《Black Sun》 Chapter 1 : Asking why doesnt always bring answers... Chapter 1 : Asking why doesn''t always bring answers... January, 9:15 p.m. in the Fontainebleau area. A beautiful family house. After settling in the room of his cousin, Nero opened his computer in the meantime. He was a young mix-blood of 1m80, thin but athletic, result of him playing basketball and tennis. Dark eyes that he sometimes hide behind glasses, fine features, soft hair always a little messy, he was the perfect image of young model and athletic student. He had success with the fairer sex but weren''t boasting about it or didn''t abuse of that. His cousin, three years his senior, was smaller, 1m70 with the silhouette of a boxer betraying its past of young hope in french boxing and adept of many martial arts. His skin was very white compared to his cousin who inherited his color from his mother who came from mauritius island, and what''s more, Sig was "keeping" his whiteness by spending most of his time playing video games since his retirement from competition . Sig was, as usual, finishing dinner with his family. After 15min he joined his cousin: "- So, are you doing anything ? he said, entering the room. - I was waiting for you ... Would you, please, eat early anyway ? - Yeah yeah I know ... what do you want to do ? - dunno, whatever you want. " He looked at him silently and then they start laughing : "- Always the same debate huh ? said Sig - Obviously ! It''s not like we had thousands of choices here, replied Nero They ended up watching a few episodes of the series The Big Bang Theory. As the episode ended and Sig was going to load another, the mestizo rubbed his eyes while staggering: "- I feel strangely tired right now ... I have a black veil before the eyes ..." The young man looked at him and fell in turn wanting to prevent the fall of his cousin ... "- ake ... up ... wa ...ke up ... Wake up ! " Sig suddenly opened his eyes, his heart pounding. Everything was white around him. After regaining his breath, he felt like he was floating; he was in full extra-corporal experience but did not know why. He had suddenly an impulse and he shouted the first thing that came to his mind: "- Nero ! - What ? Why bellowed like that ? I was spleeping well ... - Dude ? - Well yes, who else ... Why the hell is it all white here ? Why do I have the impression of floating like that? - Good questions, that''s exactly what I was thinking but I have another question... - Really ? - Yes : why are we naked ? - Huh ? Oh shit ! - I can answer to your questions " A voice seemed to be ringing in their ears. She was sweet and warm, despite its strange melodious accents. The two young men were from the Internet generation "dafuq? " was the only thing they found to say. "- Before asking : no, this is not a dream, said the voice, you are in what we called an "Entremonde ". I preferred to bring you here before your trip starts. " Sig opened his mouth but quickly shut it, as his brain was trying to gather the little thoughts that he currently had. "- To answer your two questions : the Entremonde is an area to which access is reserved to the Essence as opposed to the Matter, explaining your floating sensation and the fact that you are ..." naked "as you say. You''re currently an astral projection, a spiritual fragment if you want..." The two cousins remained frozen like two dead fish, stunned by what they had heard. They, who were a fan of Japanese culture and gaming, they, who had had been bath in heroic fantasy since childhood, were thrown straight into a science fiction scenario! The mysterious voice brought them out of their torpor: "- Again, you are not dreaming. - Yes but we''re assimilating ! In addition we don''t know either who you are or why we are there, or the what and the how ! Threw an annoyed Sig, whose brain had finished to freeze. - Wait wait, don''t get upset, said his cousin who was more calm. Miss, resume from the beginning ... Well, I guess you''re a lady, judging by the voice we hear. - Your guess is good. You will both be sent to another world and I want to explain some things before. - Wait wait wait, slowly ! Interrupted Sig. What is your name ? - Oh no ... We do not have time to talk about this, you must regain your body. Be aware that you have a purpose in this new world. " The two young men found themselves gradually disappear. "- Fuck but it does not care about us here! And the explanations then? - Sig listen to her ! - Pay attention to your choices, do not get eaten by your shadow ... " They lost concious again. "... Hey ... ... Awake ... Come on ! ... Get up! " Nero finally opened his eyes. "- It''s good, you''re back among the living bro ? asked Sig helping his cousin to recover. - Uh yeah I think, thank you ... I had a weird dream ... - You remember too ... but it was not clearly not a dream ..." said Sig, looking around him. They were no longer in his room, but in a large temple in ruins, overgrown by vegetation. One could almost not distinguished anymore the massive white stone as moss and plants covered the walls. The ground, formerly covered with a beautiful mosaic was cracked and wild roots and herbs sprang from everywhere. The cousins marveled at the majesty of the temple, and a good five minutes passed before returning to their minds. Sig dust himslef and had a forced laugh : "- At least we have some clothes now ! Said the young man ... You feel good ? - Yeah, do not worry, I don''t know what is happening but physically no problem ! Said Nero before adding with a thoughtful look : - A little too well for that matter, I feel different ... - Yes, I also have this feeling, I feel ... yeah ... I''d say powerful. Like when I climbed into the ring ..." replied his cousin, while getting up. He did some stretching to stretch their limbs and hopped a little, he saw no problem. So he decided to jump as high as possible. He knelt down a bit then propulsed himeslf. Powerfully. "- Oh shit ! " He shouted suddenly. He suddenly rose to nearly three meters high. He fell directly on his feet but lost his balance and fall on his knee, eyes wide the physical prowess he had done. "- Nice pal ! But your landing is poor, I''d give you a five out of ten ! Nero scoffed, rising in turn. - But seriously, what happened ? - How should I know? I just jumped with some strength and hop I flew! Try, let me laugh too! Sig chuckled as he stood up again. - Ok you''ll see how a real basketball player do ! " The mestizo bent his legs and jump : just like his cousin he defied gravity, his jump was more majestic and led much higher. But once the fall begun, he also stared to flap his arms trying to catch his balance as he did not expect to go so high. "- Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck! - Careful of the landing ! Sig laughed, seeing his cousin crash the floor. Stolen novel; please report.- Better start a little practice... do you think the gravity is different here ? - At the risk of repeating myself : How should I know? I got here along with you. For me our evening is like that : TV series, fainting, wakes up naked with a strange voice speaking to us in the head, again fainting and waking up in a ruined temple with the ability to jump so high that the discipline of high jump is done without pole for us ! But you''re right it is better to exercise a bit !" Thus they began a few exercices and soon realized that it was their physical strength that had increased ... After a few minutes, Sig sat down breathless: "- We are not dreaming right ... we really ... were transported elsewhere ? We really has more strength than before ?" He swung his head back and suddenly saw a massive stone door. He swore it w as not there before ... He decided to test his strength by attempting to open i t: he placed his hands on the door and began to push. The door slowly began to open ... "- Nero ! Come here, I found something, while we''re here at least we should explore everything. " Nero, who had his back turn to him to indulge in his own experiences, arrived in seconds thanks to its new physical abilities. They entered the room just opened. They were facing a huge room in which sat an imposing statue of what appeared to be a deity reaching for them. Her features were erased but it did not decrease the charm exuding from the statue ... they had never been sensitive to art, but seeing this sculpture they regretted not being able to see the time of its splendor ... in her hands were located two spheres, one shone a dark and mysterious glow while the other shone a red light who look like a devouring blaze. They approached slowly but steadily, as irresistibly drawn to the glow emitted by these strange spheres of light. They caught one each : brilliant for the Sig solid and dark for agile Nero ... When their hands came into contact with them, it swelled to wrap in their light. They then felt a new energy awaken in them, they saw images crossed their minds, battles, flames, darkness, death everywhere ... they did not distinguished clearly everything, only an outline, but the spheres communicating about their things, a story, knowledge ... Finally it disappeared, making them reappear again and leaving woozy. When they opened their eyes, they looked at each other: their clothes had changed, a black tunic with night - blue lines highlighting the thin lines of Nero, long, thin boots to his feet with a straight and supple pants that stick close close to the body. A fine dark cape around the shoulders completed the whole set. Sig was in a white top, sleeveless and tight, with a wide pants to give him complete freedom of movement, held down by a pair of heavy black boots. Their bodies had also changed. The slender body of Nero seemed to have gained muscles and flexibility as after years of training in martial art, while Sig grew up: to the physics of a stocky English boxer, he was now more of a military trainer! Their appearance seemed to have adapted to their new capacity ... "- Wow ... this is awesome ! You look like a freaking fighter Sig, like one of these champions who fight in cage there ! You''re clearly something amazing there ! - What about you ! Your clothes and your body gives you the look of the main character of manga ! It is like all of the scenarios of my games and favorite stories! " It was then that their wrists began to shine. The sphere they had chosen were encrusted themselves in their respective holding : in Nero''s leather gloves, and in large wrist guards for Sig. "- What do you say we test all this ? Sig asked with a smirk. - fuck yeah ! " Exclaimed Nero merrily. Then followed a workout for the companions to compare their new skills. They resumed their jumps exercises until they perfectly manage to jump and receive, chaining flips and acrobatics. After a while of intense activity, they collapsed to the ground, laughing: " - Oh damn ! It''s too good, how many times I dreamed of that ! Sig said with a beatific smile. - So do I ! Answered Nero all happy. - Besides, I wonder what we would be in combat with these abilities, it must be really great ... " They looked at each otherwith a smile before getting into position. " Ready ? initiate Sig. - Come on, like when we were kids ! " Said his cousin eyes shining with desire to battle. The two idiots rushed, Sig cocked his fist and knocked it right into the face of his opponent but what the fighter had in brute force, his cousin had it agility and speed: Nero dodged the blow by plunging toward the ground then shoot up his foot to the defenseless chest of Sig. He managed to reduce the power of the impact by jumping back. It took delivery without difficulty but Nero had already caught up and swung his fist in turn ... Without success, because his opponent blocked the shot. Taking advantage of the gap in the defense of his cousin, Sig punched down with all his strenght to the head of his opponent. Then a metallic sound echoed through the temple. "- What ... from where did you took out this sword? - A sword ... But... huh ?! " Before the face of Nero, in which should have crashed Sig''s fist, stood a blade that seemed to get out straight of the palm of his hand. The luminous spheres begun to reveal the extent of their powers! "- Came from our bracelets, blew Sig, bewildered. Try to get it out completely. " Nero then focused on the image of the sword, and when he opened his eyes, the beautiful blade was entirely in his hands. Right and bright, the weapon was truly sublime. "- well that somethin'' ! It it well complete the outfit but still ... isn''t it one from Fire Emblem? - Yes ! This is Chrom''s falchion. Try also, you never know. - How did you did it ? - I''m not sure ... Actually it came almost alone, I just focused on the image of the weapon and then... there. - Yeah ... Well, will try then. " Sig closed his eyes and concentrated on his two bracelets, imagining two tonfas, army knives and finally a katana. "- Damn you make appear full of different weapons! Cried his cousin, surprised. - Really ? - Yeah how you doing that ? - Well I just imagined various weapons ... - Arf ... - Well, let summarizes : monstrous strength ? Nero caught a big rectangular stone and placed it on two smaller, and then he struck so hard that it exploded. - Check! But it hurts anyway ... - Idiot. Speed? Nero collected a piece of the stone and threw it across the room, catching it before it reaches the ground. - Check! - Agility ? Sig then threw him other pieces of rock that Nero dodged easily. - Check! - Ok, now the ability to materialize by the spheres on our arms ... did it have a limit ?" And they began to imagine any two all weapons they knew. - Good. firearms is a no. Just blades and blunt weapon. So, we can create up to four throwing weapons like knives, otherwise two onehand weapons like machetes, tonfas and other short blades or a weapon of large sword or halberd kind. - All of that look perfect to me right ? By the way, I am hungry, don''t you? - Yes, a little, we leave the temple ? There''s a new door that just appeared ... - OK ! " And together they pushed the door ... chapter 2 : Fight in the forest chapter 2 : Fight in the forest When they passed the main gate of the temple, they were dazzled for a moment. Once accustomed their eyes, the sight that met them cut their breath gigantic trees worthy of American sequoias rising so high that they were dizzy, their large branchesassez to accommodate entire villas and where many flowering vines hanging, their gnarled roots forming a natural labyrinth ... they felt small, lost amidst sylvan giants crushing all their height. "- A strange mixture that forest, says Sig. - That''s all you have to say ? replied his cousin with wide eyes. - No, that''s not all ... I want to climb ! he said with bright eyes. - You''re such an animal, retorted the mestizo. He had hardly finished speaking than his monkey of a cousin was halfway through three jumps. He stopped and turned to hail Nero but nearly fell of surprise. - Dude ! The temple ! - What the temple ? He said, turning around. Shit, where it went ? You see it ? he said, turning to Sig with a big fat WTF in the eyes. But where did he left too, that monkey ! - On top ! heard the mestizo through the branches. Come over here ! ". Nero joined his friend in the canopy, and together they saw the edge of the forest was not so far. " - How about we try that way ? - Well, it''s not like we had a choice: the temple wetn on his own way. " They set off, Sig jumping effortlessly, more comfortable in the air than on land, while Nero was moving with speed to the ground following his cousin as a faint shadow. Suddenly they heard a scream, Nero stopped and Sig landed beside him. They looked at eachother then start to spring towards the origin of the noise, not really knowing why ... Driven by the strange and often silly curiosity that drives horror movie characters to watch what they foresee as a danger behind the door ... After a good race between the sylvan giants, they came to a small clearing, strange element in the middle of this forest so dense. In the middle was a huge stump around which focused creatures blue and gray, looking like Velociraptors, with small scarlet crests. There they saw someone, a young woman from the screams, which had taken refuge in a hollow of the stump. She was trapped and the repeated assaults of the creatures opened each time a little more the gap in the wood weakened by rot. The girl cowered, thinking her end was coming when a carnivorous rushed into the hollow, fangs and claws forward. But fely nothing... no pain.. then she slowly opened her eyes, the creature lay on the ground a few meters away. Before the captive stood Nero, his superhuman speed allowed him to arrive in time and stop the creature with a long stick with which he make it fly away. Congeners of the beast hadn''t had the time to understand the situation taht they saw other creatures fly over them, projected by Sig. The pack split in two to try to overcome those who protected their prey. Sig grabbed one by the tail, though armed with spikes, and threw it on another beast before smashing the skull of a third with a backhand fist. For its part, Nero blocked the onslaught with his stick before the stump to prevent the young woman from being attacked, but before such creature and with the little practice he had, he could only defend. Together they fought the creatures, protecting each other somehow ... Sig was doing better, more used in combat, but the situation seemed so unreal that he was moving by instinct to survive. Suddenly reptiles fled to the edge of the clearing and pushed a long complaint by vibrating their crest. They watched them without moving, trying to regain their breath and understand what they were doing ... Then it was silent, they content to observe from afar the two cousins and their new protected one. "- They called their leader ! We must flee from here ! screamed