The sword of Obrecht's opponent flew up, somersaulting in the air, before falling down unto the ground with a loud—
Clank—
"Obrecht really did not make it easy for his opponent this time", Vera remarked. "I think he just got revenge for you, Vid", Vera teased me with an elbow.
I smile secretly, although feeling a bit bitter about. Losing may not be that bad, but the feeling of winning isn't bad either. It just makes things feel like all your efforts have paid off.
It is the second and final day of the first periodical battle of the year. For the last ten battles for the top rankings, everyone sat down around the small stage to watch and cheer for the battle, as well studying the moves of others to make it their own.
I thought I'd be able to battle Obrecht for real this time, but I lost to the person Obrecht had just defeated a while ago. This battle left Obrecht remaining at first rank, the other person at second, and I at third.
A stinging gaze punctured my skin, making me look back at its origin. Raguk gave a terrifying scowl before leaving.
"Wow, what a sore loser", Vera suddenly speaks up. She seems to have noticed Raguk.
The third to the last battle was me against Raguk. One could see why he's scowling so much. Indeed, I had won, but it doesn't feel like I've won yet. I stare at Obrecht as he made his way to where we are, his face displaying a very childish pout. It looks like I wasn't the only one anticipating our first official battle.
He throws me an accusatory look, and I dodge by pretending to focus my attention at Rohati, who is speaking at the stage for the closing remarks of the examination, with a very satisfied-looking face.
At her dismissal, everyone excitedly left. It's the start of the five-day holiday for students; who wouldn't be excited right? Although some students, like those from the basics class, are underage and unable to join the tournament, it didn't mean that they didn't love watching the hype.
"…Ob", I call out softly, pulling him to stay behind a little as Vera and Krael continue to walk on as they talk. Krael gave us a side glance before taking Vera's hand and pulling her away, her face slightly flushing at the unexpectedness. Her heart seems to be unprepared for the sudden attack.
"…Stop pouting already", I say. "There'll be other opportunities for us."
Obrecht gives it some thought, mumbling a, "yeah, like engagement battle", before completely perking up.
Confused for a second, I tilt my head upwards to stare at his smile, expecting an explanation but he doesn't elaborate on it. I let it go. Instead of asking further, I open up the topic I wanted to discuss.
"…I'm going to do secluded training for a while."
Obrecht's smile vanishes along with his emotions. I get a bit nervous, feeling like someone who cheated Obrecht, although my conscious is clean.
Alright, maybe not so clean because I'm lying to him right now.
"How long", he asks.
"…Five to six days", I whisper after hesitating to answer.
"Why?"
I pause for a while, before answering. "…I wanted to level up my power and for that I need to be constantly hiding in the dark", I lie. I know for a fact that I don't need to hide in the dark just to improve my powers.
"Does Ama and Apa know?"
"...Mm", I nod in affirmation, but deep inside, I am unsure of everything.
"Okay", he says as he continues walking again.
I keep in stride with him, glancing at him every now and then, although I don't physically turn my head.
Is it really okay?
As if having heard my question, Obrecht flashes me a smile. "It's okay, you don't have to be so worried. You want to practice on your own for a while, right? It's nothing to be so bothered about." He waves a hand.
I release a breath in appreciation before nodding again at him.
As we walk, Obrecht had a smile on his face, but I wasn't able to see the unfathomable look he gave me when I wasn't focusing on him.
Back at home, Odeti made a sumptuous meal for dinner, knowing that it'll be five to six days before I get back. Odeti and Halvalt both had this look in their eyes that said they knew about something but I didn't know how to ask about it.
It doesn't take long to get ready. I sling the big backpack on my back, the two daggers hooked on it. I give a deep bow to both Odeti and Halvalt as I turn to leave by the door. I wasn't able to see Obrecht after dinner. He had closed the door of his room and didn't come out as I bid my farewell to his parents.
I suppose he is upset about it after all.
Walking through the cave labyrinths in the dimness of Aovialutre's light, I decide to myself that I would make it up to him after I get back.
Considering that I have a big bag on me, it isn't surprising that there were some people who glanced at me every now and then. Thinking carefully, I took the path to Obrecht's cave to shake off any suspicious eyes. It wouldn't be good if someone followed me only find out what I am attempting to do.
I sigh upon imagining the possible consequences and punishments if I do get caught. I don't want to drag Obrecht or his family into this.
In the silence of the evening, I take the earthen path, slightly releasing my restraint on my power.
The shadows around me dance in the darkness, full of delight. A particular shadow crept like large vine beside me as it wiggled to keep up with me. Lately, it feels like it was getting harder and harder to suppress my power. But as my power continues to grow, the more I feel that it's going to have its own distinct instinct soon. I reach out to pat the head of the wiggling vine and it shakes in gentle, suppressed happiness.
I breathe out into simple smile.
Having this shadow…I suppose it isn't so bad. It feels like I have a companion although I know it's more like a physical manifestation of my instinct and gut feeling combined.
Lost in thought, I finally arrive at what I think is where Obrecht's cave should be. Stunned silly, I look up and stare at the giant beautiful tree house built around the old tree that hid Obrecht's cave.
Gently, the glass window panes reflect the Aovialutre's light in the dark. The tree branches and the vines intricately combine to make it look as if the house wasn't out of place. It made it look like the house grew along with the tree. But how could this be? Was someone living here? But wasn't it only a few months from when I haven't seen this place? The construction prowess of Lumeans are amazing!
This explains why Obrecht didn't want me to go to his cave, nor why he himself never went there anymore these days—someone else was already living here, and it was probably decided by the Batrani.
Thinking that there is probably someone already inside and guarding the pool in Obrecht's cave, I turn to leave and—
I sharply inhale in surprise, a ripple flowing outwards of my shadow with me as the origin, a few vines disappearing in wisps like frightened shy children.
The only person who can probably sneak up on me like this is him.
"…Ob", I abruptly stop talking upon noticing his blank countenance. It isn't that I haven't seen Obrecht expressionless, but it was always just glimpses of when he's battling, or when he thinks nobody is looking. Right now, he isn't hiding this cold look he has by flashing a sudden smile, or abruptly laughing and asking if I got scared. I can hardly breathe at the pressure he's emitting.
Are you angry with me? My heart beat can't stop thumping so loudly. Did you find out my lie? Is that why you're angry with me?
My unanswered questions remain unanswered, as Obrecht bypasses me and walks to the house. I don't move until he says, "Do you like it?"
His question brings me back to reality.
"…What?"
He turns to me and juts his thumb to the tree house. "It's my present for you. Surprise", he says monotonously, if not a bit of dejection in his voice. It wasn't much obvious when he said it, but that tiny hint of dejection is enough to make me feel so guilty.
And as if that isn't enough, I get attacked by own conscience when he starts walking again and whispers, "Ever since you said you lost your home, I always wanted to give you one. Don't think too much of it. I simply decided on it on an impulse."