medical attention from it. The walls around the platform moved away as they with the water finally removed from the arena.


    Finding all of his daggers throwing daggers, Norbert checked, confirming they were still useable and sheathing them, adding to the list of things to do by oiling the blades.


    Placing them in their appropriate places, Norbert turned to where his platform should be, seeing only an empty hole in the ground. Looking about Norbert, turning until he found his own, the only circle remaining.


    Standing on it, Norbert was lowered once more below the arena. He waved as he disappeared down the hole, flicking his arms out to get the water off him as quickly as possible.


    Shaking his head from side to side, water sloshed in his ear, Norbert took the two pieces of his helmet off, and water splattered the platform he was standing on.


    The platform stopped, and Norbert walked out as he looked across the empty room, Finekus nowhere to be seen. He walked down as he looked up at the screen, not seeing it appear, thankful for the rest of the day he could use. Looking down at his soaked clothes, the first thing on his list was apparent.

 Chapter 335 A Story

    Inside Vivienne¡¯s mansion, Norbert was in the main room, the witch not there as he sat in front of a fireplace, warming his hands up. Clothes on the ground, the light dancing on them, trying to dry them out as quickly as possible without the garments catching alight. The doors opening up behind him, Norbert turning around, not moving his hands from in front of the fire as Vivienne came out, stopping seeing Norbert having his leathers off and cotton shirt, only sitting in the pants.


    ¡°Having fun being an exhibitionist?¡± Vivienne said to Norbert, walking towards him and leaning down on top of him, the witch trailing a finger down his back.


    ¡°What are you tracing?¡± Norbert asked her.


    ¡°Scars on your back, very fine, but covering every patch of skin.¡±


    Norbert twisted his body around, pulling his skin as he tried to look over. Vivienne shook her head as she took his arm, leading them both out of the room and up the stairs, Norbert seeing the mirror on the second story, staring down at him, daring him to go upstairs. Freezing for a moment as he was dragged up the stairs, he turned around so he couldn¡¯t see the mirror behind him.


    Hearing Vivienne look about in the drawers, Norbert presses a cold object into his hand. Opening his hand, Norbert brings it up, the mirror in his hand, as he looks over at himself. He sees the scars on his back, thin white lines going vertically up his back.


    Wondering what caused it, Norbert remembered the first time he came to Morenas when he fell out of the sky and crashed into the trees and branches.


    ¡°Surprised you never healed them, as you don¡¯t even have a scar around your neck from decapitation,¡± Vivienne asked, standing on her tippy toes, moving Norbert¡¯s hair out of the way to gaze at his neck. Making swirls around it as she traced down to his shoulder, continuing down his back along Norbert¡¯s spine. His hair was standing on end as he felt the cool nail slide across him, resisting the urge to shiver from the touch.


    Turning around, Norbert took Vivienne¡¯s hand as he held it out before him, stopping her from travelling any further south. Norbert looked down at the witch, staring into her eyes, a flicker of green appearing on them as they stared back into his.


    Leaning forward, Norbert twisted his head to the side, reaching down to her lips, gazing at his reflection. Norbert froze, the feeling of something travelling up his spine once more. The background melted away, and he could not move his head to look at the mirror no longer. From his back, tendrils coming out, wiggling their way inside. His face was half destroyed, gashes where his mask would have been. Pieces of the black metal Norbert could see pockmarked his face and neck.


    His muscles were exposed, purple veins visible, his flesh turning green as it dropped off his body, evaporating into smoke. Turning to his hand, Norbert saw it clutching Vivienne¡¯s head; the body went as he stared at the head. Her hair was cut short, just above where her shoulder should be. Her face is pristine for a moment. A black crack appeared there as it spread all over her face. Her head became porcelain as piece after piece broke off, caught in a wind that Norbert couldn¡¯t see.


    The tendrils on his back, as black veins tried to spread across his body, originating from the tentacles. However, it would only be momentarily as the energy within him visibly combatted, his skin gaining a slight shade of purple.


    The tentacles tugged him backwards, taking a step backwards as a hand came over his face, covering his eyes as he was surrounded by blackness. Still not moving, Norbert closed his eyes, his heart hammering in his chest, blinking away the tear down his cheek.


    Feeling punished backwards, Norbert takes another step to avoid falling over. Several more times, this happened before he was turned around and the hand removed from his face. Not moving his head, Norbert quietly walked down the stairs and back into the room with the fireplace and his clothes.


    Two seats now appear in the room. Norbert took one as he sat down, moving it towards the fire until his leg started to feel crispy, feeling the cold sweat trickle down his body.


    A cup of tea appearing in Norbert¡¯s hand, taking a sip without even thinking, feeling the liquid warm himself up from the inside out, with the fire now roaring Norbert no longer feeling as cold. Taking another sip, the saucer not rattled against the cup as he swallowed it down. Placing it on his lap, Norbert turned to Vivienne. ¡°Scars happened when I fell into this world being hit by branches; none of the wounds happening before I had my little purple concoction has healed., Norbert said, showing the scar on his elbow when he grazed it, falling off his pushbike and onto the asphalt.


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    ¡°Fell into this world?¡± Vivienne asked him.


    Norbert nodded his head. ¡°Yeah, fell into this world, up from the sky and into a tree.¡± Norbert provided her.


    ¡°Fell into this world?¡± She asked again, Norbert seeing her eyes grow wide.


    Norbert half opened his mouth, his brain finally catching up with him and what he had said. ¡°Just forget about that.¡± Grumbling into the tea, he took another sip.


    ¡°You''re frazzled if you let that slip.¡±


    Norbert just grunted in response.


    ¡°What did you see in the mirror to be this frazzled?¡±


    ¡°Your decapitated head, turning into dust and blowing off into the wind, while ¡­ something dragged me away.¡±


    Vivienne looked to Norbert, furrowing her brows. ¡°That¡¯s just a normal mirror, nothing enchanted in it at all.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not the first time this has happened with that mirror, Luck¡± Norbert looked as Vivienne visibly tensed for a moment ¡°says that it can happen, but not to trust them.¡±


    ¡°Because they aren¡¯t prophetic?¡±


    ¡°They are, but due to the concept of prophecy or fortune telling is part of another gods'' domains, a bi-product of being lucky is knowing which path to take, or you take the right path intrinsically because you are lucky.¡±


    ¡°How high of a follower of Luck are you?¡± Vivienne asked, her hand slightly shaking as she took another sip of tea.


    Norbert shrugged in response, ¡°At the tippy top I think, honestly, no clue. Never seen a priest or even another follower of Lady Luck. Think it¡¯s just me at the moment.¡±


    Vivienne nodded her head. ¡°You are the first follower I¡¯ve seen. Even the rumours have made it to Grimm that anyone that follows Lady Luck will meet a quick end at the hands of someone or something magnitudes more powerful than themselves.¡±


    ¡°That does seem to be the consensus¡± Norbert turning his eyes to the fire as he gazed at it, seeing Vivienne giving a slight flicker of her eyes towards Norbert, before looking back into the fire.


    ¡°I¡¯ve read in some places that there are people who can tell a story using flames; ever heard of that?¡± tearing his eyes away from the fire, looking over Vivienne as she still looked into the fire, the room seemingly getting darker, the flames brighter as they started flickering over Vivienne¡¯s face.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t breached that much into the other territories. Fires aren¡¯t something huddled around in Grimm.¡±


    Norbert moved his tea and saucer to the stone ground next to his clothes, the sound taking Vivienne¡¯s attention as her head whipped towards Norbert. ¡°I¡¯ve heard it done, in a story. So let me tell you a story from my land, one that you might not have heard before or a part of the story,¡± Norbert spoke, patting his lap.


    Vivienne just staring at him, unsure of what to do. Standing up, he took her hand, the cup and saucer somehow leaving the witch¡¯s hand. Norbert wrapped his arms around her, sitting back on the chair and gazing into the fire. Vivienne was sitting on his lap with her feet over the armrest, one of Norbert¡¯s hands on her back while the other over her hip, stopping her from falling off.


    ¡°There was once a man, rumours said to be the most charming and beautiful in the world.¡± Tilting his head to Vivienne, out of the corner of his eye, Norbert sees the fires change, the image of a man walking in the forest, the sounds of a creek nearby.


    ¡°One of the people captivated by him was a nymph named Echo.¡± The fire changed to a girl looking at him, flickering around, trying to grow the courage to talk to the man who has her heart. ¡°Now, multiple times, she would try and talk to him, but the man would never respond, always dismissing her, for the nymph was only ever able to repeat the words of others.¡±


    ¡°In the woods, Echo gave one final attempt, coming up to the man and pleading with all she could, but the man only raised an eyebrow disgusted and walked away.¡± The fire dies down, Norbert having a quick look to make sure it was still alight, only a small flame with another one, towering above.


    ¡°Heartbroken and filled with rejection, Echo lived a lift of solitude for her voice is still sometimes heard, when all alone and looking out where she is believed to live.¡± The fire went to a mountainside, rippling on the edges as Norbert almost heard the word ¡°she is believed to live¡± several times.


    ¡°Nemesis, the god of retribution in this story, looked over the nymph, seeing the man¡¯s callous disregard for the nymph''s feelings. To exact revenge, Nemesis led the man towards a pool, where he gazed at his reflection.¡± The fire changed to showing the man¡¯s face, flickering as if he was staring into the pool of water.


    ¡°Upon seeing himself, the man deeply loves the figure beneath him. As he reached out a hand to touch, the reflection breaking, the still water moving again. The man standing there, sorrow filling his heart at realising his love would never be reciprocated.¡± A lone flame is standing, wavering in the air.


    ¡°This realisation led him to take his own life.¡± The fire goes out, and the room is filled with darkness. Norbert looked into Vivienne''s eyes, leaning closer and closer until his breath was on her lips. ¡°And the legend goes that a narcissus flower has sprung by the pool of water. A symbol of his self-obsession.¡± The fire crackled behind him, though no light came from it as Norbert continued to stare


    ¡°Wh¡±


    ¡°Why, because I am no Narcissus¡±, Norbert told her, leaning forward and engulfing her, the witch leaning forward to meet him.


    ***


    Norbert sat at the table, Enid¡¯s father sitting on the other side. ¡°Something has your tongue?¡± Enid¡¯s father asked Norbert.


    Norbert looked up, breathing out as he said, ¡°How much trouble can one get from interacting with a witch?¡± Norbert asked while raising his eyebrows twice.

 Chapter 336 You Fool

    ¡°You fool!¡± Enid¡¯s Father shouted at Norbert.


    Wincing at the sound as it echoed around the ground floor of the house, bathed in darkness, Norbert was sure that the father''s shouts could be heard from outside, even with the door closed.


    ¡°It''s not that bad?¡±


    ¡°She got you, Norbert, by the¡± The man looked around, confirming his daughter wasn¡¯t around ¡°balls.¡±


    ¡°I heard that!¡± interjected a voice from upstairs. Norbert saw the Father wince as the words came out.


    ¡°She just kept me company when I was traumatised by an event?¡± Norbert explains his viewpoint.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure that¡¯s why you did it, but do you know what she can get from you?¡± Enid¡¯s Father asked Norbert.


    Shrugging his shoulders, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t feel much different than before?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s good enough that you won''t feel any difference. And who knows what she wanted your body for anyway?¡±


    ¡°If she wanted to kill me or enslave me, it would have been obvious by now?¡±


    The Father laughed at Norbert, ¡°You know so little about witches, young Morenas.¡± The Father spoke, stood up from the table, and headed to the cabinets. He took two cups as he waved his hand over the sink, water coming out of the tap as he filled up both glasses.


    Placing one on the table in front of Norbert, holding onto the other, and taking a sip of water, ¡°You never know what a witch is doing. Noticed her acting weirdly?¡±


    Norbert thought about the many nights he had spent at the manor. ¡°No, the weirdest was the first time I met her. Where did I think she opened up?¡± He questioned his memory.


    ¡°Well, you have two paths: either get away from her as soon as possible or stick with her and entwine your fates together.¡±


    Norbert scrunched his face. ¡°How come you know so much about witches?¡±


    Nodding his head upwards, he said, ¡°All sorts of people go after cursed children in the hopes of what they will be.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, thinking of the few people he found in his own path who wanted a slice of what he could do. Downing the water in one go, Norbert nodded his head, ¡°Say thanks to Enid from me. Guess the girl is still slightly freaked out.¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t see many people, but your bird has been great company for her.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s where Obsius has been. I''m glad that she can assist your daughter. But I must be going; another fight awaits.¡± Norbert waved as he made his way out the door, clipping his helmet on together, combining the two parts.


    ***


    The slime disappeared into the ground, leaving Norbert alone in the empty room and standing at the edge, not wanting to enter and disturb the silence before him. The lone bed, seeing a little card propped up on it.


    Slowly walking, his steps echoing on the stone, Norbert almost imagined a tumbleweed rolling by. Stopping at his bed, he looked down at the card with his name written on it. Opening it up, he looked inside, quickly skimming what it had written.


    Ripping it up, Norbert shakes his head, thinking back on what the words said: ¡°Dear Norbert, I hope this comes at a time, but you need to evacuate from the premises immediately. The longer you stay, the worse it will get. The first domino you see in the future will be knocked.


    Granny


    PS. Have made some more soup


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    PPS. I hope you enjoy the book.¡±


    Norbert placed the letter in his coin pouch by his waist, not wanting to destroy it at the moment, looking for cameras or devices currently watching him. The exit he would need to take was already closed, and Norbert was locked in the room, needing to continue with the tournament to escape. One last scan did not bring anything odd; he could detect Norbert patting his coin pouch, confirming it was still there as he sat on the lone bed, cross-legged,, as he waited for his time to come.


    ***


    Bleary eyes stared at the board as Norbert stared it down, willing it to move so he could no longer be alone in this room. As he stared at it, he wondered when the last time he had been alone. He counted it in his fingers, realising it had been a long, long time if he didn¡¯t count the weird stint after meeting Skelly in the Halls of the Mountain King.


    PING


    Norbert almost audibly heard it change over.


    ¡°FINALLY!¡± He shouted into the empty room, his voice coming back at him from all sides.


    Quickly making his way to the elevator, he patted himself, ensuring what it would be¡ªlooking up, he did not see any name for who he would be fighting. A single bead of sweat trailed down Norbert¡¯s side, travelling down his ribs before he wiped it.


    He stood on the platform, feeling it rise and move upwards, happy that he wouldn¡¯t be fighting a Grimm.


    ¡°And now for the semi-finals, people have been waiting for a fight. Will this be the one that Norbert, the taker of Arzlan, will not best?¡± The announcer''s voice echoed from above.


    ¡°Not this time, not ever!¡± Norbert shouted out, projecting his voice with magic, the platform jittering momentarily.


    The platform stopped as Norbert squinted to the other side, seeing a black orb on the other side. Apart from it, Norbert was unable to see anything else there.


    Standing there, Norbert looked to the other side. There was no change in the orb there. Turning to the announcer, Norbert shouted out, ¡°Whose that over there?¡±


    ¡°Finekus¡±, Venom dripping in the word.


    Norbert closing his eyes, remembering the last time he fought the dark mage, he was used as a stop gap to allow Finekus to have some peace from the other competitors.


    He changed his sight to magic, the tentacles branching out of the orb, searching for where Norbert would be. He gazed over them, watching as they became static momentarily, vibrating in place only to move again when Norbert¡¯s eyes travelled over the tentacle.


    ¡°ONE !¡± The announcer shouted out, the barrier in front of Norbert dropping, the tentacles darting for his position as they shot across the ground.


    Startled, Norbert started to whip his energy around his body, his mind blank on what plan to form to take Finekus down.


    Leaping forward, just the tips of his toes touching the ground as he went towards the orb, a tentacle would shoot over his way each time he touched the ground. His shadow warped as they made contact, a feeling of something slithering inside him each time it made contact.


    He was coming wards the orb, tattooed dagger out of the sheath on his leg, placed amount othe f energy inside as it went past him, and interacted with the orb. Norbert trailed right behind as it seemed to come up around him, engulfing both himself and the knife he threw.


    He slammed into it, feeling his bones crunch in his hand from the force as darkness surrounded him, only able to see the purple lines going over his body to know where he was. He banged his hand against the orb, feeling it rattle for a moment before stilling.


    He traced his fingers along the inside, knocking the knife he threw with his feet as he shuffled around, unable to find anything to grip and attempt to rip his prison apart.


    He circled Norbert, not knowing how many times, his head slightly swimming, holding his hand out against a wall to balance himself.


    Calming himself down with breaths, the heat inside making sweat trickle down Norbert¡¯s forehead within his mask. He took a deep breath in Norbert, holding his breath as he sat down, feeling the energy inside his body, forcing it to go faster and faster.


    Wondering what was happening outside, it was probably just a view of a black orb with Finekus outside twiddling his thumbs. The energy within him slowed down slightly.


    Chastising himself for the distraction, Norbert focused back on sending it to his mind, the lesson he learnt in the room that repeated. Mind cleared, Norbert felt it ramp up inside his body, the overdrive happening as it started to accelerate exponentially.


    There was no output at all; it was just teaming within his body, trying to stay completely still as Norbert started to twitch and spasm. The energy within him wanted to find a release, any release, as Norbert continued to bottle it up.


    Feeling it reached a tipping point, his reserves started to dwindle as they became used up in the process. As slowly and carefully as Norbert could, whispering, ¡°Which way, Luck?¡±


    A single mote of light appearing inside the orb, Norbert closing his eyes as they watered, having been used to the lack of light and the golden light now bathing inside the black orb.


    Seeing it move to the side, Norbert followed, watching as it winked out as it stopped moving. Pulling his arm back, Norbert imagined his hand going through the orb, causing it to crumble in on itself, and grabbing Finekus on the other side.


    He punched Norbert¡¯s fingers, impacting the barrier and feeling them shatter from the force until his palm hit it. A flash of light appeared, his hand pulling him forward, only to blow back on himself.


    The orb falling apart like he wanted, however his arm continuing forward and the rest of his body crumpling inwards, pain like nothing else crashing over his entire body.


    SNAP


    Every bone was broken, and the world went utterly dark as the little energy within his body tried to numb the pain that he currently felt.

 Chapter 337 Doctor Doctor

    Norbert stared up at the stone roof, white curtains in his periphery on all sides. The groans of people around him filled his ears, combined with the sound of people''s shoes squeaking across the floor. The smell of cleanliness hit his nostrils, sticking to the hairs inside.


    Sitting up, Norbert¡¯s position does not move at all. His muscles flex as they try to move, but nothing happens. Relaxing his body, Norbert shouts out gurgling noises coming out of his throat.


    COUGH COOOOUGH


    Norbert moved his tongue, spitting out the saliva and phlegm in his mouth, only to dribble down his cheek. He tried to rub his head on the pillow, but only his eyes moved about as he continued to look up at the ceiling.


    An angry garble came out of his mouth as he tried to shout to someone he could hear walking about, not knowing why he couldn¡¯t move. The muscles in his jaw strained as he failed to open his mouth.


    He was relaxing, looking internally as he felt the energy inside. Cringing in pain, the channels they had taken frayed and half destroyed; Norbert did not know how that was even possible. Or, more to the point, what happened to him to place his body in this position??


    Thinking back to his fight, the last thing he remembered was a bright light, his right arm ripped from his body and the dark orb crumbling from the power.


    Moving his eyes to see, feeling them hurt in their sockets as he just saw his hand, laying where it was meant to. He rests his eyes, letting them rise to start the ceiling again. All his options are gone, and he is still unable to move. He closes his eyes and lets the sounds of the hospital wash over him.


    ***


    ¡°And who do we have here?¡± A voice came from the foot of the bed.


    Norbert opened his eyes and saw who the stranger was, not recognising their voice in the hospital nor one of the expected welcomers. The man was standing there, looking at a board, fingers swirling about as they moved whatever was being shown.


    The stranger looked up from their notes, eyes locking with Norbert. ¡°Well, look like you¡¯ve finally awoken.¡±


    Norbert tried to sit up but could not sit still, looking about with his eyes around his room.


    ¡°Give me a moment here; I¡¯ll be releasing the ropes momentarily. If you do anything sporadic, I will lock you up.¡± The stranger stared into Norbert¡¯s eyes.


    Looking back, Norbert tried to nod his head, but he was still unable to as he moved his eyes up and down in confirmation.


    The stranger crouching down at the foot of the bed, seeing them frown and move their finger about, Norbert looks up at the ceiling as he waits for ¡­ something.


    ¡°And there we go,¡± The stranger spoke; a moment later, pain shot up Norbert¡¯s body as he could feel everything again. Breathing out panted breaths, laying completely still, the stranger''s words of not doing anything sporadic banging within his skull.


    The pain quickly disappeared, only the feeling of pins and needles remaining, entombing his entire body. Wiggling his toes and fingers about, feeling the fabric brush between them, letting out a relaxed breath as Norbert felt his body sink into the mattress, closing his eyes, proper sleep knocking on his eyelids.


    ¡°Still awake?¡± An object poked him on the cheek, and twisting his head about, he felt the drool and phlegm finally removed from his body.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m awake. Just ¡­ resting.¡± Norbert spoke, his heavy eyes fluttering open. The stranger stared over Norbert, their noses nearly touching each other. Norbert jumped out of his skin in proximity to the workers, banging their heads together.


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    Norbert rubbed his head with his hand, slowly getting upright, the stranger backing off. Norbert is is looking at the person that just smashed heads with. The stranger is standing in their white lab coat, with a stethoscope around their neck and a little nametag over their heart.


    Black hair was slicked back, and brown eyes were staring over Norbert, who was lying in bed and feeling like the health worker was doing more than a cursory glance.


    Trying to change his vision, his head erupting in pain, squirming as he forced his eyes tight until it went away. Squinting, he looked at the name tag. ¡°Doctor Doctor?¡± Norbert read aloud, raising an eyebrow questioningly at the name.


    ¡°Yes, that is,, in fac,t, my na, Norbert. Now, have this.¡± Doctor Doctor produced a small vial from within their lab coat.


    Norbert looked at the contents as they were handed over to him. Holding the concoction to the light gave it a slight swirl as the multi-coloured particles moved through the celeste-coloured liquid. ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°A small dosage of health and mana potion combined should help with your recovery.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m perfectly fine?¡± Norbert waved his left hand in front of him.


    ¡°Externally, you might be fine, but you can even tell that internally, your shreds. Whatever you did to your body in that last fight threw it in a loop.¡±


    Norbert felt the energy within him stall and splutter, leaking out of its normal pathways to the rest of his body. He saw why he was locked up, as the leaking purple energy would make him spasm, and the muscles were juiced up.


    Nodding his head, Norbert placed the vial on his lips, downing the contents. Crushing the glass in his hand, and his muscles clamped down, the shards of glass cutting his hand up, blood marking his covers.