the young woman in tears. - Chief ? Not good... - Sig ... They''re blocking the clearing ... When Nero finished his sentence, a long cry more serious and more powerful than those of small carnivores sound not far away. The ground trembled: they heard the leader of the pack approaching. Suddenly the silence was total and the creatures made way. The cousins looked up: there he was, perched on a huge root to observe the scene. I one jump he passed over his pack and landed in front of his prey. It was much larger than his camarads and his crest, more prominent, seemed to pulsate. "- Damn that thing is at least ten meters long and four meters high, blew Sig suddenly less sure of his strength. - What do we do ? We barley and we''re already in deadly danger ... - And this is the first time we fought with our new body against something other than ourselves ... and that''s a fucking dinosaur, what is this shit situation there ... The young man quickly thought for the beast in front of them sized up the look. - Well, ugly mini-are down, I''ll draw them further into the forest. You, get de fuck out and take the girl with you and put her somewehre safe. OK ? - Okay, try not to do too much bullshit while waiting for me ! replied the dark swordsman while throwing him a worried look. His cousin got into a sprinting position : - Don''t worry bro, see ya ! exclaimed Sig rushing to the large alpha. He ran right to him and slipped between its legs on the moss carpet, dodging a bite . - Come on big guy I am here ! Vexed to chew thin air, the giant reptile roared and charged with other carnivores. Nero took the opportunity to go into the forest with the young woman, the latter protesting when he caught her and throw her over his shoulder. For his part, Sig was moving in the air by jumping on the giant trunks, avoiding the repeated assaults of the pack and their leader by diving between excessive root or by hanging on the vines. At the corner of a tree he had just enough time to lower his head, seeing a blue flash from the corner of the eye jumping at him but, taken in its tracks, he stumbled and gave a series of rolls before catching . Then he saw the huge tail of the alpha coming at him, he tried to put his arms crossed in front of him to protected himself. The strike force of the beast threw him back, his flight stopping on the hard bark of a tree. The second shock was the worst : all the air was shipped out of his lungs and he felt that his head would burst open. He fell to the ground, stunned, and he remain alive just thanks to his reflexes: he saw a blue shape upon him and jumped aside with his four limbs. He dived under a root to hide and avoid further attacks and regained consciousness. A thin trickle of blood ran down his skull. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation." - Shit they will be able to track with that ! " He said, feeling the injury. He knew he readily responded to the whole situation, but he did not know why ... He had new knowledge because of the spheres, at least he thought it was it that allowed him to think and act like that ? He suddenly felt the roots tremble: the chief was there, calling his pack. " Damn ... Ok finished running freaking band of lizards on steroids ! " He sprang suddenly from his hiding place, ejecting two beasts while passing by, setting off a series of excited cries of their comrades. Sig conjured a machete in his right hand and a tonfa in the left, he jumped and cut a low vines, grabbing it. The alpha on his heels, he ran around the tree where he caught the vines while getting the small beast out of his way with the tonfa, and jumped, wrapping the vine around the trunk. The predator saw his prey go over his head, forcing him to suddenly stop to watch him. The raptodrome, expecting to see him coming from the other side of the trunk, only saw the vine swing without his prey, only with the heavy tonfa tied at the end. Suddenly a violent blow on the opposite side of the skull brought him down, screaming: Sig made a diversion with the vine and his weapon to attack the monster by surprise. He planted his machete in the trunk and had then jumped over a low branch lying about ten meters above the ground. From there he thrown himself to hit the alpha head with all his weight. On landing, his legs gave way because of the violence of the shock. This moment of equilibrium loss brought him to receive another blow from the tail with spikes that tore his flesh and made him fly again. His torso without protection of any kind had the flesh torn and below, the bones were broken by the second shot in a row. The bloodied fighter got up and began to run again, ignoring his injuries and without knowing that they would have been mortal for any normal man. Too busy to avoid direct face-to-face with the pack leader, Sig did not realize until too late that other predators had ambushed He was now surrounded, alone in front of the alpha in the center of a circle of claws and fangs ready to lacerate at the slightest misstep. Realizing that there was no possible escape, Sig prepared to engage body and soul in its first and final battle ... the few rational thoughts he might have were foged now, as his vision , with blood ... his blood ... it seemed to boil in his veins ... The giant reptile launched the assault. The young man slipped away somehow, despite his aching limbs. Seeing an opening, he tried to run but was stopped by a scratch on his back and put one knee on the ground. He turned around, annoyed by this cowardly attack, he crushed the skull of his assailant. When he turned, he saw the pack leader throw a bite at him, he knew he would not be able to dodge in time this one and protected the face behind the arm. Suddenly he heard the animal howl in pain. Opening his eyes, he saw an arrow in the left eye of the monster. " - So what ? I was thinking that you had a least kill the small fry by now ! Saying this, Nero jumped from the branch where he shot the arrow and landed near his cousin. - It''s good to finally see you here, started to believe you were having tea with her! - Not really, but it''s safe. Now we can get down to business. " The two cousins put back to back and shouted a war cry, a cry of despair two cornered prey .... Responding to provocation as if they understood the message, carnivores fell on them, Nero turned his bow into sword and Sig materialized two tonfas. Small predators were the first to suffer: Sig massacred three in seconds, forgetting the injuries he sustained, his rage for survival greater than anything. Nero then beheaded the last two in a swing a sword. There remained only the alpha, blind in one eye and hatred boiling to have been abused. The monster threw himself to Nero, who nicked it flanc with his blade without being attained, but it was only a scratch in the thick skin. Sig adds with a powerful punch to the head, but he felt his bones screaming doing that. The monster fell to the side: "- Chance ! " Says the swordsman who catapulted into the air and stuck his blade into the skull of the monster. However, the skin and bones extremely hard prevented the sword from going to deep and the predator ejected his assailant against a tree, leaving the sword half buried in the skull of the beast. Sig attracted the attention of the alpha, giving time for his cousin to get up and when he saw him standing, he gave him a chain with a weight after he had materialized, his side having a small sickle: "- Catch ! - To do what ? - Run around his legs ! I take care of the head ! " Immediately, Nero complied. The beast did not know who to watch and Sig start to wrap the other end of the chain around the jaw of the monster. "- pull all your strength ! " The giant reptile fell heavily to the ground, members locked. "- Throw me ! " shouted Sig leaping above the alpha. Nero therefore threw him in turn, he grabbed the arm of his cousin and start to turn like a shot putter throwing a weiht, right on the reptile. Sig turned over and landed on the partially planted sword in the skull of the predator with his right foot, pushing it completely. The beast roared but the chains retain him. After some jolts life left his eyes. "GG! " said the two gamers of cousins as they bump their fist, as having fought a game boss. Saying that, they saw in the corner of their eye the young woman they had saved together with other people running towards them. They immediately collapsed, exhausted by their first fight for survival... Author''s note : well, second chapter, translating my story is hard but as always, taking any advice, correction etc... and of course if you have any feedback it would be cool :) Chapter 3: Awakening in the village Chapter 3: Awakening in the village "Haha not bad not bad, I didn''t even had to intervene this time ...". Sig suddenly opened his eyes, panting: "Yet this feeling ..." he thought, stabbing pain in the back of the skull. Casting a quick glance around him he saw that he was in a bed in a corner of a single room made of wood. In the corner to the left, another bed, empty and undone. "- Nero ! ". Where was his cousin? And where he was himself ? Getting up he found that almost all of his body was covered with bandage. "Oh no, not all actually" he thought while lifting the cover, a small smile on his lips. After successfully getting on his feet, ignoring all the throbbing pain, he walked to the hearth in which some embers burning under a small pot. - But what are you doing standing up !? " Shouted a female voice that he seemed to know. When he turned to see who was talking to him he received a ladle between the eyes. - Ouch ! Fuck I''m pretty hurt already ! Does he yelled at his assailant. - Well, the wounded should stay in bed ! curtly replied the lady that had saved him and Nero. - You should not worsen his case Lucie you know. - Nero ! Sig says he heard the deep voice of his cousin. - Yep that''s me! I present Lucie the damsel in distress. " Sig looked the lady in question, she had to make a meter sixty five. Her light brown hair was given to her hazel green eyes, however, he said that his brown coat was too much and gave him a too simple and modestly compared to his character. "- Go back to bed both of you ! She cried again threatening them. - I prefer the raptors ... " murmured Sig before receiving another blow, triggering the hilarity of his cousin which in turn received a blow. They went back to bed, and she served them soup that warmed gently in the pot that Sig wanted inspected before being hit. "- Thanks Lucie ! said them both. - I see you''re yaking good care of your saviors darling. " The three looked towards the new voice, an old man hunched leaning on a stick had entered, by his side a woman in a red military uniform with a sword at her belt. Her flaming red hair held in a bun and her stern face coupled with her clothes gave her a noble appearance. "- Good evening grandfather, hello Krista. - Hi Lucie, then we torture our guests ? Say the famous Krista - What? Whatever ! Why do you say that? - We heard complaints from the other end of town, it was assumed that they were awake and with you, she said, sending a wink to the two injured. - Girls, let me talk to these two young men please, said the old man by removing the two women from his path. Gentlemen, as head of the village I would thank you for saving one of us, and as a man I thank you especially for saving my little girl. The two cousins looked a little surprised, then Nero spoke: - Do not thank us, it''s really lucky that we went through there . - Certainly, but nothing obliged you to save risking your life, look at the status of your friend here, he said, pointing at the mummy that was Sig, his injuries were very serious. Most people believed would have faced a horde of raptosirus let alone their alpha, raptodrome, just two. - I was alone at first. - Yes and you see what it gave. - Shut it I saved you ass. -And I too, for the record. - Gentlemen please you do not measure accomplishes the feat it seems, but rather tell me who you are and how did you get into the forest of Sylvan Giants? - She really called that? said Sig round eyes to the simple name. - Yes of course, it''s a forest as old as the world still harboring all kind of secrets. But please answer my questions. " The mestizo and the mummy stared a moment and then, preferring to play safety, said: - Actually we only know our names and the fact that we are cousins. - We do not know how we got into the forest or really how we shot the creature, it is so powerful? - As I told you, a person normally constituted couldn''t possibly eliminate a raptodrome by himself , same with the two of you. Suddenly Krista spoke: - Indeed, I have already faced his little minions but their numbers can quickly become annoying, only members of the fighter''s guild and those of the Mages Guild are capable of such feats. The old man interrupted him and put an end to the conversation: - Well, gentlemen, I think you need a rest, we''ll discuss tomorrow after you''re rested. Let''s go ladies. With that they left two injured. - Damn ... I feel like my head will explode ... - Do not dirtied your bandages. - You know what I mean, we saved the little girl from a village chief of a horde of monsters, and we got rid of a giant lizard that few can eliminate single. I was almost dead and now we are treated in this village where the chef came to thank us and tell us wholesale "you''re not normal guys, even for a world with these critters!" - Well if you put it that way it''s a little "and bam, you got cookies wtf". But you summarizes well. So, what do we do now ? - Well for a starter I wish I could walk normally and no longer look like a mummy, so we should be treated and recovered information on this world. - I prefer you that way comparded as during the fight, you were covered with blood but smiling, a kind of bloody monster... - Really? Didn''t notice, he said, shrugging. - Are you serious? - Yes, well, drop it. I''m beat , we''ll see tomorrow. " The following day they were awakened by Lucie, who was being gently striking it landed in the pot and shouting - Get up the convalescents, I have to make your beds and change your bandages and you have to go to grandfat... the headchief. - Lucie gently with them. Krista appeared in the doorway. Prepares them food, Sig I will help you to change your bandages. - Huh what ?! Well, not that I''m complaining ... but ouch! I''m just kidding Lucie! You do not need to help me Krista I can manage. - Not at all. Just go there" The other three looked at each other silently and Sig had to drop the case. A kind of primitive pair of U-scissors in hand, she approached him for cutting bandages carefully. - By the way, and Nero ? We must also change his bandages ! - Sorry old pal but my wounds are minor compared to you and I have already changed. The young man made a small "tch" with his tongue while Krista helped him to change the bandages in places where it was difficult to do it alone. After eating and having received treatment, the two girls brought them to the chief. On the way they show them the village, the inhabitants of the village where staring from afar while muttering. - Krista Uh, why the locals stay away from us ? Sig I can understand, he give us the creaps with his bandages, but me ? - Fuck you. - Give creaps ? The two young women looked incredulous. - Uh scare them, correct himself Nero - Ah! Because you are strangers, and you struck down the beast that terrorized us just with you two, respond Krista. The village consisted of building of stone and wood, resembling mountain chalets. - Everyone helps when building a new home. Each family has fields but we also have various shops and artisans and a forge. ah this is the house of the chief. Before them stood a bigger house than the others with a carved pediment in the wood. - It''s the symbol of the village, explained Lucie, it''s gran ... um, the chief, she said, correcting herself, who carved in the bark of a sylvan giant when he was young. They pushed the small door inset in the double front door, and entered the village council room: high ceiling room with a chair, which stood in the head, face a large central hearth. "- Hello my young friends, I''d like to reconvene our discussion from yesterday. Even if you do not really have an answer for your presence in the forest you can still you present yourself. - It''s the least we can do, here''s Nero my maternal side cousin and I''m Sig. We found ourself in this forest without understanding, and while attempting to leave we heard a cry of Lucie. We ran and ... - Wait! Please explain more slowly ! You just rushed like that when you were in an unknown forest when you heard a cry of unknown origin ? - Actually there is not just the cry and the forest, this world is unknown to us fully, we are even surprised that we understand each other, said Nero. - What do you mean ? Say the three other parties simultaneously. The cousins looked and nodded silently, maybe they could reveal a few things. - We think that we are not of this world, we do not know why and how but we were transported here by an old temple in the forest. He disappeared behind us. - That''s when we heard Lucie''s cry while wanting to get out of the forest, so yes we know nothing of this world and we were hoping that you would help us. " A long silence followed their statement and the headchief took a deep breath and knocked to the ground with his stick. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.