Festivities and a tournament

The night went peacefully. The next morning we headed out to participate in a tournament. Aktor didn't wish to attend so I decided to attend by myself. The first three rounds were easy enough but the fourth round was tough. The opponent was so fast, I could barely block his attacks, but with the assistance of magic, I managed to surprise him with a thunder rune I learned while training with Jane. After the fourth fight I made it to the semifinals.

Then there was a break, during which I asked Aktor for some tips, but he didn't seem quite keen on helping me. He said "In this tournament, you are meant to push through with your own strength. If you haven't watched the other competitors fight, then it is your loss if you don't try to counter them". I suppose he is right, but at least he could help a friend out.

When the announcement of the semifinals started to come out, it was my time to head to the arena. In the arena I saw a big beast of a man. He was showing off his muscles to the point he was almost naked. He was carrying an axe that was bigger and probably heavier than me.

- My name is Gregor the fearless! I come from the western island and I am the chief of military affairs! What is your name, little one!?

- Name is Nor. I defeated the old champion of Nearn, the hero king Joshua.

- That is quite a boast! I hope you are worthy of such a claim! Now, let us begin!

The round starts. The man charged at me with a speed I didn't expect so I was a little off guard. I somehow managed to dodge his downward smash that probably would have killed me.

- I thought there was no killing rule.

- But you dodged, didn't you! That just means you are worthy of the claim of a hero killer!

He raises his axe from the ground and starts swinging his axe horizontally.

- Come on! Are you planning on dodging forever!? Put up a fight!

He then smashes the axe to the ground so hard that it is stuck there for a second. This was my chance to strike. But the moment I swing my sword, I sense movement and I instinctively dodge. But then I noticed that he hadn't moved. It was a feint. He then pulls the axe from the ground.

- You have your instincts in order, but you need to get used to feints!

He then charges at me with his axe on his right side, ready to strike. I decided to do the thunder rune trick for him. It activates and he still keeps moving and swings his axe horizontally to his left.

- Don't think you can get me out by using such a small trick!

I get a scrape on my cheek as I dodge. He just keeps swinging and I can't see an opening. Then I decided to try to slow him down by using a frost rune that I poured all my magic to. It activates and I see him slow down for a moment. Then I strike. I managed only to scrape him with my sword, like his skin was tough as iron. Then he punches me and I go flying out of the ring. I can barely stand up and it is my loss.

After the round ended I was healed by a small girl in black cloak. No other people came to help me, but I heard whispering. I somewhat heard people say "If it's her then its okay". I could barely see her face as she was healing me. After my major wounds were healed, I heard Revon's voice coming from the crowd. After hearing his voice, she suddenly looks up and back down again and then leaves.

Then I'm helped to stand up with the help of Revon. After a moment he said.

- You're quite lucky to be healed by the witch of the south herself. Or unlucky, depending how you look at it.

- Is she famous or something?

- She is the South point. Among us points, she is one of the most... how do I say this?... harder to work with due to her being kind of a lonely wolf. She barely does her job of helping others and just gets rid of the problems by throwing money at people. Luckily she does her job if her ability is questioned, but then you're lucky if she ever helps you again.

- Then, why would she heal me?

- You seem to have caught her eyes. Oh, perhaps she... no that can't be... but if she does... oh, so cute. She is currently the youngest of all points and youngest to ever be appointed as point.

- And how old is she then?

- She is 16 years old, if I remember correctly. She might be 17 years old this year but I can't remember. She is going to be so pissed off if I can't remember.

After a while, I was put down to sit on a chair. Then I heard a loud but familiar voice coming this way.

- Hah hah haah! So you have the interest of the black fairy girl! Now that gets me even more excited to fight you!

- The fight is over, right?

- Sadly it is so, but no matter, we can cross heads some other time! Preferably in the near future!

- I hope that, by then, I'm strong enough to win the fight.

- That's the spirit! Now, if you excuse me, I have to prepare myself for the final match!