    His body recovered as he looked internally, his pathways no longer wrecked. He was picking the specks of glass out of his hand, watching as his skin remained damaged, not healing up like all the previous times.


    ¡°Looks like you need a bandage. Good for you that Doctor Doctor is here!¡± The Doctor shouted, pulling a white bandage out of his lab coat, taking Norbert¡¯s hand


    ¡°Are you a doctor?¡±


    Pointing at the name tag, ¡°What does the tag say?¡±


    ¡°Then yes, I am no case of my name being that, completely different to Major Major.¡±


    ¡°Then why do you have a doctor twice?¡±


    ¡°It''s Great for you to mention. I''m a GP with a PhD in Renaissance history and the cutlery of the time.¡±


    ¡°Pulling my leg?¡± Wiggling his toes from under the bed sheets.


    ¡°Of course not; a man¡¯s education is a serious matter. It takes pure brains to hop to another world. Or, in your case, pure luck?¡±


    Norbert moved his hand to grip onto the bed covers, flicking them off him. Halfway through, Doctor grabbed his injured arm. He was tearing the bed sheet off it, taking the bandage and wrapping it around Norbert¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Can''t one champion talk with another?¡± Doctor Doctor asked, finishing his bandaging of Norbert before sitting on the bed, taking thee stethoscope from around his neck, and lacing the cold piece of metal on Norbert¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Not really, and especially not when someone is half dead.¡±


    ¡°But this evens the playing fields. Most people don¡¯t want to get on the bad side of the one that defeated Arzlan.¡±


    ¡°What do you want, now that you trapped me here?¡±


    ¡°Just to meet the legend himself. All the other champions have banded together; only a few stragglers are left out of the loop.¡±


    ¡°What loop?¡±


    Doctor Doctor shook his head. ¡°Well, at least nobody else has poached you yet. Surprised since you spent so much time with Grimm.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to give me a straight answer?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve answered everything I need.¡±


    Norbert¡¯s brain whirled as the doctor stood up, heading out of the way. ¡°Did Sally send you here as a way to strong-arm me?¡±


    ¡°For this interaction, no. She¡¯s been treating you like a pet. Not letting any of the other new champions play with you.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you here?¡±


    ¡°Stemming curiosity, others have heard of your exploits, rumours going about what you can and can¡¯t do between the champions.¡±


    Norbert just staredat him.. ¡°I¡¯m really out of the loop.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s where you will remain. Sorry. Sorry, kid, not my call.¡± Doctor Doctor told him. I am standing up as he walked away from the bed. ¡°You need to rest up; don¡¯t use that ability of yours. And stay low; I should have never been able to overpower you like that.¡±


    With that, the doctor left the doctoring stepped curtain and sectioned the patient from the other patients, disappearing from Norbert¡¯s view.


    Resting his head back on the pillow, Norbert closed his eyes, thoughts whirling in his head of what Doctor Doctor had told him.


    Feeling the energy within him lazily move about, feeling it dissipate in the wrong places again, Norbert opened his eyes, already bored.


    Throwing the blanket off him, finding his clothing in a neatly folded pile on a chair, his boots and blades resting on top.


    Carefully putting them on him, his muscles in pain like the second day after returning to the gym, remembering the last time he was in a ward like this,, a lot of walking was required to get out. Walking that would be painful now.

 Chapter 338 The End of the Beginning

    Hobbling to the door, Norbert looked about, something feeling not quite right. Swaying slightly as he stood, the weight on his shoulders to light. Rubbing his hand against his chin, feeling the smooth skin underneath his gloved hand.


    ¡°Where is my helmet?¡± Norbert whispered out.


    Turning back around, Norbert scanned the room, looking for the pieces of metal. Confirming it wasn¡¯t on the chair, Norbert rested his hand on the bed as he bent over, looking underneath it.


    Seeing nothing there, Norbert slowly made his way, standing up and looking around at the others, wondering what he would be doing there.


    ¡°Looking for something?¡± A voice came from the curtain.


    Norbert turned around as Vivienne stood there, leaning against the doorway; in her hand, Norbert saw his helmet spinning, the two pieces together. He moved his hand, reaching out to grasp onto its helmet and stumbling as he did so, crashing into Vivienne and slouching as he did, feeling her take his weight as it came out from under him.


    Half a hand grasping for the mask, Vivienne held onto the back of Norbert''s shirt, stopping him from falling to the ground. Lifting him up without a groan, she walked him towards the bed, laying him down on it before sitting on the side of the bed, legs crossed over each other as she placed his helmet on his chest.


    ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t be moving. Didn¡¯t the medics here tell you that?¡± Vivienne asked Norbert, a smile tugging at her lips.


    ¡°They said to lie low, not that I can¡¯t move.¡±


    ¡°And how does this helmet of yours?¡± tapping the helmet, something metal on her hand ringing out as the two pieces hit each other, a bell awakening something within Norbert, a part of him that told him to listen to the words about to come from the witch¡¯s mouth ¡°one of the pieces that are iconic to you and everyone knows about lets you¡­ lie low?¡±


    Norbert placed his hand on the helmet, angling it up as he stared into its black eyes. ¡°What happened after the fight?¡±


    ¡°Well, after you tore yourself apart from the inside, you lost, unable to win. Your strike is amazing, but it did not hit your opponent. After you¡¯ve been here for half a day, told by Commander Sally to leave you be after dousing you in a single mana potion.¡±


    Norbert looked down at himself, feeling his body move again, and turned to Vivienne. ¡°Do you have another one?¡±


    With a shake of her head, she lifted the helmet up. Sitting on his chest was a round bottle that could easily fit in the palm of his hand. The stopper was dipped in emerald wax; spinning it around, she saw a cauldron bubbling on top.


    Taking it, Norbert undid the stopper, the cork popping free as he held it against his lips. Vivienne held onto his hand. ¡°Only take a sip, or else you could damage yourself even more.¡±


    Nodding his head in understanding as he tipped it back briefly, a trickle of liquid came out. He quickly corked it again, instantly feeling it rush inside. Places that was sore before now no longer feeling bad, a weight off his mind lifted.


    Placing the bottle next to him, not even trying to send energy through his pathways, he turned his head to Vivienne. ¡°How come you came to find me?¡±


    Vivienne leaned forward, brushing Norbert¡¯s hair out of his face, resting her hand on his forehead, Norbert feeling her ice-cold hand against his skin. Nodding her head, she thought, ¡°Needed to return the rest of your clothes and items you kept in the manor.¡±


    Norbert leans up, looks at the sack and chest, and realizes it is the same one kept in his room. Turning back to Vivienne, he asks, ¡°How many more days until the tournaments are over?¡±


    ¡°It''s already over. It''s time for you to go back and for us to part ways. Celebrations are never held here, and the different groups get very bristly afterwards.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, smiling as he groaned, his muscles getting slightly stuck after his lack of movement. ¡°So, did Finekus win?¡±


    ¡°No, one of the Northern Frosters defeated the dark mage you were against.¡±


    Norbert nodded, ¡°So, you made it to the semi-finals, so it must mean something at least.¡±


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    ¡°A great achievement is what it is. Now, you best unlock the chest and get moving. The parade is starting, and you''re expected to be there.¡±


    Norbert nodded, taking another sip of the magic potion, giving him the boost needed to go to the chest. Opening it up, Norbert looked inside at the clothes and spare weapons where they had been before. Taking Obsius¡¯s coin pouch and moving it over, the clothes he used for disguise, he would need it several times.


    The cape with the dual design, the gloves he had been forced to take, his thoughts going to the sun hat, and he wondered what Count von Count was doing with it.


    ¡°No pets inside; this needs to be clean.¡± Someone from outside spoke, interrupting Norbert¡¯s train of thought as he continued mechanically moving his items out of the chest, conscious of the time he spent still.


    I heard the commotion outside getting louder and louder. One of the staff members was walking backward, and Norbert heard a set of whistling in no harmony at all.


    ¡°You called?¡± The vampire asked, poking his head through the curtains, through the flap Norbert seeing Obsius fly towards him, landing straight for his head and into his hair. Roosting around until getting comfortable, the tweets of confirmation that he wasn¡¯t hurt.


    ¡°I¡¯m not that bad, Obsius. I''m not dying on you today.¡±


    Feeling a depression in the bed, turned his sight as he saw the fox approaching him. He opened his hands as it stopped just before him, ¡°Don¡¯t be a stranger even though I haven¡¯t seen you in ages.¡± Norbert reached forward and picked it up by the scruff of its neck.


    ¡°How come you¡¯re here?¡± Norbert asked, nodding his head to Count von Count. Vivienne stood up, heading for the exit, giving a slight wave to Norbert, picking up the chest as she stepped up. Norbert turned to Count von Count, waiting to hear his reasoning. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Vivienne pause for a moment, eyes fluttering as her lips moved, no sound coming out before he could even ask her what; she was already gone.


    Only the thought of the witch who had used and given him both in possessions and the use of her name to be thrown around, thinking of what she had done for him, getting him into slight trouble, but protecting him from much more of what he created himself. Enid¡¯s Father¡¯s comment lightly echoed what he had been able to give her, what magic-less brute could ever give to someone with such deft control.


    ¡°Think I¡¯ll ever see her again?¡± Norbert asked, nodding towards the exit where Vivienne disappeared from, still imagining her blonde hair trailing behind her.


    Count von Count turned to where Norbert had indicated, ¡°If you¡¯re lucky, then no. But knowing how your luck goes, you will see her again.¡±


    ¡°What do you have against witches? The vampire Count von Count that nobody knows what you will do next. A bloodthirsty monster ready to take anything and everything down?¡± Norbert asked, remembering when someone had given a tale of the vampire''s past antics.


    ¡°Nobody in Grimm likes witches, people that turned themselves for the power given. Always ambitious, and they never let go once they have you in their claws.¡±


    Norbert shook his head. ¡°But Vivienne isn¡¯t like that.¡±


    ¡°Maybe it''s because those claws have already sunken into its prize and are now dragging it back to their den?¡± Count von Count asked, turning to leave. ¡°But you best be going; you are needed at the ceremony.¡±


    Norbert nodded, slowly moved his feet around, and stood up, slinging the sack over a shoulder. The fox crawled up his body and sat on the other. Norbert stood there, blank face.


    ¡°I''ll show you the way.¡±


    ***


    Norbert stood in the arena again, looking around as his face moved over the crowd before him. Standing to the side on a dais, to the side, there were three more platforms waiting to be filled.


    Looking across the crowd, a bit of blonde hair poking out from a hood, up the persons arm a snake slithered out, Norbert smile painting his face as he saw Vivienne under the sun.


    ¡°And now for the winners, tied third place with Norbert is Actrican.¡± Norbert looked, smiling, as he saw someone completely wrapped up standing on one of the other platforms. With the white and yellow bindings covering their body, Norbert could only see their brown eyes staring back at him.


    He gave a slight nod as he stood there, watching as the crowd encouraged the third place.


    ¡°In the second place, the defeater of Norbert, slayer of Arzlan¡± Norbert saw as a black orb appeared, and Finekus stepped out. ¡°Finekus from Morenas¡±


    Norbert smiled as he nodded, stopping halfway through. Half of Finekus¡¯s face was a twist of noted scars and burnt flesh. Purple veins ran down his face and neck, turning into a collar on the man¡¯s pale white skin.


    The smile painted on Finekus¡¯s face as he gave a slight nod to Norbert.


    ¡°Quite a surprise to see not one but two from the same country. But now to announce the winner, defeater of all, champion of this tournament from the blistering lands of the North Frosters, Casper!¡±


    The name echoed in the back of his head, the air visibly chilling, snow appearing, and fog billowing out of Norbert¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°And now a quick word from the winner himself.¡±


    Casper, Norbert¡¯s classmate, was standing there, garbed in coats from animals, the grey and white dots as the man stood there.


    ¡°Thank you. I want to thank you all for coming to make this tournament a success. And as a gift from North Frosters and myself to everyone here. A little piece of fun to be had.¡± Casper spoke, Norbert, seeing their staff rise into the air. The foxes claws digging into Norbert shoulder, Obsius scampering into Norbert¡¯s clothes as he stood there, a pit forming in his stomach.


    ¡°Let the war truly begin!¡± he shouted, the ball of light falling from the sky, Norbert looking around the colosseum, and countless people also in the same position.


    He turned, hand extended, his feet stopping as he looked down, seeing them snap frozen to the dais he was standing on, stopping him from moving.


    Finekus and Actrican reach for him, a smile on Casper¡¯s face, smashing his staff into the ground as a white light enveloped Norbert, feeling his body move in, only to be replaced by darkness.

 Chapter 339 Back on Earth

    Light came to him again, feet finally moving, arm still in front of him as he fell to the marble ground of the white room. He came to a knee and looked around. His head swam, trying to find where Casper was.


    Whipping his head around, trying to look for Vivienne in the crowd, only to see the window leading to nothingness, something capturing his eyes, feeling like something was moving, watching him in the dark scape of the night sky.


    Closing his eyes, calming his racing breath, Obsius, in his coat, moved about as he took the bird out, hearing it flap its wings as it moved about the room. Norbert followed the black object, coming to his knees, as his eyes caught the two chairs around a tea table. A silver cart was on the side, and one of the chairs already had someone sitting there, their golden hair billowing out the side so Norbert could see from his angle.


    He was coming to his feet, limping Norbert, landing in the chair with a puff. The fox jumped off his shoulder onto the ground, Norbert watching it go into the sack of clothes already there.


    Finally, turning to the goddess before him, Lady Luck smiled at him as she sipped tea. Norbert saw another set of tea cups and saucers sitting at the table, begging him to take it.


    The images flashed through his mind of what happened to the crowd, to Vivienne standing there, looking out at him. ¡°What happened?¡± Norbert uttered the words, the tea in his hand growing slightly cold from his words.


    ¡°The start of the game has begun.¡± Luck said, smiling as she looked at Norbert. ¡°The start is over, preparations in place for what is to come next you return; if not, then a fool will meet their fate like all fools do.¡±


    Norbert looked to Lady Luck. ¡°Is that something that all the gods are forced to say? Doesn¡¯t really go with your vibe? Especially with you in a pair of pink pyjamas.¡± Norbert told Luck, ¡°Cute though,¡± adding as an afterthought, finally taking a sip of his tea.


    ¡°Do take it seriously, Norbert; your time in the sun is over.¡±


    Norbert stared down Luck again. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°The first hand has been cast, trying to wipe out as many people as possible in a single hit. Expect all to be dead except the lucky and champions, current and past. Though the past ones might not make it too long.¡±


    ¡°So, Casper did something?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Yes, Casper, but possibly fuelled by his god and the Northern Frosters.¡±


    ¡°And he wanted to blow us all up?¡±


    ¡°Start the wars slightly ahead of schedule.¡±


    ¡°Ahead of schedule?¡± Norbert asked, taking a sip. ¡°Wars?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the entire point of champions to be decided was for you to fight each other and see which god is the best. Why, I¡¯ve previously answered that question.¡±


    ¡°So, they wanted to kick start it off early by trying to kill as many as possible of the next generation of elites from all around because?¡±


    ¡°I have no clue. I don¡¯t know, and if I did, I wouldn¡¯t tell you, or else things could get ¡­ mucky.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head. ¡°So what now?¡±


    ¡°Now, you go back to Earth, do whatever you want. In forty-eight hours over there, you can come back."


    Norbert nodded his head, taking a sip of tea. He watched as Luck gave a sad smile towards him, ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡±


    ¡°As you have probably noticed, time has stopped for Earth, allowing you to jump straight back into your lives again.¡± Norbert nodded his head, looking to Luck as a strangeness wrecked over his body. ¡°After forty-eight hours, you can come and go between the two worlds, no longer ripped randomly. However, time will continue in the other.¡±


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    Norbert stared at her, thinking of what she was saying: ¡°So, I need to decide what world I live in, which one I will participate in.¡±


    ¡°Exactly that. Will you keep your hands clean, possibly let another world go to ruin or get dirty,, nd reach in and try your best to clean up??¡±


    ¡°Did the others know of this?¡±


    ¡°Previous champions have told some, those mentoring them.¡±


    Norbert took another sip of tea, the words that the doctor he saw swirling in his mind. ¡°Do you know why Sally kept me away from the others?¡±


    ¡°That isn¡¯t my reason to tell. Why don¡¯t you ask her when you see her next?¡±


    Norbert nodded, placing the tea in his mouth. The taste was going wrong, and the thought of what to do addled his mind.


    Taking his clothes, Norbert started to stand behind the chair, only to stop as he began disrobing, taking out the clothes he wore to university what felt like a lifetime ago¡ªa life that never had any thoughts of murder clouding his mind.


    ¡°Will I still be able to come back here?¡± Norbert asked, placing his hoodie over his head and sitting down again. Leaning forward, Obsius landed in the hood section; the fox joined him, and the two''s weight slightly strangled the hood around his neck.


    ¡°Only for passing; time here is frozen but will be limited. We cannot have others prowling these halls for recovery. Though talking about recovery, you should finish the rest of the potion here.¡± Luck said, pointing to the mana potion that Vivienne had given him, now sitting beside the cup of tea he placed there.


    Taking it, Norbert removed the stopper as he downed the potion, feeling it smash through his body, his depleted reserves now only low. Feeling it move about his body, cleaning it up again, Norbert sighed as the paths the energy made start to repair themselves. The purple on his hands was not that bad as it started receding in his body.


    ¡°How long have I left?¡± Norbert asked, reaching around and placing the fox and Obsius on their shoulders so he could lean back in the chair properly.


    ¡°You still have time, so enjoy the serenity while it lasts.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to tell me that again,¡± Norbert told the goddess, taking another sip of his tea and draining half of it in a single gulp.


    ¡°So, how have you been? I know you¡¯ve been watching in on me countless times, but what about you? I don¡¯t really have the chance to gaze up here and see how you''re doing,¡± Norbert asked Luck.


    ¡°Same old, same old, dealing with the others as they pry for any power or advantage.¡±


    Norbert nodded, taking another sip of tea. ¡°And the visions?¡±


    Norbert saw Luck freeze momentarily, likely remembering whatever had been shown to her or possibly when she had seen his own.


    ¡°I know you¡¯ve seen them if I have.¡± Norbert pushed forward, Luck curling her feet under herself. ¡°If anything, I have been tasting what we have coming for us. Is this why you have separated me from interacting with the others and swayed their hands to stop?¡± Norbert asked.


    Norbert looked, seeing as a fire flickered in her eyes that turned to slits. ¡°Just because I am not ordering you around doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t want you to win.¡± Luck said, standing up as she placed her saucer on the table. ¡°You have no clue the deals I have made for you to get where you are now.¡±


    Luck was now standing before Norbert, staring at her as if a golden light had come from her skin. ¡°How lucky to have someone trying to risk it all for one chance, for your success.¡±


    ¡°Scared to be forgotten like your predecessors?¡± Norbert asked


    SMACK


    The hand came down before he could see it, his cheek turning red as he looked up at her. Luck stalked back to her chair, sitting down and taking her cup as she had another sip of tea.


    Norbert rubbed his chin, seeing out of the corner of his eyes both Obsius and the fox glaring at him. Sitting there, Norbert taps his foot on the ground, mulling over what she said to him.


    Breathing out through his nose, he turned to Luck and said, ¡°I went over the line, attacking you, someone who has ultimately always rooted for my success.¡± Norbert spoke to her, looking into her burnt golden eyes. ¡°And thank you for being there for me, even though you are all alone up here.¡± Norbert gestured to the barren walls, not a drop of colour or personality anywhere. The only hint of something in Luck''s garbs was seeing the pink pyjama, which reminded him of a cheeky cat.


    Luck nodded slightly, taking a deep, shuddering breath, which she constantly released as she blew on the tea, sending it rippling.


    ¡°Best get ready.¡±


    Norbert nodded as he stood up, patting himself down, ensuring nothing was misplaced.


    ¡°See you soon.¡± Norbert smiled, waving at her.


    As the light shone in his eyes again, he heard a whisper in his mind, ¡°Hopefully not, for your sake.¡±


    Darkness encased him, body weightless, then the chair underneath him.


    Turning around, I saw Count von Count standing beside Sally, both looking slightly disoriented.


    Hearing several claps from behind him, standing there as the voice hit him, ¡°Well, well, well, looks like the gangs all back together.¡±


    Slowly turning around, Norbert sees Casper there, in his usual uniform. Lunging forward before realising it, Norbert held the scruff of Casper¡¯s shirt.

 Chapter 340 ... Home

    His fist flew forward, smashing into Casper¡¯s nose, feeling the crunch under his fist as blood sprayed out of the student''s face. Not letting go of the scruff of his top, Norbert pulled his arm back for a second, his energy bubbling, feeling it flush into his veins, not caring as it started leaking out of him.


    A hand on Norbert¡¯s arm, as a second and third went on his body, stopping him from twisting and connecting again. A red burn came to his cheek like Luck had hit him just moments before. He was turning incredulously to the assailant, eyes locking with Sarah, wearing the clothes of a uni student and not of the commander of an army, ready to unleash her wrath on Morenas''s enemies.


    Sarah¡¯s hand was holding in the air, waiting to give another hit to his face to wake him from his rage. Norbert¡¯s arms went slack, letting Casper drop to the ground. The entire class was quiet as they stared at the commotion that he made.


    Seeing Jack¡¯s face as he stared at Norbert, horror dripping from it, eyes open and mouth slack, a scream frozen in his friend''s throat. Turning back to Casper, the words Sarah had uttered to him long ago about a treaty on Earth. His eyes flickered over to Casper¡¯s bloody, grinning face, looking back at him, begging Norbert to take another shot. The glare from Sarah stopping him in his tracks, turning around, trying to erase the smile on Caspers bleeding face, Norbert stuffed his books and equipment into his bag, kicking the chair in, stalking out of the classroom.


    The door flew open, hearing it slam against the wall, its hinges crying out from the force as it closed on its own. Norbert stalked outside of the classroom, down the hallway to try and get outside, wiping his memory of the sneering face from Norbert¡¯s mind.


    Hearing a door open and close behind him, not caring who had followed him out, Norbert headed to the courtyard around the building, the light coming in from the railing as he walked around the second-floor passage. Making a corner and coming down the stairs, Norbert stopped just within the shadow of the building, watching as the sunlight hit the tree, dancing in the leaves, watching them brown. Having forgotten what season it was over here, whether it was entering Autumn or coming to Spring.


    Hearing steps come beside him, hearing them stop right next to his, he saw Count von Count out of the corner of his eye. There was a flap of wings and the sound of nails on concrete as Obsius and the fox darted past Norbert, heading for the tree he was gazing at.


    ¡°You know it''s not going to hurt you.¡± Count von Count told Norbert.


    He felt the energy inside him slowly start to simmer, feeling the damage the energy pushing around his body had done. He was just another step further away from being healed.