- Well, I do not know if what you say is true but you saved my little girl, this is undeniable, and for that I want to thank you... However I would like to offer you a deal... - A deal ? " Sig said with suspicion, they had already made a big bet by actually explaining their situation to these foreigners. Back home, human greed would have earned them to be locked in a laboratory for all kinds of experiences, or at best asylum. But they were lost in a new world and had saved the village, they hoped to have gain certain favors for it to continue to survive here. "- Wait hear what the chief has to say, Nero whispered, calmer than his hot-blooded cousin, we''re listening. - Thank you. Seeing your talents and abilities I have come to the fact that I would suggest you to be the defenders of our village. You will work here, and will stay nourished and we will make you enjoy our knowledge in exchange for your protection. " The two young men took counsel and decided they had to analyze the situation, same for their guests. On their way to their cottage they were attacked by a gang of excited children. - Wow wow wow what they want! Looks like the lizards in the forest jumping around like that ! The children spoke quickly and the two cousins had a lot to digest, fortunately Krista interjected. - Children let them breathe, they need to rest, go, they will play with you later. The band broke up and walked her Krista injured, installed a long silence between them. Once inside they settled on their beds, still in silence. Krista finally broke it: - I do not know if you''re telling the truth and I do not know if we can trust you. New silence. She watched the two men in turn. - However it does not change the fact that you saved Lucie while risking your life as said our headchief, and this... you earned my respect. Your story is not that important to me but the fact that you are useful to the village is. No one spoke, she then walked toward the exit when Sig begun to speak: - We are not asking you to trust us or believe us directly, quite the opposite. It is I who would have been suspicious if you believed us, just like that. Both parties looked into eachother eyes, the hazels eyes with golden reflect of Sig planted in the hard steel one of Krista. "Damn they look alike" thought Nero, glad to not be in between. Krista finally closed the door but Nero swore he saw the shadow of a smile just before seeing her face disappeared behind the door. - Phew I was tense, whispered in Sig collapsing on the bed, - Tense ? You were so quiet that is was scary! I felt trapped between you! Shit is someone that Krista ... - That I not disagree, well we do as we say then? We stay here a few times, we get better and we try to learn a maximum? - We have no choice, but for headchief of the proposal? - We''re going to keep a low profil and we accepted, let''s get useful to get accept, we will get what we need more easily. - works for me. And for all our ... "talents"? - We limit what we watch, they know we''re strong but not how, when our weapons, he said, pointing to their wrists. Let''s limit it to your sword and my tonfas, there is magic here so we can show the weapons but if we appears as leaving armories that will draw attention. - There is someone behind the door, hush! Nero got up quietly and stood behind the door, Sig was on guard. The mestizo suddenly opened the door and three children fell inside the house on the belly while 3 others stepped back yelping in surprise. "- But what are you doing here ? asked their "gatekeeper". - We wanted to see closely the monster killers ! Replied the young ones lying at his feet. He helped them to get up and dusting themself, Sig sighed and went to heat the broth that was left of the morning. - Our parents do not want to approach you but you saved Lucie, said a ten years old girl. - And killed a large raptodrome devouring our animals just the two of you, added a boy the same age with shining eyes. - And that prevented us to go play in the forest ! Said two twins of 6 years. - They say you have to be monsters but you seem normals. - Normal, corrected Sig reflexively stirring the broth. - Whatever! Replied the boy who was looking at up and down. Sig poured himself a bowl and set on the bed but was soon joined by the older two who had spoken first. - Tell us ! They said while he was just getting the bowl to his mouth. He watched the entire band, the bowl on the lips: the two seemed to lead the band, the twins were side by side in front of him on the bed of his cousin. The latter closed the door and sighed with a smile. A small girl that had not yet spoken stood behind the boy he had correct just now, she must have five years ago and was holding a rag doll. The boy in front of her looked with intensity at Sig, the latter liked his look but thought: " A suspicious one, a little shy, inseparable twins and two energy balls leading the band ... interesting ..." He put down his bowl and began: "- Ok you want to know what? - Everything ! they all said. - Ok but first introduce yourself before, you invited yoursefl in our home then the least you can do is to tell us your names , said Nero to them, getting on his bed. - My name is Tatch, here''s Claire and the twins here are Roric and Graham, said the famous Tatch for his friends. - Leo, said simply the suspicious one, and Lyra my sister, the little one moved slightly to salute before returning quickly behind his brother. - Ok everyone, I''m Sig, 20 years old. Nero looked at him while raising his eyebrows ans spoke too: - Nero, his cousin 17 years. - Okay so this is what happened ... then Sig and Nero told them their fight, by decreasing some details that could betray their talents. The bright eyes of the two oldest were transmitted to the twins, and even Leo and Lyra, who eventually settled cross-legged on the floor. By the time they arrived at the killing of alpha Lucie entered the room bringing behind it the night gently. "- But what are you doing here all of you? Your parents are looking for you, go home immediately! - Oh please Lucie wait a minute let them finish the story, started to beg twins and Tatch. - No, your parents are worried and it is dinner time now! Lyra then grabbed the coat of Lucie and whispered something. What is it Lyra? Those savages scare you right? - Hey ! complained them but Lyra shook her head, her brother spoke up: - She wants to know what happened, the story is nice and even if it scares her they are reassuring. Leo looked at Sig and his body covered with bandages. In addition they risked their lives for you so she knows they are nice. Lucie looked stunned, then turned to the girl. - Really Lyra ? The girl nodded her head. - Ok I''ll tell your parents, she said, sighing. You two ! - Yes sir ? New slap. - I brought you meat broth this time made heat gently while stirring, then she went out. - Well, where were we ... " said Sig with a predatory smile. The night was well advanced but the cousins were not sleepy, they were thinking to all the latest developments. "- I can''t believe what happens to us. - Neither do I, you know. - Getting from our little life to that ... I mean we just arrived in a completely unfamiliar place and we already risk our skin against dinosaurs ... shit, what the hell. - I know, you still bears the marks on you. You were lucky they came and healed us. Next time we face this kind of stuff, instead of facing such a thing we run, I do not know if we can go home, but if we can I would like to be alive at that time. - Yes I know... Can you check my injuries before he goes down? - Yes go ahead. Sig removed his bandages carefully, and Nero saw that his wounds were already healed and almost no traces remained. - Well shit ! I told myself that I was moving easily and my bandages seemed super clean for guy open everywhere ... the pains are mostly internal in fact. How long we''ve been here? - Only 3 days since the fight. We slept one day and we woke up in the evening of the second day and there is the third. - Either they have excellent healer talent or my recovery is very quick. - It''s more than fast there. - Fortunately this morning Krista only helped me for the difficult parts where I was not cut open. - Well tomorrow we give them our answer and we train? Since we are already treated as well enjoy it right? - Yes, but slowly, I still hurt, remember we follow their guidelines. Go good night bro. - Good night, but the beds are not too pleasant. - Did you expect what frankly? We have a bed and a house we''re lucky, sleep. - Yes yes ok. Damn bro we''re in a new world, we have a new body and ... - And we almost got eaten alive "smiled Sig falling asleep ! chapter 4 : The answer and its consequences chapter 4 : The answer and it''s consequences "Do not get eaten by your shadow ..." Sig awoke suddenly, not really like last time with his heart pounding but he was already fully awake and feel alert. The phrase from the voice of the Entremonde echoed in him, he felt that the warning could be much more serious than it appeared to be. He saw through the window that day was breaking away. The bed was certainly not as comfortable as the one back home, but at least he was rested and less severe pain. He rose quietly and put his two magic bracelets. His clothes loaned by the villagers were waiting on a chair, but a doubt rose in his heart : where were the clothes in which he had arrived in this world? Just thinking that made the bracelets shone and a mist enveloped him. When it cleared he saw his clothes on him. Again, the spheres showed the extent of their powers. "So it was a part of the bracelets too, he thought. Good to know that, I''ll say it to Nero when he''s awake. " He left the house and felt the light breeze, it was sunny and the sky was cloudless. The sun was beginning to warm his body. He then wanted to learn a little village by itself. With one leap he jumped on the roof of their shelter, trying to forget about his wounds again, and looked around: the village was at the foot of a small rocky peak, the landscape around was amazing, full of valleys and hills. In the distance he saw the giant trees of the forest where they had landed. " What did they do with the body of the beast anyway ? " He wondered. The village consisted of about twenty houses of relatively similar size. A little further he saw a slightly encrusted house in the rocky peak from which emerged a larger cloud of smoke. A movement in the village caught his attention and he then saw the first awakening movements of the inhabitants, he also saw Lucie getting out of the headchief''s house overlooking the rest of the village. He went down and returned inside. He removed his clothes and lay back to sleep quickly. A few knocks on the door awoke the sleepy cousins but before they had time to say anything Lucie entered with Krista. "- I''m bringing you something to eat, hurry up and join us at the head''s house, she said without ceremony by placing a tray with a jug of milk, a loaf of bread and various selection of jars. The ladies came out and the men got up, Sig conjured his outfit almost by reflex even if it the second time he did it, arousing the curiosity of his cousin. - Ah yes the clothes are among the stuff that our wristbands can materialize "said Sig seeing Nero''s look. Think of your outfit and it just comes like weapons. - Everythink sounds simple when you say it ... he said smiling before trying. The instant he had the image in mind, his dark outfit was stuck to him. - Wow nice these bracelets anyway, but wouldn''t we arouse their suspicions with these brand new clean clothes? - Ah missteps. They changed back an ate their breakfast quietly, savoring the delicious jam with the bread they were grilling over hot coals of the fireplace. Once the meal ends, Sig heated some water for them to clean up a bit by dipping a cloth in it. - I''d like to shower anyway, said Nero while cleansing his face. - In case you haven''t notice yet we''re in a new less developed world, forget the shower, the girls are waiting. - You''re condescending you know. Their toilet finished, Sig walked to the door that flew to meet his nose. - Mmoooh fwuck! Bmy dnoze ! - What are you doing ? We''re waiting for you ! And what are you doing on the floor Sig ? ". Between two crazy laughter Nero explained why he was on the floor. - Bon''t laubh bastard it hurd ! Sig said, holding his nose. - You''re coming ? So they went together to the chief''s house. They were joined by the children on the road that wanted to accompanied them. Lucie eventually drive them when they arrived at the door where Krista was waiting, she and Sig stared a moment at eachother. Both of them weren''t aware of the electric feeling coming out of them. Again Nero thought they were dangerously similar, two wild and deadly mercenarys... but even he did not really realize what he exuded himself. Together they moved to the central fireplace, the village chief presiding their interview from his large seat. "Well I''d like to hear your answer gentlemen. - Right to the matter huh... " sighed Sig. Well we concerted and we decided that we would benefit the village. - We therefore accept to defend the village. - But we also need your help, our story is a little strange but it''s true we really have no information on this world. - Without your help we would be lost in an unknown world. The relationship will be mutually beneficial, says Nero. - Well I think we agree, there is still some thing to discuss but in the meantime : gentlemen, welcome to the village of Cristo. We will introduce you to the rest of the village. - Wait I have a point to clear before, said Sig, interrupting the old man, the main problem of the village lay in the presence of traptors in the forest that sometimes attacked the village and farm animals. But now that the eliminated how do we help the village ? ". It was Krista, who replied: "- There are stranges phenomenas happening around the world , there is a resurgence of monsters attacks but also bandits, pirates and we hear rumors of wars preparing. So there are many reasons that you protect the village, but there are also tasks for which you might be useful. " The cousins looked at each other and shrugged and Sig continue asking: "- Ok, but now what about our story ? Don''t you care about it ? Aren''t you afraid of us being dangerous ? We freakin'' kill something that shouldn''t possibly be killed by just the two of us, your words. The two girls and the old man look at eachother and the chief spoke : - We know we''re making a bet, just like you by telling us your story. You''ll be monitored by Krista until she said she can trust you... - And I''m not going soon... she added. Then they followed the three outside. Lucie tinkled three times a small bell hanging on a wall of the house and then they went down to the village center where villagers gathered. The chief then presented the two men the rest of the village, although everybody were familiar with them since the children told their story. He also told them the new function that the cousins would have from today: they were now responsible for the defense of the town with Krista, but they could also help all those in need of physical strength. After the presentations the old man took them to the house embedded in the peak. Approaching they heard swearing. "- I wanted to show you our forge and our blacksmith, explained their leader. - A forge !? " Said the cousins with bright eyes. - Yes, but do not be too excited, our blacksmith is a bit temperamental." his sentence was hardly over that a hammer burst from the window, Sig caught it just before it hit Krista. "- Where''s my stupid hammer you freakin'' fool! - In my hands ! yelled the young man. - What but what? Who is here? - It''s me old fool " quipped Chief when he saw his old friend. The man that appeared was small and stunted, the face weathered because of the time spend at the forge and his terribly powerful arm demonstrated its daily handling of the hammer that Sig held. - What are ya doin'' here and who are these two greenhorns, gime back ma hammer ya ! " He said while snatching the hammer. "- They are our new defenders. - But we can also help to forge ! Nero said together and Sig. - I starting to think that we took children for defenders here ... Krista whispered Lucia. - No way I''ll let ya touch it! Back off lil'' twat! - Anyway you''re still recovering, said Krista. - I just stopped a hammer from crashing down on you! - Yes, yes, I want you to come with me to practice now. - Well I let them into your good hands, good day. " And the old man left, leaving the four young together. Krista and Lucie brought their two new defenders on the edge of a lake where were installed wooden dummy and targets. "- Well let''s see what you''re worth in a fight ". She handed Nero and Sig two wooden swords and took one herself. "- Come !" They look at eachother then Sig smiled before rushing at her. He attacked Krista on her side, but she easily blocked. The attack strength forced her to retreat but he charged harder. She dodged gracefully and made a pass with her weapon, taking him off balance. His strength didn''t allow him to make up the difference between their techniques. She continued to make blows rain upon him, forcing him to maintain a haphazard defense to avoid receiving a flurry of blows. After a last series she snatched the sword off his hand. When she struck him him to the he reflexively conjured two tonfas to parry. "- Crap, the idiot " thought his cousin, shaking his head. The surprise apparation put a stop to the fight. - But what is this ? asked Krista watching the forearm of his opponent. - Wooden tonfas with steel plates, the person said while shrugging his shoulders. - This is not what I meant! - You made them appeared using magic on your forearm, said Lucy grabbing his wrist. I felt a slight magic exude from you, what did you do ? Nero sighed again: - good job for the discretion, well no need to keep that a secret either i guess... With our bracelets we can invoke weapons and clothes as we wish ", and the two of them changed to their respective outfits. - But Lucie you say that you" felt " magic? - Yes, I can feel it .... and... no, nothing. - Tell them Lucia, they told us two of their secret so I think you can say this tiny