Chương 158: The Strongest in Aqareth

Ethan slowly advanced toward Ravetrisk, his sword clenched tightly in his fist. A vein throbbed on his forehead with rage, while his eyes remained cold, filled with hatred. His lips were still stained with Ravetrisk's blood after he had bitten his fingers off. Ravetrisk stared at him and suddenly felt his legs trembling. An uncontrollable fear overcame him.

That look reminded him of his old slave master whenever he made a mistake—the same look of someone who wanted to kill him, as though his life had absolutely no value and he could be replaced at any moment.

"Are you afraid?" Ethan asked, continuing to advance.

"Good. You should be". Dozens of his subordinates suddenly burst into the corridor, swords and other bladed weapons in hand.

"Boss! Are you all right?" one of them shouted. Ravetrisk slowly backed away and hid behind them.

"Kill him!" he screamed.

"Kill him and burn his corpse!"

"Understood, Boss!" they replied in unison, advancing toward Ethan. Ethan tightened his grip on the sword without taking his eyes off Ravetrisk.

"I'll find you…wherever you go". Ravetrisk ignored him and hurried away, returning to his room. He began pacing back and forth until he suddenly stopped and stared at his wounded hand.

"You seem rather agitated", a voice said. Ravetrisk looked up at the mirror. His reflection was watching him.

"I'm not agitated", he growled.

"Oh, yes, you are. Very much so. It's been a long time since you felt fear like this…not since you were a slave".

"Shut up", Ravetrisk hissed.

"It's my body reacting, not my mind. I'm not afraid of that slave. I'm stronger than him".

"You are, and yet the child you once were makes you believe otherwise".

"That child is dead". The reflection laughed.

"You don't even believe that yourself. That sweet little child, full of hope, is still alive inside you. But you're right: that child should be dead. Killed by the slavers who treated you like an object. Only the adult version of you should remain now…the leader of every slaver in Aqareth". Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Ravetrisk stared at his reflection.

"What should I do?"

"Do you remember what the other solution was, besides pretending to be somewhere else, when we were children?"

"The other solution? When we rebelled?" The reflection smiled.

"Good. Exactly. When we stabbed that slave master two hundred times. When we seized our freedom ourselves instead of waiting for someone to come and save us. You are strong, Ravetrisk. The strongest man in Aqareth. Prove it". Ravetrisk swallowed.

"I am…but he's very angry. Just like I was when I rebelled".

"And aren't you angry too?" the voice shot back.

"Do you think that anger disappeared? That you no longer feel it? Do I have to remind you what they did to you? How the entire world abandoned you, leaving you to do everything yourself just to survive?" Ravetrisk's hands slowly stopped trembling. His expression changed. His eyes became cold and hard. He had never been able to rely on anyone. He had always been forced to do everything himself, even winning his own freedom. And he would continue to do so. He remained silent for several seconds.

"No…" he finally said.

"You don't". He bent down, drew his sword with his uninjured hand, and stared at his reflection.

"Thank you". Then he left the room with renewed anger and determination. At the inn, Abrafo glared at Felicity and the others.

"Bastards", he growled.

"You'll die for the rumors you've spread". Makena crossed her arms.

"Are you sure about that? You're big and strong, but you're alone. Look at how many of us there are". Abrafo gave a faint smile.

"So what? Could a hundred worms kill one man? I don't think so". Felicity stood up and stepped forward.

"I'll be enough to kill you. Let's go outside". Abrafo approached her.

"You're very confident. And I see you have two swords as well. If you want to be the first to die, I'll be happy to oblige". The two stared at each other, ready to clash, but Elion stepped between them.

"No. I'll do it". Felicity stared at her.

"You? Why?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Elion said, pointing at Abrafo.

"He's enormous. And he's probably slow. And what did I tell you about my technique?"

"That it's fast", Felicity replied. Elion shook her head.

"No. It's extremely fast. Perhaps the fastest of them all. I'll show you why speed is everything in combat". Abrafo grinned.

"It doesn't matter which one of you fights me. You're just two frail, slender girls. I'll kill you before you even realize what's happening".

"Frail girls, huh?" Elion drew her saber.

"Let's make a deal, big man, since you're so proud of yourself. If I defeat you in a duel, you'll tell us where your hideout is".

"And why would I do that?"

"Oh, so you don't think you can beat me…I knew it. Beneath all those muscles, there's nothing but an insecure man". Abrafo clenched his fists.

"Damn you…insecure, me?"

"Well, yes. Otherwise you wouldn't be afraid of the consequences. Which means you think losing to me is a possibility".

"Fine, you insolent girl. If you really manage to beat me, I'll tell you. That will only give me more reason to kill you as quickly as possible".

"Good…then let's go outside. I want to see exactly how you'll do it", Elion replied. They left the inn. Abrafo drew his two short swords and assumed an open, aggressive stance. Elion raised her saber to eye level and lowered her center of gravity, bending her knees. The two stared at each other. The duel was about to begin.