    ¡°I know, but we both know that isn¡¯t why I¡¯m standing here,¡± Norbert replied, watching him run up the tree, chasing after Obsius as she flickered from branch to branch, always out of reach.


    ¡°Then go out there, experience everything you can of this world, and forget about Masanu.¡±


    Norbert did not respond as he continued to stare out, biting his lip, gripping and lossening his backpack slung over one shoulder. ¡°Do you know what the last thing Luck said to me was?¡±


    There was silence as the vampire refused to respond. Norbert turned, seeing the raised eyebrow, the only reply to Norbert¡¯s rhetorical question.


    ¡°She hoped I don¡¯t see her soon, for my own sake.¡± As the words left his mouth, feeling himself begin to be crushed, the words he had said before he left banged in his mind.


    ¡°Gods don¡¯t say things half-heartedly,¡± Count von Count provided.


    ¡°Do you know why she said that, for me not to return?¡±


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    ¡°Oh, most definitely, that is no mystery. Look at how you left it, the tournament in ruins, countries after each other''s throats for the actions of the few powerful in there. That includes your stunts as well, Norbert.¡± Count von Count told him, poking him in the shoulder.


    Norbert allowed his body to be moved as he thought about it. ¡°But why would she say that, after so long trying not to be forgotten, to just so easily throw away one of her chances, possibly her only chance of not being forgotten like all those other statues, like all those previous gods?¡±


    ¡°A way to sway your heart? Because she cares for you? Or maybe because she doesn¡¯t want you as a champion running more of her plans? I don¡¯t know; she isn¡¯t the goddess I follow.¡±


    ¡°Then what goddess do you follow, vampire?¡± The word stinging as it came out of Norbert¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Questions like that are not for places like this.¡± Count von Count beckoned to Norbert forward, to step into the sun. ¡°Enjoy the time you have left, and think over the decision that you will need to make."


    ¡°But Casper?¡± Norbert asked.


    Count von Count shook his head. ¡°What that man has done cannot be undone. The snow has fallen, and the avalanche has started, so don¡¯t fret about what has been done.¡± Digging his elbow into Norbert¡¯s ribs, he said, ¡°Even if there are people you cared about now gone.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°Careful with getting smitten with a witch.¡±


    ¡°Why is everyone telling me to be careful with her? Nothing¡¯s happened at all.¡± A rattling breath came out of Norbert¡¯s mouth.


    Count von Count wiggled his brow at Norbert. Opening his mouth to respond, Norbert remembered the glimpse of Vivienne standing in the crowd in the sun. ¡°But she¡¯s gone,¡± Norbert added


    ¡°Witches have a way of popping up again, once they crawl into your life. They never let go.¡±


    Norbert shook his head; Enid¡¯s father¡¯s words were in his mind. ¡°That¡¯s enough about her. Though I might enjoy the sun...¡± Norbert said the words, not wanting to utter them, a small piece of him protesting out that somehow uttering the words of her death would make it so.


    Norbert stepped into the sun, Count von Count coming in behind him, not a single bit of pain, no smoke smouldering off them and their flesh peeling at it. Taking a deep breath in, Norbert felt as the sun warmed him up, the thoughts of Casper and Morenas slowly slipping from his mind, opening them as he watched Obsius and the fox play with each other. The two of them stopped as


    ¡°Casper won¡¯t escape scot-free.¡±


    ¡°You won''t need to worry about him. Ambition must be tempered to survive fighting on the god''s behalf, or the champion will get swayed and meet an untimely end.¡± Count von Count added, finally stepping into the sunlight as well.


    Norbert turns Count von Count, taking several steps backwards, resting against the tree. ¡°How come you¡¯re here? And not back there? Why ever come here to Earth when Morenas would be what truly matters to you?¡± Norbert asked, not knowing where the question came from, as he looked at the peace on the vampire''s chest, basking in the sun.


    ¡°There are some simple pleasures that cannot be found there.¡± Count von Count told him, raising his arms as they basked in the sunlight.


    Norbert nods his head. ¡°Toilets that let everyone can flush and showers that allow me to clean are truly wonderful,¡± Norbert said as he gave a big whiff of himself. ¡°Speaking of showers, I¡¯m off. Need to clean the grime; don¡¯t think the hospital did it previously.¡±


    And with just a wave, Norbert headed off, leaving the class behind. Obsius and the fox, no longer watching the discussion between unlikely friends, chasing after Norbert. not wanting to get left behind on the other side. Stopping and holding out his arm, the fox jumped off the branch, hearing it wobble and strain under the weight, the soft creature landing into his hand as it crawled up his arm, clutching onto his jumper until finally sitting on his shoulder.


    The three of them headed off, Obsius on Norbert¡¯s head with the fox on one shoulder and the bag on the other. Heading out, Norbert made his way across the campus, seeing several people rush about and heading to the classroom from which he had evacuated.


    Not wanting to deal with that at the moment, Norbert kept the energy at bay,, he started going at a jog, feeling the power in him want to be released. His heart pumping, the physical activity replenishing his pathways, the energy flowing the smoothest out of


    He stopped as he looked around, slowing as he passed the pizza place, looking for his apartment that he shared with Jack, the memory a hazy blur in his mind. Closing his eyes, Norbert followed his nose, going by instinct, only keeping an ear out to make sure he wouldn¡¯t get run over by a car.


    Stopping at the lights, pressing the button as it clicked, telling him to walk, he went up steps and stepped into the shade. Opening the door, Norbert went around down a hallway, stopping at the door. Norbert took out his key, put it in the slot, and heard it click.


    Stepping inside, the apartment looked the same as always. Chucking his bag onto the couch, Norbert said to the empty apartment, ¡°Its good to be ¡­ home."

 Chapter 341 Unexpected Interogation

    Norbert looked around, seeing it be the same as ever; going to the TV, landing back on the couch, and feeling himself sink into it. Something jabbing into his leg, fishing around, pulling out his phone, staring at it, eyes glazed over, wondering what he was doing with it.


    Pressing the lock screen button, he saw it flash in front of him. Staring at the lock screen as the time flashed, he swiped up as it asked him to input his code. Looking away, Norbert typed into his phone what he thought would be correct, feeling it vibrate in confirmation as it rolled up.


    Swiping through the phone between the pages, the call button on the bottom left corner asks him to press it.


    His finger descended, the phone vibrating in response. Jerking it out of his hand, it splayed to the couch in surprise, bending over to pick it up as it continued going off and flipping it around. Norbert accepted the call as he held it to his ear.


    ¡°Hello, Norbert speaking?¡±


    ¡°What the ¡­.¡± Norbert hearing a heavy breath come through ¡°The head office wants to speak to you, rumour already spread across the entire campus on how you sent a guy flying. The paramedics came, and now the police are asking questions.¡±


    ¡°Man, even the police. Directly in front of you right as we speak, Jack?¡± Norbert asked.


    Hearing silence over the phone, Norbert shook his head, not believing the muck he had already brought himself in, the memory of Casper¡¯s smug face looking back down at him from the podium, feeling the vein on his forehead pulse.


    ¡°I¡¯m just at the apartment. I can head over to the campus if that¡¯s ok with them?¡± Norbert heard chatter on the other side, half paying attention to it.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s fine if you stay there.¡±


    ¡°Want me to stay on the phone?¡± ¡­ Norbert nodding at the lack of response ¡°Relax Jack, I¡¯m not going to go and kill anyone, no need to be so on edge.¡±


    "Any reason for the behaviour change?" Jack asked him.


    Norbert bouncing his tongue between his lips, "Well, not one that I can tell you. Not like zipping off to another world and Casper blowing up an entire stadium of people is going to be believed by you or anyone else."


    Hearing through the phone, whoever spoke with Jack said, "He''s not thinking straight. Approach with caution."


    "I''m not going to hurt anyone, officer, except Casper. But I think he deserves it." Norbert spoke into the phone, pulling it away from his face, pressing the speaker button, and taking it with him as he moved to the kitchen area, opened the fridge, moving around, and saw a packet of salami. He was annoyed at having forgotten to buy some pizza. Norbert took it out as he made a sandwich for himself, dismissing the conversation that was trying to be made with him.


    "Trying to eat here!" Norbert shouted to the phone as the other side became quiet.


    Turning around, Norbert devoured his sandwich, not caring about the conversation the other end wanted him to have. He makes his way to his bedroom and sees both Obsius and the fox already in there, both lying on his bed.


    Shaking his head, Norbert took a deep breath in, only smelling himself and his own stench. His face crinkled up. ¡°Luck, can you clean me off?¡± he asked in the open air.


    Several moments later, with nothing happening, Norbert just nodded, making his way to the bathroom with a spare change of clothes. Turning the shower on, he felt the warm water come out of the shower head. Norbert groaned as it tickled his skin; he began washing himself.


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    Rinsing the suds off his body, Norbert stood in the shower for a moment, just letting it clear himself of the bad memories of the new start he would be making. Shuddering, the water suddenly felt cold as the flash of the opponents he defeated.


    Rushing out of the shower, dripping wet, falling to his knees next to the toilet as Norbert puked inside of it. Their body was shaking as each time he thought he was over; another victim would appear in front of him.


    The last image, as he was dry hacking, was the wolves that were chasing after him, feeling the rush of the waterfall surrounding him as he lost consciousness, the fear of death knocking on his door.


    Only a small amount of bile came out, dribbling and sticking to his chin as Norbert half saw himself in the porcelain reflection. Stumbling towards the still-running shower, Norbert wiped the filth that clung to him. Closing the water off abruptly, still standing there, letting the droplets fall from his hair, cooling himself down until he was close to shivering.


    Taking his towel, Norbert quickly dried himself off, leaving a puddle of water on the ground, dropping the towel to mop it up. Getting changed into transparent clothes, Norbert walked to his room when three knocks wrapped on the door.


    "Give me a second!" Norbert shouted out, throwing his clothes in the basket. He came to his room, quickly looked around, and everything was in its place.


    Knock KNOCK knock


    "Wanna come with me, you two?" Norbert asked, seeing Obsius and the fox come up from their sleep, looking at him expectantly. Sighing, Norbert reached forward as he placed them on their appropriate shoulders. He felt their claws and paws slightly dig into his skin through the t-shirt he currently wore.


    Feet plodding on the ground, his toes finally free from the boots they had been subjected to for hours.


    KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK


    Norbert reached for the door handle and pulled it towards him, smiling as he opened it.


    The person on the other side instantly charged in, tackling Norbert to the ground, moving Norbert''s hands behind his back, the fabulous metal cuffs clicking onto his wrists. Feeling himself hauled up, still Obsius and the fox on his shoulders.


    "Don¡¯t need to be so rough," Norbert told them as he tried to straighten his clothes as best he could while restricted.


    ***


    Norbert sat in the police station, turning to the side of the one-way glass window, his reflection staring back at him. Still, Obsius and the fox are on his shoulder, and his retainers cannot pry the two creatures off his shoulders.


    Giving a slight wave to whoever was watching through the glass, the chains around his hand rattling as the chains clinked together. "This isn''t necessary."


    Nobody else in the room heard what he had said as Norbert stared at the window, sure that the person over there could see him. He had a bag over his head after he was placed in the back of the van, hearing his captors follow in after him as the van moved about, the entire thing clips and clothes rustling around.


    Norbert turned to Obsius and the fox one at a time. " Do you have any idea if you saw any?¡± Norbert stopped, waving his fingers in front of his face.


    Obsius is tweeting at him for being stupid. ¡°Will take that as a no, then. But we are quite far underground; I wonder what they have me locked up like this for?¡± Norbert asked, listening to the door out of the room behind him, if he could have some footsteps coming.


    Obsius twittering at him, poking him in the ear. ¡°Sadly, it doesn¡¯t seem to work every time,¡± Norbert told the bird.


    ¡°What doesn¡¯t work every time?¡± A voice asked from behind him as the door opened up.


    ¡°Still got it,¡± Norbert replied, watching as a man wearing a black suit, a white pressed shirt, and black aviator glasses.


    Norbert watched, but he only saw his own reflection in the glasses as he tried to stare at the man''s eyes.


    The man sat down, his metal chair squeaking across the ground as he flopped a manila folder onto the metal table. He opened it up as he placed pictures around the table, positioning them so Norbert could see.


    ¡°Have any idea what these could be?¡± The interrogator asked.


    Norbert looks at the pictures, eyes moving from one to the next, seeing the grainy black-and-white footage from a security camera. Moving from one to the next, Norbert saw the insides of a warehouse as someone rapidly came upwards.


    The interrogator placing another one, directly into Norbert¡¯s hands, as he looked, seeing a man with his back towards a wall, and several people pointing guns at the lone person.


    Norbert gulped as he looked.


    ¡°Now, someone wants to talk about you being here.¡±


    Norbert holds on: ¡°Don¡¯t I need a lawyer, and you can¡¯t just say I¡¯m guilty with no evidence?¡±


    ¡°It''s best to remain silent and mull over what to do,¡± the interrogator said, leaving the pictures and the report on the table. Norbert heard the two hands connect with each other behind him.


    ¡°Hello Norbert, how are you doing?¡±


    As Norbert looked at the new man who had entered, sitting down where the interrogator had previously been, he said, ¡°Hello Geoff, I''m guessing the room is no longer bugged.¡± The leader of a Solution sat in front of him, and Norbert forced his face to lose emotion as he felt a collar starting to tighten around his neck.

 Chapter 342 Signing on the Dotted Line

    Norbert dangling the manacles in front of his face. ¡°Any point in having these on?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Makes the others less jumpy,¡± Geoff replied to Norbert.


    Shrugging his shoulders, he snapped both of the manacles and rubbed his wrists with his hands as he looked at the red rings covering his flesh, coaxing the purple energy inside of him to move around and fix his wrists.


    ¡°Ah, much better; now, what is all of this shit?¡± Norbert waved his hand at the pictures on the table.


    ¡°We have been told of your recent trip to Italy, breaking in, murder and child abduction,¡± Geoff replied, tapping the lone figure standing against the wall.


    Norbert shakes his head. ¡°What do you want from me? I¡¯m already working for you over here. What else do you want?¡±


    Norbert heard Geoff''s bones groan before him as he moved forward, taking the files out and handing them over to Norbert. Looking down, Norbert saw what it said aloud: ¡°Movement of Grimm throughout Morenas?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what this is about. You will agree to the terms to allow the movement of Grimm troupes throughout Morenas uninhibited. There is no need for assistance in the movement.¡± The leader of a Solution told Norbert, tapping his finger where Norbert saw the word ¡°signature¡± and a blank line next to it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you must have taken the wrong person. I have no clue what this Masanu or these Grimm are, and quite frankly, I have never seen you before.¡±


    Geoff raised a single eyebrow. ¡°I''m really going to play that game, Norbert. Just sign on the line and be done with this charade.¡±


    Norbert looked about, leaning in as close as the table would allow. Pausing, Norbert beckoned with his finger. Geoff stared at him, staring Norbert down, only to move himself closer so Norbert could whisper in his ear.


    ¡°We both know I never have the power to authorise something like this.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± Geoff asked, taking a phone out of his pocket, placing it on the table, and leaning backwards.


    He is seeing the phone, recognising it as his own.


    BZZZZ BZZZZZZ


    Norbert¡¯s hand hovering above, seeing the name Sarah (Jack¡¯s GF) flash on the screen and tearing his eyes away from the screen, Norbert looked to Geoff¡ªa grin on the vampire''s face, waving Norbert ahead to take the phone.


    Carefully picking it up, Norbert took the call and laced it to his ear.


    ¡°Hello Norbert, it''s Commander Sally.¡± Her voice rang over the phone.


    ¡°Hi Sarah, How¡¯s it going? You wouldn¡¯t believe the situation I¡¯ve found myself in.¡±


    ¡°Sign the paper.¡±


    Norbert was quiet as the words banged around in his head. ¡°But, you don¡¯t even know what¡¯s on it.¡±


    ¡°I do, its about movement of troops, now sign it.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you sign it? You¡¯re the Commander.¡±


    Hearing Sally sigh on the other side of the line, Norbert said, ¡°It was meant to be told after the tournament. Your first work was heading to Grimm and forming a treaty.¡±


    Norbert whistled out loud, Obsius joined in as well, and the fox just yawned, jumping onto his lap as it curled up into a ball. ¡°But I know nothing about treaties, government, or anything. I¡¯m just a kid studying IT?¡±


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    ¡°Well, now you¡¯re the official ambassador for Morenas about Grimm. Welcome to your new position. Your first role is signing that paper.¡±


    Norbert took the piece of paper and slid it towards himself, leaning over as he quickly skimmed through the terms. ¡°What do you want in return?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Just sign the paper, Norbert.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to get something out of this deal, at least. Goodbye, Sally, and hopefully, you¡¯re not a fake.¡± Norbert clicks the end call on his phone and places it inside his pocket.


    ¡°So, you want me to sign this?¡± Norbert asked, tapping his finger on the piece of paper.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. Put a bit of your magic in to confirm it''s been signed. A magic fingerprint, if you will.¡± Geoff told him, eyes flickering between Norbert and the piece of paper.


    Norbert traced his signature onto the paper. ¡°And what happens if I don¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°We can turn your life upside down here, Norbert, so make it easy by signing the paper.¡±


    ¡°Is that a threat?¡±


    ¡°If that encourages you, then yes.¡±


    Norbert gulped as the words rang in his head: ¡°Not really. I''m still not going to sign this.¡±


    ¡°Not going to impact you. Aren¡¯t you going to be staying here?¡±


    ¡°So, Count von Count told you.¡±


    ¡°Well, you both are part of a Solution.¡±


    Norbert leans backwards in his chair, placing his feet on the edge of the table. Obsius flutters to his shoes, standing at the point. ¡°Am I still part of it even if I don¡¯t cross?¡±


    ¡°Well, of course, once a part, you¡¯re never going to leave. I will still go to objectives and make some deliveries when needed. Most will be over there, so more than you have been given.¡±


    Norbert just stared down at Geoff. ¡°And what happens if I rip it up right now and leave this facility.¡±


    Norbert watched as Geoff leaned forward, watching as he started to see the air flicker around the vampire in front of him. Placing his hand on the table, a dagger made of blood formed in his hand.


    Swallowing at the power started to become visible. ¡°I¡¯ll scratch that off the idea list.¡± Geoff trailed back in his power as the words came out, no longer pushing it out. The dagger disappeared from the vampire¡¯s hand.


    ¡°But for me to sign this, I will need some ¡­ compensation,¡± Norbert said, patting the paper.


    ¡°Never took you for a crook.¡±


    Norbert raises an eyebrow. ¡°So you would say using a goddess''s power to sway the events at a casino isn¡¯t being a crook?¡±


    Geoff waved his hand in front of his face, and Norbert watched as the vampire''s nails retracted back into his skin. ¡°But an understanding was made, or so I have heard, so no, still not a crook.¡±


    Norbert tapped his fingers, remembering the location he needed to deliver a letter. ¡°I need access to the Swallowed Tower.¡±


    Geoff scowled at Norbert as the words came out, ¡°No can do, too dangerous for an outsider.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to need something else. If you know so much about me¡­¡± Norbert waved in front of him.


    Geoff tapping his fingers on his table, ¡°You won¡¯t be needed on missions over here. A free man no longer needs to work a day in your life, paid for. Able to live and have a family, allowing yourself to grow old, and sitting on the front porch from that hill in your in fifty years'' time in your home town. As your kids and grandkids come, you can say to yourself, ¡®I made the right decision¡¯¡±


    Norbert tilted his head back and forth, squinting his eyes as he continued to stare, the idea that Geoff planted in his mind tickling many corners. But a part inside him protested about being forced to be stuck on earth, unable to return to Masanu.


    ¡°How about I sign this for a favour in the future, from yourself and whatever rank you hold within the Grimm empire?¡± Norbert asked; picking up a pen as he scribbled down his extra condition before signing it. He placed his magic into the ink, grunting slightly from the pain of forcing his energy out of his body.


    A purple line trailed through it, sparking over his signature, dancing through the page, scorching it in purple as Norbert finally saw the crimson ink react as well, finally forming a dance between the two competing forces. Norbert watched as the red died down, a latticework of purple covering the entire page. Norbert drifting his hand over it, feeling the energy within slightly bubbling within it, an identifier that Norbert had signed it off, confirmed the documents.


    Watching the extra bit, he added, seeing the crimson lines being forced by his purple to add his little bit to the contract.


    ¡°And there we go, all signed off, with one favour I can cash in from you.¡± Norbert smiled at the vampire.


    Seeing Geoff stare Norbert down before taking the paper from the desk, ¡°You can leave whenever you want.¡±


    Norbert, still sitting as the door closed behind him, turned to Obsius, who had turned around to look at him from his shoe. The fox yawned as wide as it could, hearing her teeth clatter as it tapped its jaw. Its ears turned, climbing up Norbert¡¯s chest, resting on his right shoulder.


    Norbert turned around and opened the door. As he stepped through, a red strobe light on the ceiling whirred to life. An alarm rang out from around the complex. Norbert shook his head as he held onto Obsius, clutching the small bird to his chest. He put as much energy into his body as he tore through the complex, looking for the exit.

 Chapter 343 All the Way

    Norbert stood at the doorway of his apartment, looking at the number seventeen flashed back at him. He heard voices from the other side. Norbert wrapped his knuckles on them, waiting for several breaths as the voices died down.


    Hearing it, Norbert stood there, smiling as it opened up. Sally stood on the other side, and Jack turned around on the table and looked back at him. Giving a wave to him, Norbert made his way in, seeing his bag still where he had left it.


    Obsius and the fox move off Norbert, heading towards Jack and the table. Norbert looks at a plate half-eaten in front of his friend.


    ¡°So, how is it going?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we be asking you that?¡± Jack shot back at him.


    Nodding his head in understanding, Norbert stood to the side, walked towards the TV, flopped down on the couch, and placed his feet on the table there. ¡°He got what he deserved, and anyway, it''s not like he was concussed.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all you''re going to say?¡±


    ¡°The specific reason I¡¯ve already told you over the phone is that if you don¡¯t want to believe me, that¡¯s on you.¡± Norbert provided, flicking the TV on as he surfed the channels, wondering what he wanted to watch.


    ¡°Your reason about Casper doing a mass genocide?¡±


    ¡°Not a mass genocide, technically setting a bomb off in an arena and killing all the spectators.¡± Norbert corrected him, having stopped on a show about renovating houses.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t read this on the news.¡±


    ¡°Well, it''s not here but somewhere else. Sarah here can tell you about it.¡± Norbert responded, pointing to the woman patting the fox at the table.


    Jack turned to Sarah, raising an eyebrow. ¡°What is he talking about?¡±


    ¡°Come on, Sarah or Sally, tell your big secret. But before that, why did you want me to sign about having Grimm through Masanu?¡± Norbert asked.