I saw him leave. Then I realize that I'm sitting on the stands. Well at least I get to see the final match. Then I ask Revon.

- Why aren't you in this tournament?

- Us points are forbidden to enter this duel, as we are sure to be in the finals. Though you don't need to worry, as me and Jean are going to have a match after the initial tournament. We are of course going to hold back our powers as much as we can, so that we don't break the entire arena.

- I look forward to it then.

The next and final round has started and Gregor was again telling the whole place who he was. His opponent was a woman in knight's armor. I know she is a woman, since I saw a glimpse of her getting into that armor a while ago, and her voice. She was holding rapier in an elegant way. She claimed to be Jessica Tearnof from the eastern islands and the trainer of new guards there.

Then the round started and Gregor charged the same way as he did in my match. Jessica dodged the smash with ease and then, in a blink of an eye, she pierced her rapier to Gregor's throat. Some blood came out but it didn't seem to be a deep wound. Gregor gave up the match to Jessica.

Then the crowd cheered for her in a loud manner. Then started the ceremony of handing the victor the price. She got a sword that was claimed to be forged from the obsidian that came out of a volcano. It was purely a ceremonial sword, but Jessica accepted it wholeheartedly.

And then the final show started. The fight between Revon and Jane. A battle between north and east. I couldn't wait. Then Revon started shouting.

- Uhm... Unfortunately Jane has not yet come here as promised so the match between points has been canceled!

What!? It's canceled!? I was looking forward to it.

- However, there is another person that could take Jane's place and have a match with me! If that is okay to you!

The crowd shouts "bring it on" or "if the guy is good" and so on in a positive way.

- You heard the crowd! Now come on down here Aktor!

Aktor jumps out from the crowd. He is going to fight? Now my interest is doubled.

- How long has it been Revon? 20 years?

- 23 years. And back then I was still but a child, but now with my experience, I think I can beat you.

- Just remember to not break the arena.

- Oh, I will try my best to hold back. But I can't say if I can keep my excitement in check. Materialize!

Suddenly a sword appears in front of Revon out of nowhere and he grabs it and gives a few swings as he prepares to battle.

- I'm ready.

- So am I.

It starts. In a blink of an eye, both charge at each other and collide in the middle of the arena. The shockwave is felt in the stands as their weapons cross each other. Then in a moment they strike each other again with shockwaves coming to the stands yet again.

- They really are going at it.

- What?

I looked and I saw the South point sitting right next to me.

- I didn't know you were there.

- As you shouldn't. I was using a spell that made me invisible.

- Oh, thanks for the healing by the way.

- It was no problem.

- But why did you come healing me if the healers here could have come instead?

- Thats...

Then a louder shockwave comes from the arena. The strikes keep on coming as the audience struggles to keep their eye on them. They just keep moving so fast that it is hard to see them. Then Revon asks.

- Are you taking this seriously?

- If that is what you want.

- Don't make it easy on me.

- As you wish.

Then the strikes could be heard in rapid succession as the eyes of a normal person can't keep up on their movements. I somehow managed to gather from a few glimpses that Revon was mainly on the defensive as Aktor kept attacking him. After a few seconds of this, we saw Revon being launched to the sea that was behind the stands. We waited for a while for him to return. When he came back he said while out of breath.

- It's my loss... If he would have aimed at my vitals instead of my weapons, I would have been a goner.

After hearing that Aktor came to help him stand and said.

- 20 years ago, you would have died from that. This time we are lucky that we have a body of water right next to us.

- If it had come to it, you would have saved me when I would have hit the ground.

- That may be so.

Both of them smiled a bit as they looked at each other until a healer came to check out if Revon was okay.

- Wait, South point.

I didn't see her anywhere. She must've left when my attention was on the match. I went to congratulate Aktor, who just said.

- There wasn't a competition. We just had a sparring match and I came on top.

