Flawed (2)

Malcom listened with interest. He did not expect Albert to act like a fanboy when talking about Jonah. Albert's eyes were gleaming brightly while he continued to speak about Jonah's achievements.

The Virtue's past was like a 'pauper to riches' story, manly style.

"I understand. So he was weak, and he became the strongest… inspiring," Malcom said with some cynicism in his voice but then looking at Jess, he added as he moved around the kitchen, "And why do they call you the flawed?"

Albert sighed before he spoke, "Well, each of the members has a flaw that should not let us use our specialties! But we do it anyway, and we are strong!" He explained as if he really wanted Malcom to believe him.

Malcom hummed before looking at the girl curiously. "And how does her problem affect her magic?"

"She is a sorceress," Albert replied with a bitter smile.

Malcom's eyes widened, and he looked at the young woman with a questioning gaze.

She tilted her head before nodding. Jess was mute, not deaf.

When she confirmed what Albert had said, Malcom surprise was even more clear than the food he was preparing. It took a while for him to get a hold of himself, and the food almost burned.

He hurriedly turned off the stove and prepared the food for three people. Malcom approached and put the plate in front of her.

Malcom was standing in front of her for a while before he awkwardly spoke, "How... I mean, the sorceress has to recite their spells. How is it possible...?"

But the smiling young woman with her index finger used her magic to write in the air a phrase that dictated: 'Nothing is impossible friend!'

She grinned at him before starting to eat.

Malcom could not believe what he witnessed. He was still dumbfounded, even when the girl was almost done with her food.

"Did you think that only you had a difficult life?" Albert suddenly asked while looking at Malcom seriously.

Malcom looked at him, still in surprise at another moment that comment would have offended him but not at that one.

"All the members of Jonah's squad are very powerful, but what unites us all are our flaws. We all had to overcome difficulties," Albert added with a cocky smile before he returned to eating his food.

Malcom frowned. He then stared at Albert suspiciously. How can the eldest son from the Sonfild family, one of the richest and most prominent families out there, have a flaw?

"What did you have to overcome?" Malcom ends up asking doubtfully.

Albert smirked. He was used to people thinking that his life had been extraordinary with all his father's money. How could it always be the case?

Just a handful of people knew that Albert also had to face enormous problems that would even haunt him for the rest of his life.

"I hope you never have to see my flaw, boy," he said seriously, with eyes narrowed at Malcom, as if a silent warning.

Malcom nodded. He understood that a man wanted to keep things to himself. With a smile, he felt like these people somehow understood the load he had to carry.

He sat down to eat with them. "I hope to meet the others soon," Malcom could not help but mutter.

Jess suddenly looked at him. She shook her head then made a sign with her hands.

"Everyone except Clare!" Albert said, voicing out her silent message.

Malcom looked at Skyler's brother in confusion. "Why not?"

"You better don't meet her yet... you are not ready. You could die," he said seriously, and Jess nodded her head quickly.

Malcom looked at them with a surprised and questioning stare. However, the two ignored him and went back to continue eating quietly.

The day passed calmly, and his two protectors returned to their mission stealthily.

Malcom walked casually to the stadium where his next battle would take place.

The people on the street greeted him warmly. And the closer he got to the stadium, the more people wanted to wish him luck and cheer him on. It was a feeling he had never had.

As he entered the gym, the other participants gave him a look of clear curiosity.

Ben noticed him. He then approached him to shake his hand. Malcom received his friend with a smile.

At that moment, Skyler hit his shoulder from behind.

"Hello, Sky," Malcom greeted as well.

She grinned before speaking with confidence, "Today, I plan to clear my name. I'll win. You'll see!"

Malcom nodded and, looking at Ben, said, "I think you already know each other, don't you? Skyler, this is my best friend, Benjamin."

Skyler and Ben shook hands as the boy said, "Yes, I've already met her. I wish you luck today!"

Skyler looked at him calmly and said, "You are the ice mage, right? You look very different today than when we fought..."

Ben opened his eyes in surprise, and smirking, he said, "I'm sorry, it's just that when I fight sometimes, I get carried away."

At that moment, one of the organizers appeared. "Alright, guys, we'll start in half an hour. The first match will be between Baxter and Skyler. Please get ready in your locker room!"

Skyler looked at Baxter in the distance. He returned his opponent's look smugly. Baxter was acting like he already won before the fight even began.

'Strange,' Skyler thought to herself. Suspicion was planted in her heart.

"If that useless Marked could beat her, you won't have a problem, man!" Chass suddenly said out of nowhere. He was Malcom's opponent.

Baxter's gaze shifted towards Malcom, with an arrogant smile as if taunting.

Malcom hated the word Marked.

Still, he could identify a provocation when he saw it and looking at Skyler he put his hand on the young woman's shoulder before speaking coldly, "One hit is what you need."

Skyler looked at him gratefully and said, "Watch my fight, Malcom! We are friends, but I still have to settle things with you. I will show you what you have taught me!"

Malcom felt cold rising up his back when he noticed Skyler's determined eyes.

It was as if her entire being was burning. She was exerting a pressure that no one would be able to ignore, even when Skyler was only walking towards the stage.

The second round of the tournament was about to begin.