    Jack turned around, and all eyes came to him. ¡°Norbert¡¯s lost it due to stress, it seems. It would be best if he had a lie down in his room,¡± Sally told Jack, reassuringly patting her boyfriend¡¯s shoulder before turning to Norbert, hoisting him off the couch and onto his feet, pushing him into his room, and closing the door behind him.


    Norbert walked over to the bed and lay down on it, not bothering to take his shoes off as they landed on his covers.


    ¡°What is wrong with you?¡± Commander Sally stared him down. The light in the room finally warmed up, painting the entire place in an orange glow.


    ¡°Nothing much. I just had my entire family threaten to sign a deal you wanted me to. What was all that about?¡±


    Sally turned to Norbert ¡°What deal?¡±


    Norbert closed his eyes, furrowing his brow. ¡°Didn¡¯t you talk to me on the phone while Geoff wanted me to sign about allowing Grimm troupes through Morenas?¡± Norbert asked, starting to sit upright.


    Sally shook her head. .¡°No, we never had a phone call; what made you think you had the authority?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you make me ambassador between Grimm and Morenas?¡± Norbert asked.


    Sally half-opened her mouth, closed it again, and nodded her head. ¡°Well, yes, all the paperwork was ready. The first assignment for you and several of Sigma Eight was to establish relations with them due to your already cozzie nature.¡±


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    ¡°So that won¡¯t be needed now?¡± Norbert asked, hoping it wasn¡¯t true, as the envelope still sat within him, needing delivery.


    ¡°Oh, it''s definitely still needed,¡± Sally told him, sitting down in the chair by his desk. Her sigh filled the room as she closed her eyes.


    Norbert remains quiet, sitting up.


    ¡°Have you decided if you¡¯re going to go back?¡± Sally asked him.


    Norbert mused, remembering his conviction never to set foot when he first looked at the tree under the light. ¡°I can¡¯t do both?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°That never works out; it''s an easy way of hurting those who care for you on both sides.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, the images of his family being impacted by this, nothing stopping someone like Casper or the mafia in Italy from capturing or killing them.


    Grinding his teeth, Norbert spoke, ¡°How does it work, the family and friends not being abducted and used for ransom?¡±


    ¡°Just as it says, nobody touches people from this side, for if they do, then everyone else can have a free-for-all on them.¡±


    ¡°So nobody has just not cared what happens over here?¡± Norbert asked.


    ¡°Time spent here is seen as a waste. This is a rest zone, a place where you cannot recover as quickly or gain the power that is needed.¡±


    ¡°So why do people ever come back, apart from needing a break or not wanting to continue?¡±


    ¡°There isn¡¯t another reason, most who have been moving this long, if they care about the other side and haven¡¯t holed up and just waited it out,¡± Sally told him, no longer looking at the ceiling, pausing for a moment before continuing. Though that never happens, the gods'' influence on their champion will always make them continue forward, for better or for worse.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, half seeing the pieces slowly start to come together. ¡°Mind if I ask who your champion is? Or was?¡± Norbert asked her.


    A quivering smile landed on Sally¡¯s face, a quick air intake as she looked about, nodding her head and uttering the words ¡°Lucinda, god of fortune,¡± she whispered.


    Norbert raised an eyebrow, gears ticking in his head. ¡°You still in contact with them?¡±


    ¡°This and that, now busy with his new champion, but I still get some things.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, mouth quivering open, wondering if he should ask the question, the words of Doctor Doctor banging in his head, ¡°Getting prophetic dreams about the world ending with an eldritch abomination taking everything you care for?¡±


    Sally froze in front of Norbert, Norbert watching as she stared past Norbert, eyes glazing over. Norbert just stared at her, seeing the colour come back as she focused on Norbert, beads of sweat forming on her hand, a shake of her head, the only response to Norbert.


    Standing on shaky legs, she walked towards the door, resting her hand as she turned to him. ¡°It was just luck that I met with you here, Norbert. To have a break, a moment of fun showing a young man some new experiences. Don¡¯t ruin this for me.¡±


    Norbert stayed where he was as the door closed on him, unable to move his body as he wondered what Sally might have been shown. A phantom hand crept up his spine, tickling against his back as he was reminded of what he saw in the mirror.


    He floated back down onto the bed, staring up at the light on his ceiling, two objects on either side of him casting shadows. His eyes adjusted as Norbert saw both Obsius and the fox''s head on either side, staring down at him.


    Obsius pecked him on the forehead, the fox turning away with a swish of its white tail going over Norbert¡¯s head. Feeling it twitch his nose, scrunching it up to stop himself from sneezing. ¡°We all know I¡¯m going back there,¡± Norbert spoke aloud to those listening in his room.


    ¡°I thought I was finally out.¡±


    Obsius pecked him, and Norbert smiled as he brushed the bird away, continuing to stare up at the ceiling.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you think that when able to escape, you would take the first opportunity?¡±


    ¡°But can you live with yourself, leaving all those people behind?¡± A voice said in his mind.


    Norbert chuckled to himself, wondering if maybe the others were right about him finally losing it. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can, the smiles on their faces being taken from them, the help they have given me, and I give nothing in return.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s the point of help," the voice said, the words tickling his ear. It¡¯s given with nothing expected in return.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, musing on the words he had been given: ¡°We''re going to go all in on this, aren¡¯t we?"


    ¡°That we are; take the time you have left instead of staring up at a ceiling locked in your room.¡±


    Norbert nodded, understanding. ¡°It''s not like we aren¡¯t going to come back here, but it''s just going to be interesting.¡± Norbert mused, ¡°Wonder how long it will take for this to go on?¡±


    No response came from it. With a shaky breath, Norbert sat up, spinning his legs off the bed. Obsius fluttering her wings in surprise, Norbert looking about the room, seeing the fox sitting in the chair by his desk, having it turned around to look at him, a smug smile on its face.


    Thinking back to his conversation, Norbert said, ¡°Was that you?¡± He asked


    The fox just jumped off the chair, heading to the door, a slight crack as it slipped through. Norbert shook his head as he followed, formulating what he would tell his family about the sudden gap year he would be taking.

 Chapter 344 Have you Told you Parents?

    Norbert looked about the room, seeing the peaceful silence between Sarah and Jack as they turned over to Norbert. Smiling at them, Norbert sat at the kitchen table, tapping his fingers on the table as he thought over what he wanted to say.


    ¡°Going on a gap year?¡± Jack asked him.


    Norbert stopped his train of thought and focused on the words that just came to his head: ¡°So Sally told you.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier? I would have gone with you to Kenya for assistance, their assistance, your assistance, anyone''s assistance if you just told me.¡±


    Norbert turned to Sarah by his side, furrowing his eyebrow slightly at the question, watching as she silently asked him to go along with it. Turning back to Jack, he said, ¡°I just didn¡¯t want to get you wrapped up in it. For the past few months, the idea has been tickled at the back of my mind. An opportunity has come up, so I¡¯ll be heading out in a day or two.¡±


    Jack just shook his head. ¡°You¡¯ve never been the impromptu type, but you could have at least told me something.¡± Jack rubs his head as he looks back up at the ceiling. His eyes slamming back down again, he places his hand on the table with a thump. ¡°Have you told your parents?¡±


    Norbert stared wide-eyed, words echoing in his head. ¡°Parents¡­ I knew I was forgetting something!¡± Norbert shouted, leaning backwards on the chair so far that he fell out of it, the two falling to the ground with a clatter.


    Coming to his feet, Norbert scrambled into his room, feet sliding as he burst through the door, taking his phone as he unlocked it, staring down at the call button for his mother. Staring, the words clamming inside him, Norbert rushed back to the kitchen table, flicking the chair up with his foot as he sat down at the table.


    ¡°What do I tell my parents?¡± Norbert told them, sliding the phone on the table, watching it slightly spin around as it turned back to Norbert, still on the screen to call out.


    ¡°This,¡± Jack said, taking the phone and hitting the dial button. Norbert reached for the phone across the table, but Jack leaned backward, out of his friend''s reach.


    ¡°Hi, Aunty, it''s Jack. I just informed you that Norbert is taking a gap year to Kenya.¡± Placing the phone in the centre of the table pressing the speaker button ¡°And you on loud speaker now, Sarah is also here.¡±


    ¡°Oh, hi Sarah, it''s wonderful that you''re there with Jack.¡± His mum said around the table, Norbert breathing out a breath, ideas running on how to diffuse the situation.


    ¡°Now, Norbert, can you please take me off speaker so we can talk?¡± The words slammed down on Norbert, wondering what his fate would be like.


    Picking the phone up, Norbert took it off the loud speaker as he walked into his room. ¡°You''re off the loud speaker now, just walking into my room,¡± Norbert said as he closed the door.


    ¡°What do you mean you''re taking a gap year?¡± his mother screeched into his ear, hearing the speaker protest at the loud sound it was trying to produce.


    Holding the phone away from his ear for a moment, stopping the ringing from happening in his ear, pulling the phone back, ¡°Mum, I¡¯m going over there in two days; I already have the tickets booked and the town I¡¯m going to.¡±


    ¡°You better come back home before you leave, or¡±


    ¡°Of course I will. I''m just packing an overnight bag as we speak,¡± Norbert started rustling around, throwing clothes as he awkwardly held the phone under his ear. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll get on the closest train and notify you when I¡¯m off so you can pick me up,¡± Norbert said to her.


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    ¡°And bring Jack and his girl with you. The Hutchins have been on my back about not seeing them the last time you came through," his mum told him.


    Nodding his head, Norbert said, "Yes, yes, I will bring the two of them along. I will talk to you soon; I am just packing things up over here." Norbert then hung up the phone before his mum could say anything in protest.


    Norbert quickly finished packing his items as he opened the door, bag over his shoulder. "You both are coming along with me on this little adventure back home," Norbert told them, leaning over the table.


    "Why? Neither of us is disappearing to Kenya?" Jack justified to his friend.


    "Because someone here didn''t come back last time, and their mother wants to have a word with the two of you," Norbert told


    "Oh shit, mum."


    "Oh shit, mum indeed, Miss Hutchins has been on my mum for who knows how long. And if I don''t bring the two of you in," Norbert pointed to Sarah and Jack, "Then it''s going to be me getting tanned alive."


    ***


    Norbert, Sarah and Jack stood at the train station, passing seasons from the last time Norbert had been here. Looking at the autumn leaves in the air; he smiled as the calm wind hit his skin, finally able to breathe correctly after the stuffy train rides over. Walking up the stairs, Obsius could not wait as she took off into the air. Norbert lost sight of her as the bird dived into one of the trees next to the train station.


    Norbert nodded with his head up the stairs, needing to get to the other side of the station. Feeling the phone buzz in his hand, he repositioned his backpack to account for Obsius no longer being there. Looking down at his phone, he saw that Dadhumbs was up in reaction to him notifying his dad that they were back in town.


    "Dad should be already here to pick us up." Norbert provided to the group as they finished off the flight of stairs. Looking across at the parking, Norbert confirmed Dadhe saw the pickup truck idling there, his Dad leaning on the front near the headlight, having placed his phone back into his pocket. Norbert smiled as he came down, leaving the two behind, running down the stairs, heading towards his father''s, arms outstretched.


    Norbert saw his Dad''s face light up as the two embraced, pulling back to look atDadrbert "You''re looking older and older." His Dad told him.


    Norbert smiled back. "And you look younger and younger. One of these days, people will think I''m your Dad," Norbert shot back.


    The two of tDad smiling before erupting in laughter, his Dad waving to Jack and Sarah just coming down the stairs. Looking at the fox on his shoulder, he asked Norbert, "Arent those things illegal to have as pets?"


    "It''s not a pet if they just stick to Dad no matter what you do," Norbert told his Dad, whistling out and looking up into the sky, watching as a black spot came down towards him, smashing into his head and hair.


    His Dad reached out, scratching under the fox''s chin, rubbing it, and Norbert heard it yip at the treatment.


    "Any names?"


    Norbert felt around on his head, patting the bird. "This one is Obsius," nudging his shoulder up. "This one doesn''t have a name. But I reckon Kit should do nicely." Norbert said aloud, turning to the fox, "Kit work with you?"


    Seeing the fox give him a single flick of its tail at the back of his head, Norbert took it as a sign of approval, noting feeling the claws dig into his body after naming it.


    SeeDad the,,l uggage case Sarah brought, his Dad alreais is dy moving towards the other two in their little group.. ¡°A.. Jack, great to see Dadu again, even taller than last time.¡± His Dad clasping Jack on the back, pushing him away with a nod ¡°Keeping Norbert out of trouble I hope?¡±


    ¡°The best I can do, but still, he always seems to find himself up to his neck in it,¡± Jack responded a smile painted on his face as the last thing Norbert did was spray over.


    ¡°But it looks like you have ssomeelse to occupy your time now.¡± Norbert¡¯s Dad said, taking his hand out in front of him.


    ¡°Norbert¡¯s Dad, William, and you are?¡±


    Sarah graspedthe hand in front of her.. ¡°Sarah, friend of Jack.¡±


    ¡°Sure you aren¡¯t more than a friend?¡±


    Sarah¡¯s laugh filled the lot. Norbert saw Jack¡¯s face turn red at the sight, and his own smile came along. ¡°That is one way to put it,¡± Sarah told William.


    William turned around, smiling as he turned to Jack¡¯s red face. He was still chuckling, bending down to pick up the suitcase. Walking back to the truck and placing it in the back, the lights flashing on both sides finally being unlocked.


    ¡°Come on and get in before I get in trouble for being late for dinner,¡± William told the three. Norbert headed to the passenger side, sliding in and feeling the truck bustle as they went in, the engine roaring to life as they headed back home. Norbert gulped in preparation for dealing with his mother.

 Chapter 345 Sure you can Run?

    Having dropped Sarah and Jack off, a wave as they were sent off, Norbert rattled down the short distance until making it back to his childhood home. The truck slowed down well before coming to the driveway, and Norbert turned to his Dad.


    ¡°Just a heads up; you should have a good reason for dropping your course.¡±


    ¡°But it''s only a gap year¡±, Norbert interjected


    ¡°That might fly with me, but it isn¡¯t going to fly with your mother.¡±


    Norbert grunted in reply, already trying to think of what to say, the entire Kenya trip being made up, but thanks to Sarah blabbing, he just had to roll with it and shaking his head, Norbert nodded with the thought of what he could do.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dad. If the worst comes to worse, I can always just run away.¡±


    His Dad nodded as he started to turn into the driveway. Norbert looked down the winding road, seeing the door to the house open. His mother was leaning against the doorframe, waiting for Norbert.


    ¡°Sure you can run?¡± his Dad asked him, bringing the truck to a halt. The gravel slightly skidded, and Norbert braced himself against the door handle.


    Opening it up, Norbert took his backpack with him, holding it in his hand as Obsius and Kit were on each of his shoulders. His mother held back her words for a moment at the sight of them, and Norbert breathed out slightly with the attention away from him.


    ¡°Hi Mum,¡± Norbert said, dropping his backpack on the floor and leaning forward. He hugged his mother before she could say anything.


    Coming forward, hesitant and unsure where to put her head as both shoulders were occupied, Obsius moved off her place and onto Norbert¡¯s head. The mother and son came together for a hug, one that Norbert feared may be one of his last.


    ¡°We have a bit to discuss,¡± his mother said, pulling him back and heading inside. Norbert looked around the doorframes, seeing the food already laid out on the table. But first, dinner, and are your two friends mannered and clean?¡±


    Norbert looked at the two of them, who had both returned to his shoulders before the hug. ¡°They will be mannered, now, won¡¯t you?¡± Norbert said, looking at one and then the other. Both nodded in return, Obsius giving a little chirp of annoyance at being asked such an obvious question.


    ¡°They will be; just set two extra plates near mine, and it will work out,¡± Norbert told his mother, taking the backpack off the ground and his shoes off before entering the house. ¡°Just going to put this upstairs first.¡±


    His mother walked off back into the kitchen. Norbert quickly made his way up the stairs and to his room, not wanting to annoy his family any more. He dumped his bag in his room, had a quick look, and everything was where it should be. Picking up both Obsius and Kit from his shoulders, Norbert looked at the two of them. Now, you both better be on your best behaviour down there. No fighting and no making a mess.¡±


    Obsius chirped at Norbert, shaking his head. ¡°I mean it, now best behaviour,¡± Norbert replied, placing them both on his shoulder again and heading downstairs before any more arguments could be made.


    Norbert looked around the table, seeing everyone already sitting down. The sausages were in the centre of the table with the rice and vegetables. Seeing his spot free with two extra plates, one on each side, he beelined to his seat. Placing both of them on either side, his plate being the divider, Norbert quickly placed some sausage and vegetables on the plates on either side of him before putting his own food on.


    The table went quiet as Norbert finished off, putting the first bite into his mouth. He looked at his family one at a time as they stared at the two companions he had brought. Swallowing his food, he said, ¡°I told you that they can eat well.¡±


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    Zoe opened her mouth. ¡°Just didn¡¯t think it would happen.¡±


    Norbert shrugged his shoulders. .¡°Well, you see it first. They are, and aren¡¯t they both so cute?¡±? Norbert said, moving his hand forward as they both looked at him. Norbert retracted his hands from them.


    ¡°So, Kenya?¡±


    Norbert gulped down his food, ready for the trouble that was to come. ¡°Yeah, Kenya. I had a look online, and it piqued my interest.¡±


    His mother nodded. ¡°And nothing to do with the girl you brought over last time?¡±


    Norbert kept his mouth open, brain whirring as he thought about when Luck was here last.


    ¡°Well, would I be in more trouble if it was?¡± Norbert asked.


    ***


    Lying upstairs in his room, staring up at the ceiling, he breathed out as he was cleaned. He had also cleaned Obsius and Kit in the shower; both were unhappy with the treatment, but both smelled a lot better.


    His phone rang on his bedside table. Reaching over, Norbert looked at the message, saw it was coming from Sarah, and placed it to his ear. ¡°Hi, Commander. What¡¯s up with the late-night call?¡±


    ¡°Want to have a bit of a chat with no one around about the next steps.¡±


    Norbert sobered up at the thought, moving his feet off the bed, being careful not to disturb Obsius or Kit, and putting some clothes on for the wind outside. Norbert bundles himself up for the air outside to hit. Opening the window, Norbert took the fly screen off, placing it by the side as he stepped onto the roof. Closing the window, leaving a slit open, Norbert bringing the phone to his ear again. ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Look up,¡± Sarah said. Norbert looked up and saw two feet above his head. Pushing the energy around his body, Norbert jumped up, pulling himself above and onto the roof beside Sarah without a sound.


    ¡°How much trouble did your mother put you in?¡± Sally asked him.


    Norbert shrugged. After convincing her that Luck was already over there, she took it a bit easier, but it was still going to be a constant reminder for the next few years.¡± Norbert shook his head. But what is it that you want to talk about?¡±


    Sally turned to Norbert as he watched the wind blow through her chestnut hair, trailing behind her and shining in the moonlight. ¡°The other way we use Earth is a way of communication. As you know, you don''t move between the jumps, so I''ll need to show you the safe house where we communicate."


    Norbert nodded his head as he looked over the rolling, lazy hills bathed in moonlight. " So you''re going to give me secret orders and updates? I''m pretty sure there would at least be something else to talk about."


    Sally leaned backwards, staring up at the sky. Norbert leaned back as he tried to guess what she was looking for. Staring up there as well, the constellations now looked unfamiliar to him. "One more thing, in a place where I know nobody is listening, this mask of a commander may slip."


    Norbert nodded his head, waiting expectantly, still staring up at the sky. He feared his over eagerness could stop Sally from explaining what she intended to.


    "As you may have realised, other champions have been gathered under the banner of Morenas. Be wary, for all do vouch for the throne."


    "Then why was I separated? Why did Doctor Doctor need to come looking to find me if they aren''t part of Sigma Eight?"


    "That''s a simple reason, Norbert, trust."


    Norbert chuckles at the word, "And what have I ever done to earn this trust?"


    "How you arrived and who chose you," Sally said, getting up on an elbow and snatching Norbert''s gaze away from the stars.


    Norbert stared at her. "Being randomly picked, nearly plummeting to my death? And for Luck to choose me as a champion?" Norbert asked.


    "Right on the second, but here''s some information on the first. No champions are chosen by accident. As you already know, a small amount of the god''s power can leak into this world."


    Norbert nodded, remembering how Luck created a body to come here.


    "Well, they can exert their power to allow those they want to find the tools needed to transfer over, make the deals and the promise for power, and take a couple more with them."


    Norbert nods, remembering how Casper acted when the light first swallowed him up, "And because I was one of the extras that was caught?"


    "Precisely, you have never been invested in it. It is just a mere happenstance that you and I are talking now. Since you aren''t gunning for the throne or my head, I can trust you, yes."


    Norbert shakes his head. "That''s a lot of weight to put on my shoulders, but why have me join Sigma Eight then and not with the other champions?"


    "Because of who is your goddess, but you should be able to figure out why. It''s getting late, and tomorrow will be a long day." Sally told him, standing up and jumping off the roof.


    "But wait!" Norbert cried out into the night, reaching out for her as she disappeared. Only the faint smell of her washed hair was the only presence that she had ever once been there. Norbert climbed off the roof and into his room without a sound, going under his covers as he looked at the ceiling, the word that Sally had said banding in his mind.

 Chapter 346 Back Again

    Norbert followed after Sally, having returned to the apartment he shared with Jack. On the train ride back, he sent several emails notifying his university and job that he wouldn''t be back for a year. His phone buzzed as his boss tried to reach him.


    Silencing it again, Norbert walks down several blocks, going back and forth, getting utterly confused as he follows Sally. "So where is this safe house?"


    Sally stopped, taking the tarp off the vehicle. Seeing it was the bike, she once spun Jack on, "A distance away; I''ll show you the location, but jump to and from in a different place; I don''t want the place to get bombed with you in it.''


    Norbert hopped on behind her, grabbing on as the engine roared to life without


    "What about a helmet?" Norbert asked Sally while Obsius and Kit hid from the wind in his jacket.


    "Do you need a helmet, Mr Decapitator?" She asked, Norbert¡¯s face grimacing. She laughed as they drove away.


    ***


    Green and yellow of the rapeseed fields as Norbert passed them by, coming out to the fields, the city far behind them. Norbert heard the bike idle forward as Sally turned it down a driveway, a small cottage on the overgrown plot of land. As they rode by, the grass on either side of him nearly up to his head.


    Coming to a stop, Sally looked out at the sun as it started to hit its apex. ¡°I don¡¯t have much time. I¡¯ll show you the place, then you better scram.¡±


    Norbert jumped off the bike and walked up the stairs to the single-story cottage, the veranda around it reminding Norbert of Cossan¡¯s and Helga''s house back in Flare-dew. Coming inside, Norbert looked at the simple wooden furniture and a chest of draws near it, seeing cups and non-perishable foods in the cupboards.