thing, it won''t change much anyway. -... Ok... " she then stood in front of one target and placed her palms facing each other and focused. Then they saw a flame appear at the center of her palms. She sent it over a target that start to burn. Again the cousins opened their eyes wide, an equally large smile on his lips. - Fire magic ! They cried. Teach us ! You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.Lucie startled by their reaction laughed suddenly. "- Ok ok we''ll see if you can " she explained to them how to do so by holding the hands of Nero. - Focuses upon your palms, imagine flame springing from the center of your hand from your chest " He followed Lucie''s instructions to the letter, felt the energy flow but nothing happened. "- Haha can''t produce anything ? The women will be disappointed " Sig said sarcastically before getting hit by three other. "- Give it a try you ! " Lucy told him. The young man began in a meditation posture, hands facing each other and imagined a flow of energy leaving his solar plexus and invading him entirely, passing through his arms and ... "- Dude you''re shining ! - Raah let me concentrate "... and let energy become flame in his hands. "- Dude seriously open your eyes ! " Sig huffed and opened his eyes ... to see a huge flame in each hand. "- Oops ... um Lucie what do I do here ? - I uh I dunno, stuttered her, try to ... throw them in the lake !" Both arms on fire, he advanced toward the lake and threw his hands toward the water, two ball of flames left and crashed one onto the other in the middle of the water creating a large explosion. The four felt the heat wave reached them, the lake was now agitated with waves and steam was rising again where it had hit eachother. When calm returned Nero watched his cousin. - Damn... You know you produced high heat even before these two huge freaking stuff on your arms appeared ? - Not in the least, I was focused on producing... well that ... It came without noticing. - And to me it took me weeks of training and mastery to get to produce a flame as earlier ... " murmured Lucie a little upset by the result of the beginner. - Wait it might be a fluke, said Krista reassuringly. - Sig redo it, smaller this time if possible. - Ok I''ll try, but considering the previous result I''ll directly put myself in the water " . He did not shut his eyes but just imagined his energy leave his plexus and go to his hands in the form of flames, and its members quickly caught fire. He focused a bit and made them converge on his palms, those latter obeyed his silent order and two small balls of flames appeared instead of all his flaming hand. "- It just comes, they automatically react to my thoughts ... - It''s a bit annoying you know " answered the three together. - Try again Nero " said Krista. The mestizo tried again but although he manages to perceive energy therethrough, the flames did not emerge again. "- He may not be compatible ..." said Lucy thoughtfully. " Do not imagine flames this time just focus on the energy, kneaded out into your hand. " The person did as he advised the young woman and after two minutes of Sig concentration suddenly said: "- Hey put your hands in the water !" Nero looked a little surprised and then give it a shot. "- When I put myself in the water just now it waved around my feet before I produce the two fireballs. " Then they saw the water waving around the hands of the mestizo. "- Get your hands out now but keep the energy you produce !" According to the instructions he took his hands from the water ... at least it was supposed to but water followed his hands. His members were surrounded by water balls that seemed magnetized to him, the three spectators looking surprised and smiling. "- Do something with it !" He twirled the water in his hands, simple figures at first then he increase the complexity... "- Hey dude ! " Sig called out his cousin, a fireball in his hand and a mischievous smile, Nero understood and replied with the same smile ... before projecting on each other their respective elements. The contact of two opposing elements gave a steam explosion, which marked the beginning of the fight between the two. Sig boxed in the air. Each of his shots resulted in a flame or explosion while Nero countered it with water jets and water barriers. Their struggle lasted for several minutes when suddenly they charged at each other, shrouded with their elements. When they shot their fists toward each other Sig found himself nose to the ground and Nero felt himself make a somesault and crash on the back. "- Enough you two now " Krista was holding their arms : she had jumped along with them and did an armlock to control them. "- Look around a bit ! " They found out their little warm out almost reduced by a third the lake, and all around them was burnt. "- You are two public dangers when you let yourself go. You really need to train seriously it looks like, I''ll take care of your mastery of weapons and Lucie will do the magic. - I think you''re right we do not control very well, we kind of abused there " said Nero before collapsing, asleep. - Shit not again .. it''s been how many times since we got here " said Sig falling in turn. They were awakened several hours later by a painful hunger as it was violent. "- Wow hard the backlash of our bullshit, Nero got up holding his stomach screaming. - I still have pain everywhere, complained his cousin, rubbing his shoulders. We really must learn to control themselves, he sighed. - I want meat. - Me too now... bastard ... well we will hunt i guess? - ... I agree, but we never hunted. - With our talents that will be ok I think " and he walked to the door ... which once again came to meet his nose. "- Bfuuuuck abain ! - Why are you still on the ground rolling over you ? And why are you laughing Nero? - Lucie seriously Haha haha you''re really the best pffpffahahah. - Shut up Bero ! - Well I guess you must be hungry " said the newcomer. Their stomachs confirmed loudly. "- That''s what I thought. Come, our hunters were finally able to return to the forest and brought meat. Moreover they saw the corpse of the raptodrome. - They haven''t brought it back ? Nero asked. - No, the small carnivores were here and they had their catches so they wanted to go back fast and share with the village our first piece of meat in a long time. - We can take care of raptors if necessary, Nero proposed. - And bring the body of the alpha if it can be used. - I would speak about it with Krista, come eat with us in the meantime " she said, dragging Sig and Nero by the ears unresponsive to their complaints and petitions. She dragged them down the house where his grandfather was waiting with Krista, a sweet aroma of grilled meat escaping from the house that made them salivate and awakened their appetites. "- Oh my young friends welcome! Come come, take the meat and some alcohol with me mwahahaha! - Grand father you still drunk! Krista why did you not stop ? Krista ? ". The complainant approached Lucie staggering, the other two were already eating big portions of meat with the chef. "- Krista why don''t you answer and advance like that to me ?" Lucie was worried, " and you stop eating three anyhow! - Luuuciiiiie .... " murmured Krista advancing towards her while doddling from right to left. "- You''re scaring me there *kyaa* " Krista collapsed on Lucie, her face reddened by alcohol. - Luciiiie your grandfather made me driiiiiink ..." said a whining Krista. "- Mwahahaha come come girls come and join us! The meat is juicy and alcohol warms the body haha, look at the boys they enjoy themself ! " he said pointing at the two hungry men chucking on meat. - Luciiie don''t leaaaave meee..." Finally Lucie knocked them all and it was calm, the cousins ate normally, the headchief pouted because she had confiscated alcohol and Krista sobber up while whinning. Once the meal ended and all returned to normal, Krista was just shamefully hidden in a corner. "- Krista, they offered to hunt the rest of the band of raptors and bring back the body of their leader. - Leave me alone... - No use, their threat is not significant enough to commit this kind of stalking, practice quietly and avoid to deprive us of our lake. - Um we weren''t paying attention and were too excited, replied Nero, lowering his head. - You almost burned us and made the lake evaporate without the intervention of Krista you idiots ! - We''re sorry ... we find everything so incredible and sometimes it''s a little too ... stimulating. - You have to control yourself, eventually add Krista as she walked toward the door, still reeling a bit. - Tomorrow we''ll wake you at dawn, said she does before going out, throwing a last look at them, blushing when she met their eyes. - Well, gentlemen, I ask you to go home and take a rest " said the head with a terribly serious look, probably because of the alcohol Nero thought. - Do your best tomorrow and remember to keep you in check " They went out and returned in silence, once at home they took away their clothes to put something more comfortable to sleep and then went to bed. "- Another erratic day... magic ... do you realize ? Said Sig. - And yet we eventually collapse like morons. We better sleep, I feel that Krista and Lucie will not miss us tomorrow" , said his cousin very pragmatic. Sig sighed. "- Raaahaaa I already want to run away into the forest there thinking about it. - Do not leave me alone in this mess if you please, the fact you not want to retry the blow to the blacksmith? I want to see the forge closer ... - You know me, of course I want to try again, I also want to see it and even forge something " replied Sig smiling before falling asleep. Author''s note : "Sig sighed" ... I swear i didn''t intended that... on another note i really didn''t imagine all the work translating my story would give me... respect to all the writers out there and the translaters Chapter 5: The Forge Chapter 5, The Forge The next day was a cold shower in the literal sense: they were awakened by Lucie armed with a tank of cold water. "- Bwaharg are you ill in your head ?! - We told you at dawn and it was ten minutes ago so I do not have to spare you. Get up. They rose, soaked. - Can you go out so that can change our clothes ?" She blushed and turned their heels out. - Nero you can do something about the water? - I''m going to try ". He concentrated and imagine the water covering them focusing in a single point, hands outstretched toward his cousin he poured his energy towards him and pulled to him the fine droplets. Sig then saw the water covering him converge to the open palms of his younger cousin and form a sphere like the previous day. "- Nice thank you, I will finish it". And his words fell he closed his eyes and thought back to the sensations of the previous day and quickly he began to emit heat that eventually dried him up. I won''t try it on you I do not control myself enough to risk boilling you. "- I appreciate yes " smiled Nero who put away his night clothes to conjures workout clothes. This was the moment chosen by Lucie to burst in shouting : "- But what are you do..ing". The sight of the mestizo naked torso interrupted her and she did not move. - Nero puts something, Lucie appears to be frozen... ah no she''s too red to be frozen actually ouch ouch stop hitting me! - Mo..mo..mov...v..ve.. now ! " Does she hardly uttered, red from ear to ear. They left together in silence, Lucie still red and the cousins had a smile plastered on their face, after all what''s funnier after all than see her lost her composure. "- Quicly sleepy head !" Krista yelled seeing them. "- The lake still bears traces of your confrontation so we''re going do thing separately. But what were you doing all three ? Lucie you went to look after them a while ago ". The latter was about to respond but the memory of the incident blocked her words and she took a crimson color without being able to say anything. The other two accomplices start giggling before the incredulous eyes of Krista. "- But what happens between you there ? " Said Krista annoyed. "- Nothing at all ! replied Lucie. "- They must train, go ! Sig with me, we will work your magic !" She said to cut short the discussion. "- Neeeeeroooo ... tell me now ..." Krista appeared in his back, her hand resting on his shoulder, full of threats for refusal. Lucie suddenly turned and shouted: "- Nero if you tell him you won''t eat for 3 days ! - Old pal I would not like to be in your shoes ! - It''s the same for you Sig ... - Huuuuuh ? - If you do not improve you won''t eat you. " Sig stayed behind disappointed. The training was severe for both of them, Lucie forced her student to repeat the same movement of energy malaxation while Krista wanted to print directly in Nero''s body a sword move until "he could make it while sleeping". Around lunch time they collapsed, begging them to stop. Despite their power and energy the two young women managed to push them into a corner. "- I prefer the alpha of the last time, blew Sig on his knees. - Stop complaining, I''ll cook dinner, go clean yourself in the meantime. - I do not know if I can get up there, said Nero. - I won''t serve you if you are in this state, there is a hotspring behind the rocks upstream. - You can bath in it ? said Sig, his eyes full of hope. "- I feel better already! Nero get up I want a bath ! - Damn when you want something you''re oddly motivated " sighed the mestizo that Sig helped getting up. They set off together towards the place indicated by Lucie. "- How''s going out for you ? Krista did not abuse? - She made me redo over every move until I could make them eyes closed, the bath will do good thing to my muscles. What about you ? - Didn''t use my muscles so I have nothing but mentally I''m dead, I had to concentrate on one exercise until it was almost physically painful. That''s why as soon as she spoke of the hotspring of course it motivated me, and we did not really washed since we''re here. - Ah, the rocks are there " They climbed the rocks and saw steam, finally the source appeared. The water was clear despite steam, Nero plunged his hand in and immediately withdrew. "- Ouah it''s hot! - We must gradually come in " he said while making his clothes disappear completely shameless. They bathed, hidden among the rocks and steam, finally relaxing in the fresh burn bath. Sig finally opened his eyes, looking serious. "- Have you noticed ? - The fact that we restrained ourself and yet we''re so exhausted ? Obviously, Krista techniques are tough but my body seems to ask for more. - Like yesterday. When we jump at each other or even against the carnivores... - It worries me you know. I feel that part of me really wants to fight ... ". They looked again into each other eyes without saying anything, understanding the other without words. Suddenly they heard the coaches see their call to eat. "- Gotta go, I''m hungry now anyway. We''re going to tell them about the blacksmith after the meal, that way they won''t starve us. - Agreed " They joined young women in front of a fire over which grilling a nice piece of juicy meat. "- It smells awfully good, said the two men, salivating. - It''s Sylvan''s pig, Krista hunted it and I prepared it with the herbs and mushrooms growing on their backs. - It grows on their backs ? - Yes the meat is flavorful with that and it is excellent for muscle, while when prepared herbs and mushrooms in addition to brings many good nutrients for energy. - Wow thanks girls ! You spoil us after making us sweat! - Shut up or you not eat. " And the meal began in a good mood, without the side solanel previous fair or dinner the night before. Once the meal ended Nero spoke: "- Girls, we would like to go back to the forge to convince your blacksmith of our usefulness". Krista was sipping tea that Lucie had prepared, while this one was already beginning to install training dummies but both stopped hearing the almost suicidal idea of the two accomplices. "- He will never let you, that old grumpy Gravic doesn''t even get along with the people village, there is only grandfather he discusses with. People treat with his granddaughter when they need blacksmithing. - We would still like to try, insisted Sig. - As you wish, said Krista finishing his tea, once you''ll be driven away with a hammer we''ll resume our training. " They left towards the rocky peak which was inlaid in the forge, they heard the hammer hitting the anvil well before entering, but covering it was the voice of the old Gravic cursing against his tools, the forge or in the void. "- He seems to be in a good mood today" , said Lucie without emotion. "- Careful, do not rush it " , advised their friend that already ticked into the door while confidence cousins decreased with each step. "- What ?! Who''s the good for nothing who''s bothering me goddammit !" They heard from the bottom of the forge. "- Maria go see ! - Y.. Yes Grandfather ! Kyaa !" The sound of metal objects falling accompanied the frail voice who replied... "- Who is this ? - It''s me Maria, Lucie is here too. - Krista ! " Answered the voice with enthusiasm. The woman who opened had black hair that hid one of her eyes, the one visible was green, she had a frail and timid appearance as the small Lyra, but she was covered in dust and seemed to sweat big, probably because of the forge. She greeted her friends and let out a little cry of surprise on seeing that they were not alone. "- Uh uh who are you ? " She said, hiding behind the reassuring Krista. Nero and Sig did not answer, just thinking "she''s too cute all shy like that" Lucie saw that they did not answered, roll her eyes and presented them: "They are the ones who eliminated the raptors, the military one who look silly is Sig ... - Hey ! -... And this one is the Nero exhibitionist. - It was you who came in at the wrong time !" Sig wanted to reach out to Maria to greet her but this one hid again behind the beautiful Krista. - She is very shy, excuse her, says the latter. - Oh no no don''t worry I find it very cute " Sig said, smiling. This remark made Maria turn bright red, Nero could almost see steam escaping from her, and Lucy struck Sig. "- Don''t you dare approach her ! " Krista start stroking the head of her friend looked Sig but with a slightly disappointed look. "- Hum... ple...pleased to meet you..." she whispered. "- They want to see your grandfather" , explained Lucie while watching them with contempt. Maria suddenly raised his head surprise. "- But grandfather ..." she locked eyes Sig and turned red again, looking down. "- Grandfather does not like visitors ... " The end of her sentence was drowned by a flood of insults from her grandfather, he seemed to come see what was holding his granddaughter. "- But what do you want? Huh? You again ?! I thought I was Clear ! I do not want strangers around my forge ! - Sir ! We would really like to help you! We have muscles to spare and we do not complain no matter the job! - Ask Krista and Lucie who coach us ! - You think it''s enough , you idiots! I don''t want incompetent in my legs, you never forged anything and it takes years before getting a useful level to me ! - They learn surprisingly fast Gravic and they do not necessarily have to touch your forge, they can do heavy work like and you can focus on forging and not wait for people from the village to come to disturb you to recover their orders. - Well yes but if possible we would like to learn to forge ", Sig said with a little voice that didn''t looks like him. "- Hmmph you think it''s simple right? That you just have to heat things and hit the metal hmm? You''ll see, Maria comes to help me! You guys follow me pretentious fool who know nothing ... " He continued to grumble until they all arrive at the bottom of the building. Directly carved in stone the forge gave off intense heat despite the high ceiling of the cave. All around were workbench and tables, grinding wheels and tools. Chains hung over the room and various pieces of metal hanging around in middle of all kind of plans. "- Look at me, you''ll see what forging is like ! Maria two corundum bars, an iron one and a malachite one ! " Thz young lady jumps without discussing, taking the materials in barrels containing three bars of refined ores. