(TPOR) Chapter 131: Squatting (Patreon)

“I believe that’s enough, Lenny,” Daniel said. His voice echoed in the training hall easily and the Olympian facing Oliver stepped away from a still kneeling Oliver.

As if released by Daniel’s words, Oliver keeled over.

“Don’t you think that was a bit too harsh?” Zed said. “After all, it’s just a sparring match.”

The last person he expected to give an answer was the one that did.

“It’s always like this over here,” Chris said without looking back. “This is how they test new entries.”

Zed turned to Kid. “I’m beginning to worry that she might be you guy’s long lost captain’s kid or some such plot twist.”

Kid laughed. “I highly doubt it.”

“Besides,” Ronda said. “If she had been anywhere near any VHF branch or anywhere civilized, she would know this. Sometimes Olympians hold their tryouts out in public. I’ve heard it gets really bloody in some places.”

Zed couldn’t help the frown that came to him. Had he slipped one set of insensitive mages for another?

“But it’s fine.”

He looked at Jennifer. “How so?”

“Well,” she explained. “Usually, you fill out a consent form, stating that you understand the risks of the match, which is usually pain and blood. After the fight, you get a complimentary potion for your injuries. It’s mostly just a health potion, but some people often get stamina potions. I think your friend might be getting a stamina potion as well.”

“I see,” Zed mused. “So you get your ass handed to you and get healed afterwards.”

Ronda shrugged. “More or less.”

Zed nodded calmly. At least this was a far better option than a Moscovian sloth.

“You good?” Ronda asked.

“Yeah. Why?”

“You just trembled.”

Zed almost laughed. Even now, the thought of a Moscovian sloth sent shivers up his spine. It was hilarious when he considered the fact that he’d gone head to head with a Rukh rank mage and had come out on top.

“It happens every now and again,” he told her. “Past trauma and all that.”

“That must be harsh. I can’t begin to imagine what you must’ve gone through since the second awakening. Some people lost family and friends. Some people lost things they’ll never get back.”

Zed agreed. And I lost my memories. He looked up as if looking for something. His eyes met the ceiling but it was not what he was looking at. I’ll appreciate a quest for the next batch of memories now, if you don’t mind.

Unsurprisingly, no answer came.

Kid leaned close to him and looked up, following his gaze.

“What’s so interesting up there?” Kid asked.

“Not up there,” Zed answered. He tapped his temple. “Up here.”

“And what’s interesting up there?”

“Nothing much. Just saw dust and plotted revenge. You know, I once knew a guy who used to squat at my friend’s place a lot. I often found him annoying.”

“Why was he squatting? Did he fail to pay his rent or something?”

Zed shook his head. “Not really. I never knew about his rent situation. He just like squatting. After a few months, he had the most massive thighs I’d ever seen. Moral of the story, don’t—”

“Zed, you’re up.”

“Got it,” Zed answered automatically, rising to his feet. “Any chance they could take it ea—”

“Can I go next?” Chris interrupted with a raised hand.

It surprised Zed enough to make him stare in confusion. Festus’ reaction was nothing but a backward glance.

“Why?”

“You can call it pride,” Chris answered. “They just wiped the floor with one of us. I figured we show them that we’ve got more to offer than that.”

“And you feel that Zed will fail to do that.”

“No offense to Bloodbath, but yes. He still has a lot to learn in mage combat. I’d let him have a go at it if it was a monster in there, but it’s not. Let me have a crack at it, then he can have a go.” Chris turned around. “What do you say, Bloodbath?”

Zed couldn’t argue it. He was in no hurry to get his ass handed to him, after all.

He shrugged. “Fine by me.”

“Alright,” Festus said. “You’re up, Chris.”

“You’re a category one, right?” Daniel said. “I’ll just bring in someone that—”

“It’s alright,” Chris interrupted him. “I’ll take haste rune over there. It’s no issue.”

“Are you certain? Lenny is not known for holding back.”

“I’ll be—”

“You asshole!” Zed barked, before dropping his head in his hands, chuckling.

“Zed,” Festus chided, even though his voice was calm.

“I’m sorry. Very sorry. It’s just that this guy,” he shoved a finger at Kid who was chuckling, “told me his name was Zor… By the life of me it’s so stupid I can’t even repeat it. How the hell did I fall for—”

“Zed.” This time Festus’ voice was stronger. It sufficed to silence Zed as Chris got to her feet and made her way for the exit.

“Sorry,” Zed apologized, then sat back down.

When silence had returned to the room, the door to the training room opened and Chris strolled in casually.

“One, zero,” Zed muttered to Kid quietly. “I’ll get you back.”

“If we’re keeping scores,” Ronda said. “Then I believe between the both of us you’re up by at least three.”

Zed’s jaw dropped. “What did I ever do to you?”

“Really, Ned? And I’m willing to bet that’s not a wig on your head.”

Zed looked down. “Oh.”

Oliver carried himself over to the exit of the training room. When he passed Chris, she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and said something no one caught. Oliver offered her a weak smile before walking out of the room. The man who had faced Oliver, Lenny, looked at the glass as if awaiting a command.

Daniel nodded once. It was a clear confirmation.

“Jen,” he said. “Go give Mr. Andwa a healing potion. I’m sure he must have bruised a rib or two.”

Jennifer got up quickly. “Yes, sir.”

With those words, she left the room. Silence was left in her wake. Daniel broke it with one word.

“Begin.”