    Directed to the drawers, Sally opened them, taking out a pen and a stack of papers with envelopes. ¡°To write messages down, place it through the slot if it¡¯s a message to me,¡± she said, and Norbert saw one of the drawers having a large slot in which to place the envelope.


    ¡°The rest of this place is for food or a place to rest when you need it,¡± Sally told him, walking towards the only other room in the house. Norbert saw two bunk beds there, ¡°In case you need a sleep as well, but knowing you, the extra facilities will probably not be used.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, looked around, pulled out his phone, and checked his location. With a wave of his hand, Norbert headed for the door. ¡°Want me to get to Grimm?¡± Norbert asked her.


    ¡°First to Morenas, then head to Grimm with those to escort you.¡±


    ¡°And what if it''s quicker to get there alone?¡±


    ¡°How would you know that?¡± She asked him.


    Norbert smiled. ¡°Because luck is on my side,¡± he told the closed door. Looking up at the sky, he almost saw a twinkle of a mote of light coming down from it and blessing him with its presence.


    Shaking his head, Norbert patted both Obsius and Kit. He walked directly into the field, leaving the bike behind him. Out into the field, Norbert walked, waiting for whatever was to happen, allowing him to return.


    As the thought came through his mind, a feeling took over him, a pathway opening in his mind, of a muscle he could now flex. Standing there, Norbert willed it to move, darkness surrounding him. He stood still as he waited, feeling the weight on his body again, looking around the white room with the two chairs, the coffee table, and the trolley on the side.


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    The smile did not leave his cheeks as he saw Luck sitting there, already drinking, as she looked at him ¡°You returning?¡±


    Norbert moved over to his pile of clothes. ¡°That I am, didn¡¯t feel right to never come back. I have a couple of people to protect and a few more adventures to go on,¡± Norbert told the goddess, reaching into the sack of clothes and laying out what he needed on the back of the chair. Both Obsius and Kit made their way to the table, looking over some of the snacks and biscuits that Luck had left out.


    Having changed his clothes, Norbert felt the weight of his daggers on his legs again. Sat down in the chair, he picked up Obsius and Kit from the table and placed them on his shoulders again as he reached for the tea.


    ¡°So you liked it enough to return when you had your chance to escape.¡± Luck provided.


    Norbert nodded his head. ¡°Still have some unfinished business.¡±


    ¡°Have a taste for blood; be careful, or else people may think you¡¯re a vampire.¡±


    Chuckling, he replied, ¡°I might have stayed around the Grimm a bit, but not much for me to turn into one of them.¡±


    Luck just gave him a look with a single eye as she continued to take a sip of her tea.


    Norbert blew bubbles into his tea, the fragrance filling his nose as he breathed it in. ¡°Do you have any advice you want to give me before I depart?¡±


    ¡°Well, apart from the don¡¯t do it, just be careful. This is a piece of advice I know you won''t take to heart at all. So follow your nose, and if you have any questions, you know how to reach me.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head. ¡°Am I able to come back here?¡± Norbert asked, looking longingly at the room around him.


    ¡°You can, but there is a time limit of a day before you can jump back, so only do it when needed, and you don¡¯t change your position either.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, feeling a tugging in his body.


    ¡°It looks like it''s time for you to go,¡± Luck told him, placing the tea cup and saucer on the table, standing up, and walking towards Norbert.


    Norbert stood up as well. With each step that the goddess took, she grew slightly taller. Now, as he looked head-on at her, Luck gripped him in her arms. Norbert held still for a moment, not knowing what to do as he embraced her, his arms gently coming around the woman in front of him.


    He felt her shake in his arms, a tear cooling on his cheek as he moved his head out a bit. He saw her red balling eyes in front of Norbert, and he held her tightly as Norbert tried to stop her from shaking in his grasp.


    ¡°You¡¯re the best champion I could have asked for.¡± Luck sobbed into his neck.


    Norbert pulled her back. ¡°Not raising a death flag now?¡± He questioned her.


    Luck''s stifled laugh came out as she looked towards Norbert, shaking her head and pushing him away. ¡°You need to go now; see you next time you return.¡±


    Norbert nodded, giving a half wave as he was consumed in darkness again.


    Light came around him only to surround him in darkness again. He felt the stone underneath his feet, gravity once more pushing down on him. Norbert felt the energy in his body still low, but the channels where the energy went through had recovered enough.


    Changing his vision, Norbert still saw darkness around him, shaking his head in annoyance, taking his pack off as he ruffled around, finding the flint and a torch he had kept spare. Holding the torch between his feet, striking at it with the flint and one of his daggers, the sparks dancing off it as they leapt to the torch, flickering to life, Norbert hissing in pain, having forgotten to change his eyes back.


    Feeling tears well up and fall from his cheek, Norbert blinks them away from underneath the helmet, which he had placed on when they were surrounded by darkness. Holding the torch above his head, Norbert picks up the pack and places it on his shoulders, looking around at the new place the three of them have found themselves.


    They were looking around the smooth round tunnel they found themselves in, the hairs on the back of Norbert''s neck rising at finding the place.


    "Didn''t know this was under the Colosseum", Norbert told his two companions.


    Kit looked around, tail curling around behind Norbert, as he felt the hairs stick up on the fox. Obsius was tweeting in his ear about their location.


    "And you never dreamed to tell me it would be a random location? I should have brought scuba gear and air tanks..." Norbert looked around, holding his breath as he began counting. He stared at the torch in his hand, lowered it to the floor, and waited to see if it would be snuffed out.

 Chapter 347 Down and Down

    Looking down at the torch, staring at it, watching as the flame flickered, Norbert counted in his head. Reaching a hundred, he raised the torch, took a big breath in, and wiped the sweat from his brow.


    ¡°Someone!¡± Norbert looked up at the ceiling, thrusting his arm in annoyance with the torch. ¡°Could have told me I would be moving to a random location!¡±


    Not seeing any motes of light appear, his two companions staring off around the tunnel they had found themselves in, his voice still echoing around, Norbert just hearing the faint reverberations of his annoyance.


    Norbert looked about the tunnel, its smooth surface not indicating which way to exit and make it to the surface. Stepping towards the tunnel wall, he ran his hand across the stone, feeling its smooth surface as if nothing had broken off. Poking it with his finger, Norbert started digging it in, a piece breaking off in a smooth piece.


    Norbert saw it drop to the floor, picked up the plate of stone, and looked up to where he had broken it from, the stone wall once more smooth again. Running his hand over it, not feeling anything catch his finger, dropping the stone to the ground as he looked both ways.


    One direction heading slightly upwards, the other going lower, deeper into whatever underground settlement it leads to. Turning to the path heading upwards, Norbert took several steps, only for his feet to turn him around as he looked down the tunnel.


    Turning back around, Norbert shook his head, feeling the gaze of both creatures on his shoulder staring at him. Shaking his head, Norbert closed his eyes as he began walking up the shallow incline.


    He felt his feet turn around by themselves, growling under his breath as he turned around again, trailing his left hand along the tunnel wall, feeling it still there, counting to himself as he made it to ten.


    He opened his eyes and saw that he was looking down the passageway again, left hand somehow still against the wall as he faced down the pathway.


    ¡°Guess I¡¯m heading down to wherever this goes,¡± Norbert spoke aloud, hearing his voice and hoping to appease whatever being was making him not go higher up.


    Taking his hand off, he trudged down the tunnel, seeing that he wasn¡¯t being turned around again. He was thankful that he wouldn¡¯t be stuck in the same position as he waited to see whatever was leading him deeper and deeper underground.


    The tunnel did not curve at all as it continued at its slope, and the gradient did not change as Norbert stared at the flame flickering in his hand. He waved it around his face to make sure it wouldn¡¯t be snuffed out and that there would be enough air for him and his companions to continue breathing.


    Feeling the slight pull of energy moving about his body, Norbert let it go faster, easing his breath as he started to run down the tunnel. He kept his breath accessible as he positioned the torch forward, the flames licking on his hand, warming the leather he wore.


    I''m keeping an eye out on the tunnel walls, and I see no difference at all. The ground has no rubble or signs of life, just the constant unnatural gradient downwards.


    The wind was blowing in his face as Norbert slowed down. A change happened as he pivoted his head around, trying to smell what was tickling his nose. Turning his head around, Norbert took a deep breath in as he tried to remember what it was.


    The memory evaded his clutches as he stalked forward, making his way further down the tunnel, whipping his head from side to side, trying to catch everything that was there, including some things he couldn¡¯t even see.


    Changing his vision to magic, Norbert examined the tunnel, the walls a brown colour to him, splotches of being brighter and duller than others, staring at it, trying to ascertain what it was being used for. Norbert shook his head, unable to wrap his head around whatever he was looking at, changing his vision back to normal as the grey stone appeared around him once more.


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    Heading deeper inside the mountain, Norbert followed his nose. The wind blowing against his skin carried an even more pungent whiff of whatever was down there. Focusing on it, feeling Obsius bat her wings, Norbert watched as the bird didn''t descend into the air but stayed rooted.


    The fox moved from his shoulder to his back, using his body to block whatever was coming down there. As Norbert continued to smell, a light from below came towards him.


    Springing around, Norbert rushed up as fast as he could, the torch having extinguished in the mad dash to escape whatever he was running away from. He was thankful that whatever was forcing him to go further down no longer wanted him to meet whatever was down there.


    Rushing up, Norbert did not see where he was. Finally, he saw some light as well from in front of him, this one staying where it should be. Turning around, he still saw the red, angry light from below chasing after him.


    Clutching Obsius to his chest, Norbert burst forward, the fox still on his back next to the sack he tied there to free his hands. Seeing the blue sky in front of him, Norbert dropped the torch from his hand, leaping into the air as he shot out of the tunnel.


    As Norbert escaped from the mountain''s jaws, the blue sky was masked by a haze of grey smoke surrounding him. Starting to fall to the ground, his attention on the barren grey mountainside filled with shale, the bits poking up towards him at all angles, daring anyone to try and climb its dangerous slope, for if you fell, it would likely be your last.


    Falling to the ground, Norbert slid against the mountainside. The fox moved up away from his back to his shoulder, the rock breaking against him while Norbert pushed energy into his body. The rocks broke off as they crunched against his skin.


    Having turned around, Norbert looked up as he skidded to a halt. Looking up at the tunnel he had come out of, he saw a plume of fire blast outwards, dissipating into the sky, smoke trailing after it. Underneath him, a light came as Norbert clambered upwards. He saw another hole in the mountainside, the heat from the one below him tickling at his feet.


    Sitting down, he looked across the mountain he found himself on. More holes were being cut out of the side, and plumes of fire shot out of them. Now able to trace the smell of burning coal, the smell made his eyes water and burned his nose.


    He raised his hand, saw his gloves were flaky, and rubbed his fingers as the ash slowly drifted off, making more of a mess than cleaning it off. Following his eyes, Norbert looked at the torn landscape, the trees and the landscape being cut down.


    Norbert looked closer to the mountainside, finding a road meandering through the pockmarked landscape following it as it came inside the mountain, a belch of flame hiding it from his view. Looking away, Norbert turns to his two companions ¡°Any idea where we are meant to go?¡±


    The two of them were just looking at him, Obsius tweeting into his ear as he looked down at his leg, shaking from lack of movement.


    ¡°Think whatever is happening to me will even let me just walk away?¡±


    Obsius chirped to Norbert, who nodded his head in understanding. The fire below was no longer coming out of the hole in the mountainside, and Norbert looked back down at the road, seeing a constant stream of items being brought within.


    Focusing on his eyes, Norbert sent energy there, feeling as the object began to zoom in, becoming clearer and clearer until finally, he could make out some details. Norbert was following one of the caravans, being hulled by beasts. The open back showed the kart being pulled, overflowing with pieces of stone. Staring at it, Norbert saw veins of shiny material, reminding him of silver running through them.


    Norbert following down the procession down, seeing it originate from several holes that had been dug out, Norbert watching as they came around, full of materials as they came out of it.


    Sitting there as Norbert watched the sun go down, torchers appeared on the carts being pulled; even at night, they weren¡¯t stopping. Scanning again, using the light as a point, Norbert watched, able to make out one of the drivers more efficiently, having missed them on the first inspection.


    Seeing their face come up, Norbert sees their small stature compared to the beasts that pulled, reminding Norbert of animals he had seen in the fields back in Flare-dew. The man sitting there, Norbert, judging from his beard going down their entire torso, the grey hair and withered skin, the hat they had been wearing when the day was out by their side.


    Norbert stared at them, trying to place where he had seen them before, as the image of the blacksmiths he came looking for to repair his helmet. Finally, looking down at the operation, another plume of fire burst out, flickering against Norbert¡¯s face as the size of the operation under him came to fruition.

 Chapter 348 Under the Mountain

    As he skidded down the mountainside, a plan formed in his mind. Shale and rocks tumbled behind him as he carefully made his way around the holes in the mountainside, not wanting to become a toasted marshmallow.


    Norbert stopped as he made his way from the entrance, zigzagging his way down the mountainside, careful not to make any noise that could alert the line of resources being deposited. Obsius and Kit remained quiet, holding onto him; the only time stopping was when the world became dark after an eruption of fire.


    He was nearing the bottom. Norbert quickly slid down the rest of the way, now far enough from the road and with no holes in the mountainside, his shadows dancing momentarily from the fire that the mountainside still puffed out.


    Now no longer on the mountain, Norbert looked off to the side, where the black horizon of freedom awaited; only the tiny undulations from the holes that filled the landscape that Norbert could half see were the only indication that there was any distance travelled that any world existed out there.


    He took the first few steps away from the pathway, away from the entrance, and began counting. Upon hitting five, he found himself staring at the road, where the carts were bringing resources inside the mountain.


    He shakes his head in annoyance, whispering, "At least it isn¡¯t just inside the mountain.¡± He is unsure if those words were meant to comfort him or if his worry escaped his lips.


    His path was decided for him. Norbert headed over to the line of caravans, sending energy around his body as he neared. He stopped several meters away, lying on the ground just outside the reach of the light.


    Hoping that they didn¡¯t have any way to see in the dark as Norbert began counting, getting the timing right ahead. Whispering under his breath to Obsius on his shoulder, he said, ¡°Can you cause a distraction?¡±


    The bird did not even tweet in acknowledgment as it shot off his shoulder up into the air. Norbert trailed after her until he lost sight, focusing on the wooden carts ahead of him being pulled. He aimed for underneath between the wheels, which he would hold onto until entering the mountain.


    ¡°Wha-¡°


    Norbert pushed forward, feeling the fox''s claws dig into his shoulder as he ran close to the ground. Slipping between the wheels and skidding on his back, he slammed his fingers into the wooden boards, breaking into them, holding his entire body up and off the ground.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± A voice said from behind the wagon Norbert was currently under.


    ¡°A bird attacked me.¡± The driver of the wagon Norbert was currently holding onto said above him.


    ¡°Trust your luck; probably the only bird still out here.¡±


    Only grumbling was heard in response. Norbert felt a weight land on him, looked down and saw Obsius there with the fox on his chest, the two of them looking at him before resting on his body. Norbert shook his head as he looked around the underside of the wagon, seeing nowhere else to hold his feet in.


    Taking a shaky breath, Norbert closed his eyes as he sent the energy around his body, taking slow, calming breaths as he waited to go inside the mountain.


    ***


    Hearing a clanging in his ears and vibrations on his head, Norbert opened his eyes, wondering what was happening. In his vision was Obsius, the bird looking down at him, Norbert hearing the sound of the wagon moving across the stone.


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    He was thinking of how he came here, and a pain shot through his fingers. He bit his lip to silence himself, remembering he was currently going inside the mountain of unknown people after the catastrophe of the Colosseum, still fresh in everyone¡¯s mind.


    Turning his head to the side, he looked out across, seeing that they were still on a single road, the walls close to the side and no option to escape.


    Turning his head the other way, Norbert saw he was going on a pathway etched into a ravine. Norbert heard the sounds of rushing water over there, shouts, and metal hitting metal. Looking back to Obsius, the bird nodded its head before it went into his jacket to stay inside.


    Swinging his body to the side, Norbert rolled down the hill, balling up as he held onto the fox and the bird so as not to leave any of them behind.


    Norbert did not focus on the shouts; he just waited for the rolling to stop. For it did, as Norbert began free-falling in the air. Snapping his eyes open, he cursed to himself as he rolled forward, arms out, and spread-eagled to slow himself as much as possible.


    SLAM


    Norbert instantly hit the water, and it trundled him off to the side. Water got into his mouth, and the front of his body ached from the impact.


    His body flipped over as the river moved it he was currently in. He burst his head out of it, took a deep breath as he looked around, and felt the fox digging down into the back of his neck, the front two of its paws scratching against the top of his helmet.


    Keeping his head out as he looked around, trying to see what was up ahead, the water rushing around, and not hearing the roar of a waterfall, Norbert began swimming to one of the banks.


    He pulled himself up onto the cliff edge, his wet hands digging into the stone as he pulled himself up, the water dripping from his clothes. The fox on his head was shaking its fur, and light droplets splashed against his clothes.


    Coming to the top of the edge, Norbert pulled himself up so only his head was visible. He saw a small pathway in front of him. Looking both ways, seeing that nobody was there, Norbert pulled himself up the rest of the way.


    Obsius landed down on his shoulder, perfectly dry. The bird tweeted to the fox that still clung to his helmet, and Norbert felt it shake and rattle on his head.


    Taking his jacket off, Norbert twisted out the little water he could get out, flapping it off while squeezing his shirt out quickly, stopping it from sticking so closely to his body. He looked around where he was, deep underground and with nothing of a semblance to go on.


    Following the path in the river''s direction, Norbert trudged along, hearing the squelch of his every step from his wet boots. He took the sack off his back, looked inside, and saw only wet clothes, breathing out in annoyance at not being able to dry himself off at least somewhat.


    Placing it on his back again, Norbert unsheathed each of his daggers and knife, taking them out and quickly wiping them down. He also got the small amount of water that went inside the sheath out, hoping to remember to oil the blades later to stop any rust forming.


    Continuing along the path, fighting the urge to start whistling as around him, Norbert could hear the sounds of metal on metal banging as he wondered what they could be making with all of the resources that they were dumping into this beast of production, just the amount of flames being shot off the side of the mountain giving evidence of something not normal happening around him.


    Hearing voices coming from ahead of him around the curve of the road, Norbert stepped backwards and over the edge, grabbing onto the stone wall again with the river below him. He held his breath as he heard the two speaking.


    ¡°Think the intruder drowned?¡±


    ¡°For his sake, whatever else is in these tunnels is going to be a fate worse than drowning,¡± the second voice said.


    ¡°What if we run into them?¡± The first voice echoed, silence following it as they were currently right above Norbert, their footsteps having stopped above Norbert. Tilt He tilted their head to the side, confirming they weren¡¯t currently peering over the edge that Norbert was grasping. How unlucky would that make us?¡±


    After hearing it, Norbert pulled himself upwards, blasting up with both arms outstretched, aiming for where their necks would be.


    Having missed their necks, Norbert¡¯s legs flailed as he kicked them both in the jaw. The three of them tumbled to the ground in a heap.


    Grabbing onto something, Norbert yanks it away as he looks at the other, grabbing another limb as well. Standing up, Norbert looks at both the things that he is holding onto, having to squeeze tighter so one of them won¡¯t slip.


    Catching his breath, he looked at the two that he had caught. One was held up by their foot, not even close to touching the ground as they jostled about.


    The other whimpering out as Norbert looked at them, seeing their beard was holding them up, the long glossy facial hair taught against the man¡¯s skin.


    Looking between them, Norbert finally struck on where he had seen them before. ¡°Why are you always smiths?¡±

 Chapter 349 Two "Blacksmiths"

    ¡°Nothing wrong with choosing the good smithing trade, but we aren¡¯t all smiths.¡± The one Norbert held by the foot said to him, Norbert picking his voice as the second one between the two.


    Norbert lifted the man higher off the ground so they could look at each other face to face. ¡°Really? From what I have seen out in Libitina you all where blacksmiths. Though not very good as none of them could repair an enchanted helm¡± Norbert questioned, shaking his head to the side indicating the black helmet he currently wore.


    ¡°Well, you are holding up and down two guards. Out on a mostly quiet patrol route, that was before someone interrupted us. And those moved to Libitina are the worst of us. The true crafters are beneath your feet.¡±


    Norbert nodded as he stared at the other ¡°And what do you do in your free time when you¡¯re not patrolling? Drink at the bar, talk to your spouses? Or do you go hammering away at an anvil? And please stop with the grandiose blacksmiths. I can tell just by looking at you¡­¡± Norbert asked, turning from one to the other and back again with each question he said, trailing off with a click of his tongue and a shake of his head.


    The two looked at each other, and then both started shaking, trying to escape his grasp. Norbert just shook them about until they finally stopped, seeing the one he held by the beard, a new wave of tears pouring out of their eyes.


    ¡°Can you to just tell me what you were talking about, what else is in these tunnels?¡± Norbert asked the two of them.


    ¡°No clue, just people disappearing when they go too far out. Thus the patrol¡± The words came out in a strangled cry from the one Norbert held their beard.


    Closing his eyes as the words bounced around in his head, feeling his body move about on its own as he opened them again, seeing he was looking out from the direction of the two guards.


    ¡°Let me guess, it¡¯s that way?¡± Norbert asked, pointing with a nod to the direction he was currently looking at.


    Receiving several nods from both of them, Norbert just shook his head. Turning around, he started walking down the path again. Feeling his feet turn around on their own, nearly tripping him with the weight he was holding, Norbert turned to the two little men he was currently holding in the air.


    ¡°Is there anything set up to direct people in this mountain?¡± Norbert asked, the amount of times he had been spun around on his feet now starting to get annoying to him.


    Norbert looked around at the others, nodding his head at the sounds they made in disagreement.


    ¡°Well, I guess it''s just me then. Now you two run off. And please don¡¯t trigger any alarms,¡± Norbert told them as he rolled them both away, seeing them scramble on the ground and quickly get to their feet. Now I¡¯ll be watching the two of you, so best be quiet.¡± Norbert¡¯s voice went higher and higher with every word he spoke.


    The two on patrol looked at each other before running off without even a word. Norbert turned back around and looked at the path they had come from, wondering what was waiting for him out there.


    Not having any choice in joining the two running half-dwarves, Norbert just breathed out, hoping that whatever was compelling him forward wasn¡¯t taking him to some trap.


    ***


    Norbert looked up at the passageway, gulping as his eyes looked over what they saw. Down the tunnels he had travelled, looking both ways, over here lights being used so Norbert didn¡¯t need to use a torch, happy since he only had a few left, and how the last one was still wasted, Norbert not knowing when would be the next time he could stock up on the wood he required for them as he continued to trek down the tunnels.