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it."- Well now heated the forge, I''ll grab my tools" Maria stood beside a large blower and start making long blow, the forge then freed a powerful wave of scorching heat. "- It should be okay now " smiled the old man with gnarled arm, he then plunged a corundum bar and the iron one entirely in the fire and then he only heat a part of the malachite and of the second corundum. He waited a bit and then using pliers he grabbed the glowing bars embedded in the embers to move to the hottest fireplace, near the mouth of the large blower. "- C''mon Maria" he barked. The latter blow again, heating the forge even more, making her sweat more but still very focused on his task. The cousins were protecting their eyes facing such strong heat, but the gestures of the old man were precise and without hesitation despite the furnace. Gravic then grabbed the two bars with clamps, the bars were soft and he had to be careful not to break them down. He placed the two pieces against each other and caught one of their end to put it on a workbench with a big clip, clasping the other end with a kind of corkscrew. Then he began to turn the bars on themself while Maria struck the hammer. Their game lasted a few minutes and the two bars finally became one when cooled. They put the bar in the furnace and use the blower again and to heat it until it became white. "- stretche the other two ! " They took the two remaining bars and put them one over the other on the anvil, hitting where two different materials were in contact. The bars were stretched progressively under the blows. "- Fold it ! " On the orders of her grandfather, Maria withdrew her bar and Gravic folded his own on top. They continued until the hot parts could no longer bend and they put them back in the stove and return to the firts large mixed bar. They inflicted the same treatment to the single bar, lengthening and then folding on itself. "- A laminated blade ... whispered Sig. - You know that ? " wondered his cousin. "- Yes it is a technique used in Japan for swords, you heat the steel and fold it on itself many times to increase its strength and remove impurities, but right now his using it on... a greatsword. - Ooooh you freaking surprise me kid !" Gravic shouted over the sound of the forge and hammers. "- You''ve never been in a forge , I can tell, but you know such a technique, amazing ! " he smiled. Once the bar at the right size they began to give it the shape of a long blade. "- Maria I''ll leave you the blade, I''ll take care of the handle" said Gravic by taking two bars and interlacing them together while warming. He used several tools on a set to form a handle of a single block. "- Maria, blade! - Yes grandfather ! " she replied, giving the blade on which he put on the handle still barely formed, they then resumed the work by inlaiding the two parties together. "- We polish and sharpen ! " He finally said. Once these steps completed the old man showed them his weapon, large broadsword with a straight double-edged, clear brown and green leaf with the iron mixture of corundum and malachite. "- And here is a blade worthy of a saint knight in record time ! Mmh... Ok I decided ! I let you try one time so now make a blade that satisfies me and then you can work with me. The fact that you know the technique of laminated metal made me want to see if you could do something besides knowing lil'' pretentious ! You have five hours !" he said, turning an hourglass. The girls had their mouth wide open in surprise but Gravic made them leave. "- Hey good old grouch !" The chef came to see his friend. "- where are our new youngsters? - At the blacksmith grandfather. - What? Gravic you let someone else in your forge ?!" choked the old chief. - TCHH these two mutts have an interesting look and they were analyzing my actions perfectly ... fool silly bugger old looks like you dug up two interesting phenomena mwahahaha ". "- Well, say Nero watching his friend, we never touched a forge and must make a blade that can satisfy this gruff old grouch in less than 5 hours just after observing him make one in less than an hour . - Yep. -... Bah let''s do this. " The cousins then tried to reproduce what they had seen but their first attempt ended in failure: the rods were too hot and eventually melt. They then pay attention to apply less heat but longer in time, finally they took out the two glowing bars but when they tried to turn them on themselves to mix the two materials they broke. For 3 hours they tried to reproduce the steps that the old blacksmith had done before them. But there was always a problem. "- Ok that''s enough ! - You want to abandon Sig ? - Not just changing method, he replied with a smile, I will directly heat the metal and twist myself using my hand and fire magic, with your water you''ll cool the metal slowly over my hands so that it won''t melted. Go try it. - Uh ... well we have nothing to lose anymore. " Then followed tries to succeed with the help of their powers, the first attempts were unsuccessful but they were improving their techniques until they managed to mix the materials. "- Ok let''s do the laminate now! I heat and bend, you hammered and cools gently to avoid damage. " Using his hands inflamed Sig could have direct contact with the metal and he could feel the material and defects with his fingers, he was able to tell his cousin when and where to strike and when cooling with a thin spring of water to avoid thermal shock. Their new method allowed them to reach in an hour what they had done in three and get a straight blade and smooth even before sharpening. "- We go to the pommel and handel, same technique! - Dude Your hands are burned! - We''ll see later, we didn''t go this far for nothing! " They repeated the gestures of Maria and Gravic, adapting their methods to merge the two pieces of the weapon. "- Well it''s time ! Said suddenly Gravic while entering. "- Hmm it is not polished or honed but the main work is there ... I leave you 15 minutes more, now move idiotic buffons ! - Thanks boss " they replied together. Gradually, as they honed and polish the blade and its handle, the sword took a much darker hue than the old man. "- Oooh interesting ... you did a good job for beginners. Gimme !" He took the job done by the cousins in his rough hands, hefted the sword, watched from every angle and finally said: "- This weapon ... you wrought ... strangely. We can see that it is amateur work but it gives off a strange feeling". He approached the anvil and suddenly made the sword fell over it. In a horrible screeching noise of metal, the sword bounces on the anvil, intact. "- Hmm ... I definitely was expecting your sword that break easily, but look ..." He returned their sword and took what he had wrought. He raised it and brought it down on the anvil, but this time the weapon sank into the big metal block instead of bouncing it. "- That''s the kind of weapon that I forge you amateurs ! Mwahahaha! - Too bad it looks like you missed, you''ll have to train hard with Krista and I, quipped Lucie. - I did not say that bloody goddammit cheeky kids ! - Huh ? " said Lucie, surprise. "- Their sword is certainly not as sharp and they forged it I do not know how but it has resisted my anvil. I take you with me apprentices and Maria hahaha. I let the girls have you in the morning but in the afternoon you are mine! Maria ! You''ll also teach them. - But ... but ... grandfather, she said timidly. - No but, you''re good enough to teach them the basics now. - No ... no it''s not the problem ... " she articulated with difficulty. "- it''s just that ..." she looked to Sig and turned red. - What''s wrong? You stayed too close to the forge to be so red. - N..n..n..no it''s ... raaahaaa " whined Maria, hiding her face in her hands and slipping behind Krista. "- But what you strange little bugger ? Good god, all of you get out of my house now ! You two ! Be there tomorrow after lunch and prepare to sweat mwahahah ". And he slammed their back loudly, causing them to lose balance. Nero caught himself to Lucy and his cousin fell on Krista Maria behind her. "- What what what what are you doiiiiiing !" Lucy screamed, hitting Nero uninterrupted. "- Wait wait wait wait I swear ouch ouch that is not my fault ! - Sig, up now ... " said krista with a blank expression, void of any emotion while Maria she repeated : " - uwawawawa ". "- I can not use my hands, they are burned ", he articulated in the hair of two girls who were pinned under him by his two powerful arms. Nero finally got up after a good flurry of shots and helped his broken cousin. "- At least get on your legs pal... - Sorry I do not dare do anything with my arms in this state. - Sig ? " Krista told while dusting herself. - Hmm ? - Be quiet and grit your teeth ... - Wait wait wai..." The shot made him fly out the window. - Come back here I have not finished. - Blease I swear I''m reawy bwooken there !" But the blank stare void of emotions that Krista showed him that it was useless to argue. "Oh I''m dead" he thought when he saw her arm her fist. - Wait Krista! - Huh I have a higher voice than I remembered " but when he opened his eyes he saw that it was not his voice but that of Maria. She stood before him, making a bulwark against a Krista wanting his death. - He really needs to heal his arms! He has very serious burns ... I often burn myself but this is much worse, I have to put balm on his arms and fast" Finally came a gleam in the eyes of Krista. - What ? Oh my god Sig your arms ! " Indeed the members of the young man was a horrible sight: the skin was gone and his muscles were naked and terribly burned, you could even see the bone in some places on the hands. Maria came back with Nero, making him bring a tank of water, bandages and a pot containing a balm. "- I''ll have to wash your arms " , she said with sorry for him in the eye. "- Krista and Nero hold him good because it will be very painful, Lucie help me please, when we finished cleaning I will put the cream and bandages after that. - For now I am fine quite strangely but hurry before the feeling comes back ... - And I don''t know if we will be able to hold him ... sighed the mestizo. Against all expectations it was quick but it was only so because Sig fainted during treatment. The other brought him home and kept watch because he had a burning fever, literally because Nero was burned by touching his forehead. Author''s note : freaking missclick that made me loose all my work when it was almost complete -_-'' ... Chapter 6: fields and complications Chapter 6, fields and complications The next day, however, the fever was already settled, Nero was asleep when Maria went to check it. She felt strangely guilty entering as they slept, she went to see Sig silently anyway. Despite his heavy feverish sleep he impressed her with his square jaw, his slight beard and his mid-long hair combed back made him look sophisticated, contrasting with his powerful body and his military clothes. She did not know whether it was someone serious or joking easily but it emanated from him an impression mixing calm and safety, but also uncontrollable power. She lifted the sheet, mesmerized by the rhythm of his breathing and the movement of his chest. " But what am I doing... I''m just checking his bandages and his fever... yes that''s it ..." she was flushed and breathing heavily, her blood beating in her ears and chest . Sig suddenly moved slightly, she stopped breathing and rush out in fourth gear. She drew water and passed it over her face, trying to calm down after the adrenaline rush. Finally she re-drew some to bring to the two sleepers but on the way she saw Krista entering the house silently, curious she approached and looked out by the window. She saw Krista approach Nero, and strangely felt relieved. She sighed, wondering what was happening to her, when suddenly Krista turn to Sig and lifted the sheet as gently as possible, Maria rushed to the door, knocked slightly and came in directly without waiting. Krista had placed the sheet back and stood right next to the patient, Maria wasn''t sure but she had the impression that Krista blushed slightly. "- Maria you''re here early" , she whispered as if nothing had happened. "- Yes I wanted to check the status of Sig and see if Nero was not tired " , she looked in the direction of this one, and added: "- Apparently the last part is easily verifiable. " The silence between them, it was a first for the two friends, Maria was shy but never with Lucie or Krista. Krista seemed normal but inside her a little feeling of guilt and also frustration was born. "- I''ll check Sig" , Maria said. "- It''s good I''ve already done it, he is no longer feverish. - I''ll change his bandages and clean his wounds then ", insisted Maria, her friend then didn''t found more reason, especially as it was for the good well being of the young man. Lucie suddenly entered, making them jump in surprise and woke Nero up. "- Huh ?! What are you doing here already, I usually wake them up. - Hi girls " murmured Nero still a little bit asleep. "- oh Lucie what do you brought for breakfast ? I''m starving ... - Yes yes I''ll warm the milk and I''ll give you some. - Hmm that''s loud all of a sudden" , Sig had opened his eyes and smiled sweetly at the two girls beside him, Maria blushed and Krista looked at him with her eyes of steel before looking away. "- I would also like to have something to eat, and thank you all for tonight. - I... I have to change your ban... dages ... - Oh thank you Maria" He tried to reach out but had great difficulty. "- Wait wait do not exert yourself too much" , she said, jumping in the bed to help him get up and strip him from his slightly bloody strips. "- I''ll help you ", intervened Krista while lifting Sig "- Come on, get up and sit on the edge of the bed " Nero saw amusement in his cousin''s eyes . " He''s much more RECOVERED than he says the little bastard " he smiled mentally. "- Your skin is almost back to normal " said Maria very surprised. "- with burns like yours, we would almost had to amputate normally ! - I have a good constitution I think " he replied a little embarrassed as they see his accelerated treatment capacity. Krista and Maria nevertheless passed him the cream and put back bandages on his hands and forearms. "- Did you have breakfast girls ? - Yes I eat before bringing your own " Lucie said, giving Sig a bowl of milk. "- I do not eat in the morning. - It''s not good Krista ! " growled Sig. "- it helps to be in shape for the day. - Sig is oddly a stickler on such principles " said Nero. - Me, I .. I eat a little with grandfather but he is still asleep so I couldn''t this morning " said Maria. - Then eat with us !" Krista raised an eyebrow but didn''t deny his proposal. "- Ah but I can not eat with my hands like this ... - Halala come I''ll help you " said Krista that sighed a little, but Nero saw well her smile. - Ah ! Huh Krista I''ll do it, it''s all right !" blushed Maria. - It''s ok you can eat " replied her friend. "- What about you take something the two of you, Maria you didn''t had time since you came to take care of me now so take it, and you Krista I do not agree with the fact that you don''t eat in the morning so now you take something " said firmly. "- And can I know why I should obey you when you do not even pay attention to you huh ?" Said the young woman looking at him with her beautiful eyes of steel. "ohoh, here we are again with our two monsters of authority and