Chapter 29: Frustrated

Twilight Initiator(S), Zed, Son of the Shadows, Shadow

Imperial Calendar: Year 1596, Month 4, Day 4

City of Valenwood, North of the Imperial Territory

A total of 7 broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder, my right hand completely shattered... bruises across my chest, arms, and forearms, my head bandaged, my whole body in pain... lying in what seems to be my room, I stare at the ceiling. It was brutal, as if she wanted to kill me... utterly cruel and ruthless. That was the impression I got of her when she dueled me... but at the same time, her movements and mastery of the sword were marvelous, beautiful, and elegant, totally different from anything I had seen before.

Feeling a sharp pain in my ribs, I clench my teeth. I didn't think a wooden sword could hurt so much, to the point of breaking and fracturing bones... she was not gentle with me. After taking a tremendous beating from her, she sat on the ground while watching me.

-You don't know how to use a sword, do you?

Is she seriously asking me that now? It wouldn't have bothered me if she had asked moments ago, before I ended up in this state, with blood coming from my mouth.

-No, it's the first time I've faced anyone.

It was true, completely true. I thought my father's training would help me in some way. I was totally wrong and naive. I couldn't even see her movements; she was extremely fast and skilled. I was completely exposed, and that's how I ended up in this state. Sighing, I feel frustrated. I can't believe that a young girl who at first glance seems so delicate and shy has left me in such a pitiful state. It's something new to me. And it's something I definitely don't like.

What happened yesterday made it very clear that I am extremely weak, an ant compared to Cristina.

After leaving me half-dead, she silently left the training room, leaving me lying on the ground. Seconds later, I heard footsteps. Looking towards that side, it was the nobleman.

-She was very excited. I think she went too far. Sorry about that.

-It's my fault, so don't apologize.

-You have great resilience. If it were another boy, he would surely be crying in pain or would have fainted after the first hit from my daughter's sword. I'm telling you this because it has happened before... that boy was on the brink of death for a few days... I was pleasantly surprised to see you endure my daughter's hard hits for half an hour. Congratulations on that.

Is he mocking me? Really? How hateful. I feel very angry right now. This is not funny at all. My whole damn body hurts. If I were a normal boy, I'd be in worse shape... I suppose that's a point for me, not being human after all. But still, seeing his mocking smile, my frustration only grows...

-Don't be like that. You just need to practice and improve. I'm surprised you don't know how to use the dagger you had the first time I saw you. I thought you would know how to use it, considering you managed to get out of the Shadow Forest.

-I simply appeared in that place. I don't remember anything after that.

Lies in truths, a good way to communicate if you don't want them to know your true feelings. Moreover, it's half-truth and half-lie, a good card to play.

-I managed to get out of the forest thanks to a map I had in my pocket.

The nobleman pondered for a few seconds.

-Quite unsettling. Do you suffer from amnesia or something similar?

-You could say that, but it doesn't bother me much. The only thing I knew was that I was alone.

It's a lie. I have a sister who is supposed to be alive right now, and she's supposed to be in the next city. I have to go at the request of the real Zed. I could easily refuse, but for what? Besides, he is my own shadow. I'm in his body. You have to be considerate of your benefactors. He is very helpful. You could say he is the person I trust the most right now. We are the same person, you could say.

-Well, as I said, you can stay here and try to win my daughter's favor. Good luck.

With those words, the nobleman left...

Aren't you going to help me? I have wounds all over my body. I can't move. The floor is cold and hard. I'd like to lie down. That bastard left... lying alone on the floor, I close my eyes. I'm tired. Since I can't move, it's better to stay here until most of the accumulated pain subsides.

After spending the night, I managed to reach my room. Right now, I'm still lying down.

-I have work to do, but for now, it's better to stay in bed.

First things first, I need to learn to use a weapon. I can't use my fists. It's absurd. So, I have two options: sword or dagger... No, actually, I only have one available option, the sword. No one knows how to use a dagger in this house. The sword, on the other hand, has someone very capable in this house, Cristina. But there's also the possibility that she might refuse to teach me. I don't have much time either. I need at least a minimum knowledge to defend myself.

But before that, I need to heal my body. This morning, the nobleman came and left a small bottle on a table. I asked him about it, and he said it was a potion to heal my wounds. According to him, he didn't give it to me yesterday so I could get used to the pain...

Closing my eyes, it's time to enter my soul sea.

The moment I opened my eyes, a familiar place came into view. The whole place was covered in shadows with no light. At the highest point of my soul, a black sun was shining, and beyond, sitting in the cold waters, there were two people...

Approaching the two of them, I sat down silently.

At the top of my soul, there were words shining like starlight. There were new things without a doubt.