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    As he looked up, he saw the rune above him start to activate even without needing to change his vision. Stepping backwards, Norbert still watched the rune as it started to rip apart on him.


    Forcing energy into his legs, Norbert leapt backwards, his movement activating the rune as a pillar of stone fell from the ceiling, breaking and cracking when it hit the ground.


    Cracks from the impact ran through the ground as his body started to fall too fast. The stone fell as he reached for the edge, his hand grasping it as it crumbled beneath his fingers, giving out under the added weight. The fox ran up his hand, leaping for the gap as a flash of purple enveloped its entire body before it landed on the ledge of the tunnel.


    Looking up at the ceiling as he free-fell, Obsius was not affected by the gravity as it continued to flap its wings, and Norbert heard the bird shriek down at him.


    ¡°You know I¡¯ll be fine. Meet up with you in Alasium!¡± Norbert shouted, his words echoing around him as he fell into the darkness, the light above him indicating that he had fallen through.


    ¡°See you in Grimm¡± A voice tickled down through the rubble, barely a whisper, as he went further away from the source, seeing several tails appear behind Kit the fox.


    His body turned around him as he flayed out his arms as he continued to fall, darkness covering him as he wondered what the place he was leading to would end up for him.


    As the thought left his head, the sound of rushing water flowing underneath him was heard, followed quickly by splashes. Holding his breath, Norbert tried to flip his body around so he wouldn¡¯t belly-flop onto the rushing water.


    Halfway through, Norbert shot into it, the coldness from the water deep underground hitting him, causing the air to flow out of his body. Taking a small breath, only for water to come in; his entire body submerged as he looked up, stopping the panic that wanted to claw into his mind.


    He took a moment to let his body go along with the water and travel wherever it wanted to take him. He kept his breath in, righting his body as he swam in the direction he hoped was up.


    His head broke through the water, and Norbert breathed. The burning in his lungs went away even though the small part of his mind told him he would have been fine without the air. The automatic response still comforted Norbert as he laid on his back, looking up at the darkness above, hoping there wouldn¡¯t be an underground waterfall waiting for him.


    He takes his pack and pouch, feels Obsius¡¯s coins within his own, and cringes internally at what the bird would do to him the next time they meet. Patting them to make sure that none of them had been lost as Norbert made his way down the underground river, slowly bobbing along.


    The water started to speed up as he continued to bob, whistling to himself as the tune came up in the air, thinking about how he would get back to Alasium to meet up with Obsius and Kit, trying to remember places and locations from the globe that he once played within Vivienne¡¯s Mansion.


    The rushing water got louder and louder, encroaching into Norbert¡¯s own thoughts. He turned around in the water, kicked up to see above it, and followed it with his eyes in the grey world of his night vision to see what was happening to the water for it to be so noisy.


    His body twisted around the thing, finally catching his attention as he saw the foamy water up ahead. Turning on his back, Norbert began to swim to the side, the water spreading up, getting quicker and quicker. The tug of the waterfall on his body increased as it became harder and harder for him to swim.


    Norbert was swimming, the roar getting louder and louder in his ears until, finally, he was ripped over the edge. Any brief flicker that he wouldn¡¯t be swept under was gone as he began sailing down the waterfall, looking about as he followed after the water down the path. Lo¡ªlooking Norbert, not seeing how he could avoid the plummet.


    His arms were in front of him as he dived over the waterfall, trying to get as far from where it impacted the water as he could.


    Slicing into the water, feeling it come apart from his touch, Norbert went far more profound than he planned. He was thankful that he didn¡¯t smash his hands into the bank. Feeling his body slowly rise, Norbert just relaxed as he let it happen.


    Coming up for air, Norbert let it escape out of his mouth between his teeth, a slight trill filling the cavern he found himself in. Staring up at the ceiling, the stalactites there took his attention until he felt his back scraping against the ground.


    His head formed a dent in the soft sand that he found himself sticking to. He breathed again with a sigh; the brief rest he could receive was now over. Rolling over his body, Norbert got to his hands and feet, the water dripping from his body as he wondered where next to take himself.

 Chapter 350 PLOP

    Staring up at the ceiling, he continued to lie in the water, feeling it try to caress him back into the arms of the river once more, travelling himself down its currents onto his next journey of awe and wonder. He placed his heel into the sand, stopping his movement as he scanned the ceiling, not seeing anything there that would ascertain itself to the hole he had just dropped through.


    Going to where the waterfall was blocking the vision of the ceiling, the waterfall moved for just a moment before it stopped. Norbert stared at it as he wished for something to happen. Changing his vision to magic as he continued staring at the spot, a single rune lit up, brown in colour, the glowing runes in shapes that Norbert had never studied previously.


    He shook his head in frustration as he changed his vision to night again, allowing himself to see in the underground river he was besides. He lay still as he felt a wind blow over his face, feeling the hairs start to stick on end from the cooling wind.


    Relaxing, he closed his eyes and let it blow over him. He wondered what it would be like to follow this. He went back over to him, landing on the mountainside, following down the path, and finally, into the trap, which resulted in him landing in the river above him.


    As the wind blew on his face again, he felt the heat radiate down to the tips of his soaked toes. With his eyes still closed, he felt a presence burrow its gaze at him. Staring at him, it almost dared him to move as he waited for it to move so an action could finally be taken.


    Fluttering his eyes open, face contorting into a grimace as he hoped the feeling he was currently having was for naught. Seeing a single eye looking back at him, the reflection of the river that was still trying to pull him in as he finally released him.


    Pushing across, Norbert moved his hand to the other side, flipping his body around and jumping into the river, water splashing all around him as he made the distance between himself and whatever creature had snuck up on him.


    There, Norbert saw grey carapace armour forming with the stone he was currently inside. Staring at it, he saw veins of colour spike through it, a dark blue. The armour ended in spikes, the dark blue veins lighter than at its base, as he watched it ripple and dance before his eyes.


    Changing his vision to magic, fingers danced around the daggers as the creature came to full colour before him. The grey of the world of looking in night vision finally pushed backwards as he looked at the brown blob of hard shapes and angles before him, each point of its carapace looking like it wanted to eat his jaw.


    The creature''s eyes are black pits of darkness in the world of magic, and the shell is constantly moving with brown ebbing and flowing through the armour. The blue was coming off it, and Norbert saw veins of it connect down, and into the ground, as it reached out, tickling the river he was currently standing in. The river was a blue cacophony of colour as he stared down into it, distracting him from the creature before him. He followed it up the waterfall, not knowing how he missed the amount of magic flowing between his legs.


    PLOP PLOP PLOP PLOP PLOP


    The sound took Norbert back to the scene in front of him. He finally stopped looking at the tree and gazed at the forest as his eyes panned behind the creature that had previously stood over him.


    A wash of brown and blue colours came up from behind as he stared at them. The previously empty cave was now teaming with the swash of colours. Watching as they rippled before hearing the PLOP continue, hundreds of them now sound out in front of him.


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    Changing his vision to night, he viewed the creatures coming out of the wall, cracks and fissures where they previously resided, and they are now open to view. Standing completely still, Norbert just swallowed, his fingers no longer dancing across his daggers as he stood, knowing he wouldn¡¯t have enough daggers to deal with the horde of creatures before him.


    Sending the energy speeding around his body as he breathed deeply in, a puff of air spiralling out, the mist it made coiling around until finally dissipating. Sucking the now much cooler air between his teeth, hearing it whistle with the speed before blowing it out of his nose.


    Looking to the right, keeping the beetle-like creatures in his peripheral view, the waterfall still raging along on the left, he takes a quick peek, seeing nothing up there. The path still does not look preferable, and an inkling in the back of his mind tells him not to go there.


    Shuffling a foot to the left, he only found himself going to the right, further along the river''s path. Sighing in frustration with whatever he possessed, his body remained. Knowing he would need to find someone to properly investigate and examine him on what had happened to his body.


    With the movement of his footstep, whatever had stilled the creatures in front of him had finally stopped the plopping sounds they were making ceased with their newfound movement. As Norbert stood there, staring, wondering what their next move would be, they finally started to move, the water gyrating underneath him.


    Turning to the right, the energy within him was ready at his beck and call as he leapt into the air, flying through the cavern. The sound of water was rushing behind him, and he twisted his head around to look behind him. A fist thrust itself out of the water, eyes open in surprise, having not expected an entire fist to be following after him.


    Still feeling himself go higher, the fist reached out, its fingers just missing him as it fell back into the river it was made from. Relief went out of his breath as he smashed into a stalactite, his face slick with water from the impact. He heard it crack against his skull and torso, only slowing him down slightly and causing him to drop out of the sky.


    Hearing the first splash of water, the piece of rock falling, Norbert was unable to keep track of where the rock fell. He had more pressing concerns as the water bubbled underneath him. Impacting with it, he felt it open up around him, letting him be taken in softly.


    Sucking in a breath of air, Norbert¡¯s mind played back to the moment in the arena when he was faced with a similar predicament. As the water rushed in, looking around to see if any of the creatures were around in the water with him. Only the inky blackness of the water looked back at him.


    Feeling himself tugged backwards, although the water flowed one way, it still didn¡¯t matter as he went the opposite way, back the way he had come. Not wanting to get any closer to those brutal, shelled creatures that burst through the wall, Norbert started to swim downwards.


    His hand smashed into the river bank, flipping himself around as he jumped into the air, aiming to the other side of the river bank, trying to get as far away from the creatures if he came outwards, hoping their range would be even less there.


    His arms were outstretched in front of him, and his fingertip just breached the water, feeling it go out of his way. Falling again, Norbert¡¯s fingers slid against the bank on the other side. Clawing into it, Norbert pulls himself out of the water, having to pump energy all around his body. Finally, he feels it start to speed up again after its constant usage, the water pulling him in, not wanting him to escape its clutches.


    Clawing with the next hand, he kicked at the water, the liquid releasing him as he flew, flipping in the air as he fell to the ground. Impacting it with his back, feeling the water off his clothes start to drain away from the lake. Getting to his feet, he looked around, seeing that on the other side of the river, he was right next to the waterfall again.


    Standing on the other side of the river, the same chitinous creatures stared back at him as they continued their song once more. He saw more pockmarks on that side of the river. Looking back on the glen that he was on, he saw the same holes in the wall. Swallowing it as he looked down, right in front of him was a line of them.


    The energy was still bubbling within him, and he wanted to release it as he sped off, not wanting to see what would happen to him if he stayed. The water was boiling over, and Norbert heard it subsided him as he ran on the land. The space for the bank was getting smaller as it started to hug the river again.


    Leaping onto the wall on either side, clutching onto the rock with his hands and feet, he carefully climbed upwards and away from the water, getting as high as possible to the stalactites above.

 Chapter 351 New Inhabitants

    Coming level with the stalactites, staring up at the ceiling, confirming that there weren¡¯t any creatures coming from up there, his plan hinging on the fact that they could not reach him so high up, for if they dropped down on him he would just plummet to the ground.


    Grabbing onto the first stalactite, he winced at the sound of the impact, holding his breath as he continued to hear the rock wanting to let go, until it finally stopped cracking, confirming that it would take his weight. He looked down, squelching his stomach together as it wanted to upheave itself from the height. The number of the chitinous creatures that had burst through the wall was staggering, and the beaches on both sides of the river were filled with them.


    Swallowing the bile forming in his throat at the creatures below him as he slowly panned his gaze ahead of him, watching the stalactites he would need to continue climbing on.


    Feeling the energy once more wanting to burst inside his body, it started to speed up and be put to use. Steeling himself as he grasped onto the power, he did not want to break any of the stones that currently held his salvation.


    In the future, Norbert looped his body as it found the pattern to continue down the cavern he had fallen into. Occasionally, he looked down at the creatures below him, following after him as the water continued to crash below. Knowing the pattern and the time, the chitinous creatures would try their attack, always holding onto a stalactite as far up as it would allow, with only a few drops of water dusting him the closest they could come.


    The beaches on either side were slowly dropping away, the river getting wider and wider, and he noticed the sound of rushing water dancing in his ears. Turning to each side, Norbert heard them tunnel through the rock, the holes they had made before as they stuck their heads out for a moment before diving back in so quickly that normal eyes would only see blurs of movement and the stationary chitinous creature.


    The beaches were now ending, and Norbert looked down for a moment as the water rushed, moving upwards in constant waves as they tried to bring him in, becoming more desperate than before.


    THUNK


    Norbert nearly fell out of the ceiling as the stalactite he had grasped onto had come loose, having just enough momentum to reach out for the next one, seeing the object that caused the stone to loosen¡ªan arrow.


    Scanning the ground, reeling as it was much further down than he expected. A second of water fell just in front of him, and there was the sound of rushing water. Thinking it was the same as he looked across, nested here on the sides were not the same bugs, as several arrows were pointed in his direction, others already shooting at the bugs on either side of him, Norbert watching with a slam and a shriek of pain the arrows impacted into the chitin, hearing the hard shell break on impact.


    Swallowing as he looked at what was in front of him again, the cavern opened up as the city welcomed him. His saliva got caught in his throat, and he coughed slightly as he leapt for the next stalactite. He watched as the closer he came to the city, the less that appeared¡ª his salvation travelling forward, closing up around him.


    Still making his course, the lake filled up as he spotted several small boats milling about, hauling nets underneath and bringing something from the lake''s surface. As he continued making his way towards the city, he put enough pressure on the stone by leaping for the next one, and the dendrites restarted and fell beneath him. He heard their sounds as they plopped to the bottom of the lake.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Now definitely having all their attention, Norbert leapt out again, grasping for the ceiling as he strengthened his hands, feeling them smash into the stone ceiling above. His feet dangled there as he looked out across the city, the arrows of those on the wall as they all lined up, and no more potshots as he must have been in range of them.


    They had only travelled half across the lake, turning around as the bugs filled and fell into the lake below them from the outcropping of stone. Norbert watched as they continued to fall in, the ships moving closer to it, ready to take out the bodies before they sunk too far.


    Norbert saw them line up another shot, and the arrows loosened as they glittered with something. Flipping his body up, he pushed against the cave ceiling and shot down towards the ground at an alarming rate.


    The energy in his body is crying out at the force he gave it, feeling it still wind around within him and covering his arms in front of him as the water impacts him, the breath knocked out of him, the coolness of the water sucking the warmth from his blood. His energy halted as he impacted, his brain shocked and frozen as he sunk. Feeling it reboots back up again, spinning his body around, holding his breath as he started kicking up towards the surface.


    He stopped just before breaking out, pushing himself back underneath as his body wanted to float to the top despite the sword and metal strapped to him. He was kicking further downwards as he looked about the darkness of the water.


    Feeling something wrench at his body, wanting to bring him to the surface even harder this time, Norbert changed his vision to magic as he looked about, confirming the blue tendrils clutching his body, wanting to pull him up.


    He released his body and let it be dragged upwards as he wondered what the people with the bows and a city underground would want with him. A peculiar thought of what if he would end up outside again of the mountain, now sure of it being far above him.


    He closed his eyes as he stopped his struggle, letting the energy dissipate within him so he could stay still enough to half pretend to be unconscious. His body flipped around so his face was up, the sounds of the water lapping in his ears as he waited for whatever to come next.


    Starting to count to himself, making it up to one hundred and three before something encased his entire body. Feeling it slightly dig into his torso and around his shoulder, his legs are forced together and one arm free. He opened his eyes just a slither and saw one of the nets cast over him, the boat right next to him, as they began hauling him up.


    His body was pulled up out of the water, the water dripping from the sides as it fell off him, splashing into the lake. His head banged against the side of the hull, grunting, and an angry growl came from the ship.


    His body dropped inside as hands combed over him, feeling them take off his weapons and pouches. One of them prying at the helmet on his head, first feeling them palm each side, looking for a clasp or something to open it up. As a final attempt, He Feels them go under his chin, trying to pry the helmet off that way.


    Remembering the gashed lines that Beckia changed on the mask to make it resistant to people trying to pry it off his head. Dropping his head, feeling it smash into the deck below him, biting his lip to stop himself from making noise from the surprise of being thrown away.


    Voices were coming from above him, annoyed that they weren¡¯t speaking the common tongue he was used to. Just another thing to add to the list of items to learn about this place, as well as finding a way out of this cavern and the same direction that his feet want to go to.


    Hearing the water rush past him, the boat cleaving its way through the lake to where Norbert assumed the city would be. No sound of paddles was being used to propel the floatation device, and he felt the darkness over his eyes, the shadow falling as a conversation started with someone way above him.


    He heard the boat groan into the side, scraping as the vessel came to a halt. Two sets of hands came down on him as he was hoisted from the boat, his body swaying as he was moved around the city. Counting the turns left and right, he made it to twenty left and seventeen right, and he stopped counting, not seeing a point in continuing this any further.


    He had a door open, and the earth slid away as he was brought inside, taking several more turns until finally stopping. Hearing metal slide on metal as the door opened, his body being chucked inside as the door quickly closed behind him.

 Chapter 352 From a Forced Slumber

    Lying still on the ground, eyes still closed as he counted to one hundred, waiting to see if someone would come in and check his body. All the items were already removed from his body, so they must have thought he was in the clear.


    Changing his vision to magic, Norbert slowly sat up, shaking his head, acting as if he had just woken from a forced slumber as he checked around the cell he was in. Along the walls, sigils and runes that he didn¡¯t know shone in colours of red, blue and brown. Not wanting to test what any of them did, he turned his vision back to normal; with darkness surrounding him as, he realised there wasn¡¯t a single torch within the cell they currently threw him in, nor any windows at all. Just the single metal door with a small hole in it, a flap on the outside covering it, so he was effectively sealed underneath earth while being sealed underneath thousands of tons of stone above his head.


    He closed his eyes and rolled his head as he felt the moisture wrap around him, his eyes stinging from the water that was slowly evaporating off him. He lay still, hoping it would go away, but instead, it just got worse and worse, his irritation growing as it was the only thing he could focus on in the empty room.


    ¡°AH!¡± Norbert half screamed out, before realising his situation pretending to be half unconscious. Stopping his scream halfway, he felt around his helmet, taking the two pieces off, catching them before they hit the ground and made a clang.


    Sitting cross-legged, his back against one of the walls opposite the door, both helmet pieces were sitting in his lap. Leaning forward, brushing the water off his hair that still clung to him, reaching into his shirt, and pulls out the necklace that he received, which felt like a lifetime ago.


    Staring at the translator rune on it, not a bit of light shone in the room. He could not even remember the last time it was used. As he stared at it, watching it spin one way and then the other, Norbert was  unsure what to make of the current realisation.


    He patted himself down, and nothing at all left, as he was reminded of the letter that he still needed to deliver and the fact he was meant to be a diplomat to Grimm. The memory caused him to shoot to his feet, realising that after the trip was over, he didn¡¯t even know where he started. Not that going back to Earth and asking for a map would provide any details, as he didn¡¯t even know what mountain he started outside of.


    Looking up at the ceiling, wondering who was watching him as other pieces of their game moved in more interesting directions than he was sitting in a cell. ¡°Know where I am, Luck?¡± He asked, watching and waiting to see if there was a reaction.


    A single mote of light in the confirmation of his thought.


    ¡°Going to tell me where you are?¡± Norbert asked, watching as the single mote of light pulled apart, becoming two, shaking his two. He shaking as the two danced and played together. Brushing his hand through his hair once more, the water having mostly dried face he clicked his helmet, back in place.


    ***


    His back becoming sore from sitting for so long, Norbert watched the two motes of light continues dance around as he waited for something, anything, to happen around him. The motes of golden light reflected the talisman he still held in his hands, watching as it spun around.


    As Norbert spun it back the other way, the two motes of light extinguishing itself without a reason, spinning the talisman around, hearing several footsteps coming closer to him, not caring for the. He didn¡¯t care to be discovered, it currently being; it was useless to him now, with it being empty. Eyes, scrunching his face as he looked away, staring at the other side of the wall for several seconds until his eyes stopped watering.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Hearing voices in front of them, a conversation that he could not grasp, the words seemingly sliding from his mind the more he focused on them.


    Annoyed with the lack of knowledge and their persistent conversation, showing the translator talisman in front of himself again, the metal shaking, a pendulum conserving his movement ¡°Can one of you please charge this up?¡±


    Two of them look at each other, the one to the left mulling over the words, a seed of fear growing in his stomach that they were going to refuse his request and end up staying here for who knows how long against his will.


    Plastering on his face the least he plastered smile that Norbert could muster in the situation in an attempt to further situation in case.


    Watching as the one on the side moved closer, she flicked the talisman right where she flicked it gently in her hand. A blue light slightly glowing from the crystal within the translator device. With a nod of his head, Norbert slipped the talisman over, the slipped theirs looking at him in silence.


    ¡°Well don¡¯t just stand there in silence, what was it that you were saying before?¡± Norbert asked them, waiving his hands in annoyance as he stood up, looked slightly down at them as he dusted his backside, and waited for a response.


    ¡°Where have you come from?¡± The one on the left asked him.


    Turned his head to the side as he wondered how to answer the question without being attacked again, pointing up with his finger ¡°Up¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too tall?¡± The one in the middle asked.


    Norbert moved his attention to the latest speaker, internally hoping this wouldn¡¯t be a constant round-robin. ¡°Yes, I am not one of the dwarves, or whatever you call the people above working inside this mountain. I come from above the mountain, on the surface.¡±


    A sword appeared by his exposed throat. ¡°And where from the surface do you originate from?¡±


    Norbert mulled the question over in his head, trying to see what their deal would be and how their alliances would come by. ¡°Morenas¡±


    ¡°And your allegiance with those above ground?¡±


    ¡°Not the worst; I haven¡¯t called them names or made enemies with them. At least not myself personally.¡± Norbert provided, thinking over having the Kreevss after him from the multiple stunts that happened to him.


    ¡°Why hide your face under your helmet?¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be that protective if nobody could take it off me.¡± Norbert taps his helmet with his hand. ¡°Now, are you going to put that silly sword away? It isn¡¯t going to do much for you.¡± Norbert added half minded as he stepped forward, the sword cutting into his neck, blood dripping down it.


    Leaning backwards to remove himself from it, sending a spark of energy around his body, the wound instantly healing itself. ¡°Now, I think I¡¯ve spent enough time in this cell,¡± Norbert suggested to them, moving past them as he looked both ways at the end of the cell. Turning deeper,, his body twisted around by itself, heading towards the exit.


    ¡°Well, at least that¡¯s more encouraging.¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡±  voice boomed out from in front of Norbert, his feet rooting to the ground he was standing on. Looking down, Norbert saw the very stone itself had come up out of the ground and was clutching onto his feet.


    Changing his vision to magic, a brown trail connected with whoever was anastrophe staircase. The energy waiting to be free, flexing his toes, ripping his feet out of the stone that tried to entrap them. Stepping to the side, looking at the two craters he had formed in the ground with his extraction he looked up at the newcomer ¡°I¡¯ve stopped?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t faint when falling into the water?¡± The newcomer questioned him.