power..." thought Nero biting into a bun with honey that Lucie gave him. The latter intervened : "- That''s enough you two! Sig you need to rest and eat, Krista listens to him and eat, I prepared buns and honey and I know you like it. I will serve you hot milk with spices, it going t give you a good boost for the day ... or make you fall asleep ... - I want to sleep if I can wake so well surrounded! - Me too " added Nero, to which Lucie replied with a shot of ladle each. Finally they all ate heartily, Sig sat in the middle of Maria and Krista who helped him by taking turns to feed him with their cakes and drink a few sips of milk, Nero was beside Lucie discussing the day''s program . "- Sig can not really train for the moment but he''s a very good observer, with who would you like to train with today ? - Hmm ... with you Lucie, he said smiling, which made her blush slightly. "- Krista taught me a sword move so now I want you to teach me to better manage my magic, but then I want a duel with Krista to see if your lesson is well inprint in me. - With pleasure ". Maria left them and returned to the forge, Sig dressed with his bracelets without worrying of the presence of two other girls, which allowed Krista see the sculptural body of the young man and reminded Lucie of the incident yesterday with his cousin. " - Again ? Have you got no shame both of you !" She cried while nimbly getting out of the small house, taking her friend with her. "- You did that on purpose ? - Of course, I love the innocent side of Lucie and her reactions and wanted to see what would happen with Krista. - And of course you can train yourself, right? - You know me so well haha. Yes I can but I''ll glean some information from the villagers or the headchief, where we are etc ... " They left the house, dressed in the clothes they had while coming to this world and join the girls. "- I''d see if anyone in the village need help and thus meet them a little more personally, I prefer that than to watch my cousin practice without doing anything. - Hmm yes why not it could work " said Lucie, who watch Krista to ask her an advice. - I agree, the villagers would be more likely to appeal to you if you come directly see them. Nero then saw in the eyes of his cousin his infamous manipulator light: "- Look Krista, what if you come with me ? It would be easier no ? - Hmm yes why not " so she went with Sig to the center of the town, he turned and quietly gave a wink to his friend. "Motherfucker going full manipulator on me" smiled mentally the latter, understanding why he had proposed that. He wanted to be with Krista alone but also let Nero and Lucie together. "You''ll see just now I will not miss you for that". The first couple arrived at the central square, Sig ask : "- Well then, you already have an idea of people in need of some helping hand ? - Well Tatch''s family lost their drega ... - Their what ? - Drega, their working animals for their field, it was killed by the raptors. So they struggle to care for their crops, and soon the cold seasons will arrive. - Hmm then goes for the drega''s loss as first time job, and what is "soon" by the way, how long? - Three months. We have time to make one last seed and harvest. Meanwhile Lucie and Nero settled for target practice at the usual place at the lake. It had resumed his normal level but the ground was marked with large black scars due to the flames of his cousin. "- Well you do not have the same powers as Sig and I have not really mastered the water, however, the basis should be the same, everything come from the internal energy that circulate through your body. I could not really see what you already know the last time because of steam, but unlike your cousin you should not have a problem to... control your own powers. I had to teach him to control his energy more precisely, particularly if it turned into the flame. Now take water in your hands like last time ... " Krista knocked on the door of the house and it was Tatch who opened them. "- Krista ! Sig, you''re here too ! What are you doing here? - We''re just here to see if you did not need help in the field, smiled Krista, Sig would like to help the village today .. - But not injuring myself chasing the monster this time, he said with a wink to the young boy. - Oh hello Krista ", made a strong and powerful voice in the house. - Dad ! Krista and the raptodrome killer are here ! - Oooh, Tatch''s father appeared in the doorway, we worth the visit of one of the new defenders of the village ? he said, reaching for Sig. - Ah ah sorry I can not you shake hands ... " he said, showing his bandages. The young man looked at his interlocutor : as tall as his cousin, the face marked by the sun, and powerful calloused hands , you could not call this man of "small farmer". He had to do heavy work to be built this way. "- I wanted to see if you do not need help in your field, I feel that the village can rest a little on us so I come straight to the people. - Sweetheart ! We have a monster hunter who offer to help us in the field! - Oh how kind " Tatch''s mother appeared : slightly round, she wore an apron over a long tunic, brown hair held back by a headband tied around her head. Both parents remind Sig of the old poster of communist man and strong woman with radiant faces working in the fields, and it obviously made him smile. "- My name''s Roic and this is my wife Louisa. Tatch talked about you all day yesterday you know. - In good I hope haha. - Mwahaha ah that! If I had not seen you when the chef presented you in front of the village I would have expected to see the red demon that was picked up in the forest. Okay so you want to help us eh, it is true that since the death of Betsie, our drega, we lost our productivity. We must sow the last harvest before the cold season and for that we must plow the field but Betsie ... - You have a plow ? simply asked Sig. - Uh yes but again without Betsie .. - Bring me to your field. - What are you going to do Sig ? Tatch looked at him with eyes full of stars as usual. - You''ll see " he replied mischievously. Nero was twirling water around him with ease under the eye of Lucie. "- Well you mastey is better than Sig that''s for sure. Try transformation now. Put the water back in the lake and attempts to "produce" water like your cousin produces his flames. Now we know that you have an affinity with water it should be simpler. - OK ". He focused on the energy that inhabited him, imaginating it become aqueous that flow from his chest to reach its members then leave. He imagined it around him, dancing and flexible then swirling and turbulent and when he opened his eyes he was in a circle formed by water revolving around him. Fine droplets were formed by him and swelled away to join the whirlwind, then he fixed his hands and imagined a thin stream of water and repeated the weapon passes Krista. As soon as he pretended to unshealth the sword, the stream slashed out in the air. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there."- Impressive, try it on a mannequin " Lucie advised him. He approached a mannequin, which disturbed the flow of water around him and began baring a position with an imaginary sword in hand. He concentrated and water flowed to his hand and he struck... "- What do you do now that you''re facing the plow ? Tatch said. - I think I know ... smiled Krista. - If you understand me you can install it with Roic please ? - Yes, you can harnessed it to Sig''s shoulder please Roic ? - What ? He wants to be attached to the plow ? But it''s the work of an working animal ! Only a drega can pull the plow and till the soil. - You''d be surprised. " Krista and Roic then harnessed Sig and together they brought the plow to the field and dug into the soft earth. "- I still do not believe in it but try to go straight". Sig dug his feet into the ground and pushed his legs but the plow refused to budge. "- Well that''s frustrating, no one behind me !" He took a deep breath and swung his fist back whence sprang two condensed flames. The strength of the flames and the power of his legs made him make a leap forward, putting the plow in motion. "- That''s more like it! ". He walked quietly after that, however, the exercise was difficult especially when it had to turn when he arrived at the edge of the field. Roic and Tatch helped him at that time while Krista and Louisa sowed the seeds behind. The sun and the physical load quickly made him give up his top and then after a while he stopped blowing. "- I''ll be taking a break, I''m a little hungry. - that''s good !" said a female voice. "- Lucie ? What are you doing here ? - It''s time for lunch Krista in case you didn''t notice " replied Nero appearing just after the lady. "- But I see that you were busy " he added, watching Krista and his cousin''s naked torso. "- We were caught in the motion actually" she said, apparently undisturbed but just after that she stumbled, making Nero was smile more than he should have. Maria arrived just after. "Oh oh it will be fun," he thought when he saw her frozen while seeing Sig shirtless. "- Oh Maria! You''ll eat with us? - Uh ... hum yes but I need to change your bandages before ... - Oh right, I''ll go take a quick bath just before eating or you''ll yelled right Lucie ? - Just do it, but fast so we can quickly eat the fish that Nero had fished out. - And we''ll give you vegetables ! Tatch added which was followed by the whole gang of kids of the village. - Well I have the impression that we will prepare a barbecue with everyone " said the chief who had just joined them with a big bottle of sake. - Grandpa you won''t drink too much, i''ll watch out for you ! " Before everything becomes too noisy Sig vanished, Nero hardly saw him, which was rare, however, and he did not even notice that someone had followed his cousin... Sig quickly crossed the distance separating him from the hotspring, looked quickly that no one was there and took away his clothes to plunge into the water. "Damn everyone appeared directly one after the other ..." He began to relax in the hot water, letting his mind float in the mist when the sound of an object falling in the water made him leave his reverie. "- I ... don''t ... bother you... I hope..." Sig''s eyes opened wide : before him was Maria ! Hidden by the steam he recognized her only through the voice. "- What the hell are you doing here Maria ? - I wanted to ... heal your hands ... - Yes, but there you are with me in a hot spring ! - Huh that ... I ... I came out of the forge, so I needed to wash me ... .. before your treatment. - Maria !?" Sig was not followed by one person but two. - Krista ! - My bathroom has really become public there ... and it''s going from one surprise to another " but he was far from suspecting that more had to come... Nero was busy helping the chief and Roic to install a large barbecue while the youngest boys were recoverig some the wood. "- Louisa and the girls where are you with the food ? asked Roic. - It''s going to be ready soon, one of you can come help us move everything? - Coming ! Nero replied. There he saw Louisa, Lucy, Tatch''s neighbor Claire and Lyra the youngest, but neither Maria nor Krista. - Nero, do you know where Maria and Krista are ? We would have needed help given the amount of food. - Uh ... no they were not with us. Tatch, Roric, Leon Graham prepared enough wood to feed the fire and Roic chief and I were preparing the fire in question. But no Krista or Maria. - And Sig ? - At the hot spring, they probably left to get him. - Ok good, go put it all to grill " "No seriously I think I hallucinating here " Sig was about to overheat, he generally handled well but that he did not expect to end up in the middle of two naked girls in the bath... "- But what are they doing, it will be ready ! Lucie said impatiently. I''ll see. - No wait I would go faster, stay there to prevent the food from burning " and Nero went in the direction of the source. "- If I don''t go out I might boil the water, and that''s just one risk... - Wait it''s not you who have to go ! " Krista did not have time to finish, Sig was already outside completely naked facing the two girls. Nero came in light of rocks hiding the source, he saw his cousin suddenly come out half naked troubled air. This one lives and joined the stride. - Sig what are you doing ? - Shh. Shut your mouth. Don''t speak. Follow me. We''re going home. - What but ... - Follow me, period " Sig took his cousin home, closed the door and looked at him with inflamed eyes. "- Tell me, you can produce water, can you ? - Uh yes, but an explanation please ? - After, first help me to refresh myself, I feel like I have a sun in the chest and if I not releasing steam it will blow. - Ok ok but you want to do that here anyway? - I''ll count on you to control myself. - Damn dude ... don''t brun us down ..." Sig placed his palms facing each other and almost immediately a fireball appeared, brilliant, extremely, even blue. Nero then put his hands far enough to not burn then produced a jet of water that struck the flame, steam arises immediately. "- More ! Way more ! ". Nero then sent a torrent to the hands of his cousin who was smoking literally, their house became an oven, condensation forming all over the walls and a thick steam them almost completely hid the view. Suddenly a huge wave of heat swept the room, shattering the concentration of the mestizo, and then nothing.... "- Sig you''re ok ? Then he heard the heavy and hoarse breathing of his cousin, as if he had set a new record marathoner. - I''m fine and you ? - Yes it''s good ... I''ll take care of the steam. " Nero visualized all the water around him and pulled like a black hole, the vapor became liquid around him. "- Open the window so that I can eject all that outside, and after we rush to barbecue or otherwise Lucie will kill us, it''s been at least 20 minutes that I had to bring you back. - Yes, yes, wait let me catch my breath ... and dry myself. - Enough with your flames! - I gonna dry myself, jeez ! " Then they quickly went to Roic field. "- But what were doing !? 20min that we expect you so we started! - Mwahahaha come young lad enjoy a drink! - Grand father you''re already drunk ?! How ?! - Come on Lucie that''s okay !" Roic said. "You helped us so enjoy ! Go you two we kept you something to eat, we understand that you were often hungry after your tasks! ". Cousins moved alongside the leader and Roic who tended them skewer on what was beautiful fish, fruit of Nero''s fishing in the lake, and vegetables they had never seen. They threw themselves over it , the efforts provides in their house they have been much more expensive in energy than the exercises in the morning. Maria and Krista were there, finishing their meal in silence, the children playing on their sides, Maria suddenly saw that Sig''s bandages were gone but she did not dare look at him in the eyes. Lucie saw the appetite of the young men and serve them again then asked where was Sig''s bandages supposed to be under his bracelets. "- My arms are cured in any case the skin is back. I will return to the plow and ended it. - No Sig let me do it and you will train with Lucie, proposed Nero. - OK thanks. - Haha so now we have the second new fighter that helps us ? Perfect! - Sig you''ll train with Lucie then? " Child band had stopped playing to come and see their friends "- can we come watch you? - Haha ask Lucie she''s the leader you know. - I''m not the leader ! But you must not ask me but your parents. - Dad ? Tatch asked, can I go? - You still have to help us here Tatch. And I do not think you should bother Sig and Lucie. - Actually I was thinking above all she could help me to learn how to read anyway, so not very interesting task " Everyone got busy cleaning their lunch then the chief took leave followed by his granddaughter and Sig. "- Okay so you want to learn how to read is actually, it''s a good thing, the guild fighters sent me a letter saying they had heard of our raptors problem but by the time i sent the letter and got an answer saying that they will send someone soon you arrived, and I reported the death of the monster, if you are interested we can officially register you to the guild and they will send missions to complete in the region. If you agree and we established a guild counter it would be preferable that you know how to read, and then it is all still useful to know to write and read the language of where you are. - Exactly, it is in this light that I want to read, knowledge is a power can be terribly effective. So I want Nero and I to know to read and write so that we can take advantage quickly of the knowledge of your library. - Very good. Lucie brings him to the library please and teach him. - All right grandfather "she replied, pointing to Sig where the library was located. "- So let''s see if you''re as good as your cousin haha " Roic pointed to his field and plow. "- Let me guess, he replaced your pack animal and pulled the plow ? - Exactly! He''s really strong Sig !" replied Tatch. "- Oh that !" smiled the mestizo thinking the boy whispered "Damn you Sig, I have no desire to be a buffalo ! ". Maria had returned to the forge and Krista was waiting with Louisa that Nero plowed the field to sow the seeds. He was harnessed, swearing softly against his cousin, Krista then approached him and whispered: "- Did Sig told you anything just now ? - Huh? No he was just confused as hell and he had needed me to control a few flames, the bath made him too hot and he had to cool down by expelling excess heat from his body. But I''d like to understand why he ended up in this state! And it would be nice if he found himself with another magic, the flames match too much to his character, it''s hugely influence by it and it''s me who pays the price! -... This is probably the heat of the bath after spending time in the sun who did it "she replied