With the tournament over, the festival had my full attention now. There were many things that were made in different clans. But then I saw something interesting. A stall that was represented by some company named Havi. They had some stuff that I've never seen anywhere else, not that it takes much.

They had some weird mechanical contraptions that did some things. I decided to look a bit closer.

- Hey customer, want to experience a tattooing that can boost your abilities?

- Boost my abilities? How does that work?

- We just put some liquified manacrystals on the ink and then put it onto your skin in a special fashion.

- Interesting, how much does it cost?

- At least 1200 lux.

- Well that is what you would expect. Do you actually get customers?

- Somewhat. There are people who know that they can't get technology from Ikujää just like that, so they jump at the opportunity to take it when they can.

- You are from Ikujää? I thought that your people don't want to export your technology.

- Exactly. That is why this is such a rare opportunity. So will you be our customer or not?

- I only have 1500 lux left on me. Well, why not. It is such a rare opportunity after all.

- Great choice, so here are our options.

He hands me a tablet that contains the prices. One of the more pricier ones cost 3500 lux. I chose a strengthening tattoo on my left hand that costs 1200 lux.

- Would you like something that would make your hand warmer, as a bonus?

- How much will it cost?

- 200 lux on top of the 1200 lux for the strengthening one.

- So that leaves me with only 100 lux. I think I pass. How much would it cost if you put a small mana container? It says that you can put it in already existing ones.

- That would be 1600 lux in total, but with you I will drop it to 1500 lux.

- Hhm...

I don't know if I will necessarily need it. But what if I need it? The strengthening tattoo is only a lower level and will do only minor changes.

- How will it be?

- I take the mana containing tattoo as well.

I ended up taking it.

- Good choice. Even if you don't rely on magic very much, once your mana runs too low, it can be an end to a person. Up in Ikujää, there are magical beasts that drain your mana and it would be devastating to lose all your mana. But with a mana container, the mana that is lost can be quickly restored.

- That is something I didn't consider. I only thought that it would be painful to lose for the lack of mana.

- Well, a complete lack of mana happens if you use certain techniques. But with regular use, you won't necessarily see it. Well then let us start.

I take off my shirt and sit on a bench that is attached to some machine. The tattoo guy starts controlling some needles that are part of the machine.

- Oh yeah, this might be a little painful.

- Don't worry. I can take it.

Then an immense pain started to form in my left hand. It was more painful than I have ever experienced. Then, after an hour of pain, it was over.

- Done, you took it like a champ.

- T-thanks.

A familiar voice is heard.

- So you decided to paint your arm, eh.

It was Revon.

- Didn't expect to see you guys here, guess things are looking better if you can come here.

- Yes it has. Though there is no exporting of any technology, things like this are allowed to be sold.

- Let me see... Hhm... Wouldn't it have been easier to do it like this.

Revon starts using the needles and the pain resumes.

- Oh, I didn't think of that! As expected of a North point.

- Now, if you do it like this, the circuits can be done in a smaller yet efficient way.

- I see, well I can't redo it with the money I received.

- I can pay the costs. Let's do a full body overhaul while we are at it.

- Yes. With your guidance, we can make amazing tattoos.

- Oh, you have to call them tattoos here. Well, what's done is done. What do you say Nor? It is more painful than it is to get a normal tattoo.

They both look at me expectantly.

- Do whatever you like.

Then I had a 5 hour long experience with pain. At least I get more powerful with this and that the pain I experience overruns the cold.

After the most painful 5 hours of my life was done, I could barely move. Then I heard a familiar voice.

- So you look like that now, fascinating.

It was the South point.

- Hey, South point. What is your name?

- Stella, Stella Valkyrie. And you are Nor.

- Right, I introduced myself in the match. Now, while you are still here and I am still conscious after all this pain, why did you heal me?

- Thats...

Then the guy who did my tattoos says.

- Oh right, the tattoos we put on you now heal you automatically.

- Will you shut up.

That was Revon.

- Now you were saying?

- That's... Because you have a pretty soul.

