Chapter 171: Abiding Strife (2/2)

The beastman went first, taking a big swig from his cup. ”What the hell is with this sweetness? It's like someone distilled fruit juice down to its base elements then added bubbles.”

”Tasty.” Was Tal's written reply.

”Not bad, although it seems a little intense. Were we supposed to cut it with water to reduce its potency?” Sera asked curiously, probably drawing from her knowledge of proper noble etiquette when it came to certain kinds of alcoholic beverages.

Mike laughed. ”Nah, it's meant to be served with food. If I ever get my pizza summoning spell to work, then we'll really be in business.”

With the mood lightened, they started talking about the events of the day, and Mike showed off his book purchases. This immediately caught the attention of Tal, who asked to look through the spellbooks. He obliged, although it left him with some questions.

He knew she made use of Elemental Magic through the use of contracted spirits, somehow. However, the chants she used were somehow different from the ones he'd been learning. He would have to ask about it sometime when she wasn't distracted.

Sera took an interest in the hunting guide, and curled up into one of the lavish armchairs to read it. From the looks of it, the evening was shaping up to be a quiet one.

”You got a minute?” Brenden asked quietly, before nodding his head towards the door.

[Spoke too soon, I suppose.]

”Sure.” Mike followed him outside, and along one of the campus paths towards the Martial Arts Department. Something in his friend's demeanor told him that this wasn't going to be another late night heart to heart conversation.

”So, what's on your mind, Brenden?”

The beastman glanced back. ”Well, I heard about your duel, and it got me thinking.”

”Oh?”

”Yeah. From the sounds of it, you fought on par with one of the Eternal Blades without relying on magic, and the only time you had any problems was when your opponent used his aura.” Brenden answered while looking forward. ”I was interested in seeing just how far you'd progressed since the last time we fought. I want to know how much farther I'd fallen behind.”

For a few moments, there was only the sound of their boots crunching along the gravel pathway.

Brenden spoke again soon after. ”You know, when I first saw the elves that were chasing us, for a moment, I was sure we were done for. I'd heard stories about the Eternal Blades, how they were virtually unbeatable when they got in close. How they could move and fight with such incredible speed that normal warriors helpless before them. Then the captain started speaking about the comrade you had defeated, and it became clear to me that not only had you beaten one of these legendary warriors in single combat, but that you did it in such a manner that you actually offended their pride.”

Mike wasn't quite sure how to reply. He knew Brenden saw himself as his rival, but with everything going on lately, he had really thought about it much.

The beastman rounded on him, something like desperation written on his face. ”Tell me truthfully, Mike, did you hold back during your duel?”

”I…did. There were too many observers. I didn't want to reveal my full strength in front of them.”

”Hahaha.” Brenden started laughing darkly. ”Of course you had the option of keeping some of your cards hidden. Of course you had the leisure to chose the level of power you wanted to reveal.” He turned and continued walking. ”Come on. We're nearly there.”

Mike followed him to the secluded training yard, already sensing that this situation wasn't going to end well. He took up his place across from his friend, and made a last ditch effort to steer the course of events away from the coming confrontation.

”We don't have to do this, Brenden.”

The beastman shook his head with gritted. ”No, I need to know. You've been avoiding this for weeks, but I can't wait anymore.” He drew his sword, and took his stance.

Resigning himself, Mike rubbed the back of his head. ”What do you want from me?”

”I want you to fight me without holding back!” Came the growled response.

”Is that really what you want?” Mike asked sadly.

”Yes! Show me!” Brenden yelled as he shifted into his atavistic werewolf form and launched himself into an attack.

[Fine.]

Mike raised a hand and reached out with his will.