strange abilities

As they made their way back to the house, Trevor and Devine were weighed down with worry, their faces grim. Resistance meant death. And fleeing wasn't an option either; if they were caught trying to escape, they knew they'd beg for death before the end. The Karta soldiers weren't just ruthless—they were experts in torture.

Just then, two figures approached them, and Garmond and Devine recognized one of them immediately. It was the old woman Garmond had helped the other day.

"Hey, you three!" The old woman's voice was weak and raspy, as though each word was a struggle.

"Good day, ma'am. What can we do for you?" Trevor replied, his tone curt and slightly dismissive. Immediately, Devine nudged him sharply, shooting him a fierce glare. With her around, Trevor always had to mind his manners.

"I think you'll be needing my help," the old woman said, her eyes glinting with a strange understanding. "To take care of your mother."

Both Trevor and Devine were taken aback, their eyes wide with shock. How could she know about their mother? The realization hit Trevor like a hammer—had she been spying on them?

"How do you know about our mother?" Trevor asked, his voice suddenly sharp with suspicion.

The old woman chuckled, her laugh quickly turning into a hacking cough. "You forget my grandson here," she said, motioning to the young boy standing beside her. It was only then that Garmond and the others really took notice of him. His face was familiar, and Devine suddenly recognized him.

"That's the boy who sells us Mother's medicine," she said, surprised.

They hadn't recognized him at first because he'd grown since the last time they bought medicine for their mother. It had been nearly a year since they'd had enough money to afford the herbs, and even then, the medicine barely kept their mother's illness from worsening.

The old woman nodded. "Yes. He's my grandson. I make those herbal remedies, and I've always wondered who was buying so much. My grandson told me about your situation."

The siblings exchanged uncertain glances. Then, the woman continued, "I also noticed that you're all within the age group the Karta's are taking. My grandson is still too young, so he'll be staying behind."

Trevor blinked in disbelief as the old woman's meaning dawned on him. Was she offering to help?

"I can take care of your mother while you're gone," the old woman offered, her voice gentle but firm. "It's the least I can do."

Devine's eyes filled with gratitude, her greatest worry melting away. "Thank you so much!" she squealed, barely restraining herself from running over to hug the old woman.

"Ah, it's nothing, dear," the old woman said, now looking directly at Garmond. "Your friend here saved me yesterday. If it weren't for him, I would've collapsed from exhaustion and might not have survived. This is my way of repaying that kindness."

Garmond smiled, nodding quietly in acknowledgment.

"And as a bonus," the old woman added, "I'll make sure your mother gets all the herbs she needs, free of charge."

Trevor and Devine were stunned into silence. It had been years since they'd experienced such kindness from anyone. Ever since their mother had fallen ill, life had been a struggle. Trevor had been chopping wood and selling branches since he was ten, just to put food on their table. Devine, five at the time, had helped in any way she could. But as time passed, their income had dwindled, and now they were barely scraping by.

"Th-thank you," Trevor stammered, the word feeling foreign on his tongue. It wasn't often he had cause to say it, and this time it was more heartfelt than ever.

"It's nothing, boy," the old woman said with a chuckle. "Now, go quickly. The Karta's will be back soon."

Trevor nodded, and with that, he and Devine hurried inside to gather the few belongings they could take with them. Garmond, however, lingered outside. He had nothing to pack, having arrived in this world with only the clothes on his back.

"You, boy," the old woman called to him. "Is there nothing you wish to bring along?"

"Oh," Garmond said, pulled from his thoughts. He had been lost in watching Trevor and Devine's relief. "No, nothing really…"

The old woman tilted her head curiously but said nothing more.

Suddenly, Garmond remembered something. Without another word, he dashed off toward the forest where he had first appeared in this strange new body.

The old woman watched him go, bemused. "What a peculiar boy…"

"Yeah," her grandson muttered, nodding.

Garmond made his way through the underbrush, retracing his steps to the place where he had first awoken in this new form. He pushed through the bushes and soon spotted it: the great golden sword lying on the ground, gleaming even in the shade.

He rushed toward it and grabbed the hilt. "Now for the tricky part," he muttered, tugging at the massive blade. Despite his best efforts, it was too heavy for him in his current form.

"If only it were smaller and lighter," Garmond grumbled, frustration growing with every failed attempt.

As if in response, the sword suddenly glowed brightly. A soft buzzing sound followed, and to Garmond's astonishment, the sword began to shrink until it was the size of a pocket knife.

"What... I never knew it could do that." He stared at the sword, dumbfounded. In all his years wielding the blade, he had never realized it had such an ability. He knew it boosted his battle prowess and made him a faster learner in swordsmanship, but this—this was new.

Pleased with his discovery, he pocketed the sword and hurried back to the house. When he arrived, Trevor and Devine were already waiting for him.

"Where did you run off to?" Trevor asked, suspicion lacing his voice. He still didn't trust Garmond entirely.

"Just... needed to relieve myself," Garmond lied, offering a weak smile.

Before Trevor could respond, the thunderous voice of the Karta commander echoed through the village.

"Time's up!"