- Oh, a pretty soul. Wait what?

- I have the ability to see forms of spirits and souls. Yours is one that looks the prettiest out of all humans out there. I find you fascinating.

- Well I have a guy that you might get along with. Want to talk to him?

- If he knows more facts about you, then sure.

I call Lex over.

- Well, this is my friend Lex and he is...

- You fool, my name isn't just Lex. My name is Timkrötús Iv Lexonor O Ter Taican and I am a master of the mages tower in Taican. People that I approve of may call me Lex, but you may call me Lexonor or Master.

Everyone is silent. Then Stella says.

- My name is Stella Valkyrie, Master Lexonor, and I'm South point.

- Greetings... Valkyrie huh, sounds familiar.

- Well there is my big sister Elisia Valkyrie who is famous for her swordsmanship.

- No, that wasn't it. Perhaps your ancestor. What was her name again?

- You mean Bryndhild Valkyrie?

- Yeah, that's her!

- But she has been dead for 1200 years. Are you that old?

- Oh I'm much older. Bryndhild, right. She was a tough one to deal with. I'm sure she would have liked Aktor. Where is he anyways?

- You mean the spear guy who fought Revon? He went to look at the rocks of the local demigod.

- Oh, he is doing that. Demigod in the northern islands of Ihm. That does bring back memories.

Revon asks.

- Do you have memories from that time?

- Yes. It was 1630 years ago when I had to come and deal with the dragon lord and this demigod fight's aftermath. I had to raise this land back up with magic for the five's sake.

Stella asks.

- You did that with magic? How much was the ground under the sea, and how large of an area it was.

- If memory serves me right, it was about the size of this festival area and the town nearby.

- That must have been so much work.

- It wasn't that it was much work, it just required a lot of mana... well perhaps it was a lot of effort.

- Did you add more ground or did you just move it upwards?

- Both were required.

- You are amazing.

- So I've been told. Yet I still believe that it is the others that lack the skills. They could do so much more if they just put their mind to it.

- Yes, then I must train harder.

Revon puts in.

- I don't think you should add any more to your training. You are barely contributing as a point.

- But, what do you think?

She looks at me.

- Me?

- Yes, you. Do you think I should train more?

- Well... I think that it is important to train.

- Yes, and?

- But since you also have your duties as a point, you have to put some time into that.

- So?

- I think you should train as you do now, but still remember to fulfill your duties as a point. That's what I think.

- Oh, but then I never achieve what Master Lexonor has.

- He is an ancient elf that has lived thousands of years. You and I are both humans who live at best to a hundred. Human to human, I don't think you can ever achieve what he has with that much time.

- Hhm... If you say so. Then I will return to my duties and look around the area for troublemakers.

Revon states.

- I can come with you. It is much more fun with someone else.

- Whatever you want.

They both leave and Lex teleports back to his tower saying.

- While it was an interesting experience to see a descendant of Brynhild Valkyrie, I still would have liked to know beforehand. I have things to experiment on and papers to read.

And so he vanished. I went to see Aktor who was sitting on top of the demigod's rocks.

- What are you doing!?

- I'm watching to see if anything will happen! Tur did say that there might be something happening here!

- I think you should come down! People here are looking at you with malcontent and I think someone will call a guard here soon!

- Fine, I come down!

He dives to the water. The rocks are quite high, so it was a long dive. Then he swims here with his clothes all wet.

- Then, what now?

- We should find a place to put your clothes to dry up.

- I'm fine with little water.

- You are going to catch a cold with that.

- I have done this for years and rarely have I caught a cold.

- It's your health that will suffer.

- Fine, let's go find a place.

We looked around and we found a place called a sauna. We went there and Aktor changed some clothes there. Don't know where he got them from. We would come collect his clothes the next day as the owner of the sauna was okay with it.

We went back to an inn and went to sleep. I had some difficulty sleeping thanks to my tattoos, or "circuits'' I guess, that was what Revon called them.