without emotion before returning near Louisa. "Damn she hides well her game ! It is indescribable ..." he thought, looking at her while pulling the plow... Me''s note : I already wrote down a lot of the story so far, but translating it took most of my day that''s incredible... but hey, it''s fun Chapter 7: Geography and night training Chapter 7: Geography and night training "- Well then I''ll teach you howto read our language, but before that, canyou tell me that this happened just now? You disappeared with Maria and Krista and when they returned they were odd, silent, they weren''t even looking at each other ! - Believe me, I did not myself really understand what happened, but that''s the same aswhen you caught Nero when he waschanging, it is better not to talk about it..." She blushed thinking back to the incident and said nothing more "- In fact we can first start by geography ? So that we knowa bit where we are. - Mmm ... yes you''re right, especially as the grandfather said you''ll receive quests from the guild, if you need to move you should knowas much as possibleabout the region. " With that she fumbled in the scrolls of the library, fished several out and spread them on the table. During the operation Sig asked how his cousin wastoday at the training. "- Well, he controle his energy a lot better than you but produces less than you. Hehappens to use its handling of water to form blades and uses them to strike with movementsKrista thaught him. And he canfish without a problem with that also. " Sig whistled, impressed : "- I''m looking forward to that, and you have not been as mean to him than me? - What do you mean by that ?! I''m hard on you because if you do not control yourself you''re going to burn the village! - Haha yes that''s true. - It''s not funny you know! Anyway this is the map of our known world. " She opened before him a great parchment which contained a sort of Big Island, some areas in the ocean and on the edges of the parchment were virgins. "- These blackareas are unknown right? - Yes, the central continent is the main parts of the world of men. The kingdomwhere we are issurrounded by many others. Here it is" she pointed to a small part of the south - east of the Big Island. "- Hereis theBroken Continent, further south - east and between the two continents is a large number of islands. - Looks like there is not much on it" said Sig, then he noticed that the edges of the two continents could fit. "-The central continent is from thebroken oneright ? - Yes how did you guess ? asked Lucia surprise. - The coasts of both can fit together if they are put close to each other,look " he grabbed the map and folded it for the coast to coincide. "- There, and I guess that''s where the name Broken Continentcame from ?" The young man''s mind vivacity still surprised Lucie. "These cousins are not just wild beast withexcessive physical force ..." shethought. She did not know that this kind of knowledge came from the far more advanced education of the young men. When he was in his original world, a knowledge of this type was the most basic for them. Then she continued: "- Actually it''s called the Broken Continent because years ago a cataclysm struck him, the men fled to the tip of the continent and the latter broke away, forming the central Continent today. The Broken Continent it is only a barren desert where only treasure hunters are going to find artifacts of ancient civilization. Besides the sea between the two is very dangerous, currents and reefs sunk many ship and pirates are rampant among the islands, hiding it when armies are sent to hunt them down. - And the continent that we only see the coast to the west ?" Lucie remained silent a moment and then replied: "- It''s the Dark Continent. We have not discovered because its access is almost impossible because of the ocean that separates us from him. It''s called the Brumocean, a kind of eternal fog prevents the vessels to locate in itand there arereports of sea monsters roaming in the fog. The few survivors who returned of thejourneys undertaken to discover this continentonly allowed usto have a rough drawing of the coast. Well we will look at what is within our reach right? She folded the big map and unfolded a smaller but highly detailed one of the Central Continent and some surrounding islands. "- The continent is divided into four great empires which are also cut into various kingdoms and duchies. We are here in the Duchy of Baram, our neighbor to the east is the Duchy of Plegius, we belong with the Duchy of Tristys of the HelioEmpire. The small kingdom of Celestis, here in the West, has no empirical affiliations and is composed of only oneextremely rich and powerful city. The empire which is next to it is called Auroris and is composed of the duchies of Raid, Ultia and Kalos. We are often in conflict with them. In the north in the chain of theBroken ToothMountains is the inhospitablegreat kingdomof thebeasts-men, and inthe north - east is the Kalimdor empire which is a federation of several kingdoms more thana true empire. There is also the ScarletArchipelagoI mentioned earlier you who is the pirate hideout. So much for the general geography of the continent". Sig had took a feather and ink and tried to write with, but it was not used and bore a holein the parchment given him by Lucie. "- This is your language ?"she asked, looking at his writing. "- Yes, but I do not usually write with featherso it''s not really clean. - As long as you understand, but you need to learn ours. - Of course, this is to show it all to Nero after. - We move to our empire specifically ? - Please "he replied, smiling. "- You''re slower than Sig" says Tatch tactless, - Yes, but I''m not somekind of drega like him !" Nero said while pulling the plow. - Nero, move! It is already late. - Yes Yes ! Raaahaaa! " " - Here. This map thatshows the Helio empire, the capital is at the foot of a lone peak: the Earth Fang. From it flowthe Cloud-Snake River passing in the Imperial capital and gives the impression of floating between cloud and rock, this is an incredible sight to behold. The river then divided into three, onejoins the main city of the Duchy Plegius where the guild of fighters of our empire is. Here in the Westis our duchy :Baram with the city of Elya crossed by a riverfrom the city - kingdom Celestis. and a little west from Elya, marked by a star,is our village, at the edge of the forest of Sylvan Giants. - And this city in thenorth? - It is under the direct jurisdiction of the capital of the empire, its central place on the continent is ideal for trade with neighboring empires. - And I guess completelyin the East is Tristys. - Yes, it is in this duchy that you''llfindthe Academy of mages of theempire . It is a bit far away but the radiance of the academy profie the empiremuch, plus there isa crystalline mine. - Crystalline? -Magic crystal. - Hmm wait I note all ofthis. " "- It''s over! Hahaha well played monster hunter !" Roic said, tapping the shoulder of Nero. - Aouch aouch! The plow was thereRoic! Do not hit me here ! - Thanks again Krista, Nero, for thehelp. Without you we could not have done all the fieldin time. I must confess Nero,I was not very enthusiastic when the chiefhas made you as the new defenders, you just eliminated a monster who terrorized us, and your appearance was a bit scary. But I was wrong to doubt you, I beg you to excuse me". Lousia bowed his head facing the mestizo. - Aaah Louisa raise the head! I would have react the same wayif I were in your place! - Thank you to forgive me anyway. - Nero, we''ll join the other two ? - Yes I''m coming! " "- Lucie, Lucie ! Krista and Nero are there". The chief had called from the entrance. "- So you two, the lesson absorbedyou it seems"he said while allowing thetwo young people to enter. - You rest wellwhile I pull a plow in thefield huh Sig? - Haha I pulled it thismorning withoutcomplain! And there I was working for you too, I noted thingsthat I would pass to you tonight. - Goflush a little Sig, andNero I want you to wash completely, you''re still sweaty. I''ll make dinner. - Thanks Lucie, we''ll starve without you. " Nero left the house followed by his cousin and together they went to the hot spring once again. "- Wait I want togo home to put the notes I took. - Oh whathave you noted by the way? - Geography of the world and a little bit ofpolitics and history. - Not bad for an after noon. We fell into an interesting world then ? Well, even more than he isnow? - Very interesting if you ask me. Full of opportunities for both of us with our talents and powers "Sig replied with a strange smile and a gleam in his eye. -You, you''re using your brain function at full capacity to make plans. I have to worry? - You''re my cousin, no,even my brother, I would never do you wrong. But such a world where one has unbelievable powers I think we should enjoy it ... Sig put the notes in a trunk that was at the foot of his bed and then they came out again in the house. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.- You''re going to take a bath ?With what happenedthis morning ? - It was not because of the bath ... I was not really able to enjoy it. - You''ll explain now? - Yes Yes. It all started a long time ago ... - Seriously. - Roooh ok. You must have seen that I disappearearly in the preparation of food, too noisy for my taste. " Nero nodded. - So I went here to bathe and relax after the morning spend pullingthe damn thing instead of their creature which got eaten. - Fortunately Tatch is not there to hear you. - True... well I went torelax in hot water and there ... " Sig then told him what had happened in the bath, how a shyMariaappeared andthen the arrival of Krista and the fact that she also joined the two in the water. "- Wait wait you were with the two in the water! I know you had success and can manipulatewell but there ... - I was just as deluded that you believe me. I could not believe. I finally get out because I literally felt my blood boiling in my veins. I think my affinity with fire will affectmy calm in challenging situations ... like that. - I also think we still retains too much, we must exercise more if you ask me. - Yes surely. - Tonight after dinner, we will train together. - We''ll wait until the village is asleeps, we''ll go to the other side of the lake. Nowait, it may be too close again, how about we gointo the forest? - We will not see anything I think. - I''ll light torches, we''re also going todig a hole big enough that you''ll fill with water. - It''s exhausting toproduce water you know, it''s easier ifI take water fromthe lake and bring itthere. - You''re sure? It will be far. - It''s okay. - Ok let''s going out, the girls must wait for us. - It''s okay with Krista? Although she seemed quite normal, well except a few misteps. - ...we''ll see ". They wentbackto Lucie and her grandfather''s place, a broth warmed gently, and Lucie took a nice loaf of bread to accompany it. Sig whispered to his cousin: "- Perfect, a light meal, we''llbe morecomfortable for tonight". Then aloud : "-Whatbroth is it Lucie? - This is a remnant of this afternoon, Roic gave me some to prepare a mealto thank you. - Haha that''s nice but we should begin to cook for ourselves too, we can not rest on your cooking skills all the time, Nero added by making a wink which made her blush slightly . "- Don''t you worry about it, itdoes not bother me " Sig then whispered a bit strong: "- Back homeit is said that a man''s heart is through his stomach ". And he concludes by looking at his cousin and Lucie in turn. This time the latter was completely red but did not answer, because ofthe presence of her grandfather and Krista. This one had also heard what the young man had said but he sensed no reaction from her, hereyes still looking likesteels. Nero was discussing with the old man about the day andthe help he and his friend could bring, he did not hear the remark Sig made. "- Well, take place,I will serve you. - Wait Lucie, youprepared the mealso let me serve it at least " proposed Krista. She took the ladle and poured a bowl each then took the loaf of breadand cutwith a knife thatcame out of nowhere a few pieces for everyone. The headchief tried to serve alcohol but his granddaughter scolded him. "- Humph I am the leader of this village I have the right to drink anyway" he groused. The meal took place joyfully and finally everyone parted after tidying thing up. Nero and Sig returned home and settled in their respectivebed butSigtook the notes he had taken and gave them to his cousine before that. "- Well read that while the village fallsasleeps. - Oh, thank you, Lucie let you take the cards too? - Only one of the central continent. " Nero consulted the notes and the map and he quickly saw why his cousin was so excited about is world ... They remained two hours talking about this new world open to them and decided to take a look at the village. Quietly they roam around it, topped in black clothes as the night around them, and saw that the whole village was asleep. "- Perfect, we will seek water and go in the forest" Sig blew. Nero then plunged his hands into the water and drew around him a large amount that he madefly with him to the forest. Hefollowed Sig who had memorized the little map of the area that Lucy hadshow himbefore Krista and mestizo came. Illuminated by the flames made bySig that was flying next to each of them as wisps, they reached the forest without difficulty, especially as the wooden giants were easily spotted despitethe night. Sig pulled his cousin a little away from the path, not too far for them to find but just enough to be in private. "- The forest is impressive, be it byday or bynight "said Nero whistling his admiration. "-You really feel small next to it. - Yes, it''s true. If we did not have magic, armories bracelets and gigantic strength I really feel uncomfortable. - Me too, especially with the kind of creature lying around in this world. Well you we lit torches we''ll sees a little more, no? - I''m your personal lighter or what ? " Answered the inflamed,laughing. He lit six torches that he disposed in a circle in the small clearing, then using his bracelets he conjured a pickaxe. "-Ah cool it is considered a weapon! "And began to dig a hole in a rock by heating it with flames and then breaking with the pickaxe. He quickly came to a rude basin shape that Nero could fill with its water. "- Whew ! Ok finished preparing,can youclimb to the top of the treeand tell me what time it isapproximately. - Ok wait for me. " Nero jumped and climbed to the tops of trees, it could then see the beautiful sight of the surrounding valleys in the moonlight, reflecting the lake and even off the village asleep. "- You should come up here! The view is ... awesome! - Raah ok I''m coming" Sig, agile as a monkey, quickly joined him and together they remained a few minutes in silence to observe the world and stars. "- It should be two hours in the morning I think from the position of the moon. - You know what time to wake Lucia Krista ? And how the hell are you able to tell what time it is ? We''re not in our world anymoreasked Nero pulled from his reverie. - Lucie told me. Oh and they wake up between 6 and 7 hours I think. - ... You asked her something like that ?Whatever let''smove " They descended and began facing each other,Nero conjured theblade he had used on the first day against the raptodrome Sig and his tonfas. "- Are you ready ? "he asked. "- Obviously ! " And they jump at eachother. Like the first day they arrived, when they were in the temple, the two cousins fought, finally letting their true strength express themselves, each of their blows couldbreak bones. Sig, accustomed to fight with his past of practicing various martial arts, could use his membersas well using its weapons to attack which provided him a larger range of action than his cousin. However he had a greater lenghtenswith his sword and the lesson Krista had thaughtalready brought its fruits, he maintained distance Sig with his blade and pierced his defense easier. It was not a fight like the lake, they were more disciplined, less random in the movements. They almostdanced one with the other, separating just when the other hit. No more jumps and dodges, just strikes and conters. "- Let''s take a break... "proposed a perspirantSig. "- Yes, agree..."blew Nero in the same state. "- Youreally improved, you know, I couldn''t attack likean animal like last time, I had toremember some of my best boxingand tai jutsu movesto counteract your blade with my tonfas. - Sure you were ... more martial in your movements compared to the last time.You restrainyourself right? It''s really hard to block since you can hit with your legs and your arms. And you hit terribly hard, my arms are trembling because of all theshocks on my blade. - HinhinI must use my fightingknowledge my dear! Ok, we''ll moveto Magic ? - And you want to do this how? - I throw you knives and you hit them with a water stream ? - Not bad, that makes me work my reflexes and my mastery. Ok bring it on" Following the idea of Sig they continued their training, alternating the launcher and the target, Sig hadtocondensedsmall fireballs, powerfulenough to stop a knife but not too powerful to burn the forest. Nero extinguished the fire thatstarts with the water supply they had done. "- I have the feeling thatdawn is coming Sig. - Shit we werenot careful, we have togo! - We''re all sweaty ! - Take some water and put it around my hands I''ll heat it while we return to the village! " Chapter 8, Unexpected Event They reached their home after a long run, and Nero poured the hot water he that was floating aroundinto a small basin, and theyused a damp cloth to wipeaway the sweat. They were still bare-chested when someoneknocked at their door, they looked at each other, then Sig said that they could enter. It was Gravic who entered