    ¡°That I didn¡¯t; I thought it to be best since you were shooting at me. Not that I blame you, having both the insects on your doorstep and the little men higher above.¡± Norbert tried to remain calm, not wanting to be chased around the entire city.


    ¡°What are you doing in our lands?¡±


    ¡°Just passing through. On my way to Grimm to get a portal back to Morenas, then back to Grimm again.¡±


    At the mention of the word Grimm, Norbert sees everyone stand a bit straighter, the air a bit thicker with intensity as Norbert continues to stand there, waiting for the outcome.


    ¡°And what is your relations with Grimm?¡±


    ¡°I''m just a diplomat trying to get a deal between them and Morenas. I think there''s a war going on up there. So just as a fair warning, I think you should pick your sides.¡±


    The one up there nodded his head in affirmative, ¡°Yes, you are right. We, what you call the Hidden Elves, would like to form a partnership with Morenas.¡±


    Norbert just stood there, the words echoing in his head as he was brought up and shown to a different section. Before he knew it, he was sitting down at a table with a piece of paper in front of him a , quill in his hand, as he was pointed at the paper to sign it.

 Chapter 353 A Presented Paper

    Norbert looked at the paper that had been presented to him. Holding his hand above the piece of paper as it shook, something wanted the pen to write the signature and finish with the document. His hands shook as he sent energy around his body, trying to buy himself several seconds as he scanned through the document in front of him.


    Their eyes went down, glazing over the words as he seemed to read them but did not comprehend the meaning behind them. A fog in his mind caused the gears in his head to seize up. As Norbert stared at the paper in front of him, the quill slipped from his fingers as it tumbled towards the table. A flick of his pinkie caused the quill not even to spill a drop on the page.


    His fate unsealed as it fell to the table with a splatter, its ink dribbling on the table, tendrils trying to claw to the paper and leave a mark on it. Norbert wiped it away with his hand, the quill falling to the floor beside him. Staring up at the underground dweller in front of him, raising an eyebrow in ire that he knew the person sitting opposite him couldn¡¯t hear. Silence filled the room, and Norbert started tapping his finger on the table, but the person opposite him was still not making a move.


    Norbert is sitting there, the other fingers of his right hand joining in on the tapping with his index finger. After a minute of this and still nothing from the person in front of him, Norbert opened his mouth. ¡°Your ploy with this¡±, waving his hand over the paper ¡°, didn¡¯t work, so just cut to the chase, and I might still agree with what you want,¡± Norbert spoke, watching the other person but getting nothing in return; when he opened his mouth, they seemed to freeze in place. ¡°But clocks ticking¡±


    Norbert continued to tick three times, thirteen times, and thirty-three times. After sixty tick-tocks, his mouth beginning to get sore from the repetitive motion, he pulled his chair out, and the room sprung into action.


    The table was getting pushed into him, splintering against his body as energy rushed inside it, ready to send him crashing out of the room if Norbert so-wed it. A metal projectile was being launched from somewhere. Just a slight turn of his head as it scratched off the side of his helmet, clattering to the wall behind him, the slight ringing in his helmet from the impact.


    Leaning back, his head brushed against the wall behind him as he kicked the table, splitting the wood in two. The person who had previously tried to persuade him to sign was now winded and falling to the ground from the retaliation.


    Hearing the metal projectile clatter to the floor as he gazed over it, the tiny needle-like object spinning on the floor. His eyes scrunched up as he imagined if he hadn¡¯t moved his head, going into his eye and likely to his brain.


    ¡°You tried to kill me?¡± Norbert spoke, scanning the two others on the other side of the room in the corners, one holding a spear, while the other had no obvious weapon other than the needle-shaped daggers around their waist.


    Staring at the Hidden Elf across from him, he saw that there was still no reply. Turning his head to the left and right, the one on each side behind him still in their corners, their pose no longer relaxed, hands


    ¡°Can we please be civil now? We both know I can escape here. But I don¡¯t want to bother with that hassle of being chased around another city.¡± Norbert spoke, breaking the silence, looking down at the broken chair beneath his feet. Finding the leg with most of the chair intact as he sat down on it, positioning it so he could properly balance.


    Pulling the broken table back towards him, hands clasped, he waited for the other side to react. Staying perfectly still, he did not tap his fingers, feet, or tongue to make a noise. He changed his vision to magic and began to look around the room, staring at the quill out of the corner of his eyes.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    The magic within it had a pink hue, the lightest pink somehow coming off the hair of the writing device. Turning his gaze to the contract, which was still sitting on the desk in the same spot as before despite the kerfuffle the room had experienced, he looked over the paper. His head was swimming with the runes underneath, the words that previously made no sense, as he could see the inner workings of the letters turning by themselves.


    The language was still indecipherable to him. As he stared at it, his mind tranced, locking it in place. Out of the corner of his eye, a pink line came from the quill and the paper, coming towards his mind. The energy within his body speeded up, soothing his mind and dispelling the magic that the items tried to influence him to use.


    "That is really nasty. Can you please disable it?" Norbert asked, finally making a noise as he peeled it off the table, his fingers trying to get it out from underneath it as it half ripped off. The spell within it fizzled out, finally going dark and turning towards the three on the other side, confirming that they had no spells brewing and waiting to be unleashed. With a nod of his head, he said that nothing else was happening to him then.


    "Can you please just talk?" Norbert pleaded, his hand falling off the table and hanging beside him. All life had been lost as it continued to sway back and forth.


    "You are unlike any of the others."


    "Well, you''re not going to get many members of an embassy going through your halls." Norbert raised his arms on both sides and into the air of the incredible cavern he had just experienced. "Due to your ... slight pest problem."


    "Most would have broken by now, and we can send them off on their way." The Under Elf spoke to him from the middle, and Norbert was thankful that somewhat of a strange conversation was happening.


    "And where is that?"


    "That''s for you to find out."


    Norbert nodded, "So ... what now? You can''t send me off from your attacks before; you don''t want people coming down here. And I didn''t see you at the championship that just passed and sparked a bunch of stuff I have no clue about."


    Norbert felt the thunder crackling behind their eyes as he continued to stare at him.


    "How sure are you?"


    "Well, I was one of the champions in the tournament after the Northerners declared war, and my general annoyance with the Kreevss and calling them lizards, so they have a vendetta against me. War will likely happen if it hasn''t already started to knock on people''s doorsteps.


    "So, what are you doing here?"


    "A spell, or more likely a curse is forcing me to continue in a direction, followed it down the mountain. Fell through a hole where I departed from my companions. Followed a river, and now, I''m here."


    "Hmmm, the old traps are still in effect."


    Norbert raised an eyebrow ¡°Old traps?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the old traps to stop those above from venturing too far below into our territory.¡±


    Norbert nodded in approval of the conversation¡¯s direction. ¡°And what is deeper within your territory?¡±


    ¡°Places that even we do not go down into.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head, leaning as he precariously balanced on what little remained of his chair. ¡°Well, that sounds exactly where I need to go. Don¡¯t you agree, feet?¡± Norbert asked, picking one of his feet up and placing it on the table, wiggling it back and forth as he nodded.


    ¡°Yes, they seem to agree. Now, is there anything else that¡¯s needed?¡± Norbert asked, looking at the three Under Elves in front of him, all three staring at him, shoulders dropped at his decree.


    ¡°What, I¡¯m not that crazy?¡± Norbert asked, looking to the side and at the guard on either side. Turning back to the front, he saw the guard that threw the needle, no longer holding their hand and hovering over their weapons.


    ¡°So, what was in the document anyway, now that you''re shocked?¡±


    ¡°To clear out the tunnels underneath us¡±


    ¡°And what does Morenas get in return?¡±


    The elf sitting at the table, Norbert, watched as the corner of their lips went up. ¡°Absolutely nothing.¡±


    Norbert is just shaking his head at his current turn of events. ¡°Well, it looks like that duplicitous action won¡¯t be required. I will likely need some assistance and resources to clear these tunnels out.¡±


    Norbert got off what remained of the chair, hearing it clutter the ground. ¡°Say, wont you shake my hand on this?¡± Norbert asked, feeling the mask pulse its harsh red light and watching the reflection in the eyes of the elves in front of him.

 Chapter 354 And Away we Go

    The elf in front of him gulped once; Norbert saw the figure playing out the conversation that he had just experienced in his head, trying to work out if there was a way he was possibly being conned.


    With a nod of his head in satisfaction, the two clasped hands, Norbert giving a satisfied shake to finish the deal.


    "Do you have a list of things you think you¡¯ll need for the expedition?" The elf in front of him asked.


    Surveying the room, Norbert noticed a shift in the guards'' demeanour, a subtle relaxation in their posture. He leaned back in his chair, tapping his chin in contemplation, feeling the cool metal beneath his finger. His self-awareness was a comforting anchor in this unfamiliar setting.


    "No clue what I''ll need. A map, a guide, maybe? I''ll leave it to you ... Mr?" Norbert asked, leaving the sentence hanging with a flourish of an extended hand.


    "Isn¡¯t it manners to give your name before asking for another?" The elf spoke, words grating on each other.


    Smacking his palm against his forehead, Norbert rocked back on his stool, precariously keeping his balance. "What would my mother think if she saw my attitude? You''re right; it is rude of me," Norbert said, clasping the back of his helmet as he released it, the metal dropping into his hand.


    He placed it on the table, the cracked metal edge slightly embedded. Reaching for his mask, he felt fresh air on his skin as he took it off. He placed it on his right side, face up, as well.


    "Norbert''s the name."


    The elves all were looking at him, all their faces scrunching up in response to looking at him. He brushed his face, confirming nothing wasn''t anything on it, but the stares continued. He reached for the back of his mask, squinting as he tried to look at himself in the reflection, unable to see it correctly, but nothing looked wrong with it.


    "Do I have something on my face?" He asked the staring crowd in front of him.


    The sound knocked them out of whatever trance the reveal of his face had caused. "No, nothing. We were just surprised by how you look..." The elf, sitting down, unable to finish the sentence, tried to grasp the right words, but they slipped through his fingers.


    ¡°Dashing, handsome?¡± Norbert provided to this em.


    ¡°So normal¡±,¡± one of them said, loud from the side.


    Norbert turned his attention to them, scouring their bodies for a sign of more information. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll take that as a compliment, then,¡± Norbert said, looking around at the three of them. ¡°Wait, how do you know what is normal for a human? No offence, but looking at you and what you call yourselves, you are not. Do you have contact with those above ground?¡± Norbert quickly shot off.


    ¡°Wow, hold on there¡± The elf sitting at the table stopped Norbert¡¯s stream of questions with a raised hand. ¡°We are all getting what items do cite, items you need for your expedition and a guide?¡±


    Norbert focused, remembering the question with them: ¡°Oh yes, we''ll need some food for the guide. I¡¯m okay with that and whatnot and a map of the area. It''s always better to know about it. And if I could look around this marvellous city of yours," Norbert extended his hands in a show of the opulence surrounding him.


    The one in front of him nodded, standing up from the table and heading to the door. The two guards on the other side of the room moved as well, as the two besides didn¡¯t shuffle at all. Norbert slowly turned around as he looked at the door, hearing the leader having stopped for a minute. With a nod before moving off, the two guards remained momentarily, only moving when the doorway was empty.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    He twisted his fingers momentarily, casting his ear out, waiting for someone to to turn for him. Getting through the song h, he was tapping, and still nothing appeared. Norbert sighed deeply, hoping he wouldn¡¯t have a dagger in his throat for the move he was about to make. He stood up, letting the chair crash to the floor with a clatter. Looking down, surprised that it remained intact.


    Slowly panning his head up, nobody appeared to be coming rushing down the stairs. Thankful that at least that still went to plan, Norbert padded up the stairs, coming to a stop as he looked at the squat building it came out from. The stone around him was the same colour as the rest of the cave, and a lamp hung from a hook on the wall. He stopped and started as the flames tickled around, reminding him of a warm cup of tea shared with a companion. As he looked back down at the pathway, realising that he provided his own name without getting the person¡¯s name that he dealt with.


    A mote of golden light appeared in front of him, Norbert tapping it as he felt it inside of him. Bathed in darkness, just floating around, the energy inside of him hardening up, curling around inside of him, a cat ready to pounce in case a threat appeared.


    Stepping out of the darkness, Norbert found himself in the familiar room with the goddess. Her presence was a soothing balm, her sipping tea filling the room. She was a constant in his journey, providing guidance and comfort.


    Finally able to properly relax, Norbert stretched up as far as he could, feeling his shoulders and back pop with the movement.


    ¡°Awwww, that felt good. Didn¡¯t realise I was holding all of that in,¡± Norbert said as he walked to the free chair, unclipping his sword and resting it beside it. He reached the code table and took the hot, steaming cup of tea.


    The lemon fragrance opened his nostrils as he breathed it deeply in. The smell itself refreshing and invigorating him. ¡°Put something special in here?¡± Norbert asked, raising an eyebrow at the goddess in front of him.


    ¡°Nothing out of the ordinary. How do you like your interaction with elves?¡±


    Sipping the lemon flavour, the sour citrus slightly numbing his tongue, the warm liquid going down his throat ¡°Not the worst interaction I¡¯ve had, but a weird group.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what happens when you¡¯re surrounded on both sides and don¡¯t get enough vitamin D,¡± the goddess quipped, her words anticipating Norbert''s impending meeting with Sally.


    Norbert spilt out his tea, surprised by what he was given. Careful not to spill any more of the warm liquid, he wiped himself up with his hand before taking another sip. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect a response like that from you. But I know there is probably a timer on this again, so is there anything you want to talk to me about?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, no. This was a request from one of the other gods; Sally wants to get things down pat and regather next moves, Morenas.¡± Leaning behind her chair, bringing a scroll and unfurling it on the slightly damp coffee table, Norbert instantly recognised it as the scroll he had just signed.


    ¡°Oh man, I hope Sally will be too annoyed.¡±


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s only one way to find out.¡± Luck said, Norbert looking at her as panic started over his face.


    ¡°Wait, just give me some time here, if possible?¡± Norbert asked her.


    Luck tossed her head from one side to the other, then back again, before nodding, ¡°Ok, but only for a bit.¡± Placing the cup of tea on the table, Luck stood up, placing her foot on the table, leaned forward and picked up the scroll as she bundled it up, leaping through the air with a spin and landing in Norbert¡¯s lap. The cup of tea was somehow not spilling in her acrobatic manoeuvre.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Norbert asked her, arms up in the air, not knowing what to do with them, blowing out several strands of golden hair from filling that luck.


    ¡°Oh, sorry about that.¡± Lucy whipped her hair around as it flew to the other side. Norbert¡¯s breath was straightforward to breathe.


    ¡°You just look so relaxed ¡­¡±


    ¡°I feel like there is a but coming.¡±


    ¡°But I''ve also been asked to come over there by Sally for the meeting.¡±


    ¡°And gods take orders from people?¡±


    ¡°Well, with the right incentive, of course.¡± Luck rubbing her thumb and index finger together, Norbert almost heard coins clinking into a money pouch just out of sight.


    Norbert also nodded along to it, wondering how else the words stuck in his mind. What would he ever need a god to do for him, or how could he even give them something they would need? That thing what Ghastly requested?¡± Norbert asked, remembering when he helped the kid in Italy and wondering what that boy was up to. Hoping he hadn¡¯t been caught again, the list of things he needed to do stopped him from helping others in the same capacity.


    ¡°Something like that.¡± Luck said, darkness consuming both of them once more.

 Chapter 355 Looking a Little Pale

    Falling to the ground, the chair disappearing from beneath him, having not gone on the journey to the land of the gods, as his lack of an extra companion disrupted his balance. Feeling a foot go onto his face as he stood up, clasping his helmet back together, the sun no longer beating on his face. Looking up at the sky, having lost complete track of the time of day while under the mountain, having thought that the sun should hide behind the horizon, the last few rays showing itself through the untrimmed grass stalks and not beam down on him.


    He took his sword, standing on the ground, and looked over the field around him, spinning around until he found the little cabin on the property where he assumed that Commander Sally was waiting for him.


    Bending a hand down for Luck, the goddess grasped it as she pulled herself up. Norbert saw the slight dirt stain on her sunflower skirt from the fall. ¡°Come on, I assume she''s in there waiting for us.¡± Norbert directed with a nod towards the direction of the little cabin that stood on the property, dropping his hand from Luck and walking in the direction he indicated without another word.


    Making half the distance to the cabin, Norbert could hear raised voices coming out of the structure, two of them steadily going higher and higher in octave, the words starting to become muffled with emotions as they continued shouting. Several other voices tried and failed to stop the two main ones coming through the open door just off the porch; Norbert heard one of them as Sally, the other Norbert unable to recognise as he slammed the door shut behind him, feeling the walls inside rumble from the force, a squeak from the wooden door protesting from the treatment it just experienced.  All sound inside of the little cabin grew quiet, all eyes coming to him, feeling them drift over to him only to land on Luck, who came up standing on his side, nudging him with something soft.


    Looking down, Norbert saw the scroll she signed as he strode to the table in the centre, a map that looked faintly familiar, the memory of the globe he once saw in Vivienne¡¯s study. Blinking back to reality, feeling the eyes of all the people in the room digging into him, drawing his attention away from the maps as he  looked about, seeing several pairs of people all milling about the table. Norbert recognises two of them from his travels.


    ¡°Who gave you the privilege to allow this?¡±


    ¡°The new guys busted.¡± One of them said it was coming from the kitchen area. A snicker came out only to be stiffened by the woman next to them burrowing their elbow in the snickering person''s hip, cutting out any further sound with a muffled cry.


    ¡°Uhhh, didn¡¯t you? With the entire ambassador title?¡± Norbert asked, trying to see how much


    ¡°Ambassador title?¡± The one Norbert recognised as being in the shouting match with Sally quickly responded, their voice growing in irritation from the two words.


    Norbert sees them standing on the other end of the table across from the map. Another unknown person to him, wondering if Commander Sally would allow it to be kept that way.


    ¡°Not pertinent to the discussion, now Norbert, what is this for?¡±


    ¡°An alliance between Morenas and the Under-Elves, or a start of one.¡±


    Sally grips her teeth together, a whisper of annoyance slipping between her lips. ¡°Do you know what it will take to clear it out?¡±


    ¡°Nope, but I can do it myself, was planning to anyway. This is just a formal thing we do for free. Might be leverage to use elsewhere. Now, is there anything else I¡¯m needed for here, or can I make my departure to start clearing ... whatever is down there?¡± Norbert pointed towards the door behind him.


    ¡°Find a seat; there is still much to discuss.¡±


    Norbert looking around, seeing that there weren¡¯t any free chairs in the room, leaning back on the wall besides him looking at the people around him, wondering what the next part that Commander Sally would tell them.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°Thank you all for coming here without any delays.¡± Sally turned to Norbert at the last part, hearing the annoyance seep from her words, ¡°And onto the brief standing of our country.¡± The commander looked around, confirming she had everyone¡¯s attention at the utterance of her words.


    ¡°As you know, the current situation regarding the falling out at the tournament has turned that world into turmoil. The previously bubbling but contained tension is now out of the pot and making a complete mess of the kitchen. And that¡¯s where I want all of you to clean it up.¡±


    Commander Sally looked around, feeling her eyes burrow into him. ¡°What the country needs is heroes,


    ¡°Yeah, no, I¡¯m out,¡± Norbert spoke up, interrupting Commander Sally from continuing her speech.


    ¡°Well, that comes as a surprise.¡±


    ¡°I ain''t no hero, I don¡¯t know what you''re spouting, but good day. As usual, I will help out when required, but I¡¯ve got a city to think I''m still there and not just teleported away.¡±


    A slight chuckle coming out of the one in the kitchen, Norbert turning to them, grounding his teeth as she continued to stare at him.


    ¡°Have something on my face?¡±


    ¡°Just think it¡¯s funny, that the one that is known as someone that doesn¡¯t leave their comrades behind, seeking justice, uncovering the truth and letting those that deserve it get punished and allowing those without anything special to aim for something grander in their life than what fate has handed out to them, to help the community and spout that? The one that can make friends of enemies and stop segregation that has continued for so long others don¡¯t question it. And the only thing that holds out with the stories is the red lines of the black helmet the individual always wears, uncrushable, just like the persons might underneath.¡±


    Norbert stared at the woman, hearing her words travel into his ear, growing increasingly surprised at every utterance. ¡°What is she talking about?¡± Norbert asked, turning to Commander Sally.


    ¡°Wait, he doesn¡¯t know about the propaganda about him you¡¯ve been pushing.¡± The one standing at the other side of the table, having previously argued with Commander Sally.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get around to it, and he¡¯s not normally in Morenas anyway. I only need to keep it away from the casinos.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and that¡¯s the other thing, the luckiest man around. Whoever is on his side will see it out no matter what.¡± The lady from the kitchen once more spouted out.


    Norbert stared out, shaking his head ¡°Am I really just a face to parade around for you?"


    ¡°No, just helping even out your previous actions. Enemies on all sides that you didn¡¯t stack in our favour with your annoyance of the Kreevss.¡± Sally jutted in.


    ¡°How was I supposed know not to call them lizards, that¡¯s what they look like?¡± Norbert is starting to defend himself.


    With your allegiance to the lower elves, you annoy two more groups of people with this forced treaty. And better than letting the knowledge of your multiple friends from other lands leak out.¡±


    ¡°Friends from other lands, sounds juicy.¡± The one from the kitchen piped in again, receiving another elbow from the person standing beside them.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with interacting with the Grimm?¡± Norbert asked, everyone taking an intake of breath, the air seemingly leaving the room.


    ¡°And you''re still alive? With no altercations?¡±


    ¡°No..." Norbert opened his mouth before remembering his body being pushed in one way and the tanning situation under the sunlight. ¡°Maybe?¡±


    The shuffling of feet as everyone took a step back, ¡°Cooties.¡± The woman from the kitchen spoke again as she moved her waist out of the way, dodging the expecting elbow.


    ¡°What''s wrong with me now? Now, is there anything to say, or can I leave?¡±


    Commander Sally turned to him and said, ¡°Get to Grimm, teleport back to Morenas, find the rest of your party, and then return to Grimm. And when you get back, find me.¡±


    ¡°And the rest of the war?¡± Norbert asked, looking at the table and seeing the pieces of different colours being moved together, with only a single pawn off to the side in the area of the ocean on the left-hand side.


    ¡°Try not to make any more enemies; find out what Grimm is about. The rest will be handled.¡± Commander Sally told him, giving him a nod in dismissal.


    Nodding his head as he saluted, one hand in the air as he turned to leave, hearing the hushed whispers of everyone in the room, a huh from Finekus, the dark mage who was in the tournament with him, happy that the man somehow made it out.


