After taking care of the Wendigo, I asked Uncle if we could go collect the bounty that was placed on it. But he refused promptly, remarking, "We shouldn't take rewards for killing." His voice was firm, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. He was right, I suppose. After all, the Wendigo was once human. After some time, it began to fade back into its original body, the fresh smell of the corpse radiated in the air, hitting our noses suddenly. That, all in all, made things worse since I had just taken a human's life. Whether it was a monster or not, it had a soul, a name, a past, and now I had to come to terms with the fact that I had put it out of existence.
"Hey, Lucius, how did you know that my light infused with that sword would work on that thing?"
The question caught me off guard, and hesitantly, I replied, "I just improvised." My voice was strained, my attempt at nonchalance not quite convincing.
Darius could tell straight away that I was lying through my teeth. His eyes narrowed, a mix of suspicion and determination in his gaze. "You're hiding something, and I don't know what, but I'll find out sooner or later." His tone was flat but carried an undercurrent of threat.
Was that supposed to be a threat? Now, my own twin was trying to intimidate me by indirectly stating he'd be analyzing me from now on. In a video game or a series, I would have been praised for the stunt I just pulled off. But once again, I had to realize that these people are human and sentient, and I'm not in some personal paradise. Coming to terms with that has been eye-opening because, at first, I was arrogant. I thought this was my story, that I was given a second chance to change things and that the people of this world would oblige my every request.
But it's never that easy. Deep down, I knew, and I'm glad because it gives more meaning to this existence I have. Sometimes things don't go my way, and if they did, what would be the purpose of actually trying? Well, that's how I look at things, anyway.
Uncle glanced at me with confusion. "What's with that smile, kid? You're creeping me out." His voice was a mix of irritation and concern.
Man, I really need to stop spacing out like that. I look like such a weirdo, especially near a dead corpse. It makes me look like a serial killer or something.
"Just thinking about old memories, Uncle Constantine." I tried to sound casual, but my awkward smile didn't help.
"Think about that later. We need to give him a proper burial." Uncle's tone was decisive, with an air of solemn duty.
This guy was a monster a few minutes ago. Why in the hell would we give him a proper burial? I swear, the customs of this world baffle me sometimes.
Uncle unloaded his rucksack, it contained a shovel. He began to dig with a focused determination, while Darius and I carried the corpse. We tossed him in there and waited for Constantine to finish burying him. We waited and waited, and at last, it was time to go. The snowy terrain worsened as we set off to head back to our temporary home. Graupel began to rain down on us, prickling on my face. Man, I missed the feel of soft hail.
Eventually, we were able to safely make it back to the inn. The smell of liquor and sweat permeated throughout the enclosed space. It was something I had gotten used to, but that didn't mean I didn't hate it with a passion. Darius and I took off our sheepskin cloaks and the undergarments underneath. Finally, we could sit back and relax in the warmth and comfort of our room.
"I saw your face back there, the hint of hesitation after you realized what you had done. Remember that thing was a monster, an abomination of nature. Don't think twice about exterminating it." Darius voice was stern and cold.
I tried to lighten the mood. "Easy for you to say. You weren't the one who killed that thing." My tone was light, but there was a touch of bitterness.
But he looked at me with determination in his eyes. "If I were in your place, I wouldn't think twice about sending that creature to hell." His gaze was resolute.
Something about Darius made me believe every word he was saying. He had the look of a soldier. There's no doubt he would have pulverized the thing if he had the chance. In some way, he's right. Now knowing that the rumor of Wendigos being human once is true, I don't think I can stomach the idea of killing them any longer. It was far easier to view them as mindless creatures who only knew violence and corruption.
Time passed, four years, to be exact. We moved from inn to inn, traveling around the continent and eventually reaching the continent of Mograin. We were closer to Esturia than we had expected. If my theory is correct, my father was being held there. The relationship between Uncle Constantine and Darius continued to strain. No longer did Darius feel obliged to follow Uncle blindly.
"It's been four years. Father could be dead for all we care! And what have we been doing, training and moving around from place to place?" Darius's voice was filled with frustration and desperation.
Uncle scoffed at his assumption. "You think you're ready? Alright, show me what you've got." His tone was challenging, a mix of impatience and stubborn pride.
With that, Uncle managed to set up a duel between him and his nephew. It was watched over by the Mograin Elders and drew quite an audience. To be perfectly honest, I didn't know what to think. If Darius lost this duel in front of that crowd, it could change him for life, forsaking his honor as a swordsman.
"Men, you may start the duel," said the Elder, his voice carrying a weight of solemnity and authority.
Before they started, it was custom in Lumina, the state we were residing in, to bow in respect to your opponent before battle. Darius decided to use the trick I had taught him and enshroud his blade with his mana, coating the outer edge of the blade. Uncle noticed, and finally, I was able to see what his blessing was.
"The blessing of the great twin dragons unleashed." Uncle's voice was filled with awe and recognition.
At first, I thought it was merely for show. Then I realized it had amplified his speed, strength, and striking ability. It was a sight to behold. Constantine seemed to vanish to the naked eye, strike after strike, blow after blow. Darius' defensive ability was shattered. He stumbled back, nearly succumbing to the sheer force of Uncle's attack.
"What in the world are you using?" wheezed Darius, his voice a mixture of pain and disbelief.
I looked closely and saw that Uncle's nails had turned into dragon like claws, Uncle offered his hand to Darius, which he slapped away in spite.
"It's first to three," Darius said, his voice firm but tinged with irritation.
Uncle stared at him with annoyance. "I don't even think you're in the condition to be standing, kid. Just give in." His tone was dismissive, bordering on exasperated.
At that moment, Uncle lowered his guard, giving Darius the opportunity to strike. And strike he did—delivering a blow with his mana-enveloped sword to Uncle's chest. Constantine fell to his knees, and his claws disappeared, along with his speed and stamina.
"I underestimated you, kid. I held back, and that's a mistake I'm not going to make next time." Uncle's voice grudging respect and self-reproach.
It was as if Darius' blessing of light could negate any blessing. No, it was almost like his light significantly overpowered Uncle's. It was true, the mistake did cost him the duel. But if Uncle had gone all out from the beginning, it would have been over in no time.
"Looks like Arthur Everhart has been knocked unconscious. Darius wins!" The Elder's announcement was clear and impartial.
Cheering erupted from the audience. They chanted Darius' name. But instead of soaking in the support and letting it lift his spirits, he knelt down and asked Uncle, "Why did you let me win?" His voice was full of irritation.
Well, it seems I was wrong. Being so close to the fight, I was sure that Darius had overpowered him. But it turns out Uncle was preparing himself to lose from the start.
Uncle laughed and patted him on the back. "So, you caught me... You really think I would embarrass my own nephew in front of all these people? Then you mustn't think highly of me." His tone was light-hearted, but there was an undercurrent of genuine affection.
"Tch," Darius muttered angrily. "I'm going back to the inn." His voice was sharp, reflecting his frustration and disillusionment.
Either way, it was a severe blow to his ego. Darius walked off, and later on in the day, we all sat in silence inside our room until Darius broke the ice with a question I'd been wondering about for a long time.
"For, what reason was our father taken, and why have you been training us all along?"
Uncle looked surprised for a moment, then began to chuckle, though his eyes were serious. "Well, aren't you both the inquisitive type." His smile dropped and the laughter ceased. "I suppose I should tell you. Keeping you kids in the dark all this time has proven to be quite difficult."