to their great astonishment. "- You freakin'' idiots, I was waiting for you yesterday ! So now I take the lead, get back to theforge right away !" And he remained there motionless,staring at them until they were in front of him on the way to the forge. "- hum Gravic ? We actually did noteat ... - You call me master now, you are my apprenticesfor shit sake ! And I have purposely comefirst to catch you before Lucie and Krista, I have not eaten either, Maria must be preparing what to eat precisely. Sig remembered that he had not talked to Maria since their bath the day before, so Nero said: "- What are you going to do for Maria ? Given her character she is not going to look at you and is likely to be even more awkward. " " The bastard " thought the manipulator of fire, "he does not miss the opportunity to take revenge for the last time", the mestizo had a broad smile on his face, testifying well of the bottom of his thought. The three men entered the blacksmith''s house and Maria appeared. "- Grandfather, where were you ? Sig ?!" She let go the tray she held in her hands. - What the hell are you doin'' you fool ! I went to get them before the other two put the hook on them, prepare us what to eat please, we go straight to the forge. He dragged them to the back in the cavity dug in the heart of the rocky peak, the forge heated the room in a stifling way. "- Youtwo, put on aprons and gloves !" He insisted on the word glove with a glance at Sig. I understood how you had forged the blade yesterday and now I will teach you the true art of forging ! There is no artifice you freakin''apprentices magicians !" The two young men replied in unison, "Yes master! ". They changed and Maria brought something to sustain them, they quickly ate the cereal soup that she had prepared and then they were entitled to a mash of insults and things about forging in "the rules of art" on the part of Gravic the blacksmith. When they were trying to make a dagger, Lucie entered the forge. "Ah here you are! I''ve been looking for you since this morning with Krista, I stillhave your breakfast waiting for you at home. - Tchh get lost ! They are with me there, the embarrassers out ! - Say Gravic, we said that morning was for training and the afternoon with you at the forge. Do not get them when you want ! - They must catch up for yesterday! I waited for them and they did not come these idiotic bastards ! - Well, it looks like we''re going to have to reorganize our schedule " Nero said. - Nero is right. Between training, blacksmithing, helping the villageand reading lessons we risk being overwhelmed " Sig added. "- You stay silent ! Go back to your job freakin''idiots ! - Yes Master ! Krista arrived a little later. - You two you forge me daggers until they can cut an iron bar ! The two girls and I are going to discuss your schedule ! and the three went out of the forge. - I get the feeling we got stuck there without our word to say. -Well now i''m dead tired... Sig you can pass me the water gourd please? - Look, I''m in the same state you know, the flames seem to consume me a lot of energy and the "forging in the rules" is really tiring " After a moment Maria returned to the forge while the two young men began to strike with a hammer somethin iron plate to give them the appearance of daggers. "- Wa.. wait ... I''ll ... you show how to do ... Grandpa''s explanations are sometimes rough ..." she then took a hammer and showed them how to do it. "- Maria, do not make it too easy for them, they must learn by themselves, these two good-for-nothing! - Gravic wait, we have to explain to them what we have agreed. - humph yeah,go then. Krista then spoke: - We will work with a system of alternation, you will be in a different activity every time, this afternoon for example Sig will be with me to train in combat and Nero will be with Lucie for reading. The news of the help yesterday spread quickly so we asked the villagers to submit their requests to the chief who then will give them to you. Requests will pass first and the lesson they encroach on will be caught up later. This is your program, questions? - No, it''s good for me and you Nero? - I agree, too. - Perfect then go back to the job you spineless fools ! " Thusthey spent their life in the village, they trained in combat with Krista but soonshe ceased to be their trainer to be their training companion, taking advantage of them to practice as well. The same goes for Lucie and the magic practice, Nero quickly mastered the fundamentals and then helped his cousin secretly in the evening in the forest. The latter learned quickly to read and write and then they waited for the village to fall asleep so that Sig taught Nero what he learned. They brought a lot of help to the village, taking part in hunting to bring back meat, helping in the fields or repairing the houses. Gravic and Maria allowed them to master the artisanal forge fairly well. Their knowledge of their home world even made possible to create useful objects for the villagers, such as greenhouses for harvesting and wood-fired ovens and pipes for heating houses. Their lives went smoothly, at least until the arrival of a missive from the guild. A month had passed since their arrival in this new world, no danger had arisen and the cousins weredefenders only in title. But itinerant merchants passing through the village began to report attacks by bandits. The more the days went by, the more the attacks seemed to be coming closer to the village, according to the merchants. Towards the end of the warm season which the cousins considered as the summer but which bore the name of Solaris in this world, the chief summoned them with Krista and Gravic. They all found themselves in the meeting room in the chief''s house: "- Well everyone is here, please sit down, we must discuss about the recent attacks on the merchants on the roads. According to the reports of some regular merchants in our village, it would seem that these attacks are approaching our peaceful village. I am worried because the merchants who usually come at this time have still not come. - Excuse me, chief, but where do the merchants come from? - West. The merchants who told us these stories all come from the east, on the contrary. That is why the Duchy did not intervene elsewhere. "- Attacks are too close to the border, so sending soldiers is not possible," added Krista. " The tension between the two empires prevents any movements on the part ofeither one of the two when there is this type of attack on borders. "- So I''m afraid we''ll be left to ourselves." "- But chief, the bandits will not attack so far in the duchy anyway !" Nero said skeptically. "- Yes, indeed, the merchants allow us to live, they bring us objects that are necessary to us, or we exchange giant wood, to which thedemand is always important. - What do you propose then? - It''s not me who''s proposing, but the guild. I received a missive. She asks us to patrol the roads and make contact with the merchants. "But we''re only two, we''re not going to be very effective. - Three. We are three Sig, Krista looked at him with his steel eyes. - Yes, excuse me, you''re right. - Not quite, why not count me too ? The question came from Lucie. I''m not as gifted as you with a weapon but I master my magic and I''ve been training with Nero ! - Ah, I did not know Nero, said Sig smiling. - Yes, and indeed she defends herself well, and you know that she handles the magic of fire, and even that of earth, respond his cousin. - So I''m also able to do it. - Lucie it does not reassure medarling ... said the old chief - Grandfather, you must not treat me favorably because I am family, we must all help the village and the merchants who in the life of the village. - We''ll all be together, Krista reassured him. And Nero added behind: " and I''ll stay with her if it suits her " Lucie blushed a little. Sig had noticed that recently she and her cousin were close and itmade him smile gently. "- We will go on the main roads of the East of the village then we will divide into 2 groups. Nero and Lucie on one side and Krista and I on the other, is it ok for everyone ? Training and work are put on hold at the forge. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.- Humph it does not make me happy because we had to advance on the plans that you drew but those freakin'' shitbagof merchants are useful so... - Then it''s settled. I even suggest that we start now" Sig stood up and changed his outfit for the one he loved most : heavy fighting boots, wide pants for ample movements tucked into the boots and asleeveless top tight fit. Nerodid the same and made his dark set appear:a blue night cape and tight doublet as well as fine boot and straight pants. At his hip hung his favorite sword with the golden knob and the silver blade, Sig chose to made his weapons appear as a last resort, preferring to use his powerful body directly to strike. Lucie went to her room and came back with an outfit similar to that of the young mestizo: thin soft leather boots up to her knees, simple trousers with a belt from which hung several purses, a light shirt with leather pieceon her vital parts. She held in her hands a stick that Nero had worked at the forge with Maria to make it extremely resistant and light. Krista was already wearing her outfit: a long red tightcoat and closed at the chest with a shirt underneath, boots like Lucie''s and a tight black pants. Her weapon was a rapier that she kept at the waist like Nero. Once they were all ready, they set out on the eastern side of the village by the main road, so they traveled along the road all day, taking a break only at lunchtime, but nothing happened and neither merchants nor bandits appeared. "- I''m a little disappointed, I wasn''t hoping much but it''s boring to beat the campaign like that," Sig complained at dinner, " and what''s more we went pretty far away from the village. - You should not complain too much, it''s a good thing nothing happens and you know it, Krista growled. - I agree ... I was afraid when grandfather told me you were going to patrol because of bandits. - It''s nice Maria but we can defend ourselves. Well, we''ll be back tomorrow, I''d rather be at the forge ... " he sighed. "- Your attraction to the forge makes me wonder if it''s really because of your affinity with the fire or if there''s no other reason ..." Nero looked at Maria but Sig did not react which disappointed the young woman. As much as Nero and Lucie had become close as much Sig had been careful not to get close to Maria or Krista, preferring to focus on his training to avoid getting into a situation like the bath. But the two ladies did not make the task easier for him, surprising him when he washed himself or him when they changed or bathed. They finished their dinner and the girls went home, the cousins continued their routine : work their writing while waiting for the village to sleep to go to train in the forest. The next day went exactly the same way, patrolling the roads all day and practicing at night to understand and write the language of this world then night training. An entire week went on until one night after going to bed Sig awoke, a strange sensation forcing his senses to awaken. "- Nero, Nero wake up ! - Mmmh what ? I''m tired you know we do not sleep much with our nightly exercises. - I smell a burning smell. - You''re a walking flame, are you sure it''s not you ? - Thank you I know how to recognize my own flames ! And nowit''s something brought by the wind , I have a bad feeling. - It''s not the forge? - No !I''m there so often,you really think I do not recognize each of the village fires? - Seriously what are you ? What kind of beast are youto recognize "the smell of fires"? - Get dressed we''ll see. - Ok ok I''m coming ? They came out of their house and Sig hummed the air, "Looks like a hunting dog," Nero thought, but did not tell him. "- It comes from the East. - Seriously ? Ok the coincidence may be a little big. Should we warned theothers? - Not now, we first check the origin and afterwards we will notify them" They began to run on the road they had already borrowed so many times this week. Sig, his eyes inflamed with fierce determination, guided them through the hills and valleys following an invisible trail that he alone seemed to distinguish. Suddenly as they climbed up a small hill he froze almost to the top, Nero stopping abruptly beside him. "- What Lassi, did you heard Timmy in thewell ? - Shhh... it''s there, on the other side ... and does not compare me to a dog of such an old series !" Nero strained his ear and heard rattling fire sounds and people talking. The two of them crawled on the ground to the top and then saw the origin of the flames: a cart was the prey of a fire, a dead drega by his side and men gathering what had to be the products of the merchants. "- Sig ! Next to the drega ! Two people tied up. I think that the merchants are still alive !" But Sig was not listening, in his eyes were reflected the flames of the chariot but more deeply Nero saw that it was his own fire that madehis blood boil. The mestizosaid to himself that he had to act quickly before his cousin charged the bandits, so he watched the scene and came up with a semblance of plan. "- Sig .. Sig listen to me,we need to make a diversion so that we can sneak uptowards the wagon. The flames will hide us and we can save the merchants ! You heard? We''re saving the merchants. - Yes ... yes oksorryI was ... elsewhere. Pass somestones ! Many. - To do what ? - You know what volcanic bombs are ? - Yes a slag of halfsolid halfliquid rocks that explodes when it crashedon the ground during a volcanic eruption. - Exactly, I''ll make some by heating stones andan amalgam with it. The stones in the middle will be boiling and the ones outside will be cold and as soon as they are thrown I would heat them at a distance so that when it touches the ground they explode. That should make a proper diversion. I will go to the other side to attract them and you release the prisoners. " Nero looked at him slightly frightened, how his cousin came to think of this kind of use of his magic at such a time. Finally he expressed himself : "- Fine, hurrythen, ''cause I think the bandits have finished inventory ..." Sig disappeared in the night, leaving Nero watching the scene, the bandits laughed and congratulated themselves for their catchwhen suddenly the one who seemed to be the leader approached their prisoners and pulled out a dagger. "Shit Sig hurry up !" Nero thought as he got up, ready to go. Suddenly the sound of an explosion was heard on the other side of the bonfire. " - What is it ?! The chief yelled, turning to the origin of the explosion. Nero jumped up and walked to the flaming chariot like a shadow and then a second explosion was heard, closer. "- You two, go ! " Said the chief, pointing at two of his companions. The designated ones moved away but a new bomb exploded right in front of them, allowing Nero to join the two prisoners by taking advantage of the confusion. He detached one and just had enough time to see the fear in his eyes before turning around and seeing a sword fall on him. Sig had thrown two bombs when he saw two of the bandits walking towards him, his cousin stuck behind the burning wagon and the three other bandits still too close to him. He then threw one right in front of the two who were comingto see what was happening, then changed his position. The chaos he had created allowed Nero to join the prisoners but suddenly Sig saw one of the bandits skirting the wagon. " Oh no ! He''ll get caught !" He thought, with reason. He then darted directly to the place where the captives and his cousin were, but the chief of the banditsintervened, hissword drawn, which he raised above the head of the young man. He was faster and grabbed the man''s face with his right hand and pinned him to the ground, continuing his race while Nero had a sword on his own over his head. Sig was not going to arrive in time,so he madea knife appeard and threw it at the throat of the man who threatened the life of his cousin. The knife stabedin his opponent and Nero seized it to free the secondprisoner, Sig turned and dodged a sword that then failed to open his belly. "- Nero bringthem away!" Screamed Sig who dodged the assault of the third bandit while the other two helpedtheir leader. The young man succeeded in pushing back his opponent with a kick to the chest, sending him crashing alongside the other three. They pulled all their swords except one who drawhis bow and fired on Sig, forcing the latter to dive forward to avoid the projectile, but this allowed the other bandits to jump over, blades drawn. Nero suddenly appeared and blocked two of the assailants, but the chief succeeded in bringing down his sword to the young man who had thrown him to the ground. He managed to stop the blade by blocking it between his palms. "- Hinhin looks at who''s on the ground now," the bandit smiled. Sig then took a deep breath and spat out a flame in the face of his enemy, who screamed in pain and backed away, allowing him to strike him to free himself from him. Nero during this time had to manage the other two bandits while the latter was drawing his bow while waiting for an opportunity to shoot, but the cry of their leader and his flight made them hesitate for a second, allowing the cousins to regain the upper hand. Sig broke the archer''s weapon and Nero disarmed the last two, who then recovered their leader and fleed eastward. The latter cried: "- You''re going to pay for it ! We will come back to track you down you fuckin'' swine ! We''re gonna kill you and this shabby village! We spared you because you have nothing but now we willraze it to the ground, dirty cunt ! You hear me ?! We''ll burn you to the ground !" And his cries of suffering accompanied their disappearance into the night.