    The door closed behind him, and Luck trailed away. He randomly went in a direction in the field, seeing the grass swaying and unrumpled ahead of him, the stalks popping up with extra vigour behind him, and his praising lost.


    ¡°I''m guessing Commander Sally didn¡¯t invite me, and this is your doing?¡± Norbert asked, continuing to walk, as Luck didn¡¯t respond. Coming up far enough, Norbert removed his helmet and gloves and brushed his fingers through his hair, feeling it comb through between them.


    ¡°It is best to know what to expect back at the capital rather than be surprised by it all.¡± Luck provided him, smiling as she tilted her face up, closing her eyes, the wind blowing through her hair, Norbert sure he saw the slight glimmer coming off her.


    ¡°And that you seemed to be spending too much time underground. Looking a little pale must be the lack of vitamin D.¡±


    Norbert chuckled at her, shaking his head as he fell. He stared at the sky and closed his eyes, the warmth removing any protest to alight from his body.

 Chapter 356 Hes Eccentric

    Darkness left him once more after dipping into Luck¡¯s room, giving a goodbye wave, and being teleported almost immediately back under the mountain and walking carefully back to the entrance, securing the last pieces of his gear into its proper position. Ducking down slightly, making sure his head would clear the doorway as he stood on the street, the smooth stone underneath him at a slight angle towards the harbour to his right.


    ¡°Grandriel, he¡¯s up here!¡± a voice shouted from his left. He turned the other way and had to slightly look down at the boy who had suddenly appeared by his side. There was no sign of armour or weapons on the boy. Norbert locked his eyes and opened his mouth. Before a sound came from his lips, the under elf boy had run off.


    Footsteps came up from behind him, and Norbert turned fully around as he looked towards what was coming at him. Up the last step, Norbert looked him in the eye as one word came to describe Grandriel: young.


    Compared to the five Under Elves that were in the room, trying to force his hand into what they deemed as a suicidal mission that only a crazy person would take on.


    ¡°So, why did they choose you?¡± Norbert asked, looking straight at him. He saw the buckles and pockets all over his clothes, each of them bulging with whatever contents had been placed inside.


    ¡°The interest of the unknown, though sadly, can¡¯t be explored too deep into that unknown, because everything is trying to kill me down there.¡±


    Norbert looked up and down at the person, not seeing a single weapon on their body, or at least not a conventional weapon, and not knowing what exactly could be held within those pouches.


    ¡°When are you free to go on this grand expedition?¡± Norbert asked him, noting the pack slung over their shoulder, seeing the clasp barely able to close.


    ¡°Oh, I still need a couple of things,¡± Grandriel said, knocking Norbert to the side as he exited the building. He made it halfway down the block, heading towards the docks.


    ¡°RMMHmm¡±, Norbert cleared his voice, trying to get Grandriel¡¯s attention; as the Under-Elf continued walking away, Norbert noted that he had failed spectacularly on that mission.


    ¡°How long will you take?¡± Norbert shouted down the road.


    Finally grabbing Grandriel¡¯s attention, he turned around and said, ¡°Oh, I will meet you back in a cycle.¡± As he continued off, Norbert raised a hand in the air, trying to stop him once more, when a hand landed on his shoulder.


    Spinning around, his cloak billowed behind him. He grabbed the limb that had touched him and held a dagger in his other hand, ready to take on the assailant. In front of him, one of the guards looked concerned. Their eyes moved from the dagger poised at themselves, and their hands started to drift down to their weapon if the dagger pointed at them. They decided to continue advancing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother with that one.¡± The guard muttered, still watching the dagger as it slowly lowered from their face.


    ¡°He''s eccentric?¡± Norbert asked, ¡°And sorry about that, just the nerves.¡±


    ¡°Must have been through Ann. It''s  not surprising if you made it down here.¡± The guard''s hand lost from his spear, leaning against the weapon as it caught in the ground. ¡°And eccentric is one way to put it with Grandriel. Head loose on that one.¡±


    ¡°Is he going to be the hardest part of the expedition?¡±


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    ¡°Better him than nobody; with the infestation and the back turns, it¡¯s a complete nightmare. So good luck, you need it.¡±


    Norbert shrugged as he started following the path, heading towards the docks at the sight of Grandriel slipping into the crowd, forming further down.


    ***


    Sitting down at the docks, feet dangling over the side, he watched out across the lake to the fishing boats, pulling whatever was living in the lake from their nets. Looking up towards the ceiling, he saw the stalactites still up there, where previously he had come into this little city.


    Once or twice, Norbert would see the bugs that chased after him come over, the fishing boats obliterating them as they fell into the water. Each one around them caused the water to bubble and splash for a few seconds before coming to a still, and Norbert watched as none of the fishing boats came after the bug.


    ¡°What''s with the bubbles that happen after they splash?¡± Norbert asked aloud, feeling the eyes drilling into his back stop, feeling they had been caught in a nefarious act.


    ¡°You can continue to watch; sure, you don¡¯t get many visitors with them over here.¡± Norbert commented. Several broods on the cliff edge behind the waterfall, watching the city and its people, not daring to make the journey.


    Picking up the stone from the little pile he collected from around the place, Norbert tossed it up in the air once, twice, and a third time, feeling the energy around his body as he made its course. The energy was sent to his hand as he threw the stone, releasing the energy from within him, causing the stone to shoot across the lake.


    Norbert clamped down on the power right after releasing the stone, not wanting to break it apart and send its shards hurtling around the dock like a grenade accidentally dropped in the markets.


    The crowd around him oohed and ahhed, all watching as the stone smashed into one of the bugs. Norbert watched it take a step back from surprise. They all moved around in a panic, not knowing what had happened to make something appear out of nowhere.


    Norbert, smiling at the occurrence, picked up another stone, rolling it between his fingers as he waited for the bugs to come back around again.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking everywhere for you,¡± Grandriel shouted from the end of the dock, the Under-elf toeing the line between the hard stone and the wood that Norbert was standing on. With a groan, standing, he turned around; the entire dock was full of people looking at him, the children scurrying away after catching sight of him, now aware of the attention he was putting on the strange human.


    Norbert patted his own body down, billowing his coat out. ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t have a timepiece on me.¡± Norbert came up beside the dock, again gaining into work as everyone started moving about again, the entertainment of the newcomer now leaving their area.


    ¡°Where do we need to go?¡± Norbert asked, Grandriel continuing to look at him without uttering a sound. Norbert tossed all of the stones into the ground except for one, getting his energy to start moving again around his hand as he threw the stone to the other side, watching as it sailed through the air, his clothes billowing as it hit one of the bugs, Norbert finally seeing as it lost its balance, falling over the cliff with a splash, Norbert shooting his hand up into the air at his success of finally making one of them fall into the water.


    The corresponding bubbles and flapping water went over the area around it. Norbert turned his attention back to Grandriel, watching as the Under-Elf swallowed at the sight, nodding and scurrying away from the dock.


    Norbert followed the elf as they went further into the city, away from the dock area that he had combed over previously, trying to stem his boredom before the expedition. Passing the last of the low houses, Norbert stopped over the empty area around the cave, torches placed up to light the flat, barren land they now stood on the cusp of.


    Changing his vision to magic, Norbert saw lines and lines of spells just under his feet. He swallowed as he crossed it, feeling something rippling under his skin, sending a shiver up his spine as he passed through it. The smell of smoke and charred remains hit him.


    Their feet crusted through the ground as it snapped and crackled underneath him, dragging his feet as a white object flew into the air, him having kicked it up. Gulping at the sight of the bone, Norbert looked down at the ashy field, wondering what else was coming out of here for there to be this much destruction just on the other side.


    ¡°And you choose to come down here?¡± Norbert asked.


    The Under-Elves smiled as they took a deep breath. ¡°I just love the smell of the place.¡±


    Norbert swallowed once again. The only thing he could smell was charred flesh, and the memory of him in the mirror reached out to touch his consciousness once again.


    .

 Chapter 357 A Creature Revealed

    Pushing it down, Norbert strived forward as he crossed the barrier, the sounds of scarping of the tunnels on either side of him as they echoed up, surrounding him in sound.


    ¡°Do you have a map or an idea of where we must go?¡± Norbert asked, turning around and seeing Grandriel several steps behind, head down in a little diary that Norbert couldn¡¯t see. Stopping and letting the Under-elf come to him, Norbert finally looked down at it as he could see the notes of a map, with pointers and markers over it, strings and extra pieces added onto the side acting as bookmarks and markers for specific parts throughout the book.


    Feeling the wind on his face with the force that Grandriel slammed the book shut, Norbert felt his nose bristle from the force it had been subjected to. Norbert smirked under his helmet at the Under-elf as his guide stared up at him, into the helmet''s slits, trying to read Norbert.


    Norbert continued to chuckle, leaning over and grabbing the Under-Elf in his hands, lifting them and placing them down to face the battlefield of destruction on the outskirts of the city he had just left.


    ¡°So, which of those holes is the one I must go into?¡± Norbert asked, his finger lazily drifting around as he pointed to several black holes that led towards him; he did not know what. As he continued to stare, the sounds of whittling came from one of them.


    Directing his eyes over there, he changed his vision to look at the magic as something started to poke its head out. Changing back to normal, Norbert saw an albino white creature poke its head out. Only eyes and frills of spikes could be seen as it slowly entangled itself from the inky blackness of the hole it found itself in.


    Grandriel shook from his grasp as Norbert continued to stay there, his feet glued to the spot as he continued to look. The creature came up to three times his height as it finally showed its body off to him.


    Throat becoming dry, swallowing and licking his lips, trying to find anything to quench the sudden nerves. As the creature stepped over the boundary, fire engulfed it, so hot that Norbert could feel his mask start to warm up slightly, his eyes drying out and watering from the heat.


    A cry filled the empty field; Norbert watched. After several seconds, the cry stopped, the creature crashing to the ground as a wave of ash made its way from the creature. Standing there, feeling it wash over him, the nerves in his body finally abating at the death of the creature.


    Feeling a presence next to him, Norbert turned around and saw Grandriel now standing by his side, notebook open once more, as he began writing down the information he gleamed necessary from the encounter.


    ¡°How many of those things are down there?¡±


    After several moments of pen scratching on paper, the Under-Elf looked up at him, ¡°Ohh, the Torbrask, they are everywhere.¡± Grandriel nodded like it was the most obvious reaction to seeing a creature nearly three times his height turning to a crisp.


    ¡°And are they the most dangerous thing down there?¡± Norbert asked, pointing towards the area the Torbrask came from.


    Only a smile answered Norbert¡¯s question, and the Under-Elf quickly walked towards its charred remains. ¡°Quickly now, the light would have frightened the others off for a moment.¡±


    Norbert caught up to the Under-Elf, stopping as they looked at the charred remains. Norbert stepped forward and kicked what remained of the Torbrask¡ªwatching as it crumpled into nothingness.


    Holding his breath so as not to breathe in more of the ash, Norbert changed his vision to darkness as he looked towards the hole the creature came out of. ¡°So, the entire under city needs to be cleared?¡±


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    ¡°Undercity, I like the ring to it. Much better than the no-go zone.¡± Grandriel nodded his head as he scribbled something else in the ledger. Norbert tapping his


    ¡°Man, I do miss Obsius and Count von Count¡±, Norbert whispered to himself as the Under-Elf once more lost himself in the book he continued writing in¡ªno longer waiting for them to get their head out of it, Norbert walked down, standing at the edge of the hole as he looked down and came face to face with another Torbrask.


    The creature moved before him, its jaw opening as it started moving forward. Energy came to life within him; previously sluggish from any lack of danger, it quickly came to the rescue. Condensing it in his fist, not having any time to draw his sword, he punched the creature''s teeth, releasing the energy he stored within his arm while doing so.


    Watching as it blasted inwards, hot liquid splashed over his body, the sharp teeth broken and splintering, causing shrapnel to imbed itself in the creature''s mouth. It cried in pain as it backed up, raising its head as high as it could, out of the way of the tiny creature that inflicted pain on it.


    Norbert, drawing his sword as he leapt towards the creature''s throat, rock breaking underneath his feet from the leap, swept his sword around, the blade catching into the creature, pulling himself around the neck. Making it over halfway as he stopped, he lost momentum, unable to cut cleanly through the creature''s stubby neck.


    Breathing on top of the creature the two of them stood still. Finally, regaining his breath as the creature underneath him rumbled once more. The air rushed into his eyes as they crashed towards the floor. The head of the Torbrask wriggling around, snapping and trying to get at him. He jumped off, giving it a kick on the head as he watched it slowly slide down the hole it had come from. Picking up speed as it slid down, its head spinning around to face the front as he looked at its tail, laying completely still on the ground, kicking up rubble as it thundered out of view.


    Hiking several steps up to the lip, the face of Grandriel staring back at him. ¡°No help?¡± Norbert asked the Under-Elf as they finally had stopped scribbling in their book.


    He felt the eyes on him for a moment, the grin on his face at the small victory he received from that reaction. Norbert looked at him, whipping his sword on his leg before sheathing it, the sound of the metal silently echoing around them.


    ¡°Anything else needed here?¡± Norbert asked the Under-Elf


    ¡°You killed it so easily.¡± Grandriel finally responded to him.


    ¡°Yes, that was what I intended to do: make a path and get out from under this mountain!¡± Norbert thrust his fist into the air, satisfaction filling himself up as his voice echoed back at him, bleeding his joy into it.


    ¡°I honestly thought it would eat you; we all did.¡±


    Norbert turned back, reaching up and grasping his helmet. The two pieces came off and rested in his hands as he continued to stare at the Under-Elf, raising a single eyebrow and waiting for a further explanation.


    The Under-Elf is quiet for a moment. Norbert sees him carefully picking the words out: ¡°An infestation like that doesn¡¯t happen overnight. We¡¯ve been slowly pushed back till here.¡± Grandriel stomped his foot onto the ground, a section of ash falling off from the battlefield and down into the hole the monster fell into.


    He continued, ¡°And how could one man change what we couldn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°But you have a barrier set up.¡± Norbert counted, showing his hand at the destruction of the field and what he had just witnessed there.


    ¡°And do you know how much it takes to keep active? And that¡¯s beside the point. The barrier is a defensive measure; it takes much more than just one of us to defeat a Torbrask.¡± Grandriel added matter-of-factly.


    ¡°But you have weapons and tools to use, and they don¡¯t seem impervious to magic,¡± Norbert added, moving his eyes as he looked down the hole. A gust of wind billowed up at him, causing his hair to whip around in the wind.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s the slight problem we can get rid of.¡±


    As Norbert stood there, the entire mountain seemingly rumbling in response to the Under-Elf¡¯s words were the sounds of scraping coming up from the tunnel. Clasping his helmet back on him, the two pieces of metal coming over his face, the energy inside of him rattling around, prepared for whatever was to come.


    ¡°More show up in its place. Overwhelming any force that we muster that tries to take them down.¡± Grandriel stopped, the shaking finally stopping, and a quick scamper happened from behind Norbert. He turned around, took his eyes off the tunnel, and saw the Under-Elf sprinting away, heading back to the city.


    Something hit Norbert in the back, his body flying to the top of the tunnel, clipping off the lip at the entrance and spinning uncontrollably into the air. Their hands splayed out, the world spinning underneath him, the ground quickly meeting up with him, dust and grime filling his lungs as the wind knocked him out.


    A blast of heat came up from behind him, and Norbert turned around, his mouth open as wide as it could in the helmet, as the fires continued coming up all around him.

 Chapter 358 What did you DO

    Norbert looked at the wave heading his way, rooted to the spot as one after the other died in the flames of the battlefield. Their white plating turned grey and husks of what the creature once was.


    The orchestra of flames continuously jumped out across the multiple holes in the wall, and as quickly as it appeared, it abated. Norbert held his breath in anticipation of the following line of music to be played but rested; it remained.


    Scrunching came up from behind him as Grandriel made his way towards him. Feeling a pat on his shoulder, he unfreezed Norbert from the spot and turned towards the Under-Elf. ¡°How many are down there?¡± Norbert asked, his mouth finally moving, amazed by the quantity that appeared. The silence that filled the air now oppressing him, forcing him to move or at least do something.


    ¡°Many, many more. You¡¯ve got quite a task ahead of you. Now chop chop, daylights burning. Or whatever you surface dwellers say.¡±


    Norbert looked at Grandriel with confusion on his face. ¡°Don¡¯t you mean we were burning daylight?¡± Norbert corrected as he looked up at the ceiling of the cavern they found themselves in. The stalactites looked down on him, not a speck of daylight being able to penetrate the mountain of rock on top of his head.


    Grandriel just looking up at Norbert, hearing a single mutter about surface dwellers as he walked off, heading towards the edge of the cave, looking down the hole below.


    Norbert shook his head, catching up as the two stood together on the precipice of darkness. Feeling his heart slam in his chest, holding his breath, trying to hear any sounds from below. Hearing nothing but paper scratching again, Norbert turned and saw the pack on Grandriel¡¯s back.


    ¡°How long will the supplies last you?¡± Norbert asked, pointing towards the grey backpack with the single covering at the top straining against the buttoning.


    ¡°Nearly twenty days if rationed properly. Five if not.¡±


    Norbert nodded his head. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll push on ahead as long as you can get us back here," he added, the butterflies in his stomach welling up, the unknown just in front of him.


    Grandriel pipping up, ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can do this.¡± The words were a silent whisper coming out of his mouth. The earlier bravado was gone, and we were all up to make it this far.


    Grandriel took half a step back; Norbert turned and started hand shooting drill, a foot stepping over as he fell into the darkness. The scream ripped from the Under-Elf as Norbert dragged him down into the hole.


    ¡°What did you DO!¡± Grandriel screamed out, Norbert opening his mouth, crashing into the ground before he could reply. Feeling his body crunch as pain for a half moment shot up through the shoulder that he landed on, ringing in his ears that quickly dissipated from the helmet racking across the ground.


    He came to a stop, heard a groan from the side, got to his feet, wobbled as his head spun from the tumble, and looked around in completeness. His feet were on a slope, and he saw nothing in his vision. Looking up, he was unable to see the light that should have been up the top.


    Cursing to himself, a harsh whisper escaping his lips, the groaning continued from his travel buddy. Changing his vision to see in the dark, as the world became grey around him. Biting his lip as he scanned the empty area, hand hovering over the sword as the Under-Elf started to whimper, Norbert pushing the concerns he would have out of his mind for the moment.


    Finding themselves in a tunnel, Norbert thankful for not seeing anything else around them, the walls on either side jagged, pieces of rocks having been thrown on the floor, sliding his feet, hearing the pieces of stone tinkle against each other.


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    Holding his breath, still not letting his guard down, fingers dancing over his handle. Still, nothing coming from in front of him, turning his back Norbert looked around, feeling the breath on his neck, a set of teeth stopping right in front of him as Norbert looked into the mouth of a Torbrask inching closer and closer to him.


    Fingers continuing to dance on his sword as he remained still, still hearing the whimper of Grandriel off to the side, unable to see the Under-Elf without moving his head. Taking a shaking breath out, feeling his lungs rattle in his breath, the energy within him moving by itself, wanting to be released once more, though still not properly recovered from the last time it was used.


    Sucking in his breath, the teeth coming ever so closer, Norbert had springing to motion as he leaped straight into its maw, breaking the teeth with his helmet as he went inside.


    Hand sliding down to the daggers on his legs, darkens coming around him as his feet landed on wetness. Feet slipping out from under him as the ground tried to curl around him, bring him further down wherever the gullet of this creature was.


    Jumping up, the tongue he was on exploding in viscera underneath him as he smashed into the roof, hearing a crack from the Torbrask mouth as he made up. Holding himself up there as his world started to spin, smashing his dagger once more inside of it, feeling the blade snap under the weight.


    His feet loosing balance, hanging from the ceiling with just his hand, Norbert grasping for his sword, the handle slipping out of his hand from the gore he had just done to the knife.


    Taking out another throwing knife Norbert condensing his energy into the dagger as he rammed it inside the hole he was holding it. Feeling pieces of bone smash into his hand, fingers becoming pulverised from the impact as he fell, unable to keep his grip inside the skull. Rain falling down on him as the world crashed to the ground, hearing sounds of it slipping from inside his little cave.


    Hearing the sliding outside growing louder and louder, panic starting to engulf Norbert, as he was being carried further and further away from his unconscious guide. Flipping over Norbert patting around, feeling for the broken teeth of his entrance into the Torbrask.


    Finding it, Norbert smashes two more on either side. The sounds of stones moving and the body being dragged get louder and louder. It''s a full-on avalanche, and the sounds of stones pinging around come from outside.


    Sticking his hand, breathing out, ready to leap forward, a stone smashing into his just repaired hand, a groan coming from his lips, his grip starting to slide. Ripping the entrance of the mouth open, Norbert jumped out, slipping on the blood on the inside of the Torbrask, falling onto his mouth as he rolled down the slope.


    Sticking his hands into the stone, head down as he slid on his feet and knees, hands on either side to stabilise as the slope he found himself on quietened down, the Torbrask up over his head as he continued down the path with them.


    Happy he could finally see something again, Norbert looked around, confirming that no other Torbrask had come up behind him and was waiting to capture him. Finally breathing out a sigh of relief, Norbert looked up the slop he had just fallen from.


    At the top, a moving body slowly falls its way towards him. Norbert groaned, patting himself down, having already lost two throwing daggers before he could start the expedition correctly; it wasn¡¯t looking good for him.


    Sighing, pushing the energy around his body, feeling it sluggish, his stomach groaning for a moment as he pushed it out of his mind, focusing on the steady climb upwards. Scrambling on his hands, keeping his balance as the stones underneath his feet acted as gravel, wanting to slip away from whatever purchase he was gaining from the ground.


    Grasping the stones in his hand, he went up the rest of the way, hearing sliding from above. He looked up and saw Grandriel standing still, just looking at himself. Clutching his arm by his side, Norbert was thankful to see the pack still attached to the Under-Elf.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Grandriel asked him.


    Norbert chuckled as he remembered the fall that just happened. ¡°A Torbrask, much quieter than I gave them credit, tried to eat me.¡±


    Grandriel chuckled, stifling a groan as he looked at his arm. Norbert just pointed with a finger at the arm he was clutching by his side: ¡°Banged my arm.¡±


    ¡°Looks broken¡± Norbert commented, standing next to him, finger just hovering over the piece of bone sticking from his arm, breaking through the shirt covering. Norbert moved over, taking the backpack off the Under-Elf¡¯s shoulders.


    Norbert started ruffling round in the backpack, wondering what was covered there. ¡°Not here; we need to get to the outpost.¡±


    Norbert stopped rummaging around, looking up at the elf with the blood dripping down. ¡°You sure?¡± Norbert asked, unable to take his eyes off the wound.


    A nod in response was made as Norbert shrugged, slinging the backpack over his shoulder and gesturing for Grandriel to lead the way.