I was a bit stunned to be honest. 'A master of the underhanded methods eh?' I asked myself. I wasn't against that really. I also believed that doing anything to win, even if it was cheap as hell, should be used. After all, my Yellow Dust was one such thing. Poison was another. Anything that would guarantee my win, was useful to me. Irwin though, had specific methods. He didn't need poison or Yellow Dust. He was basically a battle maniac. He knew everything there was to know about battling.
We resumed our training, and every time Irwin would do something seemingly stupid, or pointless. But there always was a point to his actions. No Auras or movement skills, he simply defeated me with wits alone. When we stopped our practice, he said "From what Nathan told me, you want to specialise in close to mid range combat, right?". I nodded. He continued "This will be your new close combat style. Remember, what I'm showing you, is not for swords only. This can be adapted to anything you want. As long as you have the mentality to do it".
I agreed. If he didn't choose a sword to fight, he could still do those things with a different weapon. It's like this was his second nature already. Irwin continued "You will naturally learn how to use such methods, the more we fight. I believe you will not simply copy me, and come up with your own ideas". Yatar and Nathan arrived, just as we finished our small conversation.
Yater said "Don't make him learn bad stuff, will you?". Irwin replied "Bad? Winning is winning. No matter what method you use". Nathan nodded, and said "That is true. As long as you can finish off your opponent, any means are allowed". Yater looked at both of them, and sighed. "Whatever. Come Nex, we are going to Elysian Empire". Nathan and Irwin looked at him weirdly. I on the other hand was elated. I always wondered about Elysians.
Irwin replied "Oi, oi old man. Isn't it because you want to grab him for yourself? Stop being shameless". Nathan thought about something, and said "It's been awhile since I visited that place. Let's go then". Yater replied angry "Bullshit! You two stay here. It was supposed to be me and Nex only. I never invited any of you!". Irwin replied "You are trying to be even more shameless now. That's rich coming from someone who scolded me, for teaching Nex about bad stuff". Yater's face went grim for a while. I stepped in, and said "Let's just go together. After all, they have the right to go there too, right?".
Yater sighed, and replied "Fine. Let's go". He then whistled, and a bird flew down from a tree not far away. It was a black sort of bird, but I didn't know what kind. Yater said to the bird "Watch this place over while we are out. I will bring you some good stuff from Elysians, alright?". The bird nodded, and flew away towards the peak. 'I saw this bird a few times, but I assumed that it just lived here. Who would've guessed it was Yater's pet' I thought.
Yater led the way with the other two, while I stayed behind them. On our way, Yater explained "Elysian Empire is not that far away. With our speed, we should arrive in about four days. Just don't offend anyone over there. We don't need trouble". I replied "Sure". Yater on the other hand shook his head, and said "I wasn't talking to you, but the other two. There is no need to worry about you Nex". I asked curious "Did they make some trouble in the past?". This time Irwin replied "Trouble? I made no trouble! It's not my fault, I beaten up some of their warriors".
'That is totally his fault' I thought, and asked "Weren't Elysians peaceful, and didn't like to battle?". Nathan replied this time. "They don't participate in wars and such, but every nation, race or even a group, will have differences. Besides, they train warriors still. Otherwise, they would become an easy target for the outsiders". I nodded, while Yater said "Having a bout is fine. What that simpleton did, was no spar. He broke those young warriors like sticks. Well he paid for that, so they shouldn't hold a grudge".
Irwin replied "How was I supposed to know, they were so fragile? Besides, it was a long time ago". I wondered how strong those Elysians were. After all, they were Humans just like me, but apparently they were also different. A few days passed, and we were about to arrive. Yater stopped suddenly, and looked at me. I was a bit confused, and asked "What's up?".
Yater said "Elysians have a weird customs. Although it is rare, some Elysian women or men may take a liking to you. Especially if they see your strength, and us together. Just beware. Don't get entangled with them, it's for the better really". I asked confused "What do you mean? Just because a woman likes me, that doesn't mean I will do so as well".
Yater laughed, and replied "That is why I'm saying they have a weird custom. In short, you can be forced to stay there". I said "But that stupid. I'm a free man, they can't force me to stay". Nathan replied this time "We all are, but Elysians are a bit different… You will see. Yater, how long do you plan on staying there?". Yater replied "At most a week of time. Any more than that would be unwise".
I was baffled. Why such a short stay, and a warning before we arrived. 'Are Elysians some kind of weird people?' I asked myself. Irwin added "Just stay with us at all times. This way, there's nothing you can do wrong. We will just go inside, show you around, and leave". I asked "So we can't have a bout with some warriors?". Irwin said "We will see. If the weather is good, we will be allowed to relax a bit more".
I had no idea what he was referring to, but I would find out soon. The next day, we arrived at what seemed like a border between the two kingdoms. There were no soldiers of the Endrosian Empire around, only a few weird Humans stood at the edge of the forest. Yater said "We are here". The people who stood there, were tattooed from head to toe. Different designs of animals or objects. There were some weird writings on them too, but I had no clue what they were.
The three masters slowed down, and walked toward the other people. One of them asked "You know the rules, right?". Yater nodded, and said "Of course. We are not of the Royals, nor are we associated with them. You know, they kind of hate us too". The tattooed man raised his eyebrows, and asked "Oh really?". Yater replied "Of course, we three masters wish to visit your land, and show this disciple your Empire. All in the name of broadening his horizons". The man replied, "Then let us see your gift to us". Yater took out a sort of token, and passed it to the tattooed man.
The man checked it, and then placed it against his head. After a while, he said "You may enter. Here is your token. You know the rules though. You can bring in only one person with you". Nathan and Irwin both walked forwards, and displayed similar tokens. The man checked both, and returned them. He then said, "To think that three masters would really visit us all at once. If I may ask, whose disciple is this young man?".
Yater stepped forwards, and replied "He is mine disciple". The tattooed man nodded, and said "All of you may enter. I don't think I need to explain anything, right?". Yater replied "It will not be necessary". Yater then motioned at me to walk with him, and we passed the tattooed men.